Author: Glenn Leaman

HORNELL – Maria Stiles, 61, of 19 Locust Dr., Hornell, died Tuesday morning (December 12, 2023) at her home, following a courageous battle with cancer.

Born in Hornell on July 2, 1962, she was the daughter of Wesley & Rosemary (Kuhn) Hamilton.

Maria grew up in Hornell and was a graduate of St. Ann’s School (class of 1976) and later graduated from Hornell High School (class of 1980). While in high school, she enjoyed many activities including playing flute for the HHS Band and was a member of the JV Cheerleading Team and later Varsity Cheerleading Teams.

Following high school graduation, Maria was employed for about 11 years as a sales clerk for JC Penney Clothing in Hornell. For 23 years she served as a dental assistant for John P. Meyer DDS, retiring due to illness. She enjoyed people and loved her years working with the public.

Maria was a member of Our Lady of the Valley Parish and a communicant of St. Ann’s Church. She was a member of the Hornell Alumni Association and a former member of the Hornell Association. As an adult, Maria enjoyed many years of dancing for Miss Lisa’s Dance Studio.

As country music fan, Maria and her husband, Dan, attended countless country concerts and rock & roll concerts throughout the years. Having a deep love of family, they enjoyed many, many years of taking “beach vacations” to Myrtle Beach, SC, Florida and Virginia Beach.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Wes & Rosemary Hamilton; her brother, John Hamilton; and her sister-in-law, Jennifer Hamilton.

On February 23, 1980, Maria was married in St. Ann’s Church to Daniel “Dan” Stiles who survives. Also surviving are her daughter, Theresa Marie (Brian Butler) Stiles of Hornell; 3 sisters, Ann (Roger) Hamilton Leclaire of Hudson Falls, NY, Patricia (Ethan) Allen of Jacksonville, NC and Christine (Don) White of New Berlin, NY; 2 brothers, Mike (Lisa) Hamilton of Alfred Station, NY and Joseph Hamilton of Charlotte, NC; many aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces & nephews.

The family of Maria Stiles will receive friends on Saturday from 1:00 PM until 3:00 PM at the Dagon Funeral Home, 38 Church St., Hornell, NY. A Funeral Service will be held at the conclusion of calling hours at 3:00 PM with Deacon Robert McCormick officiating. Burial will be in St. Mary’s Cemetery.

Maria’s family request that in lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in her name be made to either the Hornell Humane Society, 7649 Industrial Park Road, Hornell, NY 14843 or to the Ann & Carl Myers Cancer Center, C/O Noyes Memorial Hospital, 111 Clara Barton St., Dansville, NY 14437. Memorial forms will be available at the Dagon Funeral Home.

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

Gordon Ray Ichikawa, 71, of both Canisteo and Owego, NY, passed away unexpectedly on Saturday (December 2, 2023) doing what he loved most, bobbing in the ocean with his wife Dawn, snorkeling in search of sea turtles.

Born on July 27,1952 in Seattle, Washington, Gordon was the only son of Thomas and Kiyo Ichikawa. His father Thomas, enlisted in the US Army the day after the Pearl Harbor attacks during WWII, and was a Purple Heart and Bronze Star recipient. At the same time Thomas was serving in the US Army, his future wife Kiyo was forced into internment camps in California and Idaho with her mother, father, and brother for three years. Together Thomas and Kiyo raised the most kind and caring man one could ever know.

Gordon was a man of great honor and liked by all. He was a great role model and made everyone want to be a better person. He was patient and calm, never raising his voice. He was so kind to everyone he knew. He lived his life honoring his wife, mother, father, and mother-in-law.
Gordon attended high school at Owego Free Academy, and went on to earn a Bachelor of Science Degree from Alfred University in Ceramic Engineering. He had a strong work ethic and built an incredible empire of towers, radio stations, and grew the family two-way radio business. Gordon often said, “If you like what you do, you never work a day in your life.”

Gordon loved his wife and family, and showed them this in many ways every day. He enjoyed spending time together, whether it be holidays, vacations, or Friday night Nirchi’s pizza. He loved to dance and lit up the room with his happiness, laughter, and contagious smile. For all of us who knew Gordon, we were truly blessed.

