Author: Glenn Leaman

HORNELL – Paul R. Schnacky, 95, passed away peacefully early Thursday morning (March 14, 2024) at his home in Hornell.

Born in Rochester, NY on June 8, 1928, he was one of eight sons born to the late Albert and Emma (Hagman) Schnacky. He was predeceased by his parents and by his brothers, Charles, Msgr. Albert, William, John, Bernard, Thomas, and Robert Schnacky.

Paul grew up at St. Boniface Parish in Rochester. He attended Aquinas Institute, St. Andrew’s Seminary, and St. Bernard’s Seminary. He was ordained by the late Bishop James E. Kearney on July 6, 1953 at Sacred Heart Cathedral in Rochester. He served at numerous parishes in Rochester, Auburn, Irondequoit, Cato, Red Creek and Fair Haven. Paul came to the southern tier in 1979 and spent the rest of his life there. He hosted a weekly radio program for a period of time.

His family includes many nieces, nephews, cousins and dear friends.

There will be no calling hours. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10 a.m. Tuesday (March 19, 2024) at St. Ann’s Church, 31 Erie Avenue, Hornell. Interment will be private.

To honor his request, those wishing may have masses offered for the repose of his soul at the St. Benedict Abbey, 252 Still River Road, PO Box 67, Still River, MA 01467. Mass cards will be available at the church.

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

HORNELL-David T. “Dave” Andrezzi, 95, of 77 Elizabeth St., Hornell, died Monday evening (March 4, 2024) at his home, following a long illness.

Born in Brooklyn, NY on September 11, 1928, he was the son of Thomas & Rosalia (Puccio) Andreozzi.

Dave grew up in Brooklyn and at the age of 16 enlisted in the US Army Air Force after forging his parent’s signature on the US Enlistment Consent form. He was a Veteran of WWII serving primarily as a member of the Military Police. Dave was stationed at many places throughout the world including the United States and Japan. He was honorably discharged after serving 2 years with the US Air Force/Army and 3 years as a member of the US Air Force Reserves.

After being honorably discharged from the military, Dave returned to Brooklyn and eventually moved to Hornell. He worked for a time at Stern & Stern Industries and later was employed for about 30 years at the former Erie Railroad, Erie-Lackawanna Railroad and Conrail in many capacities, primarily as a Lineman.

Following his “retirement” from the railroad, Dave began working for Maple City Dodge in Hornell as a driver and parts deliveryman, retiring with over 25 years of service.

Dave was a member of Our Lady of the Valley Parish and a communicant of St. Ann’s Church. He was an avid fisherman who enjoyed fishing in lakes, streams, ponds & rivers. In his youth while living in Brooklyn, Dave was a talented boxer and remained a boxing fan for the rest of his life. He was also a lifelong Yankees fan and never missed watching a game. He even attended some games at the old stadium with some of his grandchildren.

Dave was known as “Poppy” to his grandchildren and great grandchildren, who he always enjoyed spending time with, and too many around town, he was known as “Grandpa Dave”.

He was married to the former Mary Cartella who died July 8, 1996. He was also preceded in death by his brothers, Anthony Andreozzi and Lawrence Andreozzi.

Surviving are his children, Rosalie (Steve) Muhlollen of Hartsville, Joann Kuhn of Hornell, Mary Angela Andrezzi of Hornell, David Andrezzi of Hornell, Valerie Burch of Arkport, Thomas (Heather) Andrezzi of Casselberry, FL and Ann Marie Dailey of Hamlin, NY; his sister, Nancy Cartella of Hornell; his brother, Francis Andreozzi of Lake Havasu, AZ; his in-laws, Carl (Mary) Cartella, Lou (Beth) Cartella; 13 grandchildren; 13 great-grandchildren; several nieces & nephews.

