Category: Obituaries

Catherine J. Forester, Canisteo

Canisteo, NY – Catherine J. Forester, 73, of Jackson Street, passed away Friday (February 14, 2014) at home.

Born in Canisteo, March 13, 1940, the daughter of Adrian and Agnes Stewart Henry, she was a lifelong area resident. Catherine loved hunting, fishing and people.

In addition to her parents she was predeceased by her son, Thomas Clark, and one brother Levi Henry. One sister, Marjorie Hughes.

She is survived by her husband Jim Forester, one son, Kenny (Christine) Caward of Savona, two daughters, Debbie Caward of Savona and Gae (Glen) Smith of KS, three brothers, Michael (Sherry) of Hartsville, Ronald (Marilyn) Henry of FL and Verne (Jeanette) Henry of Canisteo, three sisters, Sharon Warren of Bath, Linda (Clayton) Towner of Hornell and Patty (Fred) Bulckley of Bath, several grand and great grandchildren.

To send a remembrance or to light a candle in Catherine’s name please visit www.brownandpowersfuneralhomes.com. The family is being assisted by Adam E. DuBois, Director.

The family will be present to receive friends from 12:30Pm until 2:30Pm on Tuesday (February 18, 2014) at the Brown & Powers Funeral Home, 6 Spruce St., Canisteo. Funeral services will follow calling hours at 2:30Pm at the funeral home. Burial will be in Hartsville Center Cemetery, Hartsville.

Friends wishing may make memorial contributions to the Hornell Area Humane Society, 7649 Industrial Park Rd. Hornell, NY 14843.

Christopher D. “Chris” Stewart, Canisteo

Canisteo, NY – Christopher D. “Chris” Stewart,51,of Windfall Rd. passed away peacefully Thursday (Feb. 13, 2014) at the home of his parents Ed and Marcelene Stewart after a courageous battle with cancer.

Chris was born September 22, 1962 in North Hornell to Edward and Marcelene (Pierce) Stewart. On May 24, 1997 in Canisteo he married Corinne Manley who survives and resides in Canisteo.

He was a graduate of Canisteo Central school class of 1980 and had attended Alfred State College. He was a parts manager for the A.L. Blades and Son construction business in Hornell for nearly 25 years. He was an avid outdoorsman and was a former hunter’s safety course instructor. Chris loved to watch sports, any kind of sports as well as Western movies.

Chris is survived by his wife Corinne Stewart and daughter Grace Stewart of Canisteo, his parents Edward and Marcelene Stewart and brother, Mike Stewart all of Canisteo. He is also survived by many aunts, uncles and cousins to include a special aunt in Connie Frook of Canisteo.

The family will receive friends from 1-3 and 6-8 pm Sunday at the H.P. Smith & Son, Inc. Funeral Home, 29 East Main St. in Canisteo. Funeral and committal services will take place Monday at 11:00 am at the funeral home. Burial will be in Woodlawn Cemetery in Canisteo.

Memorial contributions in lieu of flowers may be made to Care First, 11751 East Corning Rd. Corning, N.Y. 14830, or to either the Canisteo American Legion Women’s Auxillary or Sons of American Legion both at 61 West Main St. Canisteo, N.Y. 14823.

Online condolences and memories may be made through hpsmithandsonfuneralhome.com.

Sharon J. Roberson, Hornell

Hornell, NY – Sharon J. Roberson, 68, of 17 Sawyer Street Site, passed away Saturday (February 8, 2014) at the Leo Center For Caring in Rochester.

Born in Buffalo, July 11, 1945, she was the daughter of Norman G. and Dora Starks Roberson. She was a graduate of the Fosdic-Masten Vocational High School, Class of 1965 with her LPN training and received her nursing license on February 2, 1967. She had been employed in Buffalo as an LPN before entering the United States Women’s Army Corp in 1973 at Fort McClellan Army Base in Alabama.

Sharon has resided in Hornell about 30 years and was an active member of the Hornell Chapter of The Group for the Adult Physically Disabled; and served as secretary of that organization. She was a member of the former Spencer United Methodist Church of Hornell and was active in the church choir and directed the Children’s Choir. She was a former member of the Sally Marquis Women’s Fellowship group. At the time of her death, she was a member of the United Methodist Church of Hornell and was involved in many areas of ministry. She was a member of the church choir and had served on many committees. She was the Financial Secretary of the church and felt that God had called her to do this ministry for the church.
She was predeceased by her parents.

