SCIO – Gregory L. Hardy, 61, passed away on Saturday (October 26, 2024) at Jones Memorial Hospital in Wellsville following a brief illness.
Mr. Hardy was born on February 14, 1963 in North Hornell. He was a 1981 graduate of Andover Central School and later earned his Bachelor’s in Elementary Education from Mansfield University in Mansfield, Pa. and his Master of Arts in Education from St. Bonaventure University in Olean. On September 22, 1984 at the Christ Episcopal Church in Cuba he married Carlene J. Gursky, who survives.
Greg began his career in 1985 as an elementary teacher for Belmont Central School and then as a history teacher for Genesee Valley Central School. He served as the Rushford Elementary Principal before finishing up his career as the Scio Central School Superintendent, retiring in 2016.
In addition to his wife of 40 years, Greg is survived by three sons, Dan (Alyssa) Hardy of Sidney, Gavin (Asheton) Hardy of Belfast and James (Shelby) Hardy of Hornell; his mother, Gail Wightman-Bouldin and step-father, Robert Bouldon of Sun City, Ariz.; two brothers, John Hardy of Howard and Mark (Donna) Hardy of Martville; seven grandchildren, Olivia Hardy, Margaret Hardy, Ripley Olivas, Ethan Santarone, Katherine Hardy, Alice Hardy and John Hardy with one on the way; and several aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews and cousins.
Greg was a great husband, dad and grandfather. He is described by those that knew him best as gregarious, particular, kind, loving and generous. He had an incredible eye for detail and enjoyed exploring his local world. His most recent project was traveling every road in Allegany County with his wife Carlene as his co-pilot.
Greg loved cooking and entertaining. Together with his wife, they often were hosts to a full house of dinner guests. He also had a passion for learning; about anything and everything. To him, his world was a giant puzzle waiting for him to solve it.
In his spare time and retirement years, Greg pursued several hobbies. He enjoyed wood carving, drawing and writing songs. He also enjoyed writing in general and became proficient as a calligrapher. This proved to be a segue into his biggest hobby, Hardy Penwrights, with an international market for his “Fine Custom Writing Instruments.”
Greg was a past member of the Cuba Lions Club, the Scio Lions Club and current member of the Pen Artisan Guild. He was also a Celtic Priest.
There will be a time of visitation on Friday (November 1) from 5-8 p.m. at the Baker-Swan Funeral Home in Wellsville/Scio. The memorial service will be held on Saturday at 11:00 a.m. at the funeral home. There will be a private graveside service at the Dimmick Cemetery in Friendship at the convenience of the family. Online condolences may be offered at www.baker-swan.com.
Memorial contributions in Greg’s name may be made to the charity of your choosing. © 2022 Baker-Swan Funeral Home.
I am very saddened to hear of the passing of Greg. Working with him at Scio Central School was a true joy. He brought a lightheartedness to everyone he met and although he maintained the highest level of professionalism, he was down to earth, fun, and welcoming to everyone, especially the student body. You could see the passion for teaching and leadership in everything he did. Many prayers will be going up for Carlene and family as they navigate through this difficult time.
I am so sorry to hear this. Sending prayers for peace and comfort to Gavin and the Hardy family.
I am very , very sorry to hear this. Pleasure to work with at GV and I enjoyed following him with his craftmanship page– very talented. Prayers to the family during this most difficult time.
John and I loved this wonderful, talented and kind man. He was so funny! So many great times at Locustbrae with friends and family. He was truly blessed, and we will miss him dearly.
I was one of the lucky students who had him for a teacher multiple times in elementary and high school. He was my absolute favorite and I’m so sorry for your loss. I think you would be hard pressed to find any teacher more loved than him. My thoughts are with you.
I am so sorry to hear of Greg’s passing. I was shocked. My heart goes out to all of the family. My thoughts and prayers are with you all. He was such a good and fun person. I will treasure the times that I spent with him.
So sorry to learn of his passing – he was a wonderful teacher and a very pleasant person. I’m sure he will be watching over his family and friends
Carlene and family: So very, very sorry to hear this news! And shocked! We enjoyed the times we spent with you & your family. Please know you will all remain in our prayers and we’ve no doubt Greg will rest in eternal peace! He lived his life t9 the very fullest! God bless!!
I am very sorry for your sudden loss
He was a one of a kind character and I know he will be greatly missed by his whole family. Pen shows will be different without a chat at his table!
I’m so sorry for your loss, and for all of our loss! Greg was such a wonderful person, and I always enjoyed chatting with him at pen shows! I miss him terribly, and if there’s anything I can do, please don’t hesitate to reach out!
Dear Carlene and Family,
I am so sorry to hear to Greg’s passing. I have nothing but fond memories of our time together, both in school, and at “the store.” May his name be eternal, and always a blessing to you and yours, and may the love of friends and family surround you and help to bring you comfort. Wishing you all peace at the is very difficult time.
It was my honor to have known and worked with Greg. He will be missed! His legacy lives on in those family and friends he loved and who love him. Carry that legacy with a smile… as he would wish. My sincerest condolences. Much love and continued prayers to Carlene and the family!
My condolences to the family of a great teacher.
Saddened by this news. May the four winds find you safely home, Mr. Hardy.
Condolences to the family. So sorry for your loss.
I am so terribly sorry for your loss. Greg was a friend and mentor to me in the pen community. I will always remember Greg for his kindness.
Carlene, Dan, Gavin and James,
Gail and Bob,
Mary Beth and I send our love and condolences.
We are simply shocked at the news of Greg’s death.
We are praying for you.
Although the later years found us on separate paths, Greg and of you have never left our hearts.
Mike Trenchard, music teacher Andover Central School 1979-1981 and friend for life.
We are deeply saddened and heart broken by the passing of Mr. Hardy. He was one of the best most proficient teachers to ever lead a classroom and just a great all around human being, role model and mentor who left his mark on so many of us. He will forever be missed and remembered! Our deepest condolences, thoughts and prayers go out to his family and friends, May God comfort!
Carlene, Gavin, James, Dan, and Gail and Bob,
I am so sorry for this sudden loss. Greg was such an amazing talent at all he did – music, art, pen-making, teaching and leading, not to mention raising three fine sons with you, Carlene. Yesterday I picked up the fountain pen he helped me select as a retirement gift from my sister, and I once more went back to the website and marveled at his masterpieces. Just amazing! Whether sharing in a dram and some music at a ceilidh, decked out in his kilt, or sharing stories, as he did when I picked out my pen, at the beautiful dining room table, Greg had a great sense of humor and delighted in a good sparring conversation. He will be geatly missed. May his presence and your memories of him forever shine in your hearts, and may God wrap his loving arms around him.
Mr Hardy will always be remembered as one of the greatest teachers I had even after I finished his class. Even when he thought he would get out of teaching my younger siblings we followed him to Rushford for him to be their principal.
It’s indeed a great loss to the family and friends. Pray God to give courage to the family to overcome this grief and also pray for his soul’s journey.
Sadgati praptirastu( In Indian way praying for the soul )
It was a pleasure knowing Greg during his student days at Alfred State College. He was a fine student, a good conversationalist, and a gentleman of many interests.
It is gratifying that Greg had such a sterling academic career both as teacher and school administrator. His influence and guidance enriched the lives and futures of many students.
My thoughts are with Greg’s family and many friends during this difficult time. He will be missed.