The family of David T. “Dave” Andrezzi will receive friends on Sunday from 4:00 PM until 6:00 PM at the Dagon Funeral Home, 38 Church St., Hornell, NY. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Monday at 1:00 PM at St. Ann’s Church with burial in St. Mary’s Cemetery next to his wife, Mary.

Dave’s family request that in lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in his name be made to Care First at 3805 Meads Creek Road, Painted Post, NY 14870. Memorial forms will be available at the Dagon Funeral Home.

In recognition of Dave’s service to his country during WWII, the American Flag at the Dagon Funeral Home will be flown at half-staff.

Tim Coleman, 73, of Jack White Road, Hornell (Town of Hartsville), passed away Friday evening (March 1, 2024) surrounded by family. He lost his hard-fought battle with leukemia at Strong Memorial Hospital in Rochester, NY.

Tim lived life to the fullest and his journey on earth has ended; his devout Catholic faith will lead him forward.

Born in Hornell on January 30, 1951to the late Stewart and Leah (Skillman) Coleman.

A graduate of Canisteo Central School, class of 1969, Tim also graduated from SUNY Alfred and received a bachelor’s degree in history from Brockport State College.

He was employed by the Erie-Lackawanna Railroad, Conrail and the D & H Railroad as a brakeman. He was then employed by the New York State Department of Transportation (NYSOT) in Hornell, retiring as a Civil Engineer.

Tim was very devoted to his Catholic faith and was a parishioner of the former St. Joachim’s Church in Canisteo. He was presently a member and communicant of Our Lady of the Valley Parish in Hornell and Rexville. He was also an active member of the Sons of Ireland, Ancient Order of Hibernians.

Throughout the years Tim has enjoyed many hobbies including fishing, hunting, boating, kayaking, bicycling and volleyball. He was an avid golfer and was a member of Twin Hickory Golf Course in Hornell. He also XC skied with the Greater Garwood Ski Association (GGSA). Tim appreciated music and attended and danced at many events and festivals with family and friends.

Tim will be remembered for his outgoing personality and his ability to make friends easily.  It was important to Tim to live lightly on this earth. He was a self-sufficient man who lived off the land and had a wealth of knowledge on numerous subjects. He will be greatly missed by all those who knew and loved him.

He is lovingly survived by three daughters, Sara (Joe) Tigani, Rachel (Ernie) Chamberlain and Hannah (Joey) Testani all of Kane, PA; seven grandchildren, Grace, Ada, Leah, Phinn, Keller, Micah and Frances; one sister, Maryann (Donn) Lang of Alfred, NY; his partner, Jude Preston of Canaseraga, NY; as well as many cousins and friends who were like family to him.

Calling hours are 5-7 p.m. Friday (March 8, 2024) at the Bishop-Johnson & DeSanto Funeral Home, 285 Main St., Hornell where the Sons of Ireland, Ancient Order of Hibernians will conduct a prayer service at 6:45 p.m. Friday. Relatives and friends are invited to join his family at St. Ann’s Church, 31 Erie Avenue, Hornell where a Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10 a.m. Saturday (March 9, 2024).

In lieu of flowers, those wishing may contribute in his memory to either the American Cancer Society B. Thomas Golisano Hope Lodge, 1120 Goodman Street South, Rochester, NY 14620 or to the Sons of Ireland, Ancient Order of Hibernians, P.O. Box 105, Hornell, NY 14843. Envelopes for memorial contributions will be available at the funeral home.

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

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

FREMONT – Jessie L. Haenisch of Evans Road went home peacefully to be with her Lord, early Sunday morning (Feb. 18, 2024) at Strong Memorial Hospital in Rochester, NY.‎

Born in Jersey City, NJ she was a daughter of the late Joseph and Jessie (Dalton) Collins. On April 2, 1949, she was married in Jersey City, NJ to James G. Haenisch, who predeceased her on Oct. 22, 2016, after 67 years of marriage. Besides her parents and husband, she was also predeceased by one son, Jeffrey Haenisch; two brothers, Roy and Ray Collins and one sister, Dorothy Gifford.

