GUILDERLAND – Herman William Wyld, 82, of Guilderland, passed away on Tuesday, July 7, 2015, surrounded by his family, at the Hospice Inn of St. Peters Hospital. Son of the late Herman and Ann Scully Wyld, he was born in Albany on December 14, 1932 and was a graduate of the former Vincentian Institute, class of 1951. After graduation he was drafted into the Army and proudly served two years as a carrier and repeaterman with the 50th Signal Corps Battalion in Sendai, Japan during the Korean War. After being discharged from the Army, Mr. Wyld returned to home, to attend SUNY Cortland, where he earned a Bachelors degree in Health and Physical Education. While attending Cortland, his many activities, achievements, and accomplishments included being selected to play on the GEM Bowl East-West All-Star Football Team, receiving the Red Letter Award for outstanding achievement and leadership in football, earning a Directorship in Physical Education, and being an active member of the Beta Phi Epsilon Fraternity. He later went on to attend SUNY Albany, where he earned a Master Degree in Secondary School Supervision.
Mr. Wyld (or Coach Wyld, to many) quickly went on to find a position teaching Health and Physical Education with the Guilderland Central School System. In addition to his normal teaching duties, Coach Wyld was well known for his activities on the sporting fields, where he served as a Varsity Line Coach for 11 years and Varsity Wrestling Coach for 20 years, as well as earning the reputation for being “The coach who never yelled”. This dedication to his work did not stop at the end of at the school day. Summers and weekends Coach Wyld could be found in the gym or volunteering with local sports teams. Above all, Coach Wyld believed in the heart and inner strength of his athletes, and by taking a vested interest in their lives, he was able to motivate his students to succeed in all areas, not only sports. Coach Wyld retired from teaching in 1988, but maintained strong ties to education.
After retirement, Mr. Wyld maintained a very active life. He was an avid volunteer, worked closely with the Elks Club, and was a member of the Italian American Community Center. He regularly enjoyed traveling with his wife and family, loved to spend time with his children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren, golfing, and was a regular bowler.
Mr. Wyld is survived by his beloved wife of 58 years, Alice Ann Marinelli Wyld; his much loved children Richard F. (Susan) Wyld of Cohoes, Thomas W. (Mary) Wyld of Westmere, and Kathleen M. Bond of Waterford; his grandchildren Daniel Francis Wyld, Samuel W. Wyld, Joseph Allen (Kelsey) Wyld, and Sarah Ann Bond; his great granddaughter Ryleigh Mae Wyld; and by several cousins and some special friends. He was predeceased by his grandson Tommy Christopher Wyld.
The family of Mr. Wyld would like to thank the staff of the 3 High Rise unit at the Albany County Nursing Home for the excellent care that was provided.
Funeral services will be held at Hans Funeral Home, 1088 Western Ave., Albany, Monday morning. Services will begin at 9:00am and will begin at Christ the King Church, Sumpter Ave., Guilderland at 10:00am. Relatives and friends are invited, and may call at the funeral home Sunday from 3-7pm. The parish family of Christ the King Church will gather in the funeral home at 3:30 pm, Sunday for a service of prayer and remembrance. All are welcome. Interment will be in Our Lady of Angels Cemetery, Colonie. The family suggests memorial contributions to Guilderland Central High School Wrestling Booster Club or Christ the King Church, general Building Fund. To leave a message of condolence for the family or obtain directions to the funeral home, please visit www.HansFuneralHome.com .
Jeffrey Mahigian
Coach Wyld was my gym teacher in 10th grade. That was 41 years ago. Coach was also a cousin of my Uncle Bill Wyld who was married to my mother’s sister Miriam. I’m sorry for your loss. He was a man I always admired.
Debbie White Boomhower
I am 59 years old and I remember Coach Wyld very well. He was one of the nicest teachers at Guilderland. He always had a smile and was always in a good mood. I am so sorry to hear of his passing. Heaven has gained a wonderful angel. Of all the teachers I had throughout my education, there are just a few I remember and Coach Wyld has always been one of my fondest.
Dave Perlee
A wonderful man– a role model and mentor to thousands of GCHS students. I am sorry for your loss.
Dee Harris
Dear Family,
I am so sorry to hear of the loss of your dear Herman and send you my sincere condolences. May you find comfort from God’s word at Revelation 21:3,4. Heartfelt prayers are with you and your family.
Jimmie Nesindorf
Great Man, Great Coach, Great American! You will be missed Coach Wyld.
Matt Schreiner (GCHS '78)
A truly great man who influenced many, like me, along the way. I am fortunate to have had him as a teacher and coach. His legacy will endure through the lessons he taught us about dedication, discipline, commitment and the ability to keep things fun when the pressure is on. Thanks Coach!
Deb Ronan McKee
I was a member of the GHS Wrestling Pep Club from 1970-72, and announced time at home matches. Coach was always a positive, classy guy, and it was an honor to work with him. I saw him occasionally over the years and it was always good to see him. My thoughts and prayers to you all.
