Harley Kysor, pilot, aviation consultant

Harley Dane Kysor Sr., of 78 Olmstead Lane, a former airline pilot and aviation consultant who became a national champion at tae kwon do when he was in his 50s, died Tuesday, Jan. 22, at Laurel Ridge Nursing and Rehabilitation Center. He was 84 years and the husband of Frances Lodi Kysor.
Mr. Kysor was born in Machias, N.Y., on April 14, 1917, a son of the late Kragg and Isabel Kysor. He attended New York schools and graduated from Taft University. During World War II, he was a pilot in the U.S. Army Air Force.
In the 1950s and 60s, Mr. Kysor was a pilot for Eastern Airlines, retiring as a captain. He then became an aviation consultant. His firm, H. Kysor Inc. of Ridgefield, advised companies on the effective use of corporate aircraft.
The Kysors came to Ridgefield in 1961 from Hempstead, Long Island.
In the late 1960s, Mr. Kysor took up tae kwon do along with his then young son. He became so skilled at the martial art that, by 1973, he entered the Senior Olympics in Los Angeles, and won the national karate championship in tae kwon do. He was in his mid-50s and among the contenders he defeated was a 30-year-old.
Mr. Kysor was a member of the Ridgefield Men’s Club and of St. Stephen’s Episcopal Church. He enjoyed horseback riding and was a past district commissioner of the Goldens Bridge Hounds Pony Club.
Besides his wife of 59 years, Mr. Kysor is survived by his son: Harley Dane Kysor Jr. of Ridgefield; his daughter: Lodi Kysor Crafts of Mankin-Sabot, Va.; and a granddaughter: Jennifer Smith.
The Rev. Victoria Miller will conduct a memorial service Saturday, Jan. 26, at 2 p.m in St. Stephen’s Episcopal Church.
Interment will be private and at the convenience of the family.
There will be no calling hours.
Contributions in Mr. Kysor’s memory may be made to the Ridgefield Library, 472 Main Street, or the Visiting Nurse Association, 90 East Ridge Road.
The Kane Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.