Author: Glenn Leaman

HORNELL – Francis S. Norton, 90, of Greeley Avenue, passed away, surrounded by the love of his family, Sunday afternoon (May 26, 2024) at St. James Hospital in Hornell after a three-year illness.

Born in Hornell on March 14, 1934 he was a son of the late Arthur and Mary (Sullivan) Norton. Besides his parents, he was also predeceased by his brother, Harry Norton.

A former resident of West Almond, NY, Fran was a graduate of Angelica Central school where he excelled in baseball and basketball. He also was a graduate of Buffalo State College and received a master’s degree from Alfred University.

He proudly served five years with the U.S. Army National Guard, Troop C, First Squadron, 121ST Cavalry from 1959 to his honorable discharge as a Sergeant (E5) in 1964.

Fran has resided in Hornell for most of his life and before he retired, he was employed for many years for the Hornell City School District as the Director of Media Services.

A member of Our Lady of the Valley Parish, he was a communicant of St. Ann’s Church in Hornell and was a member of the Hornell Council No. 243, Knights of Columbus. Throughout the years Fran served with the Hornell Housing Authority and coached Hornell High School JV Basketball and Cinderella Softball.

He was an avid hockey and Buffalo Bills fan and especially loved to attend his grandson’s sporting events.

He is lovingly survived by his wife of nearly 63 years, Marilyn (Andrews) Norton who he married at St. Ann’s Church in Hornell on Oct. 14, 1961; three children, Christopher (Holly) Norton of Hunt, NY, Marianna (Kyle) Hayes of Lockport, NY and Michael Norton of Hornell; one grandson, Andrew Francis Hayes, a student at Niagara University; one sister, Katherine (Robert) Isaman of Dalton, NY; as well as several nieces and nephews.

Calling hours are 5-7 p.m. Thursday (May 30, 2024) at the Bishop-Johnson & DeSanto Funeral Home, 285 Main St., Hornell where a funeral and committal service will take place following calling hours at 7 p.m. Thursday with Deacon Robert McCormick officiating. Private interment will be in St. Mary’s Cemetery, town of Fremont.

The United States flag and the Army flag will proudly fly at the Bishop-Johnson & DeSanto Funeral Home in recognition of Fran’s service with the U.S. Army National Guard.

In lieu of flowers, those wishing may contribute in his memory to the Hornell Fire Department, 110 Broadway, Hornell, NY 14843. Envelopes will be available at the funeral home.

The Bishop-Johnson & DeSanto Funeral Home is honored to assist Fran’s family with the arrangements.

Online condolences or remembrances of Fran are welcome at www.bishopdesanto.com or on the Facebook page of Bishop-Johnson & DeSanto Funeral Home.

HORNELL – Jo Ann (Sherrick) McCarthy, passed away Friday (May 24, 2024) at St. James Hospital in Hornell.

Jo Ann (Sherrick) McCarthy was born in Lockport, N.Y. to Hershel Irwin and Ethel Marie (Pletcher) Sherrick on April 13, 1927. She was pre-deceased by her parents; her husband, Lawrence Preston “Bud” McCarthy; brother, John; sister, Dorothy; daughter, Laurie Ann; grandson, Zachary, and granddaughter, Emily.

Jo Ann grew up in Johnson’s Creek, near Lockport, N.Y. and graduated from Barker High School. She met her husband, Lawrence P. “Bud” McCarthy at Alfred and they were married in Medina, N.Y. on Feb. 8, 1947. Bud passed away six weeks prior their 72nd wedding anniversary. They moved to Arkport, N.Y. for a period of time, then settled in Hornell. They bought their house on Charles Street in 1952 and raised their family there. Jo Ann lived in that house for 72 years.

After all her children were in school, she was briefly employed by The Evening Tribune as a proofreader and then as a teacher’s aide at Bryant School.

Throughout the years Jo Ann was very civic and community minded which is evident in her many affiliations including being Co-President of the Lincoln School PTA, Den Mother for the Cub Scouts, and member of the Cooties of the Cpl. J.J. Mooney VFW Post No 2250 in Hornell.

A communicant of the former St. Ignatius Loyola Church, Jo Ann was presently a member of Our Lady of the Valley Parish and a communicant of St. Ann’s Church in Hornell.

