Obituary of Harley Wyant

CANISTEO: Harley Wyant, Jr. 87, passed away Tuesday (Oct. 16, 2012) at St. James Mercy Hospital surrounded by his family, following an extended illness. Harley was born April 26, 1925 in North Hornell to Harland and Helen (Ferris) Wyant, Sr. He was predeceased by his first wife Marilyn Acker Wyant, mother of his four children, his second wife Betty Mae Wyant, and three brothers: Donald, Herbert and Arthur Wyant and one step-daughter Mary Ann Franklin. Harley had been a mechanic for many years. He was employed with the former Jack Smith's Texaco Filling Station in Canisteo. He also worked as a heavy equipment mechanic and operator for Cold Springs Construction of Akron, N.Y. After retiring to Hernando, Fl. he worked part time as a grounds keeper at Citrus Spring Country Club. His interests throughout life included auto racing, golf and playing cards with his family. Harley had raced stock cars in the early years of the Woodhull and Hornell Raceways. At Woodhull Raceway, he was known as "Charlie Brown", and was recognized as a LEGEND OF WOODHULL. Survivors include three sons: Douglas (Mary Lee) Wyant of Canisteo, Daniel (Sue) Wyant of Sacramento, CA. and Dennis (Connie) Wyant of Wellsville. One daughter: Dawnne (Curtis) Loper of Wellsville. His 6 grandchildren: Douglas (Nancy) Wyant, Tracy (Chris) Smith, Kelly (Matt) Krause, Jason (Wendy) Wyant, Curtis Loper, Jr. and Lindsay Loper. 11 great grandchildren: Katie, Meghan, Lauren and Collin Wyant, Taylor and Blake Smith, Jackson, Joel and Jillian Wyant and Darren and Natalie Krause. He is also survived by two brothers: Kenneth (Doris) Wyant of Cuba and Merle (Betty) Wyant of Arkport. Three sisters: Dorothy (Victor) Pyer of Fremont, Ann Stephens of Greenwood and Carrie (Dwight) Burger of South Dansville, several nieces and nephews and four step-children. A special thank you to the McAuley Manor Dialysis Unit and Care First at St. James Mercy Hospital. At Harley's request there will be no calling hrs. Services and burial will be private and at the convenience of the family. "See ya later Ivan" Memorial contributions in Harley's name may be made to the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation 1775 Wehrle Dr., Suite 150, Williamsville, N.Y. 14221 or to the Canisteo Ambulance Fund, c/o Sandy Pierce, 35 Main St. Canisteo, N.Y. 14823.