His favorite travel destination was Aruba, where he and Dawn shared a home. When he would land in Aruba he would say, “Welcome home Dawnie.” He also had a great love of Alaska, where he spent summers as a child.

Gordon was predeceased by his parents, an infant sister, his mother-in-law Mabel Beers, and his little poodle companion Maggie.

Gordon is survived by his wife, Dawn Ichikawa; step-children, Kara (David) Jiusto and Brad (Jennifer) Burd, both of Canisteo, NY, and Kalee (Laird) Updyke, of Homer, NY; grandchildren, Claire, Bennett, Carlie, Jack, and Emma Jiusto, Ayden, Brooke, Harper, George, and Gerald Burd, and Jack, Mya, and Leah Updyke; brother-in-law Jack (Marcia) Beers of Canisteo, NY, and sister-in-law Debra (Robert) Dineen of Wallkill, NY.

The family will be present to receive friends on Sunday (December 17, 2023) from 12:30pm until 2:30pm at the Brown & Powers Funeral Home, 6 Spruce St., Canisteo, NY. A memorial service will follow with Father Thomas Gramley officiating.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Dream Haven Animal Rescue, 3018 Rabbit Skin Road, Waynesville, NC 28785.

CANISTEO/HORNELL – Carlyle F. Coogan, 89, formerly of Hornell, passed away unexpectedly and peacefully Sunday (Dec. 3, 2023) at his home on Maple Street in Canisteo.

Born in Hornell on Dec. 21, 1933 he was a son of the late Donale and Lena (Flansburg) Coogan. Besides his parents, he was also predeceased by his maternal grandparents, Fred and Katherine Flansburg; one brother, Harold Kinne and one sister, Eileen Benesch.

A 1953 graduate of Hornell High School, where he excelled in sports, Carlyle proudly served his country with the U.S. Marine Corps from 1953 to his honorable discharge in 1955 and received the National Defense Service Medal.

He was a well-known and talented mason and bricklayer spending his masonry career in and around the Western New York area and was a member of the Bricklayers, Masons and Plasterers’ International Union of America, New York Local No 87.

Carlyle attended St. Ann’s Church of Our Lady of the Valley Parish in Hornell and was also a member of the Canisteo American Legion Post and the Hornell Sportsman Club.

An avid outdoorsman, he enjoyed fishing, hunting and was a member and caretaker of Camp Straight Arrow in Hornell (a brotherhood of sportsman); he also loved gardening and growing huge gardens. Most of all Carlyle enjoyed a simple life and will be remembered for his good sense of humor.

He is lovingly survived by five children, Patrick Coogan of Henrietta, NY, Colleen Coogan of Hornell, Shawn Carlineo of Watkins Glen, NY, Julie Coogan and Todd Coogan both of PA; four grandchildren, Jennifer Noone, Erin Rauber, Collin Kratzer and Allen “AJ” Kilmer; seven great-grandchildren, Brody Noone, Emily Noone, Sadie Heckel, Luke Kilmer, Cole Briggs, Josiah Briggs and Jerikho Briggs; one brother, Donald Coogan of Baldwinsville, NY; one sister Cheryl Kinne of Canisteo; also his dear nieces, nephews, cousins and many friends.

Calling hours are 4-6 p.m. Friday (Dec. 15, 2023) at the Bishop-Johnson & DeSanto Funeral Home, 285 Main St., Hornell where a prayer service and a time of remembrance, followed by military honors, will take place at 6:15 p.m. Friday. Interment will be in Bath National Cemetery.

The United States flag and the Marine Corps flag will proudly fly at the Bishop-Johnson & DeSanto Funeral Home in recognition of Carlyle’s military service.

In lieu of flowers and because of his love of animals, those wishing may contribute in his memory to 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 assist Carlyle’s family with the arrangements.

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

HORNELL-John G. Fortuna, 78, of 105 North Church St., Hornell, NY died Monday morning (December 4, 2023) at his home, surrounded by his loving family.

Born in Hornell on May 9, 1945, he was the son of John J. & Seraphina (Carretto) Fortuna.

John grew up in Hornell during, as he always said, “in the best of times” with his posse of friends. He was a graduate of St. Ann’s School and later graduated from Hornell High School (class of 1963). While in high school, John was a proud member of the Hornell Red Raider baseball team.

