John Franklin Reigart Wysard, 87, of Westfield passed away on Friday, January 19, 2024, at UPMC Hamot Hospital in Erie, PA. He was born May 21, 1936, in Portchester, NY, the son of the late Herbert and Frances Reigart Wysard.
John was the president of the graduating class of 1954 at Babylon High School, Babylon, Long Island.
He then proudly served his country for 16 years in the United States Navy, Marine Corp, Coast Guard and Army as a pilot of both fixed wing planes and helicopters. After his military service, he continued his love of flying as a commercial pilot for 20 years with Pan Am and 10 with United Airlines, flying 707’s and 747’s.
John was an active volunteer at the Lawson Center in Bemus Point and an avid model shipbuilder, one of which is on display at the Lawson Center. Besides his love of flying, he enjoyed boating and building models of ships and airplanes and spending time with family,
He is survived by his loving wife Bonnie Berg Wysard, whom he married on February 18th, 1977, in Jamestown NY and eight children; John Wysard, JR, of Mountaintop PA, Mark Wysard of Jamestown, NY, Amy Roberts of Lexington KY, Robin Wysard of St. Petersburg FL, Bradley Wysard of Westfield, NY, Christopher Wysard of Amherst, NY, Thomas Wysard and Peter Wysard of Westfield, NY. A brother, Herbert (Rose) Wysard, JR of Fullerton, CA, Five grandchildren; Brooke, Quinn, Jillian, Riley and Camron, nephew Jeff (Kelly) Wysard of Fullerton CA, and great nephews Ben and Sam and great niece Clairre.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his daughter-in-law, Joy Giddy Wysard.
At Johns’s request, there will be no services observed at this time. A celebration of his life will be held in July at the Lawson Center and will be announced at that time. His final resting place will be in the Chautauqua Cemetery,
Memorial contributions can be made to the Lawson Center, 73 Lakeside Dr, Bemus Point, NY 14712, The Wounded Warrior Project or the American Legion.
To leave a remembrance or to post condolences to the family, please visit freayfuneralhome.com