Sharon is survived by all her friends at Sawyer Street Site, by her “Special Church Family” at the United Methodist Church of Hornell who will miss her smiles and hugs very much, and her feline friend and companion, “Bright Eyes”

To send a remembrance to the family or to light a candle in Sharon’s memory, please visit www.brownandpowersfuneralhomes.com. The family is being assisted by Gerald R. Brown, Director at Bender-Brown & Powers Funeral Home.

The Church family will be present to receive friends at the Hornell United Methodist Church, on Saturday February 22, 2014 from 1 until 2PM at which time a Memorial Service will be held with Rev. Marian Luce officiating.
Friends wishing may make contributions to the Memorial Fund of the Hornell United Methodist, PO Box 308, Hornell, NY 14843.

Anthony C. “Cappy” Cappadonia, Almond

Anthony C. “Cappy” Cappadonia of Almond, New York, entered into eternal rest on Friday, February 7th, 2014, surrounded by his loving family.

Anthony was born September 10th, 1923 in Mt. Morris, New York, the son of Joseph and Louise (Teresi) Cappadonia.

He was married to Zora Zella Babcock in 1947 and had nine children: John “Rick” Cappadonia; Sue (Albert) Avery; Pamela Wright; Kathleen (Duane) VanWaes; Anthony Cappadonia, Jr.; Mark (Donna) Cappadonia; Chris (Nanette) Cappadonia; Therese (Scott) Delventhal; and Louise Ballard. Zora entered into eternal rest in 1973.

In 1977, Anthony was married to Ruth “Bebe” Howes and had two children: Joseph (Stephanie) Cappadonia, and Patrick Cappadonia. They would have been married 37 years next month.

He was educated at Mt. Morris Central schools and proudly served for three years during World War II with the U.S. Army in the Pacific Theater. He then continued his education at Ithaca College, earning a Bachelor of Science degree in music education and a Master of Science degree in music. He did additional graduate work at Syracuse University and Alfred University.

Anthony then took a position as Director of Music at the high school in Savannah, N.Y. In September of 1951, “Cappy” joined the Alfred State College family as an Associate Professor inaugurating the college’s vocal music program. During the early years, he served as both band and choral director. This included the concert choir and various small choral groups, a marching band, a stage band, and a dance band, also teaching music classes including Music Appreciation, Music Instruction and Rock Experience.

Mr. Cappadonia was recognized as one of the most talented higher education choral directors in the region. For most of his career, he was an adjudicator and staff writer for the National Association of Choral Directors, and his articles on choral technique were widely published. He was renowned for his written musical compositions, including “Alleluia, Prayer and Amen” performed at the National Cathedral in Washington, D.C., and served frequently as a reviewer for the prestigious Choral Journal, official publication of the American Choral Director Association.

Anthony received the Alfred State College Outstanding Service Award in 2000, and in the spring of 2012, the auditorium at Alfred was renovated and rededicated to “Mr. C.”

In 1985, he retired from full-time duties as choral director at Alfred State College but remained at the helm of the college’s choral groups in a part-time capacity until finally retiring in 2007. He continued his lifelong love of directing each spring when his choir family returned for their annual Choir Alumni Weekend, an annual event that Cappy eagerly anticipated all year long.

The Alfred State Choir Alumni Association has been a testimony to his many years of service, with approximately 350 active members, many of whom have returned to Alfred each spring to renew old friendships and sing together at the spring concert under the direction of their old taskmaster.

Mr. Cappadonia is survived by his children, his wife Bebe, his sister Louise Fagan, and his grandchildren: Michael (Georgianna) Cappadonia; Beth (Donald) McPherson; P.J. Cappadonia; Mina (Brent) Barron; Christopher Avery; Wendy Wright; Jessica (David) Hines; Jason Van Waes; Andrew Cappadonia; Anna Cappadonia; Julee (Michael) Kildonk; Anthony V. Cappadonia; Rebecca Cappadonia; Katie Cappadonia; Kelsey Delventhal; Lindsay Delventhal; Morgan Delventhal; Lauren Delventhal; Jade (Dave) Scibilia; Noah Cappadonia; Dylan Cappadonia and his great grandchildren and many nieces and nephews; sisters-in-law and brothers-in-law. He was predeceased by his brothers and sisters Rose, Josephine, Joseph, Louis, Charlie, Philip, and Sam.