Jessie attended high school in Jersey City, NJ and has resided in the Town of Fremont for the past 60 years.

She dedicated her life to her family and enjoyed doing crafts, sewing, cooking, painting, canning, gardening and mowing her lawn.

Jessie was an active member of the Hillside Baptist Church in Hornell where she served on the Missionary Committee. She was also a member of TOPS for 40 years.

She is lovingly survived by two sons, Mark (Betty) Haenisch of Fremont and Timothy (Lalane) Haenisch of San Diego, CA; her daughter-in-law, Phyllis Haenisch of Bath, NY; eight grandchildren, Jaime (Shostel M.) Haenisch, Coby(Brittney) Haenisch, Tiffany (Luke) Reinbold, Lindsay (Irv) Turner, Melissa (Matt) Wilson, Jessica (Liam) Grzasko, Justin Haenisch and Breanna (Jordan) Haemor; 10 great-grandchildren; as well as several nieces and nephews.

Calling hours are 10 a.m. to 12 noon Friday (Feb. 23, 2024) at the Hillside Baptist Church, 805 County Route 66, Hornell where a funeral service will be held following calling hours at 12 noon with Pastor Craig Brittingham officiating. Committal services and interment will follow at Bath National Cemetery. After the cemetery services everyone is invited to attend a luncheon at Hillside Baptist Church.

In lieu of flowers those wishing may contribute in her memory to the Missionary Fund at Hillside Baptist Church, 805 County Route 66, 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 Jessie’s family with the arrangements.

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

HORNELL -Samuel Joseph Nasca, 90, of Pardee Street, passed away Wednesday, (Feb. 14, 2024) at St. Peter’s Hospital in Albany, NY surrounded by family.

Born in Hornell on Jan. 24, 1934, he was the son of the late Peter & Mary (Cicero) Nasca. Sam was also predeceased by his wife of 59 years, Mary Angela Nasca, whom he married at St. Ann’s Church in Hornell on Nov. 7, 1958.

Sam resided for most of his life in Hornell, graduating from Hornell High School in 1952 where he served as drum major for the marching band. After graduation, Sam served in the United States Air Force from 1952-1957, based primarily in Texas and Germany and received a Good Conduct Medal and the National Defense Service Medal. After serving in the Air Force, Sam began working in Hornell as a Trainman on the Erie, Erie Lackawanna, and Conrail railroads. He then became involved with the United Transportation Union as Local Chairperson of Local 318. From there he went on to become the New York State Legislative Director of the UTU/SMART Union in Albany, where in his tenure for over 35 years he was their lobbyist and legislative representative.

In addition to his work for the Union, Sam was an active member of the Hornell Democratic Party as their Chairman for decades and was one of the founding members of the Hornell Industrial Development Agency in 1976 acting as their chairman as well. He was a member of the Hornell chapters of both the American Legion and the Knights of Columbus. Sam was dedicated to his career and to serving his community. He was a communicant of St. Ann’s Church of Our Lady of the Valley Parish in Hornell and Christ Our Light Church in Loudonville, N.Y.

Sam is survived by his children: Katherine (Thomas) Rohan of Mesquite, TX, Marlene Turino of Ridgewood, NJ, Samuel J (Rebecca) Nasca II of Charlotte, NC, and Ronald (Brandy Sleggs) Nasca of Hornell; his eight grandchildren: Eric, Matthew, and Rachael Rohan, Samantha (Tyler) Benedetto, Eric Turino, Carmen, Dominic, and Mia Nasca and his great-grandson Parker Benedetto. He is also survived by his brothers, William and Louis Nasca; several nieces and nephews; his companion, Judy Masti and their beloved cats.

Calling hours are 1-4 p.m. Sunday (Feb. 25, 2024) at the Bishop-Johnson & DeSanto Funeral Home, 285 Main Street, Hornell. Relatives and friends are invited to join his family at St. Ann’s Church, 31 Erie Avenue, Hornell where a Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10 a.m. Monday (Feb. 26, 2024). Committal prayers and interment, with military honors, will follow at St. Mary’s Cemetery, Town of Fremont.

