December 2, 1946 – July 9, 2026
Dennis R. Haught – “Good Night and Good Luck !”
Olean – The death-dodging Dennis R. Haught finally met his maker on Thursday, July 9, 2026 at UPMC Hamot in Erie, PA. Shockingly, it wasn’t the heart disease that plagued him since he was 40, or complications from the brain bleed when he was airlifted to Buffalo, or the Father’s Day grinder to the face that landed him in the ER, or that full stick of butter he put on his weekly batch of popcorn. What ultimately took him out was the unforgiving and awful pulmonary fibrosis.
Denny was born December 2, 1946, to Wanda (Hurd) and Robert E. Haught of Bolivar, NY. He was the middle child, with a sister, Rebecca, and a brother, Steven. He didn’t consider himself to be the best student but excelled at extra-curricular activities, including playing the trumpet in the band, singing in the choir, Class President, and being a multiple sport athlete, including a Big 30 football player. He was a 1964 graduate of Bolivar High School.
After High School, he enlisted in the Navy “to see the world,” spending time in Illinois, Tennessee, Hawaii, and Japan. He was the “third man in the cockpit” as a flight engineer flying over Vietnam. Soon after he returned from the Navy, he met his favorite person and love of his life, Susan Ferrio, with whom he spent the next 58 years. After 7 years, they welcomed their daughter, Jennifer, and 10 years later, their son, Jacob. He was a great dad who loved his kids fiercely and fully, always free with the hugs and “I love you’s.” He played surrogate father to many friends and family members over the years who weren’t as lucky as his family.
After returning from the service, he worked at Agway and McGraw Edison and then found his calling selling cars at John Hardy Chevrolet. From there he worked at numerous dealerships in the area and was best known for his time over at Mastel Ford Lincoln Mercury, where he made lifelong friends. After that, he managed his own car lot where he sold used vehicles until his retirement. If he didn’t sell you a car at some point from the 1970s–2000s, there is a solid chance he sold one to a friend or family member of yours. He loved cars — tinkering with them, selling them, racing them, driving them.
One of his favorite things to do was travel with his family and friends. When his kids were young, they would load up the motor home and drive until it got warm. Shorter trips would take them to Darien Lake or Kinzua Dam. Books could be written on their misadventures. He loved boating and spending time on the water, be it Kinzua, Seneca Lake, or the Erie Canal. He loved all kinds of music and never stopped listening to new things — his recent favorite singer was Teddy Swims! He loved to dance with his wife, and at any event, you would see them “cutting the rug.” He loved hunting with his son. He loved his friends and was always up to “raise some hell.” In his early 70s, he was the oldest curler in the local annual curling tournament. He loved people and never met a stranger, greeting everyone with a smile and a handshake.
He was predeceased by his parents, his sister, Rebecca Cady, and his best dog, Murphy.
He is survived by his wife, Susan (Ferrio) Haught, daughter, Jennifer (David) Casasanta, son, Jacob (Shayla) Haught, and grandchildren, Adilyn and Emersyn. His brother, Steven (Bob Stoner) Haught, brother-in-law, Don Cady, numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins. And his much-loved Casasanta Grand-pets: Cece, Grasyn, Chalupa and Inky. The family would like to extend a special thank you to their friends, Mike and Marilyn Firkel, for helping them get through this last month.
A “Celebration of Life” will be held September 12, 2026, at the Portville American Legion from 2-6 pm. He was excited at the idea of a party. During COVID, they adopted their first senior pet, Murphy, which they agreed was one of the best decisions they ever made, so in lieu of flowers, please send donations to your local animal shelter or go out and adopt your own senior pet.
Funeral arrangements are under the direction of Guenther Funeral Home, 1303 E. State St., Olean.
Online condolences can be expressed at www.guentherfh.com
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