Her loving family include six sons, Timothy I. of Reston, Va; Thomas O. (Sharon) of Geneseo, N.Y.; Lawrence D. (Carol) of Woodland Park, Colo.; Donald R. (Cheryl) McCarthy of Colorado Springs, Colo., Robert J. (Lewis Lane) of Norfolk, Va.; Richard A. (Sharon) of Bergen, N.Y.; a son-in-law, Jon Reinprecht of Watertown, Conn.; 17 grandchildren, Carrie, Gary, Jeff, Jamie, Sara, Kyle, Amy, Emily, Katherine, Holly, Zackary, Andrew, Daniel, Nathan, Hannah, Haley and Heidi; 20 great grandchildren, Maeve, Josefin, McKenna, Mia, Liam, Cailyn, Aiden, Kelli, Paiten, Cody, Rylea, Rhett, Ben, Preston, Julian, Nora, Caroline, Natalie, Emaline and Abigail; and one great-great grandchild, Autumn. She is also survived by one sister-in-law, Doris McCarthy; as well as her many nieces, nephews and cousins.

The Bishop-Johnson & DeSanto Funeral Home, 285 Main St., Hornell is honored to assist Jo Ann’s family with the arrangements.

There will be no public calling hours. Relatives and friends are invited to join her family at St. Ann’s Church, 31 Erie Ave., Hornell where a Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10 a.m. Thursday (May 30, 2024). Committal prayers and interment will follow at St. Mary’s Cemetery, Town of Fremont.

In lieu of flowers, those wishing may contribute in her memory to the Hornell Area Humane Society, 7649 Industrial Park Road, Hornell; or to St. Ann’s Church of Our Lady of the Valley Parish, 27 Erie Ave., Hornell, N.Y. 14843. Envelopes for memorial contributions will be available at the church.

Online condolences or remembrances of Jo Ann are welcome at www.bishopdesanto.com or on the Facebook page of Bishop-Johnson & DeSanto Funeral Home.

VICTOR/HORNELL – Sally Ann Flansburg, 73, formerly of Hornell and Victor, NY, passed away Saturday evening (April 6, 2024) at the Hildebrandt Hospice Care Center in Greece, NY.

Born in Hornell on May 31, 1950 she was a daughter of the late Lawrence S. “Ham” Flansburg and Florence R. (McCarthy) Flansburg. Besides her parents, she was also predeceased by her sister who devotedly cared for her, Mary Kay Flansburg, and her brother, Lawrence “Larry” Flansburg.

A long-time resident of Hill Street in Hornell, Sally moved to Victor, NY about 10 years ago to be closer to her family.

She is lovingly survived by her sister-in-law, Sharon Flansburg of Florida; three nephews, Chad Flansburg (Christine) and their children, Grace Katherine Flansburg and Tripp McCarthy Flansburg all of Victor, Jeremy Flansburg (Summer) and their son, Jack Ryan Flansburg, all of Rochester, NY and Jason (Josephine) Flansburg of Brockport, NY; also several cousins, including Joann Spencer of Rochester. She was also predeceased by a beloved family Goldendoodle, Duke.

There will be no calling hours. Relatives and friends are invited to join her family at St. Ann’s Church, 31 Erie Ave., Hornell, where a Mass of Christian Buial will be celebrated at 10 a.m. Saturday (May 25, 2024) Committal prayers and interment will follow at St. Mary’s Cemetery, Town of Fremont.

In lieu of flowers, those wishing may contribute in her memory to St. Ann’s Church of Our Lady of the Valley Parish, 27 Erie Ave., Hornell, NY 14843. Envelopes for memorial contributions will be available at the church.

The Bishop-Johnson & DeSanto Funeral Home, 285 Main St., Hornell is honored to assist Sally’s family with the arrangements.

Online condolences or remembrances of Sally are welcome at www.bishopdesanto.com or on the Facebook page of Bishop-Johnson & DeSanto Funeral Home.

HORNELL – Richard Anthony Argentieri, Rich, also known to some as Riccardo, passed away Saturday April 13, 2024, at home, surrounded by his loving family. Richard was 93 years young.

