John M. Hart

John “Yazu” Hart, 77, of HarwichPort, MA, passed away on Wednesday March 10, 2021 at home, after a 5 year stroke recovery comeback.

Born on September 20, 1943 and raised in Hudson, NY, he lived in LaGrange, NY and then Pleasant Valley, NY. He moved to Cape Cod, MA in 2017. Yazu was a star athlete at St. Mary’s High School in Hudson NY. Yazu received his undergraduate degree in 1965 from LaSalle College in Philadelphia, PA, where he played basketball on a full scholarship. After graduation, he spent a year playing for the semi-pro basketball team the “Bumstead Camaros” in Troy, NY. He served in the NY National Guard from 1965-1972. He began his 35-year professional career at IBM in Poughkeepsie, NY in 1966. Yazu was active in the community as an avid volunteer throughout his life; he was a former member and President of the LaGrange Lion’s Club, a board member of Abilities First, and a member of the Arlington Booster Club. He was also an active parishioner at St. Martin de Porres Church in Poughkeepsie, NY and Holy Trinity in HarwichPort MA.

In October 1967, he married his loving wife, Ellen Claire Mahota in Hudson, NY. Yazu and Ellen were married for 53 years and were blessed with two girls, Jennifer and Kristen. They were members of Cranberry Valley Golf Club in Harwich where they had many tee times, a few bogeys and lots of pars.

Yazu will be remembered for his warm demeanor, love of sports, detailed stories and jokes, and big heart. In his 77 years, he made lasting impressions on the lives of many, many friends and family members. His was a life well-lived, with love all around.

Yazu loved spending time with his family and friends, golfing, traveling, and relaxing at the beach, especially Earle Road Beach in Harwich. He treasured time with his three precious little granddaughters who brought smiles to his face and affectionately called him “Yaya”.

Yazu is survived by his wife Ellen, daughters Jennifer and Kristen, brother Daniel (Sally), sister-in-law Patty, and brothers-in-law James Boyle and William Mahota, Jr. He had three grandchildren whom he treasured: Olivia, Emily, and Madeline, many cousins, nieces, and nephews. He is predeceased by his parents George and Mary (Libruk) Hart and younger brother Michael.

A celebration of Yazu’s life will be held for family and close friends later this year. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Tedy’s team, a nonprofit whose mission is to support stroke survivors making a comeback, to the VNA Hospice of Cape Cod, and to the LaGrange NY Lion's Club.