Borough of Mountainside Presents Plaque To Family of Marilyn and David Hart Who Are Remembered for Dedication and Service

MOUNTAINSIDE, NJ — Some residents leave their mark through a single accomplishment. Others help shape the identity of a town through decades of leadership, generosity, and steady commitment to others.This week, the Borough of Mountainside Mayor and Council honored two such individuals — Dr. Marilyn McGuire Hart and Dr. David Hart — by dedicating a commemorative plaque recognizing their lasting impact on the community.Presented during Tuesday night’s council meeting, the tribute celebrated a husband and wife whose lives were deeply woven into Mountainside through education, civic leadership, volunteerism, faith, and service to generations of local families.Mayor Paul Mirabelli noted that Marilyn Hart made local history as the first woman elected to the Mountainside Borough Council, serving from 1981 through 1994. Her husband, David Hart, later served on the council from 1993 to 1998. Together, they represented a rare example of shared public service and enduring dedication to their hometown.Dr. Marilyn McGuire Hart, who passed away in March 2025 at age 99, was remembered as a lifelong learner, educator, and trailblazer. Born in Jersey City in 1926, she moved to Mountainside during the Great Depression and graduated as valedictorian of her class at Holy Trinity High School.After marrying David in 1951 and raising three children, she pursued higher education while working and attending classes at night. Over two decades, she earned degrees from Seton Hall University, Kean University, and Rutgers University, ultimately completing a Ph.D. in Urban Anthropology. She later spent 28 years as a professor at Kean University and was named Professor Emeritus in 1995.Her service extended far beyond the classroom. Hart served on the regional high school board, spent 12 years on the board of Children's Specialized Hospital, and volunteered with numerous civic, youth, and church organizations. In 1999, she and David received the Mountainside Mabel Young Good Neighbor Award.Dr. David Hart, who passed away in 2016, was equally devoted to education and public life. Born in Lexington, Kentucky, and raised in Springfield, he earned degrees from Montclair State University and served in the U.S. Army in the Philippines during World War II, receiving the Asiatic Pacific Campaign Medal. He later remained active in veterans causes and was honored as Grand Marshal of Mountainside’s 2014 Memorial Day Parade.Hart began his career as a science teacher before serving as principal of Deerfield School and later middle schools in Clark. He was also active in local government, school leadership, service organizations, scouting, youth sports, and charitable causes.An avid outdoorsman, he was especially passionate about fishing and conservation, remaining active in related organizations throughout his retirement.During Tuesday’s ceremony, officials described the Harts as extraordinary residents whose influence continues to be felt throughout the borough. Their plaque now joins other recognitions in Borough Hall, honoring lives defined by service, education, leadership, and community spirit.For Mountainside, the Hart family story is more than local history. It is a reminder that the strength of a town is often built quietly — by neighbors who choose to give back, lift others up, and leave things better than they found them.