He was the CEO and CFO of the Hornell Erie Credit Union until his retirement in 2016 at the age of 86. His career as a public servant in the state of NY spanned 50 years. He served in the United States Army, from 1951-1953. Upon returning home from Germany he met the love of his life Jo Ann Patti. They recently celebrated their 70TH wedding anniversary.

Richard passed on his strong work ethic to his family and taught them that giving back was its own reward. He demonstrated that the strength of following one’s convictions, even if unpopular, was the only way to
effect change.

The son of Italian immigrants Dora Iezzi and Enrico Argentieri, he was one of 7 children.

A humble self-made man with a family first philosophy. His loyal commitment to family and his community inspired his generosity. He was steadfast in his beliefs and always “Walked the Talk” expecting nothing in return. Getting the job done was his honor.

Richard is survived by his wife Jo Ann Patti Argentieri, his 4 children, Mary Ellen, Tracy, Courtney and Richard, his sister Doris Kaplan,10 grandchildren and 2 great grandchildren.

Calling hours are 4-6 p.m. Monday (April 22, 2024) at the Bishop-Johnson & DeSanto Funeral Home, 285 Main St., Hornell. Relatives and friends are invited to join his family at St. Ann’s Church, 31 Erie Ave., Hornell where a Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10 a.m. Tuesday (April 23, 2024) and where committal prayers and military honors will follow.

In recognition of Rich’s military service, the United State flag and the Army flag will proudly fly at the Bishop-Johnson & DeSanto Funeral Home.

In lieu of flowers, those wishing may contribute in his memory to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105. Envelopes will also be available at the funeral home.

The Bishop-Johnson & DeSanto Funeral Home is honored to assist Rich’s family with the arrangements.

Online condolences or remembrances of Rich are welcome at www.bishopdesanto.com or on the Facebook page of Bishop-Johnson & DeSanto Funeral Home.

HORNELL – Debra M. “ Debbie” Carroll, 71, passed away unexpectedly Monday (April 15, 2024) at her home on Fulton Street.

Born in Hornell on Nov. 5, 1952, she was a daughter of the late Harold and Henrietta Bell. Besides her parents, she was also predeceased by her devoted husband of 48 years, Lawrence “Larry” Carroll who she married at St. Ann’s Church in Hornell on June 10, 1972; her loving daughter, Heather Carroll; and her sister, Linda Smith.

A former resident of Canisteo, NY, Debbie was a graduate of Canisteo Central School and has resided in Hornell for most of her life.

She was formerly employed as a secretary at the New York State Department of Transportation (NYSDOT) in Hornell before she dedicated her life to becoming a loving wife, mother and grandmother.

Debbie was a member of Our Lady of the Valley Parish and was a devout communicant of St. Ann’s Church in Hornell. She was an avid fan of Hornell High School soccer and loved to spend time with her family, especially her three grandchildren.

She is lovingly survived by her son, Scott (Maureen) Carroll of Hornell; her three grandchildren, Brennan, Owen and Margaret Carroll; as well as several nieces and nephews.

Calling hours are 5-7 p.m. Thursday (May 2, 2024) at the Bishop-Johnson & DeSanto Funeral Home, 285 Main St., Hornell. Relatives and friends are invited to join her family at St. Ann’s Church, 31 Erie Ave., Hornell where a Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10 a.m. Friday (May 3, 2024). Committal prayers and interment will follow at St. Mary’s Cemetery, Town of Fremont.

In lieu of flowers, those wishing may contribute in her memory to St. Ann’s Church of Our Lady of the Valley Parish, 27 Erie Ave., Hornell, MY 14843. Envelopes for memorial contributions will be available at the funeral home.

The Bishop-Johnson & DeSanto Funeral Home is honored to assist Debbie’s family with the arrangements.

Online condolences or remembrances of Debbie are welcome at www.bishopdesanto.com or on the Facebook page of Bishop-Johnson & DeSanto Funeral Home.

HORNELL-Claire Marie Weyand, 23, of Hornell left this earth too soon on Wednesday April 10, 2024, at St. James Hospital, surrounded by her family.

Claire was born to Linda and David Weyand at St. James Hospital on June 7, 2000. Besides her parents, she is also survived by her sisters, Audrey, and Anna; her maternal grandmother, Louise Wintermute; as well as her aunts, uncles and cousins. She was predeceased by her sister, Brooke Nicole; maternal grandfather, William Wintemute, Sr. and paternal grandparents, Karl and Marjorie Weyand.