The family of Anthony C. “Cappy” Cappadonia will receive friends on Tuesday from 3:00 PM – 7:00 PM at the Dagon Funeral Home, 38 Church St., Hornell, NY. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Wednesday at 11:00 AM at St. Ann’s Church with burial in St. Patrick’s Cemetery, Mt. Morris, NY on Thursday.

Cappy’s family request that in lieu of flowers, memorial contributions be made to the Anthony C. Cappadonia Endowment Fund at Alfred State College, send to Alfred State Office of Institutional Advancement, 10 Upper College Drive, Alfred, NY 14802, noting “Anthony C. Cappadonia Endowment” in the memo. Memorial forms will be available at the Dagon Funeral Home.

“The Lord bless thee. The Lord keep thee. Make his face to shine upon thee and be gracious unto thee. The Lord lift up his countenance upon thee and give thee peace. Amen.”

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

Daniel Raymond Lackey, Hornell

Hornell, NY – Daniel Raymond Lackey, 81, formerly of 20 Pearl St., Hornell, NY died on January 16, 2014 following a long illness.

He was born on March 22, 1932 in Elmira, NY to Raymond and Jane (Cronan) Lackey. He married Hannah Rose Hourihan in 1956 in Elmira. In 1965, he moved to Hornell, where he resided till his death.

Dan was employed for 40 years as a conductor-trainman for the Delaware, Lackawanna & Western Railroad (DL&W), Erie Lackawanna Railroad and Conrail. He was a communicant of St. Ann’s Church and a member of the Hornell Council No. 243, Knights of Columbus.

He enjoyed spending time at Keuka Lake, family vacations at the ocean, watching Boston Red Sox baseball and bowling. His grandsons were a source of great joy.

Dan was preceded in death by his wife, Hannah “Nan”; daughter, Lisa Henning; brothers, Richard, Robert and Ronald; and sister, Alice. He is survived by two daughters, Dianne (Paul) Kruse of Medina, MN and Rosanne Quinnan of Victor, NY; grandsons, Sean Patrick Henning and Jack Quinnan Bennett; son-in-law, Robert Henning of Collegeville, PA; brother, Donald (Nancy) Lackey of Geneseo, NY; and sisters, Patricia (Richard) Corcoran of South Glens Falls, NY and Mavourneen (Brian) Smith of Vernon Rockville, CT.

Friends are invited to meet his family at St. Ann’s Church in Hornell where a Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, February 15, 2014. There will also be a visitation at the church one hour prior to the Mass. A private interment will be at St. Peter and Paul’s Cemetery in Elmira, NY.

Arrangements are with the Bishop & Johnson Funeral Home, Inc., 285 Main St., Hornell.

Online condolences or remembrances of Dan are welcomed at www.bishopandjohnsonfuneralhome.com

Memorial contributions may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association, 435 East Henrietta Road, Rochester, NY 14620. Envelopes for memorial contributions will be available at the church.

Shirley A. Mitchell, Canisteo

Canisteo, NY – Shirley A. Mitchell, 60, of Call Hill Rd. passed unexpectedly Sunday morning (Feb. 9, 2014) at her home.

Shirley was born May 4, 1953 in Hornell to Donald and Ruth (Blanchard) Feenaughty. On April 7, 1973 in Canisteo she married Dana Mitchell who survives and resides in Canisteo. She was predeceased by her parents as well as two sisters, Donna Mullen and Tammy Feenaughty.

Shirley was a graduate of Honeoye Central School class of 1973 and had at one time worked for Tyco Electronics in Hornell, for the Greenwood School District and Hornell Gardens. She was a member of the Canisteo American Legion Auxillary. Shirley’s memory will be of one who loved nature and all it had to offer her, especially looking out her home window on Call Hill. She loved her family, grandchildren and friends and made every effort to keep in touch with everyone.

