Harley S. Dingman died December 31, 2016 at his home in Stuart, Fl under the care of his family and Treasure Coast Hospice. He was born February 6, 1922 in Watertown, NY to Harley S. and Viola Robbins Dingman. In 1939, he graduated from West Carthage High School. He obtained his BA and masters from Albany State College, also attending Cornell and the University of Buffalo for graduate credits. During World War II Harley served as a paratrooper in Europe and was a recipient of a Silver Star and Purple Heart.
Harley married Betty Bailey of Mount Morris, NY. She predeceased him in 1983. He married Carole Norton in 1991 and they resided on Pillar Point until moving to Stuart, Fl. He is survived by his wife Carole, daughters Anne (Jorge) Zavala, Three Mile Bay, NY and Stuart, Fl, Alice (James) Molero-Herron, Watertown, NY, Ellen (Eduardo) Garcia, Mexico City, Mexico, stepdaughter Julie (Michael) Bocciolatt, Chaumont, NY and stepson John Anderson (Cheryl) Bunce, Stuart, Fl as well as a chosen daughter, Lori (James) George of Bolton Landing, NY. He is also survived by five grandchildren, Erika Zavala Briscoe, Jorge S. Zavala, Juan A. Molero, Dr. Mariana Garcia, Eduardo Garcia and three stepgrandchildren, Morgan and Skyler Bocciolatt and Dillon Bunce, his sister-in-law, Doris Allen Dingman of Cape Vincent, NY, four great grandchildren and many beloved nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his parents, sister Doris Dingman Herrick, and brother Donald Dingman.
Harley was a teacher, counselor, principal and superintendent of New York State schools including Addison, Cheektowaga, Massena, Wantagh and Blind Brook-Rye school districts. He was high school principal in Massena from 1956 until 1964. Following retirement in 1977, he moved to Mexico City and became high school principal at the American School Foundation.
Harley was an exceptional musician who sang in church choirs and barbershop quartets in Massena, played in different bands/orchestras and acted in over twenty-five dramatic productions in Watertown, Mexico City and Stuart, Florida. He performed the national anthem at the Mets spring training facility in his late 80’s.
There will be no calling hours or funeral per his wishes.