Arthur James Hand

Arthur James Hand of North Aurora IL, passed away in his sleep on Sunday evening, December 1, 2019.  He is survived by his loving wife MarCia Gerzan, as well as stepson Karl Gerzan and granddaughters Maya (10) and Isabela (9) Gerzan.  He is predeceased in death by his parents, Arthur and Marjorie Hand and his first wife, Janette Maley.  

Art was born on August 22, 1947, growing up an only child in Philadelphia PA.  He was a bright and inquisitive child who loved playing sports (baseball, basketball and football) and grew to be a computer geek as an adult working in the field for many years.  He received his Bachelor of Humanities from Thomas Edison State College in New Jersey in 1984.  Then, on the strength of his portfolio as an amateur photographer, he was accepted into the MFA program at Indiana University in Bloomington graduating in 1988.  His first teaching position was 1988-1989 in upstate New York followed by attendance at the Maine Photographic workshops.  Eventually, he found his way to Illinois where, in 1990, he accepted a teaching position at McHenry County College heading up their Department of Photography. Through the years, Art inspired and impacted literally hundreds of aspiring photographers and was beloved by all.  He retired in 2012 after a passionate 24 years teaching career and will be fondly remembered by all whose lives he touched.  

In 2010, Art met and fell in love with MarCia Gerzan.  They were married on November 11, 2011.  Art and MarCia pursued their mutual passion for travel visiting such places as Spain, Ireland, Portugal, Malta, France, Italy, Ecuador, Argentina, Uruguay, and Mexico.  They thoroughly enjoyed their time together discovering the local sites, food, wine and culture.  Art also set up a studio in downtown Batavia where he pursued his curiosity of iPhone photography where he opened his doors to share his exploration with anyone interested.  

In late 2012, Art noticed he had trouble tying his shoes.  Over time he developed other eye/hand coordination issues.  After multiple tests and many doctor visits, he was finally diagnosed with a neurological condition, Corticobasal Degeneration. While there is still no cure for the progressive disease, Art never let his diagnosis define him.  He found ways to live his life fully in the moment by choosing gratitude daily.  He could often be found happily walking along the Fox River on his way to and from his studio.  

Celebration of Life services will be held at 2 p.m. on Sunday, December 8, at Unity of Fox Valley church, 230 Webster St. in Batavia IL (630-879-1115).  Donations may be made in lieu of flowers to Friends of the Fox River or Illinois Food Bank.  Further information and details may be found www.mossfuneral.com or on Facebook at the Moss Family Funeral Home page.