Fred Pidgeon
Coach was very instrumental in my love for football. As a lineman I was a member of the order of the ropes. His coaching style was one all coaches should follow. I let it be my motto and when ever I saw him I let him know how much he meant to me. I am sorrowed by his passing and my prayers are with his wife and children. I know God has called a great man to be with him.
Michael Thomas
Very sorry to see that coach Wyld passed. He was truly a great guy. I’ll always remember his quote before giving a test in health class, “remember cheating only improves your mark”. Funny then, but now I see the wisdom.
John Brennan, Guilderland HS Class of 1974
I am so sorry to learn of Coach Wyld’s passing. As a wrestler for 4 years at Guilderland HS, Coach Wyld was a huge influence on my life, reinforcing the lessons I learned from my parents about perseverance, determination, patience and kindness. He has left an indelible and enduring legacy on my life and the lives of hundreds–probably thousands of others. Godspeed, Coach Wyld, and his family.
Peter Mahigian
Dear Alice and family,
I was lucky to have had Coach Wyld when I was in HS and even more so to be related to the Wyld family. Herm was the most positive influence in many of our lives and we thank him for that and remember him fondly both in school and family parties at the farm and later with Uncle Bill.
Much love… Peter and Sue Mahigian
Wayne Goodnow
So sorry to hear of Herm’s passing. He was a great guy. He would give you the shirt off as his back; as long as he wrote it down and remembered that he promised. Herm helped me out many times with a cheerful smile.
James T. Nelson
Rest in peace Coach.
John Hornbach
The Family of Mr, (Coach) Herman Wyld:
Yesterday, Saturday, July 11th 2015 as I sat in Dallas TX. When I checked my email I learned of the passing of coach Wyild. I was not totally socked but I was surprised at how unprepared I was for this news. I will continue to heed his guidance; be grateful for his presence in my life and I’ll continue my, one sided dialog with him.
Upon reflecting the many life lessons he taught me;and no doubt many others I recalled the first few which I recall often.
In 1964 I was a high school freshman never been on a wrestling matt I was horrible! yet about the second week of practice Coach stopped practice and had everyone watch as he clearly explained and demonstrated how to properly execute a move. I was attempting. I was this very a nobody but I was valued! Herm, valued everyone, he uplifted everyone, he expected the best from everyone and he always gave his best to everyone! I tried to follow his lead.
The next year I finally made the varsity team, I was expected to get pinned by a returning conference champ. I won the match. I was euphoric! I school the next morning as we passed in the hall I said to coach “Boy was I lucky!” Coach continued walking by and said, as he passed “Isn’t it funny , the harder you work the luckier you get. before practice that day I stepped into his office, a common occurrence for many years, I said ‘I wasn’t lucky? He replied “Luck had nothing to do with it!” The wrestler I beat that day had an excellent season yet I beat him twice more and I knew that coach was correct.
A few years later, in college I was floundering. I recalled my lesson I applied myself to my studies and truly excelled.
I taught first grade for 32 years until I had a stroke, I coached some soccer teams Always worked to live up to “Big Herm’s” standards.
Herm was a good coach, but more important a great teacher, and a truly fine Husband,father and man! He gave so much to very very many young men !
My father and first wife suffered an died from the ravages of cancer at young ages. It was difficult to watch their bodies become broken and fail them. No longer able to contain their spirit. I came to realise those broken bodies were not the people I cherished. My journey of grief was slow and long. Especially after my wife’s passing. I now remember the people I love as the strong vital souls they are . I think of them now and smile. I cried for a long time. I shall aways remember the strong , loving, caring soul Herm is. His spirit is with us always.
May your journey of grief be as gentle as Herms spirit is.
My most sincere condolences to all of the Wyld family ! Thank you for sharing Herman with me and so many others.
with love,
Truly,
John W Hornbach
Paula Carpenter
To the family of Coach Wyld,
He and my Dad went to VI many a year ago. Once Coach connected the dots at GCHS we had great conversations. My memories of him are nothing but of a wondful man.
Treasure the joy he brought to so many.
He’s a legacy of GCHS and your family
Sincerely,
Paula Carpenter
Tom Orsini
To the Wyld family,
Coach Wyld was a great coach, teacher and mentor. Coach Wyld made going to gym, health classes and wrestling practices something ‘to look forward to’ as a high school student. The life lessons we learned from Coach on fair play, tolerance, respect and dedication will live on in all of us.
TOM ORSINI, GCHS ’75
Lincoln Carl Grimm jr
Truly a great guy… great coach… GCHS Class of 64
Mark Hesler -- GCHS Class of 1972
Coach Wyld was an all around great guy, coach and influence! He always had a wonderful sense of humor and a real dedication to his students and wrestlers…! In the 1971/72 season when we won the Suburban Council, Coach Wyld, in order to try to optimize our lineup, had me wrestling in the 180 class all season — 20 lbs. over my weight (a big disadvantage) — I ended taking 2nd in the Council…! At the end of the season, he had a special trophy made up for me, that just said ‘Above & Beyond’ — I still have that trophy today, and have taught my daughters the concept of going Above & Beyond in life — Coach Wyld was truly an Above & Beyond guy — we’ll miss him…!!