Carl Wayne NILES, 75, of Smethport, PA, died Tuesday, August 11, 2026, at his home, leaving behind a life that was anything but ordinary.

Carl lived life on his terms. He was independent, determined, fiercely loyal, occasionally stubborn (although he would probably argue that point), and never one to let someone else tell him how he should do things. Thirty-one years ago, Carl was given six months to live. Apparently, Carl had other plans. Six months turned into 31 years—and he made sure to fill every one of them with family, friends, hunting, farming, motorcycles, laughter, and plenty of stories.

Born November 21, 1950, in Port Allegany, he was the son of Clarence Robert “Bob” and Dorothy Hobbs Niles. A 1968 graduate of Port Allegany High School, Carl went on to serve honorably in the U.S. Army from 1970–1972 during the Vietnam War.

On June 13, 1971, in Port Allegany, Carl married his high school sweetheart, Betty A. Manning, and apparently she decided he was worth keeping around. She survives him. Their marriage lasted 56 years and produced two outstanding children, countless memories, and more than a few adventures along the way.

Carl worked for St. Gobain in Port Allegany and served for several years as the union vice president. He was a proud member of Liberty Lodge #505, F&AM in Port Allegany; Zem Zem Shrine Club; McKean County Roadrunners; and John Berg Memorial American Legion Post #976 in Crosby.

He was also a founding member of the Rampagin’ Piglets motorcycle gang—a title that probably explains a great deal about the Wild Man without requiring any further explanation.

Carl was an outdoorsman through and through. He was an avid hunter, a hobby farmer, and the kind of man who was happiest when he was outside, working with his hands, riding, hunting, or simply enjoying the land around him. He loved nature and believed that hunting was about much more than the hunt itself. He taught his children and grandchildren to appreciate, respect, and care for the outdoors.

He also had a passion for guiding young people and generously volunteered his time most recently as a coach for the Smethport Trap Team. He loved watching kids learn, improve, and discover the same appreciation for the outdoors that had been such an important part of his own life.

But above all else, Carl was a family man. His greatest pride was his family, and he was never shy about letting people know just how proud he was of them.

He leaves behind his wife and lifelong partner, Betty; their two amazing children, Theresa Harris of Smethport and Matthew (Rich Neefe) Niles of Cincinnati, OH; and his two spectacular grandchildren, Bennett and Casey, who were the recipients of his love, wisdom, stories, and probably a few lessons they weren’t quite ready for yet. (“Don’t tell grandma”).

He is also survived by his brother, Kenneth Niles of Port Allegany; his sister, Nancy (Randy) Andreano of Port Allegany; and several nieces and nephews.

Carl was predeceased by his brother, Mark Niles; and his sisters, Rita Niles Brewer and Darlene F. Lathrop.

Carl leaves behind a lot of things: a family who adored him, friends who will never forget him, stories that will undoubtedly get better with every retelling, and enough memories to keep everyone laughing—and occasionally shaking their heads—for years to come.

He never accepted the idea that his life should be dictated by a rare heart condition, a calendar, or anyone else’s expectations. Carl simply kept going. He hunted, farmed, rode, worked, coached, and lived life according to his own rules.

And if Carl had anything to say about it, he would probably tell us not to make too big a fuss. “Bye”.

Friends may call at Olney-Foust Funeral Homes & Crematory, Switzer Chapel, 77 Willow Street, Port Allegany, on Saturday, August 15, 2026, from 11:00 AM–1:00 PM, with Funeral Services following at 1:00 PM. Rev. Max Simms will officiate. Military Rites will be accorded in the funeral home at the beginning of the funeral by members of the Port Allegany Honor Guard. A Masonic service will be held at 10:30 AM Saturday in the funeral home. Burial will be in Fairview Cemetery, Port Allegany.

Memorials may be made to Port Area Ambulance Service or the Smethport Trap Team.

Online condolences may be expressed at www.olneyfoust.com.