In lieu of flowers, those wishing may contribute in his memory to the Hornell Area Humane Society, 7649 Industrial Park Road, Hornell, NY 14843 and Kitten Angels, 233 Houseman Street Mayfield, NY. 12117. Envelopes for memorial contributions will be available at the funeral home.

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

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

HORNELL-Ruth M. Valentine, 97, of Reynolds Avenue, passed away early Sunday morning (Feb. 11, 2024) at St. James Hospital in Hornell.

Born in Dunkirk, NY on Feb. 5, 1927, she was the daughter of the late Edward and Susan (Barnes) Sheedy. On Aug. 28, 1946, she was married at St. Ann’s Church in Hornell to William R. Valentine, who predeceased her on June 21, 2009, after 63 years of marriage. Besides her parents and husband, she was also predeceased by two sons, Robert Valentine and William Valentine; one granddaughter, Mercedes Valentine; and her brother, Thomas Sheedy.

A lifelong resident of Hornell, Ruth was a graduate of Hornell High School.

She dedicated her life to being a devoted wife, mother, grandmother and sister; and dearly loved her cats and her dog, Mia. Ruth will also be remembered as a die-hard NY Yankees fan.

Throughout the years she was a communicant of the former St. Ignatius Loyola Church in Hornell and presently at St. Ann’s Church of Our Lady of the Valley Parish.

She is lovingly survived by nine children. Tom (Mary Theresa) Valentine, Mike Valentine, Larry (Christine) Valentine all of Hornell, Tim (Bonnie) Valentine of Canisteo, Jim (Judieann) Valentine, Mark (Sarah) Valentine, Richard Valentine all of Hornell, Gary (Candi) Valentine of Elmira and Laurie (Michael) Adams of Hornell; a daughter-in-law, Mary Ann Valentine of Canisteo, NY; 39 grandchildren and many great grandchildren; her sister-in-law, Joanne Sheedy of Virginia; as well as several nieces and nephews.

There will be no calling hours. 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. Friday (Feb. 16, 2024). Committal prayers and interment will follow at Heritage Hill Cemetery, Arkport.

In lieu of flowers, those wishing may contribute in her memory to the Hornell Area Humane Society, 7946 Industrial Park Road, Hornell, NY 14843. Envelopes will be available at the church.

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

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

HORNELL/ARKPORT-Barbara Elizabeth “Aunt Barb” Manhart, 82, of 8935 County Road #52 (Burns Road), Arkport, NY died early Thursday morning (January 18, 2024) at Noyes Memorial Hospital in Dansville, following a brief illness.

Born in Hornell on October 30, 1941, she was the daughter of Milo & Marjorie (DeGroff) Manhart SR.

Barb grew up in Hornell and was a graduate of Hornell High School and later served as a member of the US Navel Reserves, receiving her honorable discharge on September 1, 1967.

An active member of The Salvation Army, she interned at the School for Officers Training in New York City in 1963. She was commissioned a Lieutenant in 1965 and held appointments in Philadelphia and Staten Island where she was promoted to Captain. She also held appointments in New York City and Buffalo, NY.

Upon her return to Hornell in 1972, she held the position of Senior Citizens Coordinator for the City of Hornell and Director of Community Organization for the Hornell Area for SCEOP.

Moving to Shreveport, LA in 1982, Barb began working at Barksdale Air Force Base in 1983 where she received numerous awards. She was assigned to the 2nd Medical Group where she served until May, 2001. She was then assigned to the 2nd Contracting Office until her retirement in July, 2006. Following her retirement, she moved back to the Hornell area that she loved so much.

Barb loved to travel and, throughout her lifetime visited every state in the union, with the exception of Alaska. She has also visited 5 providences in Canada along with 5 countries in Europe (England, France, Germany, Switzerland & Belgium).

