John B. Hardy

John B. Hardy (90) a well-known Olean businessman for over four decades, died Saturday, March 14, 2009 at the Olean General Hospital. Mr. Hardy was born in Olean on Feb. 4, 1919 and was a son of the late C. Asa & Elinor Wilde Hardy. Mr. Hardy was a graduate of Olean High School and he served in the U.S. Navy during WWII. In his youth he worked summers as a life guard at the City of Olean swimming pool. After servicing in the Navy he went to work at Olean's Carley Heater Co. Mr. Hardy was best known for his years of association with Olean automobile dealerships located at 715 West State St. He began as a salesman for Murray Page Inc. at that location, and then remained as general manger when the dealership became Herb Hallman Chevrolet. Mr. Hardy later purchased the dealership and operated as John Hardy Chevrolet & Buick until his retirement in 1982. For many years, as a local Chevrolet dealer, he sponsored Olean's annual Soap Box Derby. After Mr. Hardy's retirement he worked on occasion as a driver MDS Lob., then relocated to Virginia for a number of years prior to his return to Olean. Mr. Hardy was a former member of the First Presbyterian Church and the United Methodist Church both of Olean at the age 89 he became a member of St. Mary of the Angels Church and was the church oldest convert. As an energetic and outgoing individual, Mr. Hardy, throughout his years in Olean, was an active member of a variety of service organizations and social clubs including the Olean Lions Club, Olean Exchange Club, Bartlett County Club, Olean City Club, Southern Tier Power Squadron, Cuba Lake Yacht Club, Cuba Lake Cottage Owner Association and the New York State Automobile Dealers Association, Grosstal then Ski Wing Ski Club in Allegany and he was among the founding member of the Olean Model Airplane Club. Mr. Hardy was an avid fisherman. He was one of the last survivors of the initial group of Olean Businessmen who for years traveled to Gogama, Ontario and Fort Chimo, Quebec, just south of the Arctic Circle, to follow the lure of the hobby. Surviving Mr. Hardy are a daughter, Mrs. Terri (Francis) Grates of Fredonia; a son, John F. (Elizabeth) Hardy of Black Creek, NY; three granddaughters, Courtney Acostagrates of Portland, OR., Alexis Grates of Dunkirk, and Kaitlyn Grates of Fredonia; two grandsons, Jacob Hardy and Nathan Hardy of Black Creek; two nephews, Robert J. Hardy of Olean, and Mark A. Hardy; three step daughters, Pamela Wessel of Tucson, AZ., Mrs. Gay (Harry) Hull III of Baltimore, MD., and Mrs. Michele Jave Bowen (Michael) Ameigh of Fulton; several step grandchildren, step great grandchildren, step-nieces and nephews and the children and grandchildren of the late Mrs. Frances Allison, who warmly welcomed him into their families. Mr. Hardy was predeceased by his first wife A. Gene Murray Hardy and his second wife Mary Kay Ewing Bowen Hardy and in Feb. 2009 his loving companion Mrs. Frances Allison, who brought hope, joy, love and laughter to his later years. Mr. Hardy was also predeceased by a sister Josephine Marie Hardy and a brother Robert A. Hardy; and an infant niece Wendy E. Hardy. At his request there will not be any public visitation. A graveside memorial service will be held at the convenience of his family. Burial will be in the Pleasant Valley Cemetery, Olean. In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to the Olean General Hospital Foundation #515 Main Street, Olean, New York 14760. Arrangements are under the direction of the Letro-McIntosh-Spink Funeral Home, Inc. #646 E. State Street, Olean.