CPA, special needs advocate
Published in the January 29, 2016 edition
MELROSE — Charles A. Hart, 89, of Melrose, died surrounded by family on Jan. 25.
Charles was born in Brookline on May 9, 1926 to Charles and Evelyn (Mahoney) Hart. He was raised in Brookline and graduated from Brookline High School. After high school, Charles enlisted in the United States Navy and served honorably during World War II. Upon returning from the Navy, Charles continued his education by first earning a bachelor’s degree from Boston College and then earning his master’s degree in Accounting from Boston College. Charles eventually married the late Janet N. (Adams) Hart, and settled down in Melrose in 1963 to raise their family.
Charles worked as a CPA for WHDH for over 20 years in their radio, television and newspaper divisions and also held the titles of VP and Treasurer. Charles was also a member of the VFW and the American Legion. He liked to travel, in particular to England to visit his brother, as well as to Bermuda with his late wife Janet.
Charles was an advocate for individuals with intellectual disabilities/developmental disabilities and their families, beginning when his first son Christopher who was born in 1964. When Christopher became school age, the city and school superintendent denied him access to an education. Charles recognized the violation of his son’s rights and took the fight to the attorney general and then to the governor. The special education laws in Massachusetts were changed and Christopher attended school in the city. Mr. Harts’ advocacy continued and he formed an organization for parents in 1976 now known as CCMR, Inc.
Charles was the beloved husband of the late Janet N. (Adams) Hart. He was the loving father of David J. Hart of Melrose and the late Christopher T. Hart. He was the longtime companion of Doris DeAmicis of Melrose. He was the grandfather of Randee and Rico. He was the great-grandfather of Rhianna. He was the brother of Francis Hart, Patricia Hart, the late John Hart CFX, the late Dorothy Hart SJC and the late Theresa Barker. He is also survived by his nieces and nephews: Karen, Kate, Michael and John, who were all with him at the end. He is also survived by many loving extended family members.
Visiting Hours will be held on Sunday, Jan. 31 from 2-5 p.m. At the Gately Funeral Home, 79 West Foster St., Melrose. Charles’ funeral from the Gately Funeral Home will take place on Monday, Feb. 1 at 9 a.m., followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at Most Blessed Sacrament Church, Wakefield at 10 a.m. Coffee and refreshments will be served immediately following the Mass. Interment at Holyhood Cemetery, Brookline will take place at 1 p.m. Relatives and friends are respectfully invited to attend. In lieu of flowers contributions can be made to CCMR, Inc., P.O. Box 252, Malden MA 02148. To leave an online message of condolence, please visit gatelyfh.com.