He was employed for 19 years as a welder at Foster Wheeler Energy Corporation in Dansville and was affectionately known as the “Best Welder in the World!” While at Foster Wheeler, John served as President of the International Association of Machinists Union. He was later employed for about 20 years at Alstom Transportation Corporation in Hornell, starting as a welding technician and eventually working his way up to head of welding technicians and manager of manufacturing.

John was a member of Our Lady of the Valley Parish and a communicant of St. Ann’s Church. He was also a member of the G. Carducci Lodge Sons of Italy.

Without a doubt, John was the “best handyman” around. He loved to do household repairs and there wasn’t anything that he couldn’t build or fix. You name it — John could do it!! He always took great pride in his work!

An avid golfer, John enjoyed playing a round or two of golf with his friends in the Wednesday Travel League. However, golf wasn’t the highlight of the day, it was the many laughs, good times and camaraderie that he enjoyed the most.

John’s love of sports, especially the game of baseball, is what developed the strongest bond within his family. Baseball brought the entire family so much joy and happiness for many years but most all it brought PRIDE. He taught his sons the game and loved coaching them, but his true joy was watching them play. From Grasshoppers, to the professional level, and everything in between John took tremendous pride in his son’s accomplishments. For many years, John served as a baseball coach in the American Legion Baseball League, teaching baseball to the young men in the Hornell and the surrounding area. “Love is the most important thing in the world, but baseball is pretty good too!!”—Yogi Berra

He was an avid Baltimore Oriole fan (MLB) and a huge Green Bay Packers fan (NFL) for over 50 years. His love of sports defined his life and the only thing more important and precious to him was his family — especially his children.

He was preceded in death by his parents, John & Seraphina Fortuna, both of whom were Italian emigrants arriving to the United States by boat through Ellis Island. He was also preceded in death by his brother, Gaeton, who died at 3 months of age.

John was married to the former Mary Milford who survives. Also surviving are his daughter, Patricia “Patti” (Richard) Clancy of Hornell; his sons, Michael Fortuna of Hornell and Donald (Renae) Fortuna of Hornell; his step-son, James (Katie) Mazza of Nunda; his sister, Lucy Booth of Eden Prairie, MN; his grandchildren, Patrick (Joan) Clancy of Hornell, Natalie and Adrianna Fortuna of Hornell; step-grandson, Jamier Scott Mazza; step granddaughter Jaiden Bently; his niece, nephew, aunt and several cousins.

At John’s request there will be no calling hours. Family & friends are invited to a Mass of Christian Burial that will be at 10:00 AM Thursday, December 14, 2023 at St. Ann’s Church. Immediately following the Mass, please join us to celebrate John’s life at the Hornell Golf Club. Private graveside services will be held at St. Mary’s Cemetery at the convenience of the family.

John’s family request that in lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in his name be made to “Smile Train Fund”, PO Box 96208, Washington, DC 20090-6208. Memorial forms will be available at the Dagon Funeral Home.

A Special Heartfelt “Thank-You” from John’s family goes out to Lena and Loving Home Care (especially Heather Flaitz) along with all of their staff who helped provide such loving care for John during his illness.

CANISTEO – Beloved father and friend, Thomas Aquinas Cassidy, passed away early Sunday morning (Nov. 19, 2023) at the age of 86.

Thomas was born on July 6, 1937 to Francis and Hazel (Smith) Cassidy in Hornell NY. Tom graduated from Hornell High School in 1955 and went on to study at Alfred State College.

After graduating with an associate’s degree, he started his first job at the former Loohn’s Dry Cleaners in Hornell until kickstarting his career with the New York State Department of Transportation (NYSDOT) building bridges and roads for over 30 years.

In addition to being a dedicated employee, Tom was an excellent husband. On May 21, 1966, he was married at St. Joachim’s Church in Canisteo to the former Phyllis D. Sanford. Tom and Phyllis went on to have two children, Kyle Cassidy and Carrie Cassidy.

