HORNELL-Asa G. “Ace” Ashworth, Jr. of Hornell St., passed away peacefully, in the presence of his loving family, late Friday afternoon (April 8, 2016) at St. James Mercy Hospital in Hornell, one day after his 96 birthday.
Born in Salamanca on April 7, 1920, he was the son of the late Asa G. and Julia M. (Miller) Ashworth. On Oct. 20, 1947 he was married in Perkinsville to the former Margaret R. “Peg” Riefer, who predeceased him on Jan. 13, 2000 after 53 years of marriage.
From 1942 to his honorable discharge in 1946, Asa proudly served his country during World War II with the Army Air Corps and was awarded the American Service Medal, EAME Service Medal, the Good Conduct medal and the World War II Victory Medal.
He was a member of the Operating Engineers Union, Local No. 832 in Rochester and was employed by S.J. Groves Construction, Lane Construction and retired from Green Island Construction. Throughout his career he was involved with various projects including the Almond Dam, the New York State Thruway, the Troup-Howell Bridge in Rochester, the Robert Moses Niagara Power Project, the Southern Tier Expressway as well as Route 390.
Asa was a member of Our Lady of the Valley Parish and was a communicant of St. Ann’s Church in Hornell. He was also a member of the Hornell Council No. 243, Knights of Columbus, a member and Past Commander of the Arthur H. Cunningham American Legion Post No. 440, the Cpl. J. J. Mooney VFW Post No. 2250 in Hornell and the International Union of Operating Engineers, Local No. 832 in Rochester.
He enjoyed gardening and was an avid fan of classic cars. His happiest times were those that he spent with his family.
His loving family includes his six children, Kathleen (William) Tsibulsky and Christine (James) Kelly all of Raleigh, N.C, Patrick (Michelle) Ashworth of Arkport, John Ashworth of Hornell, Michele (Ronald) Blum of Buffalo and Gregory Ashworth of Wellsville.; also his 12 grandchildren and his three great-grandchildren. His family would like to express their heartfelt thanks to his nephew, Marty Christensen and to Tracey Chapman, his caregiver for the past five years. You “made his day.”
The Bishop & Johnson Funeral Home, Inc., 285 Main St., Hornell is honored to serve the family of Asa G. “Ace” Ashworth, Jr.
There will be an hour of calling from 1-2 p.m. Tuesday in the Marian Chapel of St. Ann’s Church in Hornell where a Service of Christian Burial will be celebrated in the sanctuary of the church at 2:15 p.m. Tuesday, with Deacon Robert McCormick officiating. Private committal prayers and interment, with military honors, will be at St. Ann’s Cemetery, Hornell.
In lieu of flowers, those wishing may contribute in his memory to the St. James Mercy Foundation, 411 Canisteo St., Hornell, N.Y. 14843. Envelopes for memorial contributions will be available at the church.
Online condolences or remembrances of Asa are welcomed at www.bishopandjohnsonfuneralhome.com.
