Category: Obituaries

Joseph Michael Kuhn “Joe,” 82 of Hornell, passed away peacefully on Saturday, (Sept. 23, 2023) surrounded by his loving wife and children.

Born in Bath, NY, on July 18, 1941, He was the oldest son of the late Monica (Sullivan) and Ervin Kuhn. Following his graduation from Hornell High School in 1959, Joe enlisted in the U.S. Army and spent two years serving in Germany. He retired from Alstom after a steady career as one of the few remaining Erie Lackawanna Machinists.

Joe was a kind, caring, honest, gentle, hard-working, and patient family man who loved his wife Karen and his family to the fullest, especially his five grandchildren, whom he enjoyed visiting often. He loved his Notre Dame football and the Boston Red Sox and was always up for talking sports, weather, and the latest news at the Southside Grill. He was also an avid golfer and a proud Hornell American Legion and Our Lady of the Valley Church member.  His death leaves a void in this world that will never be filled. We were all blessed with his dry sense of humor and his even, calm nature. Joe had only one complaint: that the two football helmets hanging in the Southside Grill interfered with his dancing on the bar. His good friend Matt Testani dubbed him Joe “COOL” Kuhn.

He is survived by his wife of 29 years, Karen (Quinlan) Kuhn; his children, Sue Crawford (Bob) of Park City, UT; Michael Kuhn (Mary Beth) of Cazenovia, NY; Catherine Shaw (Ryan) of Palm Beach Gardens, FL; Cortney Andrus of Canisteo, NY; Katie Cleveland of Hornell, NY; his grandchildren, Casey Crawford, Megan Kuhn, Erin Kuhn, Adalyn Andrus, and Whitney Andrus.

He is also survived by seven brothers and sisters: Carolyn K. Kelly, Mary Kuhn Cartella (Carl), John Kuhn (Kathy), Frances Shute, Bill Kuhn (Tina), Dennis Kuhn, and Eloise Kernan(Jerry). He was predeceased by his sister, Rosemary Kuhn, his father, Ervin Joseph Kuhn, and his mother, Monica (Sullivan) Kuhn.

Calling hours are 4-7 P.M. Wednesday (sept. 27, 2023) 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 (Sept. 28, 2023). Committal prayers and interment 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 Joe’s military service.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to the Hornell Area Humane Society, 7649 Industrial Park Road, Hornell or to the Hornell Alumni Association, P.O. Box 135, Hornell, NY 14843. Envelopes for memorial contributions will be available at the funeral home.

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

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

Joe will be forever missed and will remain in our hearts Slainte!

HORNELL – William J. Pauly, 82, of Ricks Road (Town of Hornellsville) passed away Wednesday evening (Sept. 13, 2023) at St. James Hospital in Hornell, after a long illness.

Born in Hornell on Oct. 22, 1940 he was a son of the late Ludwig and Irene (Allis) Pauly. Besides his parents, he was predeceased by his brother, Ludwig “Louie” Pauly; and three sisters, infant Frieda Pauly, Mary Lou Jimerson-Patton and Nancy Curran.

A graduate of Hornell High School, class of 1959, Bill proudly served his country with the U.S. Army for 20 years and was honorably discharged in 1980 as Sergeant First Class (SFC).

He was a former resident of Copperas Cove, TX and was employed by the Killeen (Texas) Independent School before returning to Hornell in 2002.

Bill was a member of the Canisteo American Legion Post and was an avid Dallas Cowboys fan. He enjoyed purchasing scratch offs and loved animals, especially cats and dogs.

He is lovingly survived by his wife of nearly 60 years, Betty (Bennett) Pauly, who he married on Dec. 28, 1963 at Christ Episcopal Church in Hornell; two children, Philip (Kim) Pauly of Copperas Cove, TX and Kristelle (Ralph) Sage of Almond; four grandchildren, Aven Sage, Kerstyn Sage, Kara Sage and Kendra Sage; two sisters, Helen (Jerry) Persichilli of Hornell and Linda (Earl) Moore of Altoona, PA; as well as several nieces, nephews and cousins.

The family will greet relatives and friends from 10 a.m.-11 a.m. Wednesday (Sept. 27, 2023) at Christ Episcopal Church, 6 Center St., Hornell where a Requiem Mass will be celebrated at 11 a.m. Wednesday. Committal prayers and interment, with military honors, will follow at Bath National Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, those wishing may contribute in his memory to the National Lymphedema Network, P.O. Box 1008. New York, NY 10276. Envelopes for memorial contributions will be available at the church.