She was member of Hornell United Methodist Church and also a member of the Hornell Alumni Association. Barb also served on the Advisory Board of the Town of Burns.

In addition to her parents, Milo & Marjorie, Barb was preceded in death by 3 brothers, Raymond Manhart, Robert Manhart and Milo Manhart JR; 2 sisters, Delores Manhart Wing and Ruth Hill; along with many other family members.

Surviving are numerous nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews, great-great nieces and great-great nephews.

The family of Barbara “Aunt Barb” Manhart will receive friends on Thursday from 11:00 AM – 12:00 PM at the Hornell United Methodist Church, 7528 North Main St. Ext., Hornell, NY. Funeral & committal will be held at the conclusion of calling hours at 12:00 (Noon) with Pastor Lenny Fuller and Rev. Gary Miles officiating. Burial will be in Heritage Hill Cemetery, Arkport, NY.

Funeral arrangements are in care of the Dagon Funeral Home, 38 Church St., Hornell, NY.

Barb’s family requests that in lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in her name be made to the Women’s Auxiliary Canaseraga American Legion, 16 Main St., Canaseraga, NY 14822 or to the Hornell United Methodist Church, 7528 North Main St. Ext., Hornell, NY 14843.

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

HORNELL – Jean Shepard, 82, of Hornell’s 7th Ward, died Saturday evening (Jan. 13, 2024) surrounded by her loved ones.‎

She was born on December 2,1941 to Pauline and Joseph Dixon.

You may not have known Jean Shepard, but she made your life a little better. If you had asked Jean where she was from, she would have proudly told you – Hornell NY – she would then go on to list the many changes her town has seen. Things would then slowly evolve into a
four-hour-long conversation filled with laughter, raised voices, cigarettes, and coffee.

An advocate for the Hornell Parks program, Jean served as the President of the Cinderella Softball League; this led her to a lifetime of service to her community.

A 30-year veteran of Hornell’s Common Council, Jean understood the ins and outs of everything from annual budgets to the type of soil used for city projects. She was kind but knew how to argue. She could listen, but always voiced her opinion. You could depend on her.

Jean enjoyed talking about politics, gardening and landscaping, home improvement projects, happy grandchildren, family dinners, and the Fourth of July. Jean disliked the current state of the Republican party, and when her granddaughters critiqued the Democrats.

All her traits, good and bad, were passed down to her four children, Karen (David) Winant, Lori (Jason) Reese, Stacy (David) Haven, and Gary (Timberly) Shepard. She will be missed by 12 grandchildren, 23 great-grandchildren, and two great-great-grandchildren; as well as countless nieces and nephews; her loving sister, Joanne Curran; and her step-brother, William (Bonnie) White; her many in-laws, Kay Day, Philip (Lisa) Shepard, Susan (Joseph) Pelych, Joan (Mickey) Alvord, Tracy (Fritz) Kelly, Stephen Shepard, Lynn (Tom) Bob, and Patti (Mike) Splangler of Tennessee.

She was predeceased by her husband of 50 years, Stanley “Pookie” Shepard; two of her sisters, Tommy Bossard & Linda Warczok; and her great-grandchild, Zoey Kays; as well as her in-laws, Sharon Miazga, Gerry & Sylvia Hall, Glen Bossard, Dick Curran, and Julie Mullen.

Calling hours are 3-6 p.m. Friday (Jan. 19, 2024) at the Bishop-Johnson & DeSanto Funeral Home, 285 Main St., Hornell. Immediately following the calling hours (6 p.m.) relatives and friends are invited to join her family for a gathering at The Main Place, 251 Main St., Hornell.

In lieu of flowers, the Shepard family is asking for donations to be made to the City of Hornell c/o Jean Shepard Memorial Fund, 82 Main St., Hornell, NY 14843. Envelopes will be available at the funeral home. The funds will be used for the purpose of a park bench to be dedicated in her honor.