In addition to her husband of 40 years, Dana Mitchell, Shirley is survived by two sons: Danny (Stephanie) Mitchell of Canisteo and Derrick (Donna) Mitchell of Williamsville four wonderful grandchildren: Danielle and Sierra Mitchell and Kaden and Landon Mitchell. Shirley is also survived by two sisters, her twin sister: Sharon (Donald) Whitbeck of Conesus and Debbie (Dean) Towner of Wayland, her two aunts Jenny Feenaughty and Geraldine Fisk and several nieces, nephews and cousins.

The family will receive friends from 4-7 PM Wednesday at the H. P Smith & Son, Inc, Funeral home, 29 East Main St. in Canisteo. Funeral and committal services will take place immediately following calling hrs. at 7 PM at the funeral home. Burial will be in Bennetts Creek Cemetery in the town of Greenwood.

Memorial contributions in lieu of flowers may be made to the Canisteo American Legion Women’s Auxillary, West Main St. Canisteo, N.Y. 14823

Online condolences and memories may be made through hpsmithandsonfuneralhome.com.

M. Carolyn Kerr, Canisteo

Canisteo, NY – M. Carolyn Kerr, 87, of Greenwood St. passed away Saturday (Feb. 8, 2014) at St. James Mercy Hospital following a brief illness.

Carolyn was born October 7, 1926 in Arpkort to John C. and Mattie (Ingalls) Teeft. On October 4, 1947 in Arkport she married Richard K. Kerr who predeceased her in June of 2013. She was also predeceased by a brother John Teeft in March of 2013.

Carolyn was a graduate of Arkport Central school class of 1944. She had attended both Keuka College and Alfred University and had worked at the Elmira Reformitory as a secretary. For twenty years she was a legal secretary for Louis Zanneri law practice in Hornell. Carolyn was a member of the First Presbyterian Church in Canisteo and was the second woman positioned as an elder of the church. She was a member of the Kanestio Historical society and the Wimodaughsian Free Libray of Canisteo.

Survivors include her son Richard Thomas Kerr of Hornell, daughter: Robin Kerr-Wilson of Canisteo, grandson: Bradley (Rachel) Kerr of Brooklyn, granddaughter: Hilary Wilson-Clyne (Thomas) of Syracuse great-grandson: Landon Clyne, daughter-in-law: Janice Kerr, son-in-law: Michael Wilson, a niece: Roxanne Teeft of IL and nephew: John C. Teeft IV of Ohio.

The family will receive friends from 1-3 PM Saturday (Feb. 15, 2014) at the H.P. Smith & Son, Inc. Funeral Home, 29 East Main St. in Canisteo where a memorial service will take place immediately following calling hrs. at 3 pm. Burial will be in Hillside Cemetery.

Memorial contributions in lieu of flowers maybe made to the Kanestio Historical Society, 23 Main St. Canisteo, N.Y. 14823.

Online condolences and memories may be made through hpsmithandsonfuneralhome.com.

Ruby M. Foskey of Hornell

HORNELL, NY – Ruby M. Foskey of Hornell, passed away on Thursday afternoon (Feb. 6, 2014) surrounded by family and friends, at her home.

She was predeceased by her parents, Roosevelt Ranger and Tillie Mae Clayton; her sibilings, Robert Ranger and Mary Lee Nelson; her daughter, Miriam Foskey; her son, Kenny Foskey and her son-in-law, Curtis Harmonson, Sr.

She is survived by her nine children, Emmanuel (Dore’) Foskey of Pahrump, NV, Marseena Harmonson of Hornell, Naomi (McKinley) Branch of Endwell, Phillip Foskey of Canisteo, Jerome Foskey of Hornell, Teresa Henry of Hornell, Timothy Foskey of Corning, Adrian Foskey of Hornell and Conswalla Foskey of Norcross, GA; along with a host of grandchildren; great-grandchildren; nieces and nephews (too many to mention) and her church family and friends, who she loved all very much.

Ruby was a retired housekeeper for many businessemen in the local area. She was an active member of Reboboth Deliverance Ministries in Hornell for 23 years under the leadership of Overseer Juanita Braswell and Pastor Sandra Searight. She was head of the church Mothers Board, past head of Hospitality and also read the weekly church announcements.