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

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

HORNELL – Josephine Egger, 104 years old, of Spruce Street, where she resided with her daughter and son-in-law, Marysharon and Thomas Secondo, passed away Tuesday morning (Sept. 12, 2023) at St. James Hospital in Hornell.

Born in Sayre, PA on April 24, 1919, she was a daughter of the late Andrew and Anna (Murray) Herrick. On Jan. 16, 1943 she was married at St. Ann’s Church in Hornell to James E. Egger, who predeceased her on Jan. 14, 1986 after 46 years of marriage. Besides her parents and husband, she was also predeceased by her great-grandson, Issac Stephen Secondo; five sisters and brothers-in-law, Mary (Ralph) Hart, Kate (Bill) Romania, Julia (Monte) Newman, Agnes (John) Haluska and Helena (Cecil) Lobdell; two brothers and a sister-in-law, William (Jean) Herrick and Eugene Herrick, who was killed in action during World War II.

Josephine moved to Lakewood, Colorado in 1994 and resided there for 20 years with her son and daughter-in-law, James and Susan Egger, returning to Hornell in 2014 where she was a member of Our Lady of the Valley Parish and was a devout communicant of St. Ann’s Church.

She devoted her life to being a caregiver, beginning with caring for her siblings after her mother passed away and continuing as a loving homemaker to her husband and children.

Josephine was a very talented crocheter and while residing in Colorado she became an avid fan of several Denver teams. She especially enjoyed watching EWTN (Eternal Word Television Network) and was a faithful contributor.

She is lovingly survived by her three children, Marysharon and Tom Secondo of Hornell, Paul Egger of Hornell and Jim and Susan Egger of Lakewood, Colorado; nine grandchildren, Peter (Katie) Secondo, Andrea Ulrich, Christopher (Kate) Secondo, John (Bethany) Secondo, Vincent (Carrie) Secondo, Elizabeth (Matt) Reimer, Nicholas Egger (Lisa), Samantha (Tim) Johnston and Jennifer Egger; 15 great-grandchildren; as well as many nieces, nephews, great nieces and nephews and several cousins.

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 at 10 a.m. Saturday (Sept. 23, 2023). Committal prayers and interment will follow at St. Mary’s Cemetery, Town of Fremont. All the services will be live streamed and may be seen either on the Facebook page of Bishop-Johnson & DeSanto Funeral Home or on the homepage of www.bishopdesanto.com (please see link for live stream) for 30 days beginning at 10 a.m. Saturday (Sept. 23, 2023)

In lieu of flowers, those wishing may contribute in her memory to either St. Ann’s Academy, P.O. Box 446, Hornell, NY 14843 or to the “Helping Hands” at Fr. Baker’s – Our Lady of Victory National Shrine and Basilica, 767 Ridge Road, Buffalo, NY 14218. Envelopes for memorial contributions will be available at the church.

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

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

NORTH HORNELL – Paul K. Crowe, retired Hornell Chief of Police, passed away at home, surrounded by his loving family, on Thursday (September 7, 2023).  Paul’s courage and dignity never wavered throughout his long battle with cancer.‎

Paul was born on February 15, 1950 to Paul and Gertrude Crowe, and was proud of his upbringing on the tough East Side of Hornell.  He was a member of the Hornell High School Class of 1968 and served in the United States Army Reserves, including as a Drill Instructor, from 1969-1976.

Paul’s adult life was dedicated to serving the community of Hornell.  He joined the Hornell Police Department in 1972, and advanced through the ranks from Patrolman to Investigator, Patrol Sergeant and Captain.  On January 1, 1997, Paul was promoted to Hornell Chief of Police, a role he held with pride for a decade, until his retirement in 2007.  In addition to training and inspiring numerous local law enforcement officers over his career, and partnering with City leadership, Paul also steered the Police Department through a major capital improvement project, and he was the first administrator to secure a full accreditation for the agency.  Paul graduated from the 143rd session of the FBI’s National Academy program dedicated to developing law enforcement executives.

Paul married his wife, Barb, on August 30, 1984, and they built a beautiful life and family together.  He was a devoted husband, who provided love, support and endless humor.  Paul marveled at wildlife and nature, and he and Barb treasured their cross-country RV trip and adventures after his retirement.  They also owned and operated Zebra Paint Striping until 2013, lining roadways all over western New York.  Paul was a gifted guitar player and his music filled their home with joy and memories.