Claire was a charismatic redhead who loved dogs, dance, and nature. She loved meeting new people and exploring new places. Claire had a bubbly personality and spirit that was infectious to others around her. Claire always wanted to make sure everyone felt loved and included.

Claire’s strength and tenacity were truly remarkable. After graduating from RIT with a degree in Communications, she dedicated herself to advocating for inclusion and accessibility. Her efforts aimed to ensure that all community spaces were welcoming and accessible to everyone, leaving a lasting impact on those around her.

The Double H Ranch is a place very close to Claire’s heart. Claire blossomed at the camp, designed specifically for children with life-altering illnesses. She created lasting friendships and connections that she valued throughout her life.

Calling hours are 4-7 p.m. Friday (April 19, 2024) at the Bishop-Johnson & DeSanto Funeral Home, 285 Main St., Hornell. Relatives and friends are invited to meet her family at St. Ann’s Church, 31 Erie Ave., Hornell where a Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10 a.m. Saturday (April 20, 2024). Committal prayers and interment will follow at St. Mary’s Cemetery, Town of Fremont.

In lieu of flowers, Claire would be delighted to have donations in her honor go to Double H Ranch so that more children can experience this camp’s wonders; their address is, 97 Hidden Valley Road, Lake Luzerne, NY 12846 (envelopes will be available at the funeral home) or visit www.doublehranch.org.

The Bishop-Johnson & DeSanto Funeral Home is honored to assist Claire’s family with the arrangements.

Online condolences or remembrances of Claire are welcome at www.bishopdesanto.com or on the Facebook page of Bishop-Johnson & DeSanto Funeral Home.

Hornell-Pauline P. Holbrook, 96, of 7 Adsit Place, Hornell, died peacefully Sunday evening (April 7, 2024) at her home, following a brief illness.

Born in Schenectady, NY, on November 6, 1927, she was the daughter of Irish immigrants John and Mary (Moore) McDonald.

Pauline (known to her friends as ‘Polly’) grew up in Schenectady and was a graduate of Mount Pleasant High School (class of 1944), where she and her sister were featured Irish Dancers on early local television broadcasts promoting US Government War Bonds. She later graduated from Syracuse University with a Bachelor’s Degree in History and started her career as a 2nd grade teacher with the Syracuse School System.

While living in Syracuse, she met her future husband, William “Bill” Holbrook, who was attending Syracuse University Law School. They were married on December 16, 1950, and honeymooned in NYC and Bermuda. Bill had enrolled in the US Navy as an Officer Candidate during WWII, stayed on active duty until 1948, was later recalled for active duty during the Korean War, and thereafter continued as a 25-year member of the US Naval Reserves. Consequently, Pauline and Bill resided in various Navy ports of call, such as Charleston, SC, Newport, RI, and Norfolk, VA, during the early years of their marriage. In 1954, they moved to Hornell, where Pauline was an active member of the community for nearly 70 years.

After being blessed with six children, including five within seven years, Pauline resumed her teaching career, initially part-time as a substitute teacher in the Hornell area. As time went on, however, she was called in to substitute so often that it practically became a full-time job. Nearly every morning the phone would ring and the voice at the other end would simply say, “Polly, we need you … Can you come in to sub?” The answer was almost always “yes.”

A longtime stalwart of civic affairs in Hornell and Steuben County, Pauline was a 40-year member of the Board of Directors for the Steuben ARC (n/k/a Allegheny-Steuben ARC), a 65-year member and past president of the American Association of University Women; a member of the Hornell Fortnightly Club; Ladies of Columbus; Catholic Daughters of America; and a longtime active member of the Republican Party, which honored her at the Lincoln Day Dinner several years ago as Steuben County Republican of the Year.