She had a passion for writing poems and cooking. She was affectionately known for her summer corner barbeques, cooking southern fried chicken and being called the “bean queen.” Anyone that was hungry could get a meal, anyone that needed love, was loved and anybody that needed a place to stay, her door was always open.

Ruby will always be remembered for her kindness, her spunky humor, her gentle soul, her laugh and her willingness to give unconditionally.

Calling hours are from 10 a.m. to noon Friday (Feb. 14) at the Rehoboth Deliverance Ministries, 112 East Ave. where a celebration of life service will be held immediately following callings hours at noon.

In lieu of flowers, those wishing may contribute in her memory to the Rehoboth Deliverance Ministries Building Fund, 112 East Ave., Hornell, N.Y. 14843.

Arrangements are with the Bishop & Johnson Funeral Home, Inc. 285 Main St., Hornell.

Online condolences or remembrances of Ruby are welcomed at www.bishopandjohnsonfuneralhome.com.

Rachel W. Hilyard, Hornell

Hornell, NY – Rachel W. Hilyard, 80, of Thacher St. passed away peacefully Tuesday (Feb. 4, 2014) at St. James Mercy Hospital surrounded by her family.

Rachel was born November 17, 1933 in Hornell to Theodore H. and Sabra (Coston) Wing. On September 21, 1953 in Hornell she married Porter Hilyard who predeceased her in December of 2004. She was also predeceased by a sister Nancy Gartland.

Rachel was a graduate of Hornell High School class of 1951 and had served our country in the U.S. Navy from 1953-54. She was a seamstress and machine operator at the former Marion Rohr textile company in Hornell.

Survivors include two daughters: Diane Bristow of Katy, Texas and Jean Gavlik of Hornell, a grandson: Allan Falzarano, granddaughter: Leann Gavlik, brother-in-law Vernon Gartland of Ocala, FL. and close family friends, Richard and Lois Tyson of Newfield.

The family will receive friends from 1-3 PM Monday at the H.P. Smith & Son, Inc. Funeral Home 29 East Main St. in Canisteo where a memorial service will take place immediately following calling hrs. at 3 PM. Burial will be in the Robertson Section of Rural Cemetery in Hornell.

Memorial contributions in lieu of flowers may be made to the Hornell Area Humane Society, P.O. Box 533, Hornell, N.Y. 14843.

Online condolences and memories may be made through hpsmithandsonfuneralhome.com.

Roger L. Harding Sr., Hornell

Hornell, NY – Roger L. Harding Sr., 65, of 47 Hill Street, passed away Tuesday (February 4, 2014) at his home.

Born in Hornell, September 26, 1948, the son of Harry and Ida Swan Harding, he had resided in Hornell his entire life. Roger had been employed as a welder at the former Foster-Wheeler Corp. in Dansville for 17 years, for the Hornell Wholesale Grocery, Southern Tier Distributors and the Salamancia Beverage and most recently for Pro Action Senior Aid Employment.

He was a graduate of Hornell High School, Class of 1966 and was an avid New York Yankees fan. He also enjoyed the Miami Dolphins, word search puzzles and his favorite game; Yatzee.

He was predeceased by his parents, his brother Gary Harding, his sister Barbara his sister-in-law, Lukey Harding as well as his mother and father- in-law, Walter and Clarabelle Margeson.

He is survived by his wife, Nancy Margeson Harding to whom he was married on June 24, 1967, his two sons, Roger “Lew” Harding Jr.of Hornell and Timothy Harding of Livonia, Michigan, his sisters, Suzanne (Gary) Powers of Hornell and Dolly Andrus of Hornell, his brothers, Robert (Liz) Harding of Greenwood, David (Linda) Harding of Canisteo, William Harding of Hornell and Brian (Dory) Harding of Bath. Several nieces and nephews and his faithful companion “Buddy”.

To send a remembrance to the family or to light a candle in Roger’s memory, please visit www.brownandpowersfuneralhomes.com. The family is being assisted by Gerald R. Brown, Director.

The family will be present to receive friends on Friday from 4 PM until 7 PM at the Bender – Brown & Powers Funeral Home, 354 Canisteo St, Hornell where funeral services will be held on Saturday at 11:00 AM, Rev. Donald Maynard officiating. Burial will be in Rural Cemetery, Hornell.

Friends may make memorial contributions to: Care First, 11751 East Corning Road, Corning, NY 14830-3657.

