Sunrise: April 28, 1936, Cat Island, Bahamas. A boy child named Ira George Hart was born to the late Winifred Gaitor and Egbert Hart. Ira was raised by his Godparents, Mariah and James Rolle. During his teenage years, Ira moved to Nassau, Bahamas and briefly became a Merchant Seaman.

Ira's American journey began in 1954 when he first arrived in the U.S. on what was called the "Contract." Ira often would say, "when I landed in America, I did not know anybody other than Ira George Hart." Ira was a migrant worker and worked in Taveres, Florida, picking oranges for 25c an hour which earned him more than what he made as a brick mason in the Bahamas. This enabled Ira to send money back home. He went on to pick apples in Virginia and labored in the sweltering cornfields of Fremont, Minnesota.

Ira's journey brought him to New York City where his cousin Agnes whispered in his ear: "I have someone I want you to meet." That someone was Monica Johnson. Ira and Monica fell in love at first sight. They married on October 19, 1961. In 1964, they moved to 219 East 97th Street where they raised five children: Ronald, Ira jr. Jeffrey, Corey, and Rachel.

Ira was a sole breadwinner working as taxi driver during the dangerous 70's & 80's to support his family. He later worked for American Motors Corporation. His example instilled the principles of hard work, honesty, and integrity in his children. Ira also provided fatherly guidance, timely instruction, and love. Ira's greatest legacy is the fact that all five children earned their college degrees and loved him dearly.

Ira's younger brother Wincette Hart and younger sister Deliah Hart predeceased him.

Sunset: September 14, 2022, New York, New York. Ira George Hart passed away peacefully at Weil Cornell Hospital. He was 86 years old. Ira is survived by his wife, Monica Hart; five children, Ronald Hart, Ira Hart Jr., Jeffrey Hart, Corey Hart, and Rachel Hart; his twelve grandchildren, Jennifer, Yamato, Cristian, Javier, Jeffrey Jr., Naja, Cameron, Kobey, Angelina, Hakiem, Shaniece, and Aiden; his six sisters, Francita Seymour, Vernice Seymour-Paul, Genovia Florvil, Ellamae Francis, Anna (Fanny) Colbrook, and Ernestine Hart-Miller; four daughters-in-law, Junko, Cecilia, Laurianne, and Zoe; one son-in-law, William; and a host of family and friends.

"Come unto me, all ye that labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest." Matthew 11:28.(KJV)

Ira George Hart, you now go on to your eternal rest. May God keep you in his everlasting arms.