In 2019, Pauline was recognized by the New York State Legislature as a ‘Woman of Distinction’ for her lifetime devotion to her community. At the presentation ceremony in Albany, during which she received a standing ovation from fellow recipients and attendees, Senator O’Mara said, “Pauline Holbrook exemplifies a commitment to family, community, and country that highlights her recognition this year as a ‘Woman of Distinction.’ From childhood, she was instilled with a strong sense of citizenship that she has passed on to her own family and that has guided her, for over six decades, to enjoy a remarkable standing within the Hornell community and across the Canisteo Valley. She has remained devoted to a life’s work of raising her family and serving her community as a teacher, and a tireless and giving friend, neighbor, and volunteer … She is unparalleled in her service and dedication to our community and surrounding areas. Her long record of volunteering is most noteworthy.”

Pauline was a member of Our Lady of the Valley Parish and previously a communicant of the former St. Ignatius Loyola Church and St. Ann’s Church.

Pauline was preceded in death by her husband, Bill Holbrook, who died February 10, 1989; her beloved son, Michael Holbrook, who died November 5, 2022; two brothers, Gerald McDonald and Eric McDonald; and her sister, Ethel (McDonald) Graves.

Surviving are her daughter, Debby (Alexander Hoke) Holbrook of Juneau, Alaska; four sons, Dennis (Michele) Holbrook of East Aurora, NY, Bill Holbrook of Juneau, Alaska, J.P. Holbrook of Hornell, and Paul (Jill) Holbrook of East Aurora, NY; grandsons, Hayden, Ryan, Patrick, Zander, Billy, and Emilio; granddaughters, Heather, Jessica, Caitlin, Ashley, Hannah, Erin, and Emma; great-granddaughters, Ariana, Emery, Mackenzie, and Charlotte; and great-grandsons, Dylan and Levi.

The family of Pauline P. Holbrook will receive friends on Monday, April 15th, from 5:00 PM until 7:00 PM at the Dagon Funeral Home, 38 Church St., Hornell, NY. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Tuesday, April 16th, at 10:00 AM at St. Ann’s Church with a private burial in St. Mary’s Cemetery.

Pauline’s family requests that in lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in her name be made to the Allegany-Steuben ARC, 240 O’Connor St., Wellsville, NY 14895. Memorial forms will be available at the Dagon Funeral Home.

To leave an online condolence or share a memory, visit www.dagonfuneralhome.com.

HORNELL – Mary Jane Price, 96, a long-time resident of Canisteo Street passed away late Saturday afternoon (April 6, 2024) at Elderwood at Hornell.‎

Born in Hornell on Aug. 25, 1927 she was the daughter of the late George and Anna (Rowley) Price. Besides her parents, she was also predeceased by two brothers, George (Marilyn) Price and John (Joanne) Price.

A lifelong resident of Hornell Mary Jane was a graduate of St. Ann’s School in 1941 and Hornell High School in 1945. She was the second graduate of the former St. James Mercy Hospital School of Radiology in 1951and was a member of the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists, with a license in both Diagnostic and Radiation Therapy.

After graduation she began her 40 year career with Drs. MacFarland and Auringer in their private radiology office in Hornell. The office closed in 1991 and she later worked with Suzie Monaghan and Prangen Lane Antiques in Hornell.

Mary Jane was a charter member of the former St. Ignatius Loyola Church and was presently a member of Our Lady of the Valley Parish and was a communicant of St. Ann’s Church in Hornell. She was also a charter member of the Chapel of Perpetual Adoration and the Rosary and Altar Society. Throughout the years she was also a member of the Fortnightly Club, the Maple City Garden Club, Historic Hornell, and the Alumni Associations of St. Ann’s School and Hornell High School.

She is lovingly survived by several nieces, nephews, great nieces and great nephews and many cousins.

Calling hours are 5-7 p.m. Sunday (April 14, 2024) at the Bishop-Johnson & DeSanto Funeral Home, 285 Main St., Hornell. Relatives and friends are invited to join her family at St. Ann’s Church, 3l Erie Ave., Hornell where a Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10 a.m. Monday (April 15, 2024). Interment will be in St. Ann’s Cemetery, Hornell.

In lieu of flowers, those wishing may contribute in her memory to their favorite charity.

The Bishop-Johnson & DeSanto Funeral Home is honored to assist Mary Jane’s family with the arrangements.

Online condolences or remembrances of Mary Jane are welcome at www.bishopdesanto.com or on the Facebook page of Bishop-Johnson & DeSanto Funeral Home.

Bonnie L. Jackson-Willey of Canisteo, NY, passed away on April 2, 2024.