Susan M. Plake, Hornell

HORNELL, NY – Susan M. Plake, 69, of Charles St., passed away Saturday morning (Feb. 1, 2014) at St. James Mercy Hospital in Hornell, surrounded by her family.
Born in Easton, Pa. on Oct. 10, 1944, she was a daughter of the late Andor and Catherine Trauch Wester. Besides her parents, she was also predeceased by her husband, Charles Plake, Jr.; her son, Ray Bradley and her stepson, Brandon Plake.
A former resident of Harmony, N.J., Sue spent her younger years with her grandmother and Aunt Nellie, and received her high school education in New Jersey and Pennsylvania. She also attended Kansas State University.
Sue was a homemaker, enjoyed time with her family and was a well- known local artist.
She resided in Troupsburg before becoming a resident of Hornell in 1990.
An avid conversationalist, she also enjoyed gardening, camping and collecting “treasures.” Sue shared these interests with her children.
Her loving family includes her eight children, Timothy Bradley (April Kepner) of Arkport, Jennifer (Alfred) Tomaschow of Dansville, Deborah (Jason) Edlen of Mt. Morris, Bonnie Button (Steve Kilmer) of Canisteo, her former son-in-law, Shannan Austin of Troupsburg, Cynthia (Jason) Oliver of Greenwood, Amanda (Kai) Chitaphong of Scottsville, Charles Plake III (Rose-Lynn) of Vancouver, B.C. and Morry Plake of Hornell; her 24 grandchildren, Nicole, Crystal, Amanda, Hannah, Emilie, Samuel, Nathaniel, Julia, Darian, Hannah, Autumn, Andrew, Aimee, Kendall, Kelsey, Abigail, Jackson, Benjamin, Kaleb, Ella, Khloe, Kai, London and Presley; her three great-grandchildren, Anabelle, Macie and Naomi; her brother, Andor Wester, Jr. of Harmony, N.J.; her four sisters, Peggy Hemp of California, Lucille Austin of Troupsburg, Alice Ponce of South Carolina and Cathy Brassaw of Harmony, N.J.; also her nieces, nephews and cousins; as well as her many friends, including her good friend, Richard.
Calling hours are from 4-6 p.m. Thursday at the Bishop & Johnson Funeral Home, Inc., 285 Main St., Hornell, where a private service of celebration of her life will be held at the convenience of her family, with the Rev. Douglas E. Jones officiating. Interment will be in Mt. Hope Cemetery, Troupsburg.
Online condolences or remembrances of Sue are welcomed at www.bishopandjohnsonfuneralhome.com.

Clarence R. “Ray” Conine, Hornell

Hornell, NY – Clarence R. “Ray” Conine, 78, of 23 Adsit St., died unexpectedly Friday morning (January 31, 2013) at his home.

A native & life resident of Hornell, he was born June 29, 1935 and was the son of Fred & Meta (Skinner) Conine.

Ray was a graduate of Hornell High School (class of 1953) and later attended Ithaca College. He was employed for several years at JC Penney’s in Hornell and for many years served as an insurance agent in the Hornell area. For several years he was employed as assistant manager at the former Security Trust Bank in Hornell.

Ray always had a love of animals and for many years owned & operated riverside Pet Store in Hornell. Throughout the years he owned & cared for many dogs.

He was preceded in death by his sister, Betty Manry.

Ray was married for 55 years to the former Rose Cartella who survives. Also surviving are 3 sons, Alan (Becky) Conine of Rochester, Andy (Kathy) Conine of Hornell and Charlie Conine of Rochester; 4 grandchildren, Kirsten (Evan) Cogansparger, Marissa (Ryan) Goodwin, Michael Conine and Kyle Conine; 4 great-grandchildren; several nieces & nephews.

The family of Clarence R. “Ray” Conine will receive friends on Monday from 4:00 PM – 6:00 PM at the Dagon Funeral Home, 38 Church St., Hornell, NY where a memorial service will be held at the conclusion of calling hours at 6:00 PM with Deacon Robert McCormick officiating.

Ray’s family request that memorial contributions in his name be made to Hornell Humane Society, 7649 Industrial Park Road, Hornell, NY 14843. Memorial forms will be available at the Dagon Funeral Home.