Michael G. Hart

Michael Gerard Hart, 71, formerly of Salamanca, NY, died Tuesday, October 3, 2023 at the Pines Healthcare & Rehab Center, Olean, NY, following a long illness.

Born May 6, 1952 in Salamanca, NY, he was the son of Walter and Dorothy Hammer Hart. He graduated from St. Patrick School, Archbishop Walsh High School and The University of Dayton, where he earned a bachelor’s degree in social work and held the linebacker position for the Dayton Flyers for three years. A natural, three-season athlete, he excelled as a football, basketball, and baseball team player in local and school teams.

While he had many jobs, his main goal was consistent - to help people in any way he could. That included a position at The Randolph Children’s Home and volunteering to paint the exterior of the BPO Elks club in his hometown of Salamanca. He also enjoyed working in construction in Washington State, an area he referred to as “God’s country.”

Surviving are: a sister, Barbara (Richard Siggelkow) Hart, Tomkins Cove, NY; two brothers, Thomas (Jill) Hart, Salamanca, NY, Daniel Hart, Great Valley, NY; four nieces, a nephew, several “greats,” special cousins and lifelong friends. An admitted “stubborn Irishman,” Mike was also the grandson of James and Agnes Kilgannon Hart, from County Sligo, Ireland.

A lifelong member of St. Patrick’s /Our Lady of Peace Church in Salamanca, Mike proudly served in the Knights of Columbus for many years.

A Memorial Mass will be held at Our Lady of Peace Parish, 274 Broad Street, Salamanca, NY 14779 on Saturday, May 4, 2024 at 11am with Rev. Dan Walsh officiating.

Donations in Mike’s memory may be made to Archbishop Walsh High School, 208 N 24th Street, Olean, NY, or Salamanca Youth Bureau, 36 South Avenue, Salamanca, NY 14779.

Funeral arrangements are under the direction of the O’Rourke & O’Rourke Inc. Funeral Home, 25 River Street, Salamanca, NY.

E-condolences can be sent to orourke.orourkefh@gmail.com or posted to facebook.com/onofh.