The Shepard family also asks that if you can, vote, and if you’re willing, be involved in local politics – be like Jean and make a difference.

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

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

HORNELL – James E. Tobin, 93, of Sawyer Street, passed away early Sunday afternoon (Dec. 31, 2023) at Elderwood at Hornell, after a long illness.

Born in Hancock, NY on March 20, 1930, he was a son of the late Neil and Marjorie (Schaffer) Tobin. On Oct. 13, 1956 he was married at St. John’s Church in Susquehanna, PA to Arlene E. (Westfall) Tobin, who predeceased him just two months ago on Oct. 31, 2023. Besides his parents and wife, he was also predeceased by his stepmother, Vera Tobin; a special aunt, Dorothy Schaffer; one sister, Marilyn Sharretts and one brother, Jack Tobin.

A graduate of Hancock Central School, Jim also attended Alfred State College and proudly served his country with the U.S. Army during the Korean Conflict from 1951 to his honorable discharge in 1953.

He was a former resident of Binghamton, NY and has resided in Hornell since 1958 where he was employed with the former Erie and Erie-Lackawanna Railroads and Conrail as a Chief Train Dispatcher. In 1980 he began his employment with the Bath-Hammondsport Railroad as General Manager, retiring in 1990.

Jim was a member of Our Lady of the Valley Parish and was a communicant of St. Ann’s Church in Hornell and attended the Perpetual Adoration Chapel. He was also a member of the Ancient Order of Hibernians, a former member of Hornell Council No. 243, Knights of Columbus and a member of the Arthur H. Cunningham American Legion Post No. 440 in Hornell, where he also served as a past Historian.

For eight years he served as an alderman for the second and fifth ward (after reapportionment) for the City of Hornell and served on the Hornell City Housing Authority Board of Directors and was a Steuben County Supervisor for 10 years. He also volunteered for many years as a coach for both Little League Baseball and Biddy Basketball.

An avid Buffalo Bills fan and Hornell High School Boys Soccer fan, Jim enjoyed playing golf and traveling, especially to Myrtle Beach, SC during the winter months. Most of all he loved spending time with his children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

He is lovingly survived by five children, Robert (Matilda) Tobin of Long Island, NY, Mary Beth (Charles) Purce of Binghamton, NY, Michael (Megan) Tobin of Boston, MA, James (Julie) Tobin of Hornell and Ann (Marty) O’Connor of Monroe, NY; 14 grandchildren; 10 great-grandchildren; three half-brothers, Patrick (Joanne) Tobin of Florida, Terry (Joan) Tobin of Beacon, NY and David (Margaret) Tobin of California; as well as several nieces, nephews and cousins.

Calling hours are 2-5 p.m. Sunday (Jan. 7, 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. Monday (Jan. 8, 2024). Committal prayers and interment, with military honors, will follow at 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 Jim’s military service.

In lieu of flowers, those wishing may contribute in his memory to St. Ann’s Church of Our Lady of the Valley Parish, 31 Erie Ave., Hornell, NY 14843. Envelopes for memorial contributions will be available at the funeral home.

The family would like to express a special Thank You to the staff of Cranberry Lane at Elderwood at Hornell for the excellent care that Jim received.

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

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

ARKPORT – Georgia Oleta Dibble, 95, of Apple Street, passed away late Friday evening (Dec. 29, 2023) at the Livingston County Center for Nursing and Rehabilitation in Mt. Morris, NY.

Born in Whitesville, NY on Jan. 17, 1928 she was a daughter of the late Lester Carey and Ann Skillman and was raised by her late aunt and uncle, Elsie and Robert Savey. On May 29, 1949 she married Clarence G. Dibble, Jr., who predeceased her on March 12, 2022 after 53 years of marriage. She was also predeceased by six sisters, Mertle, Onlee, Rosaline, Leona, June and Audrey.

