CANISTEO, NY — Wayne L. Hartman, a longtime Canisteo educator, athletic director and respected coach whose career left a lasting mark on local students and athletes, has died at the age of 78.
Hartman passed away Wednesday afternoon, October 28, 2026, at Strong Memorial Hospital in Rochester following a brief illness, according to his obituary published by H.P. Smith & Son, Inc. Funeral Home.
Born on May 26, 1948, in North Hornell, Hartman was the son of the late Clarence and Margie Cone Hartman. He spent his entire life in the Canisteo community, where he became known for his dedication to education, athletics and the young people he coached.
Hartman graduated from Canisteo Central School in 1966. During his high school years, he excelled in football, basketball and track. He continued his education at SUNY Brockport, earning bachelor’s and master’s degrees in health and physical education in 1971. He also achieved considerable success playing college football.
A Lasting Legacy in Canisteo School Athletics
After completing his education, Hartman returned to Canisteo Central School and began a career that would span several decades. He worked as a health and physical education teacher before becoming athletic director in 1975. He held that position until his retirement in 2003.
Beyond the classroom, Hartman built a strong reputation as a football, wrestling and track coach. His accomplishments in wrestling earned him induction into the Section V Hall of Fame. He was also inducted into the Canisteo Football Hall of Fame, recognized for his contributions as both a player and coach.
Outside his professional life, Hartman enjoyed staying active and pursuing a variety of interests. He loved hunting, cycling, golf, carpentry and automobiles. He also valued traveling and spending time with family and friends at Keuka Lake. The family regularly spent winters in New Port Richey, Florida.
Hartman married Nancy Young on June 7, 1969, in Canisteo. She survives him.
He is also survived by his son, Chad Hartman, and daughter, Marcy Morling, along with six grandchildren: Nicolas, Cristina, Karina, Andrew, Diana and Ryan.
His family, friends and former students will remember him for his commitment, discipline and determination throughout his life.
A guest book entry from Joseph Leonard Zanghi also reflected the deep personal connections Hartman maintained from childhood. Zanghi recalled growing up alongside him, sharing family vacations at Keuka Lake and camping trips at Hemlock Lake during their Boy Scout years. He described Hartman as a wonderful person whose passing would be deeply felt throughout the community.
A memorial service is scheduled for Sunday, November 15, at 4 p.m. at Buena Vista Wesleyan Church, 6034 County Route 69, Canisteo. Family and friends may pay their respects from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. before the service. Final interment will take place at Hillside Cemetery in Canisteo at the family’s convenience.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Wayne Hartman Memorial Scholarship through Marcy Morling or to Buena Vista Wesleyan Church.
Arrangements are being handled by H.P. Smith & Son, Inc. Funeral Home in Canisteo.