After retiring he spent his time as an avid gardener, hunter, fisher, and a much-loved grandfather. Tom was a member of Our Lady of the Valley Parish and was a devout and faithful communicant of St. Ann’s Church in Hornell. He attended the Sunday afternoon rosary and was a member of the Perpetual Adoration Chapel and helped to maintain a beautiful rose garden.

Tom was known for his lighthearted personality and contagious sense of humor. He often thought of others first and never hesitated to offer his help in any way he could.

He was considered a loyal NY Giants fan through thick and thin and loved to travel. Some of his favorite places to travel with his wife were the Outer Banks, the coastline of Maine, and Arizona.

When he wasn’t traveling, he was a fan of boxing, collecting train memorabilia, and attending a variety of performing arts.

Tom was predeceased by his parents, three older sisters, and his wife of 57 years on July 16, 2023. He is lovingly survived by two children, Kyle (Michelle) Cassidy and Carrie (Robert) Cassidy-Struble; several grandchildren; as well as his nieces and nephews.

To honor his request there will be no calling hours. 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 in his memory at 10 a.m. Tuesday (Nov. 28, 2023). Committal prayers and interment will follow at St. Mary’s Cemetery, Town of Fremont. A reception will follow at the Canisteo Fire Hall.

In lieu of flowers, those wishing may contribute in his memory to the Catholic Charities Steuben/Livingston Food Pantry, 34 E. State St., Mt. Morris, NY 14510. Envelopes for memorial contributions will be available at the church.

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

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

NORTH HORNELL – Sarah S. (Stack) Heineman left this world on Thursday (Nov. 9, 2023) after an amazing life full of family, service, travel, and learning. She was born in Cambridge, MA in 1939 and grew up in nearby Medford, MA the only child of the late Louis and Madeline Stack. Besides her parents, she was also predeceased by a first cousin, Mary Craig.

An excellent student, Sarah graduated from Medford High School in 1956 and attended the Hotel School at Cornell University from 1956 until 1958. There she met her loving husband, Duane Heineman of Elma, NY and they were married at St. Joseph’s Church in Medford, MA on Aug. 16, 1958.

After a brief but memorable stint in El Paso, TX during Duane’s service in the Army, they made Springbrook, NY their home until 1978. Their family grew steadily with sons Jeff (1959), Jim (1960), Bill (1965), and daughter Susan (1969). Sarah was a dedicated parishioner of Saint Vincent de Paul Catholic Church in Springbrook, NY including teaching CCD and volunteering at Tuesday Night Bingo.

Their lives were full of birthday parties, snowy Christmas’, and regular travel around the United States including the annual Cornell Homecoming Weekend. In 1978, the family moved to Hornell, NY and Sarah and Duane saw all four kids off to college, married off three and eventually welcomed eight grandchildren and three great-grandchildren into the family.

Sarah plunged into volunteer work in the community serving on the Institute for Human Services Kinship Advisory Committee, as a leader in the United Way of the Southern Tier, as a volunteer with Academic All Stars and part-time administrative help in the Hornell Public Schools. She was also a member of Our Lady of the Valley Parish and was a communicant of St. Ann’s Church.

She became an avid quilter and amateur photographer as she and Duane’s travel moved overseas after he retired. They enjoyed visiting many countries in Europe, Russia, Turkey, and Morocco. Sarah never lost her love of learning and was always plunging into new books and documentaries to understand the world better. A highlight of almost every summer was family get togethers in the Adirondack Mountains with dear Cornell friends Ruth and Fred Erlich and their family. Her family and friends will always remember her warmth, good humor, chocolate chip cookies, and her love for all of us.

She is lovingly survived by her husband of 65 years, Duane; four children, Jeff (companion Amy), Jim (companion Ivy), William (wife Linda) and daughter, Susan (husband Tom) Stanko; eight grandchildren, Christopher James, Kelsey, Louis, Tyler, Joanna, Kate, Madeline and Emily; three great-grandchildren, Emeril, JR and Cameron; as well as multiple cousins in the Boston, MA area where she grew up.

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 Burial will be celebrated in her memory at 10 a.m. Thursday (DEC. 28, 2023). A celebration of Sarah’s life will follow at 11:30 a.m. at The Main Place, 251 Main St., Hornell. Interment will be Rural Cemetery, Hornell.

