Obituary of Douglas E. Harwood

Douglas E. Harwood Olean, NY Douglas E. Harwood, 77, passed away Thursday (September 10, 2020) at his home. Born August 1, 1943 in Bradford, PA, he was the son of Harold E. and Marie Neel Harwood, Sr. On February 23, 1964 at Haskell Community Church, he married Judith A. Wiley who predeceased him June 10, 2012. Doug was a 1962 graduate of Hinsdale Central School and had been active in many business ventures over the years. He was primarily a builder in the area, was a longtime member of the Carpenter's Union Local 66 of Olean, and first worked for the former Foote Builders in Portville. He later owned his own business, Harwood Builders, for many years. Years ago, along with his wife, he owned and operated the former Tastee Treat on Route 16 in Hinsdale. In more recent years, in addition to his contracting business, he operated a rough-cut lumber mill on Fay Hollow and also sold firewood and did snowplowing. Currently, he owned and maintained the Harwood Mobile Home Park on Fay Hollow in Hinsdale. Doug formerly served a term as an assessor for the Town of Hinsdale. He had several hobbies, including at one time collecting matchbooks as well as collecting arrowheads in his youth. He enjoyed having a pony, "Blackie", for which he maintained both a restored wagon and a sleigh for it to pull for the pleasure of his children. His wife Judy and he helped establish a program in the early 1970's that provided for a hearing-impaired class, through the ReHabilitation Center, which led to mainstreaming handicapped children into Olean area schools. Additionally, he served as a board member for the Association for the Hearing Impaired. Surviving are 2 daughters Deborah (Charles) Youngs of Portville and Tammy (Ronald) Boucher of Rochester; 4 grandchildren Melissa Boucher, Angela Boucher, Michael Youngs and Sarah Youngs; 1 brother Harold (Linda) Harwood, Jr. of Olean; 1 sister Wilma Gilstrap of Brookville, PA; 1 aunt Nancy Neel of Brookville, PA and several nieces and nephews. In addition to his wife, he was predeceased by twin daughters at birth, and a brother-in-law Gene Gilstrap. The family will be present to receive friends on Sunday from 1-4pm at the Casey, Halwig & Hartle Funeral Home, 3128 W. State Rd., Olean. Visitation will continue at the funeral home on Monday (September 14, 2020) from 10am until time of services at 11am. Rev. Carrie Wolfe, of Christ United Methodist Church in Olean, will officiate. Burial will follow in Pleasant Valley Cemetery, Olean. Memorials, if desired, may be made to "Foundation Fighting Blindness", 6925 Oakland Mills Road, #701, Columbia, MD 21045 or to the Alzheimer's Association of WNY, 6215 Sheridan Dr #100, Buffalo, NY 14221. The use of a facemask will be required while visiting the funeral home. Due to occupancy restrictions, there may be a delay in entering. Online condolences may be expressed at oleanfuneralhome.com. The link for remote attendance is https://youtu.be/tbA8ejwoh9w