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John M. Wyles
1941 - 2017
John M. Wyles
1941 - 2017
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John Wyles Obituary
Pawling - John M. Wyles, 76, passed away Saturday, November 11, 2017 at his home in Pawling, NY. He was born in the Bronx on January 29, 1941 to Jim and Jeanie (McLean) Wyles, and moved to Pawling in 1996 from Tarrytown, NY.
John was a beloved phys-ed teacher at DeWitt Clinton High School in the Bronx before he retired. He was also a revered coach who guided the men's basketball, and both men and women's volleyball teams to several championships, receiving many awards for his outstanding efforts and successes. His expertise for developing and molding the moral, mental and physical abilities of his athletes was so profound that many of his students and players remained in frequent contact, and some went on to play professional sports.
John loved working out at the The World Gym, playing golf and watching all sports. He was an avid reader, and especially loved the N.Y. Times and doing the crossword puzzles. John had a beautiful voice and loved singing and contributing his voice to the Christ Church Choir on Quaker Hill. He was a kind, caring, compassionate and generous man who contributed regularly to over 30 local and national charitable organizations and he was a volunteer driver for the Pawling Resource Center.
He is survived by the most precious person in his life, Suzanne Mayette of Pawling, NY. They spent many happy years together travelling the world. John helped raise Suzanne's 2 sons, David Mayette of Dover, NY and Justin Mayette now in the Navy and currently stationed in San Diego, CA. John is also survived by his brother, James Wyles and his wife Sieglinde, of Chester, CA; two nephews, Jimmy and his wife Allyson and their 2 children Max and Dane, and Eric and his wife Theresa; Cousins Nora McGrath in Staten Island, NY, Doris Martine in Middletown, NY, Evelyn Duval in Staten Island, NY, Andy McClean in Racine, WI, Dorothy Steen in Sarasota, FL, Lillian Tick in Corning, NY, Cathy Whitaker in Spottsville, NJ and John McClean in Brooklyn, NY; and caring good friends" ", including his life-long good friends, Jeff Pressman of Wantagh, NY and Charlie & Hayde Hirsch of New Jersey."
A Memorial service will be held on Friday, December 29th at 10 AM at Christ Church on Quaker Hill, Pawling, NY."
Donations in memory of John may be made to the Pawling Fire Department, Pawling Free Library, Pawling Historical Society, Pawling Resource Center, Ryan McElroy Foundation, World Wildlife Fund, Smile Train or American Heart Association.
Arrangements are under the direction of the Horn & Thomes, Inc. Funeral Home, 83 East Main Street, Pawling, NY.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Yuen Garcia aka Lee
March 30, 2022
Found this page looking for old friends. So glad we had a chance to meet up before you left us. We will forever miss you. You were a father, mentor, and absolutely the best coach. Class 1992 Volleyball .
Phil Caruso
April 1, 2020
I was a year ago that i was inducted to the Westchester CC sports hall of fame, I asked about how to get ahold of John Wyles , as i wanted to dedicate that evening to the most influential person in my lifetime. Only to find out that he passed in fall of 2017. I was heart broken. I was also a manager on his early basketall teams, and he change my pathway of life in late May of my senior year. He knew more about me that i knew about myself. Because of him , I became a teacher , coach , dedicated my life to help others in need. He was the most compassion, caring , and giving individual I met in my lifetime. He always wanted to hear what your were doing and never rush off a phone call. He once told me about his heart disease and said it may died of it someday . Never got that chance for that last call or opportunity to visit, but Coach I wanted you to know , I was playing forward what you did for me and hoping I was somewhat a mentor to others as you were to me. If I was a small branch of your coaching tree, thank you form the bottom of my heart. Those that were touch by John Wyles, will miss him for the rest of our lives. RIP to a DeWitt Clinton legand !!
Dulce González Palomo
January 24, 2020
Coach Whyles was my volleyball coach my freshman year at DWC. I had to train with Varsity because there was no freshman team but rather than saying No, he had me train harder. Later on he said if I could get a full team together he would get us a coach to make us official, and her did! That coach turned out to be my older brother Alberto who was a Senior and had played volleyball under Coach Whyles teaching for 4 years. It was there most amazing year! And that's who he was, always a builder of little humans. Balls in your court now Coach, SERVE!
Desrene Freeman
February 16, 2019
Mr. Wyles was my volleyball coach, mentor and a father figure. He was a wonderful and caring man. He believed in me
And pushed me to do my very best. I just saw this obituary and am in shock and crying now. I had plans to call him. I miss you and love you. You were an essential part of my life. Thank you for everything.
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Gary Greer
December 26, 2018
It was only today that I learned of John's passing (when my Christmas card was returned with no forwarding address). I met John at a Club Med in the Bahamas back in July, 1979. We had fun hanging out and playing tennis there, and we spent a few days in the summer together when my wife and I (who I also met at that Club Med) returned to New York to visit my mother and sister. John and I enjoyed each other's company and exchanged Christmas cards and updates each year. He was a terrific guy, and I see that echoed in the numerous heartfelt tributes in these posts. I will miss him.
Carl Winfree
March 25, 2018
I'd like to thank Coach Wyles for helping me to get a college scholarship...
Joel Berger
February 9, 2018
During my DeWitt Clinton High School days, I was very fortunate to have worked with Mr. Wyles as a basketball team manager.