In lieu of flowers, those wishing may contribute in her memory to the United Way of the Southern Tier, P.O. Box 284, Elmira, NY 14902. Envelopes for memorial contributions will be available at the church.

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

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

ALFRED STATION – James Edward Hawes, 87, affectionately known as either “Jim” or “Ed”, entered into rest unexpectedly on Thursday (Nov. 2, 2023) at his home on County Route 68 (Town of Hartsville).

Born in Watkins Glen, NY on June 9, 1936, he was the son of the late Harold and Mildred (Whitford) Hawes. On Nov. 16, 1957 he married his beloved Mary (Gardner) Hawes, at St. Mary’s of the Lake Church, Watkins Glen NY, who predeceased him on Feb. 6, 2019, after 61 years of marriage. Besides his parents and wife, he was also predeceased by two sisters, Margaret Wells and Marjorie Hawes; and a son-in-law, Mark Lehman.

A graduate of Watkins Glen High School, Jim proudly served his country with the U.S. Navy from 1954 to his honorable discharge in 1958 as a Lead Petty Officer in an electrical repair division. Following his military duty, he studied pre-engineering at Walker College in Alabama.

Jim began his employment with New York State in 1961 and in 1964 he began his career with the State University of New York at Alfred. He assisted in the management of the Maintenance and Operations Department for the 1000 acre main campus and 20 acres at the Wellsville, NY campus and served as the campus energy conservation officer; he retired as the Assistant Dean of Engineering. After his official retirement, he continued to serve as a consulting engineer on numerous projects.

A resident of the Town of Hartsville since 1967, he served as a member of the town board, the Justice of the Peace and chairman of the Assessment Review Committee.

He was a member of Our Lady of the Valley Parish and was a devout communicant of St. Ann’s Church in Hornell where he was a member of the Resurrection Choir, the “cleaning crew” and often assisted in repairs and making various items. Jim was also a member of the Amvets Post No. 245 and the Arthur H. Cunningham American Legion Post No. 440 in Hornell where he also served on the board of directors.

Jim was a very meticulous craftsman and could build or repair just about anything. He especially enjoyed woodworking, hunting, fishing, and maintaining his home and equipment.

He is lovingly survived by two children, Harry (Diane) Hawes of Honeoye, NY and Kathy (Jon) Gallant of Alfred Station, NY; four grandchildren, Aaron (Megan) Lehman, Matthew (Gretchen) Lehman, Nick (Vanessa) Hawes and Becky Hawes; four great-grandchildren; Josephine Mary Joyce Lehman, Cade Matthew Lehman, Cameron DeCamilla and Lennox Deane Hawes; his beloved dog, Archie; as well as several nieces and nephews.

Calling hours are 4-6 p.m. Wednesday (Nov. 8, 2023) at the Bishop-Johnson & DeSanto Funeral Home, 285 Main St., Hornell. Relatives and friends are invited to meet his family at St. Ann’s Church, 31 Erie Ave., Hornell where a Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10 a.m. Thursday (Nov. 9, 2023). Interment, with military honors, will take place at 1 p.m. Thursday at Seneca Union Cemetery, Valois, NY.

The United States flag and the Navy 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 Academy, P.O. Box 446, Hornell, NY 14843. Envelopes for memorial contributions will be available at the funeral home.

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.

HORNELL – Arlene E. Tobin, 92, of Sawyer Street, passed away late Tuesday evening (Oct. 31,2023) at F.F. Thompson Hospital in Canandaigua, after a recent illness.

Born in Susquehanna, PA on Dec. 13, 1930, she was a daughter of the late Harry and Marie(Moran) Westfall. Besides her parents, she was also predeceased by one sister, Mary Louise Fogarty; and five brothers, Raymond, Allen, Kenneth, Jack and Thomas Westfall.

A graduate of Laurel Hill Academy in Susquehanna, Arlene was also a graduate of St. Joseph’ s Hospital School of Nursing in Elmira, NY where she received her Registered Nurse (RN) certification.

She was a former resident of Binghamton, NY and has resided in Hornell since 1958. After raising her children, she began her 24-year career as a RN at St. James Mercy Hospital in Hornell in 1970, retiring in 1994.