A graduate of Whitesville High School, Georgia also studied business courses and after her marriage she resided most of her life in Burns, NY and has resided in Arkport for the past 21 years.

Besides being a devoted wife and mother, she was also employed by the former Kelly Brothers Nursery and G.C. Murphy Department Store in Dansville, NY and later at the former Nichols Store and as a cleaner at the former Steuben Trust Company in Arkport. She also cleaned private homes in Hornell.

Georgia was a member of the former Burns Community Church and was currently a member of the Webbs Crossing Bible Church (Hornell United Methodist Church).

She liked to knit, and especially enjoyed knitting with a group of fellow knitters at the Hornell Senior Citizen Center on the Broadway Mall.

She is lovingly survived by five children, David (Linda) Dibble of Arkport, Jean (Howard) Erskine of Eustis, FL, Joanne (Robert) Hoyt of Greenville, SC, Dean Dibble of Canisteo, NY, and Robert (Darlene) Dibble of Arkport; 14 grandchildren; 11 great-grandchildren and two great-great-grandchildren; as well as many nieces and nephews.

The family will greet relatives and friends from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m. Friday (Jan. 5, 2024) at the Webbs Crossing Bible Church (Hornell United Methodist Church) where a funeral service will take place 11 a.m. Friday. Following the service everyone is invited to attend a luncheon at the church. Interment will be in Heritage Hill Cemetery in Arkport.

In lieu of flowers, those wishing may contribute to the Webbs Crossing Bible Church (Hornell United Methodist Church), 7528 North Main St. Ext., 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 Georgia’s family with the arrangements.

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

NORTH HORNELL – Dr. Janis M. Conklin, 98, formerly of Seneca Road, passed away early Sunday morning (Dec. 24, 2023) at Elderwood at Hornell.

Born in Clinton County, Ohio on Feb. 21, 1925 she was the daughter of the late David “Roy” and Nellie (Day) Conklin. Besides her parents, she was also predeceased by a half-sister and husband, Verna and Martin Bartels; two nephews, Richard and Robert Bartels; and one cousin, Gary Sampsell.

Janis was a graduate of Kingman High School in Wilmington, Ohio and completed undergraduate studies at Miami University. She received her master’s degree at Teachers College of Columbia University in New York and her doctorate degree in education from Case Western Reserve University in Cleveland, Ohio.

She began her teaching career as a music teacher with the elementary schools of the Piqua (Ohio) School System. Later she became the Director of Music Education for the East Cleveland (Ohio) School System before becoming an associate Professor at Ken University in Kent, Ohio.

In 1971 Janis came to Hornell and became the Director of Employment Education and Community Relations at St. James Mercy Hospital for about 20 years before retiring.

Janis resided in the Village of North Hornell before becoming a resident of Lake Demmon (Town of Avoca) for several years, returning to her home in North Hornell about 2009.

Since coming to Hornell, she became active in several organizations including the Zonta Club, Rotary Club, the Republican Committee and serving on the Mental Health Community Board. She was a member of the Delta Omicron International Music Fraternity and a former member of the United Methodist Church in Wilmington, Ohio.

Throughout the years Janis enjoyed traveling, gardening and photography.

Janis is survived by several cousins and two very close friends, Judy Sheppard and Ellen Stephens.

There will be an hour of calling from 1-2 p.m. Saturday (Dec. 30, 2023) at the Bishop-Johnson & DeSanto Funeral Home, 285 Main St., Hornell. A graveside service and interment will take place at the convenience of her family at Woodland Cemetery, Xenia, Ohio.

In lieu of flowers, those wishing may contribute in her memory to the Hornell Public Library, 64 Genesee St., Hornell or the Hornell Area Humane Society, 7649 Industrial Park Road, Hornell, NY 14843. Envelopes for memorial contributions will be available at the funeral home.

The Bishop-Johnson & DeSanto Funeral Home is honored to serve Janis’ family with the arrangements.

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