Donald Hart

GROTON - Donald "Beano" Hart, 84, of 200 West South St., Groton, NY, died Saturday, February 9, at the Cayuga Medical Center after a brief illness. He was born Donald Leland Hart on June 13, 1923 to Marion and Margaret Terry Hart. Beano, as he was affectionately called by his family and friends, but to his mother, he was always her "Donald", attended Ithaca High School and in November 1944 he joined the US Army. While in the Army he completed Cooks and Bakers School, as well as Military Police Training and he was stationed both stateside and overseas in Germany. Beano received the Sharpshooter Medal, WWII Victory Medal and the Good Conduct Medal.

Upon returning to the US, Beano fell in love with Betty Schlegel of Ludlowville, NY, and they married in 1948, not parting until Betty's passing in 1996. Beano's varied work experience included working for Burger Taxi, Ithaca Ice Co., National Auto Weld and Cornell University until he retired.

Beano was an active member of the Ithaca Men's Garden Club for many years. His gardening expertise was legendary, as he never met a plant, bush, tree or animal he didn't like. His love for animals was shared with Ithaca residents, as he often donated his exotic animals to the menagerie at Stewart Park.

Beano is survived by his siblings, John (Hazel) Hart, Kenneth (Nita) Hart, David Hart, Marian (Solon) Ogden. Beano is also survived by his sister-in-law, Shirley Stockton; and his friend, Doris Pataki.

Beano had two children, Diana (Skip) Benson and Ronald Hart; and two granddaughters, Amy (Kyle) Castrovinci and JoAnn Gillette; along with several nieces and nephews.

A celebration of Beano's life will be held at 12 p.m. on Thursday, February 14, 2008, at the American Legion/VFW on Rt. 13, Dryden, NY. Family and friends are invited to share food and laughter in the memory of Beano as per his wishes. In lieu of flowers, please make any donations to the American Heart Association.