Arlene was a member of Our Lady of the Valley Parish and was a communicant of St. Ann’s Church in Hornell where she was a member of the Resurrection Choir.

An avid golfer and Buffalo Bills fan, she also enjoyed traveling, especially to Myrtle Beach, SC, to spend the winter months. Most of all she loved to spend time with her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

She is lovingly survived by her husband of 67 years, James E. Tobin, who she married at St. John’s Church in Susquehanna on Oct. 13, 1956; 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; as well as several nieces, nephews and cousins.

Calling hours are 3-6 p.m. Monday (Nov. 6, 2023) 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. Tuesday (Nov. 7, 2023). 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, 31 Erie Ave., Hornell, NY 14843. Envelopes for memorial contributions will be available at the funeral home.

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

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

ARKPORT – Robert S. “Bob” Pierce, 52, of County Route 46 (Town of Dansville) entered into rest Friday morning (Oct. 27, 2023) at Arnot-Ogden Medical Center in Elmira, NY with his devoted wife, Deb at his side.‎

Born in Elmira, NY on Feb. 16, 1971, he was a son of Lawrence E. “Larry” Pierce, who predeceased him on Feb. 15, 2016 and Margaret “Peggy” Pierce, who survives.

A resident of the Hornell area for most of his life, Bob was a graduate of Hornell High School, class of 1989.

He was employed as a manager at McDonalds in Hornell before he became the Sous Chef at the former Club 57 Restaurant and for the past 15 years he was employed as the Kitchen Manager at Applebee’s in Hornell. Wherever Bob was employed he had a wonderful working relationship with his co-workers.

A die-hard NY Giants fan, Bob loved being busy and especially enjoyed gardening and being outside. He was a loving and caring husband, father and grandfather, son and brother; he adored his “girls” and loved being a “Papa.”

He is lovingly survived by his wife of 17 years, Deborah (Smith) Pierce, who he married in Arkport, NY on Aug. 19, 2006; two daughters, Chelsea (Trevor) Miller of Greenwood, NY and Emily (Nicholas) Scannell of Zephyrhills, FL; four granddaughters, Onalea, Emory and Addalee Miller and Bexley Scannell; his mother, Peggy Pierce of Sebring, FL; one brother, Joseph (Tammy) Pierce of Brooksville, FL; one sister, Kandy (Barry) Medlen of Clermont, FL; a niece, Brooke Pierce and a nephew, Jason Pierce; also several aunts, uncles and cousins as well as his beloved Labradors, Cocoa and Denali.

Besides his father, he was predeceased by an infant brother, Lawrence E. Pierce II.

Calling hours are 4-7 p.m. Thursday (Nov. 2, 2023) at the Bishop-Johnson & DeSanto Funeral Home, 285 Main St., Hornell. Relatives and friends are invited to join the family at St. Ann’s Church, 31 Erie Ave., Hornell where a Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10 a.m. Friday (Nov. 3, 2023). Committal prayers and interment will follow at St. Mary’s Cemetery, Town of Fremont.

In lieu of flowers and because of his love of animals, those wishing may contribute in his memory to 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 assist Bob’s family with the arrangements.

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

HORNELL – Linda Boyce, 79, of Hornell, passed away peacefully on Saturday (October 21, 2023) at Highland Hospital in Rochester, NY after a long period of poor health.

Linda was born in Hornell on January 8, 1944, to Harold and Mae Lange. She was the oldest of 3 siblings; Sue Edington, who predeceased her earlier this year and Phil (and Kathy) Lange of Lockport. She is survived by her husband Robert, her son Ron (Charlene) of Rochester, her daughter Carrie (Vinny) Secondo of Littleton, Colorado, and grandchildren Adam and Morgan Boyce and Ava and Alyssa Secondo.

In addition to her family, Linda had a great love for animals and particularly the dogs she raised and enjoyed over the years. She was also an avid reader and was devoted to the Hornell Public Library where she volunteered for many years.

A private service will be held at a later date where family will honor her memory as a caring and loving mother, wife, grandmother, and friend.

In lieu of flowers, those wishing may contribute in her memory to the Hornell Area Humane Society, 7649 Industrial Park Road, Hornell, NY 14843.

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

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