Christopher Hart

Hart, Christopher
REXFORD - Christopher William Hart, born March 1, 1957, beloved husband, son, father, grandfather, and brother, passed away peacefully at home on August 4, 2025, after a long illness. He was 68 years old. Surrounded by his loving family in his final moments, just as he wished, Chris departed this life with the same quiet strength and grace that defined his time on earth.
Born on March 1, 1957, in Washington D.C., Chris was the eldest child of Joseph Hart and Linda Champagne Hart. He spent his early childhood in Saranac Lake, where he developed a great love of the Adirondacks, and made cherished lifelong friendships. In middle school, his family moved to a house along the Mohawk River in Rexford, N.Y., a place that would eventually become a beautiful home for his own family and children.
Chris grew up with a deep sense of responsibility and integrity that he carried throughout his life. A graduate in electrical engineering at Union College, Chris built a distinguished career at General Electric, where his expertise took him around the globe to lead some of the world's most impactful and ambitious power systems projects. He was considered an inspiration or mentor to many of his colleagues, who fondly recall his humility, positive attitude, and deep technical understanding across a range of disciplines.
Chris' greatest joy and enduring pride was his family. He met his wife, Sonja Hammel Hart, in 1977. They built a beautiful life and a love that spanned decades. Together, they raised five children, Patrick, Philip, Karoline, Julia, and Christine; and became grandparents to five cherished grandchildren.
Chris is survived by his devoted wife, Sonja; his mother, Linda Champagne Van Dyke, of Niskayuna; his father, Joe Hart (Nina), of Franklin, N.Y.; his sons, Patrick (Katie), of Ballston Lake, and Philip (Amy), of Burnt Hills; his daughters, Karoline (Mathieu Savarit-Cosenza), of Scotia, Julia, of Rexford, and Christine, of Rexford; his grandchildren, Milo, Nolan, Olive, Anna, and Nadine; his siblings, Kelly Salamone (Frank), of Niskayuna, Sean Hart (Brooke Magid), of Minneapolis, and Kahina Van Dyke, of Niskayuna; and his nephews and niece, Rio, Kai, Dan, Dave, Oscar, and Isabella. He leaves behind a legacy of love, honor, and quiet excellence that will live on in the hearts of all who knew him.
Chris Hart was a man who always strived to do the right thing in the right way. He lived with purpose and led with compassion. He will be deeply missed and forever remembered.
The family would like to thank the entire office of Upstate Hematology and Oncology. Dr. Goodman, Dr. Jacob, and FNP Sarah Spencer led him through this long chess game with dedication, deep competence, and real human compassion. The care and competence shown by the excellent nursing and support staff will be forever appreciated.
A Celebration of Life will be held for Chris on Saturday, August 23, and we welcome all who knew Chris to share an evening of music and talk. If interested in details, please reach out to Phil Hart at pjhart@ieee.org
In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests donations be made to the American Civil Liberties Union.