After being close a few years to the PSAL Title, Coach Wyles guided the Governors
to the 1971 PSAL Basketball City Championship! One comment Coach Wyles made to his team after the game remains with me, as he told his team,"Humility Men, Humility!"
To Mr. Wyles his coaching was not only about wins & losses but also of developing character! The number of former players who remained in contact with Coach Wyles is indicative of the impact he had on them.
He truly personified Man's humanity to Man! God Bless You Coach Wyles & your family!
With heartfelt condolences.
Joel Berger
Robert (Bobby) Medlock
January 24, 2018
Mr. Wyles was, and remains the inspirational figure in my life. I had the pleasure of serving ad his students manager for 4 years at DWC. His organizational skills were on display every day shaped my perspectives, values and future path. He prepared his players well. We won 2 city basketball titles. We were more than winners. His legacy is he molded men of values. He helped us matriculate the pathways of success. Those of us he touched have remained friends for the ensuing decades. Test in peace Coach!
Howard Ackerman
January 22, 2018
Coach John Wyles was my coach and mentor at DWC. He was a great coach and man. He had a noble approach to life and through his way he taught me and others how to compete with respect for your adversary. I will forever be thankful that I was lucky enough to know and learn from Coach Wyles.
Gregory Ougourlian
January 19, 2018
I recently heard of John's passing from a mutual friend. John and I worked together in the P. E. Department at DWC. John's skill and devotion as a coach was only surpassed by his high moral fiber, integrity and decency as a human being. You will be missed.
Greg Ougourlian
Las Vegas, NV
Nou Thach
January 12, 2018
John M. Wyles,
"Coach",you are my admirer, my role model and a father's figure w/out your realising it. You'll be remembered forever and missed dearly. My kids will hear stories off/about you. My name is Nou Thach; class of 93. Mr. Wyles was my volleyball's coach. With "tears", I'll say "goodbye". I MISS YOU COACH!
Nora McGrath
December 29, 2017
As 1st cousins, we didn't get to see one another as much as we should have but it was with joy that he was at the recent family reunion and my son's wedding so, for that, I am very grateful. I will always remember him singing the hymn "In The Garden" at family events and I will dearly miss him. I know that God has made a special place for John.
Jose Mero
December 21, 2017
Mr Wyles, was my zero gym teacher @ DWC. He was a great person. May God give his soul eternal peace . To his family my deepest condolences.
Charlie Hirsch
December 19, 2017
John was one of my oldest and dearest friends.
He will be sorely missed.
There will be a memorial service for him on Dec. 29 at 10 AM at
Christ Church on Quaker Hill
Pawling N.Y.
jim Gilmore
December 18, 2017
I had a great admiration of John...his way with the students, dedication to helping them with wonderful advice, humor and character. He was a hardworking coach, and a true teacher and role model. He always attended the May dinners honoring graduates of DWC and was made an honorary graduate. I will miss him in 2018. He made me proud of being a teacher. RIP Jim Gilmore, English Dept/DWC.
Sam Blank
December 17, 2017
My colleague and friend at DWC. Always a gentleman with a kind word and smile for everyone. His lasting legacy will be the impact he had on hundreds of students. May he always Rest In Peace.
Stan Lipetz
December 17, 2017
Master teacher, coach,human being. Poised, dignified, intelligent & fun loving, with all around athletic skills& beautiful singing voice; yet humble. John insipird through example. D Witt CLINTON P.E Dept, TDO Frat. Rest In Peace
Bob Stahli
December 12, 2017
Worked with John at DWC in PE Dept. A great guy, extraordinary coach and teacher but, above all, a very good person. He really will be missed.
Mke& Joyce McPhillips
December 10, 2017
John was our neighbor for almost 18 years.
I admired his positive attitude My wife and I will miss Him. Our warmest condolences to his Family
Betty Berroa
December 9, 2017
John Wyles. He was my volleyball coach at DeWitt Clinton H.S. Also; A mentor for many years. My son Leo and I will never forget you. Thank you for encouraging me to become a better person, mother and friend. As you always told me hang in there B at the end of each phone conversations. (Promise you I will.)
My condolences to the family.
Ernie Rivera
November 30, 2017
Mr. Wyles was my gym teacher at DWC he was a great basketball coach and a good man. God bless you Mr. Wyles.
Ivette Cruz
November 26, 2017
John was my neighbor for 20 years. Door to Door. We often stood on our patios, admiring the view of nature, and he would say "Look how beautiful, I love this place. Love where we live. 2 kids from the Bronx, you and I are so lucky". This summ=r, he planted his first garden of lavender and enjoyed just sitting , proud of how it was growing. John will be in my heart, for always. A caring, loving, giving, funny, sensible man. I'm so grateful that he touched my life.. John, I miss you so much. Love you. May you rest in peace within the Gates of Heaven.
Karyn Lortie
November 24, 2017
Heartfelt condolences on this loss felt by Suzanne and so many, including me. A light has gone out in this world, but I hope it will continue to shine down upon us from Above.
November 22, 2017
Condolences to the Wyles family and all the DWC Family Howie J 74'.
American Heart Association
November 21, 2017
May your memories of the wonderful times you shared with your loved one comfort you and your family, today and always.
Showing 1 - 25 of 25 results
83 East Main Street, Pawling, NY 12564
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