Bonnie was born in Hornell to Dolores McKibbin-Jackson and Clarence Earl Jackson on August 14, 1948. She married William D. Willey on May 27, 1988 in Hornell. She graduated from Hornell High School in 1966.

She was employed at the Hornell Tribune for 30 plus years as a Sales Representative. She worked in telemarketing for WLEA/WCKR Radio for 8 years. She loved all her advertising friends and the community she lived in.

Bonnie is preceded in death by her mother Dolores McKibbin-Jackson on January 17, 1968; Clarence Earl Jackson on December 8, 2004; beloved husband William D. Willey on April 2, 2019 (exactly 5 years prior to date); daughter, Christina L. Simpson in 1971 and
grandson, Justin M, Bush on May 15, 2020.

Bonnie is survived by her children Delores (Randy) Dailey, Stacey N. Kull; siblings Terri L. Moore (Merle); Tom E. Jackson (Martha); Joe E. Jackson (Marty); eight grandchildren and four great-grandchildren with many nieces, nephews and grand nieces and nephews and her special friend who has been there for her especially for the past five years Chris Hallett.

Bonnie loved to fish and enjoyed many years of camping. She loved Country Music and a big fan of Elvis! She enjoyed many years of wonderful memories going to the casinos with her sister Terri and Aunt Anna. And Uncle Bill. She loved her fur baby Jaxson.

Honoring Bonnie’s wishes, there will be no calling hours or services. Gerald R. Brown, Director at Brown & Powers Funeral Home in Canisteo is assisting the family with arrangements.

ALMOND – Lillian Alice Guthrie Hanks, 93, passed away Thursday, March 28, 2024 at the Hart Comfort House in Wellsville, NY.

Lillian was born January 30, 1931, in Hornell, NY the daughter of the late Thomas Francis Guthrie and Margaret Waugh Clark Guthrie.

Lillian was a life-long resident of the Hornell-Almond area and appreciated all that the community offered. She started school in Almond until her family moved to Hornell, where she graduated from Hornell High School in 1949.

She married Leon Hanks and together raised four children – Christine, Jennie, Martha, and Porter in Almond.

Lillian retired from Columbia Bank in Wellsville after a career in local banking. She was very active in the community, including Almond Library’s 21st Century Club and the Hornell Alumni Association. Lillian was a director for the Alfred Housing Committee, the Hart Comfort House, and the Almond Historical Society. She was a regular at the Historical Society’s Friday Open Hours and helped many people research their local roots.

Lillian was preceded in death by her husband, Leon; daughter, Martha; brothers, Tom, Norm, and Don, and sister Doris.

Surviving children are, Christine McCabe, Jennie Wright (John), and Porter Hanks. Also, four grandchildren, Michael McCabe, Cady McCarty (Chris), William Wright, Hannah Wright; two great-grandchildren, Evelyn, and Finnegan McCarty; many nieces and nephews, who referred to Lillian as their favorite aunt, and many close friends.

Lillian’s family sends their deepest thanks to the staff at the Hart Comfort House and all the family, friends, and medical professionals who supported Lillian during her illness.

A funeral service and celebration of Lillian’s life will be at 12:00 pm on Saturday, April 13, 2024 at the Almond Community Church, 11 Main St., Almond where Lillian had been a member for over 70 years and led a regular prayer group for over 30 years. Pastor Scott Dumond will officiate, and the Alfred State Alumni Jazz Choir will sing for Lillian.

The family will receive friends from 10:00 am to 12:00 pm at the church prior to the service. A luncheon will follow the service. A private burial at Woodlawn Cemetery in Almond will occur later.

In lieu of flowers, Lillian requested that memorials be made to either the Hart Comfort House, 141 E. State St., Wellsville, NY 14895, the Almond Historical Society, 7 Main St., Almond, NY 14804 or the Almond Community Church, 11 Main St., Almond, NY 14804. Envelopes for memorial contributions will be available at the church.

The Bishop-Johnson & DeSanto Funeral Home, 285 Main St., Hornell is honored to assist Lilian’s family with the arrangements.

Online condolences or remembrances of Lillian are welcome at www.bishopdesanto.com or on the Facebook page of Bishop-Johnson & DeSanto Funeral Home.