Neil C. Alhart

   Neil C. Alhart, age 73 years, of Caledonia died July 5, 2008 at his home. The son Roy and Mae Alhart, he was born May 1, 1935 in Rochester, NY. Neil was raised on his grandfather’s farm in Webster. He graduated from Aquinas Institute in 1953, and went on to graduate from Simmons School of Mortuary Science. He became a funeral director, moving to Caledonia in 1960, and established Alhart Funeral Home which he operated until 1994. He remained active in the funeral business after his retirement. Neil also owned and operated the Furniture House in Avon until 1983. He served on the Board of Trustees for Chase-Lincoln Bank, and on the Village of Caledonia Planning Board. Neil was a charter member of the Caledonia Country Club, and a founding member of the Teresa (Hospice) House in Geneseo. Neil also was an active member of St. Columba Church since 1960, a Lions Club member and a volunteer fireman with the Big Springs Pumper Company, Caledonia. From 1982-2003, Neil and his wife, Ellen enjoyed a second home in Lake Placid. Neil was a partner in forming the MacKay Wildlife Preserve. Caledonia was where he lived, worked, raised his family and was glad to call his home.

   Neil is survived by his wife of 51 years, Ellen; son, Peter (Margaret) Alhart, daughters; Anne (John) Austin, Elizabeth, Eileen, Maureen, and Julie (Daryl) Wolf, grandchildren; Nicole Austin, Kaitlin and Kyle Alhart, Carl, Mitchell and Brian Wolf; sister, Mary (Robert) Oelwang, and many nieces, nephews, cousins and friends. His parents, Mae and Roy predecease him.

   Friends called Monday, July 7, 2008 from 2-4 and 7-9 PM at the Alhart Funeral Home, 3068 West Main Street, Caledonia. His Funeral Mass was held Tuesday, July 8, 2008 at 11 AM at St. Columba Church, Caledonia. A private interment was held at St. Columba Cemetery. Memorials may be made to Lipson Cancer Center at Rochester General Hospital, 1425 Portland Ave., Rochester, NY 14621 or MacKay Wildlife Preserve, 3095 Main St., Caledonia, NY 14423.