Category: Obituaries

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 – Frederick J. “Fred” Lehman, 72, a former alderman for Hornell’s 7th ward, was called to be with the Lord, surrounded by his family, on Friday (Jan. 12, 2024) following a brief illness.

Fred was born December 23, 1951 at Bethesda Hospital in North Hornell to Otto and Eileen Lehman. He was a graduate of Arkport Central School, class of 1970. After high school, he immediately started working at the former Marion Rohr in Hornell from 1971 until it closed. He also worked as a shift manager at Pizza Hut in Dansville, NY. In 2000, he started working at Asplundh, local IBEW 1249, as a tree climber and groundskeeper, until his accident in May 2005. He also served as a Hornell City alderman for the 7th ward from 2011-2019. He knew just about every resident in the 7th ward from his afternoon excursions. He was currently serving on the planning and development committee and the housing authority for the city of Hornell.

Fred met the love of his life in March 1975, and married Eileen Turner on June 26, 1976. Together, they raised five kids in a loving, hard-working, and caring home. Fred taught his family how to work hard and enjoy life. He attended as many sporting events, chorus, and band concerts as he could.

Fred enjoyed hunting and fishing. Before his accident, Fred taught his three sons how to hunt and to respect the process. On weekends, he’d hop in the car and the entire family would go fishing. After his accident, Fred took advantage of his second chance and traveled with his wife and kids. He traveled to Charleston, SC, Nashville, TN, Viginia Beach, Norfolk, VA, and his yearly trip to Lancaster, PA. When he was home, you could often see him riding around town in his wheelchair, talking to the neighbors, and meeting new ones.

He was a lifelong Bills fan, even during their long draught years. He said he’d put in a good word for a Super Bowl win! He also enjoyed watching reruns of Golden Girls and MASH.

Fred’s wife, Eileen, took care of him for 17 years. She gave the entire family more time to spend and enjoy his jokes, quick wit, and love.

Fred is predeceased by his parents, Otto and Eileen Lehman; brothers, Larry, Joseph, Charles, Kenneth, and James “Buck” Lehman; son-in-law, Steven Hopkins; and his dog companion, Ralph.

Fred is survived by his wife of 47 years, Eileen; children, Steve Lehman (Jessica Siebert) of Springfield, TN, Matt Lehman of Hornell, Jamie (Ron) Higley of Allegany, NY, AJ Lehman (Tanya) of Livonia, NY and Patty Hopkins (Brian Nisbet) of Hornell; his grandchildren, Karisa Higley, Helena, Benjamin, Jack, and Elouise Lehman, and Alex and Nathan Hopkins; bonus grandchildren, Hailey (Darren) Fisher, Max (Belle) Mignone, Amelia Mignone of Tennessee, and Blake and Madelynn Nisbet of Geneseo, NY; bonus great grandchild; Nevaeh Fisher of Tennessee; one sister, Nancy Allington of Corning, NY; and many nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends so close they have become family. He also leaves behind his beloved furry pet, Walter.

Calling hours are 4-7 p.m. Wednesday (Jan. 17, 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. Thursday (Jan. 18, 2024). Committal prayers and interment will follow at St. Mary’s Cemetery, Town of Fremont.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the Hornell Area Humane Society 7649 Industrial Park Road, Hornell or 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 Fred’s family with the arrangements.

Online condolences or remembrances of Fred 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.

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.