Locals remember a young life cut short

One of the three children who died in the tragic Oyster Bay boat accident on July Fourth was 11-year-old Harlie Treanor, who had moved with her family from East Meadow to Huntington Station just weeks earlier.

The Kandi Won, a 34-foot cabin cruiser owned by Harlie’s father, Kevin Treanor, capsized in the waters of Cove Neck. Harlie was one of the three young passengers who were trapped in the cabin and drowned. There were 27 passengers aboard.

Despite her age, Harlie touched the lives of many residents. She was a bright student who had attended Bowling Green Elementary School and was active in K-Kids, a youth Kiwanis organization dedicated to community service.

Harlie played softball in the Central Nassau Athletic Association, and her improved batting skills helped her team reach the championship game on June 16, said Joe Aloi, her coach and the association president.

Harlie was always smiling, said close friends, adding that her grin and kindness were contagious.

“Harlie was one of those kids who always had a smile,” said K-Kids Adviser Rich Santer, who was also her fifth-grade teacher. Elementary students often have only a few close friends, but she was able to cross the invisible lines that divide students, Santer said.

Her positive attitude made an impression on those young and old, and in her memory, organizations are making plans to celebrate her life. Santer said that K-Kids will donate a book to Bowling Green Elementary School in her honor and plant a memorial tree. He is also working to create a graduation award in her name. These projects are funded by the East Meadow Kiwanis and by contributions to the organization.

East Meadow Kiwanians, K-Kids and Kiwanis Pediatric Trauma Center Service Leadership Committee members also received permission from Nassau County to distribute Coast Guard-approved boating safety material at the Wantagh Park boat ramp on July 28 and Aug. 4. The approval was expedited thanks to two East Meadow Kiwanians, County Legislator Norma Gonsalves and Liz Fries, Santer said.

Aloi added that he would like to add Harlie’s initials to team uniforms next season and create a team player award in her honor.

Harlie loved animals, Santer recalled, saying that she wanted to be a veterinarian when she grew up. “She loved elephants,” he said.

As a K-Kids member, Harlie helped collect canned food during food drives, participated in a pen-pal event with children from Vietnam and was always willing to help fellow students. “If you needed a volunteer to do a project, her hand was up, she was there,” said Santer.

Harlie is the first K-Kid in New York who has died in at least eight years, he added.

Her K-Kids comrades miss their friend, whom they were hoping to keep in touch with despite her move to Huntington Station. A few shared their fondest memories by email.

“Harlie was the sweetest, kindest person and was always nice to everyone,” said Mia Biscardi, the program’s secretary.

“You are a treasure in our heart,” added Suki Jiang. “When you are in heaven, God will protect you … Everybody will miss you so much.”

“Harlie was a very good friend who was nice to everyone she met,” commented Danielle Hallett. “Her smile always made me smile, even when I was having a bad day.”

Bowling Green’s moving up ceremony on June 22 was the last day many students saw Harlie. She was all smiles, some recalled, including Devon Rafanelli, a past president of K-Kids. “My last memory of Harlie was when we were at our graduation party and we were dancing like crazy,” she said. “If I had to choose one word to describe Harlie, it would be sweet.”

The Bowling Green staff did not return a call seeking comment, but Helen Meittinis, a kindergarten aide who knew Harlie through Kiwanis, said the school offered grief counseling to students. She added that Harlie was very polite, bright beyond her years and will be missed. “At that young age, to be a volunteer is very telling of one’s personality …,” Meittinis said. “She is a great role model even though she’s not here anymore.”

In addition to her involvement in school, Harlie was a shy but skilled softball player. “I was stunned when I read the email her mom sent me,” said Aloi. “Words can’t describe how I feel about her; she was a joy to coach.”

The Treanor family could not be reached for comment.