Obituary of Dr. Robert M. Harlan, PHD

Olean, NY Dr. Robert M. Harlan, PhD of 704 Main St. passed away unexpectedly Sunday (August 30, 2015) at Olean General Hospital. Born March 5, 1949 in Indianapolis, Indiana , he was the son of Robert and Alberta Robertson Harlan. On April 14, 1990 in Chaffee, NY he married Bernadette Fanucci Fustino who survives. Dr. Harlan completed his undergraduate studies at Wabash College in Cawfordsville, Indiana where he had received a full scholarship. He then did graduate studies and later received his PhD in Philosophy at The New School University for Social Research in NYC. He began employment at St. Bonaventure University in 1979 as an associate professor in the philosophy department. Then he received a master degree in Computer Science at the University of Buffalo and later assumed the position of full professor in the Computer Science Department and soon after became its Chairman. He retired in 2013 after 33 years of service. Dr. Harlan was an avid golfer and was a member of the Bartlett Country Club for 25 years. He was currently a member of Birch Run Country Club. He was a diehard fan of the Purdue Boilermakers, the Indy 500, the Buffalo Bills, and World Cup Soccer. He also loved gathering his family and friends together and enjoyed cooking for them and spending holidays in Myrtle Beach, NC. He had a special place in his heart for his beloved dogs. Surviving besides his wife are a daughter Kristin (Brian) Sanovic of Bel Air, MD and grandson John Paul Lioi ; 2 brothers, Edward Harlan of Jeffersonville, IN and Arthur (Kerry) Harlan of Dayton, OH; 1 sister Carolyn (Don) Roe of Winston Salem, NC; nieces Alison (Jon) Smith, Lisa Harlan, and nephews Jonathan (Alexandra) Roe and Matthew Harlan. Friends may call at the Casey, Halwig & Hartle Funeral Home 3128 W. State Rd. Olean on Tuesday from 7-9 pm and Wednesday from 2-4pm & 7-9 pm. Funeral services will be held Thursday (September 3, 2015) with a Scripture Service at 10:00 am in St. Bonaventure Church. Rev. James Vacco, OFM, pastor, will be officiating. Burial will be in St. Bonaventure Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, a memorial scholarship fund is being established in his name, for the Computer Science students at St. Bonaventure University. Online condolences may be expressed at oleanfuneralhome.com.