Paul’s family was his greatest legacy.  In addition to his wife Barb, Paul is survived by his loving children, Paul Crowe, Jr., Whitney Crowe, Erin (Jamie) Edger, and Stacey (Ryan) Bentley, along with his cherished grandchildren, Kellen and Sydney Crowe, Jordan Wolcott, Kelsey and Brody Amidon, and Kylee and Payton Bentley.  Their “Bimpie” left an everlasting imprint of unconditional love.  Paul’s surviving siblings include Michael Crowe, Mary Crowe, and Kathryn Hartwell, and a sister-in-law, Ellen Crowe.  Paul was predeceased by his daughter Amy (Chalmers) Wolcott, his brother John Crowe, and sisters Patricia Capluzzi and Beverly Williams.

Paul was fortunate to have many lifelong friendships and his loyalty, strength and kindness will be remembered.  Paul’s family is also appreciative of the Hornell Police Department, the Hornell Fire Department, and the Wilmot Cancer Center 7th Floor nursing staff for the respect and care they provided in his final days.

Calling hours are 4-7 p.m. Wednesday (September 13, 2023) 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 (September 14, 2023). 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 Pauls’ service in the Army Reserves.

Please consider sending any charitable contributions, in Paul’s name, to the Wilmot Cancer Center at Strong Memorial Hospital, 601 Elmwood Ave., Rochester, NY 14624 or the Hornell Alumni Association, P.O. Box 135, Hornell, NY 14843. Envelopes for memorial contributions will be available at the funeral home.

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

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

HORNELL / ARKPORT-James “Jay” Pullman JR, 80, of 6 Brush St., Arkport, formerly of Hornell, died unexpectedly at home on Sunday, September 3, 2023.

Born in Brooklyn, NY on August 2, 1943, he was the oldest of seven children born to Dr. James & Johanna (Blaas) Pullman.

Jay grew up in Hornell and was a graduate of Hornell High School (Class of 1961). He earned his Bachelor’s Degree in English from Wesleyan University in Middletown, CT and later earned his Master’s Degree in Education from Cornell University in Ithaca, NY.

He resided in Newfield, NY for many years and was employed as an English Teacher at Ithaca High School for over 35 years, retiring in 1999. Following his retirement, Jay moved to Bay St. Louis, MS where he resided for a short time. After losing his home there to Hurricane Katrina, he moved back to the Hornell/Arkport area where he met his wife, Terry in 2005.

After moving to Arkport, he was finally able to devote time to his passion of oil painting. Jay studied art in many locations throughout the world, including France, Spain, Mexico, Italy, Tennessee and New Hampshire. In recent years, his home has become an art gallery with countless paintings on the walls. Jay has created and sold thousands of paintings for people throughout the country.

Jay had a deep appreciation of music and was a gifted guitar player. In his younger days he was a member of a band, playing in the Ithaca area. He enjoyed going to concerts and also visiting coffee houses.

He was a member of the St. James Property Board and also served as Vice President of the Bethesda Foundation.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Dr. James & Johanna Pullman; and by his former wife, Patricia “Pat” Schu Pullman.

Jay was married on March 11, 2006 to the former Theresa “Terry” Guenther who survives. Also surviving are his daughter, Amy (Steven) Galiotti of Spencerport, NY; his son, James (Eydie) Pullman of New Albany, MS; 3 step-daughters, Elsa (Michael) Geraci of Rochester, Kristen (Justin) Hammond of Nashville, TN and Katie (Max) Houy of Arkport; 3 brothers, Joseph “Joe” (Ellen Ketchum) Pullman of Truxton, NY, John (Sue) Pullman of Cardwell, MT and William “Bill” (Tamara) Pullman of Los Angeles, CA; 3 sisters, Helena (Paul) Bunker of Sinking Spring, PA, Linda Pullman of Wellsville and Johanna (David) Jaffer of San Jose, CA; 8 grandchildren; several nieces & nephews.

At Jay’s request there will be no calling hours. Family & friends are invited to a “Celebration of Life” on Thursday (September 14, 2023) from 4:00 PM – 7:00 PM at The Main Place, 251 Main St., Hornell, NY where stories of Jay’s life can be shared by all. Final interment will be in Heritage Hill Cemetery, Arkport, NY.

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

Jay’s family requests that in lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in his name be made to the Arkport Public Library, PO Box 1028, Arkport, NY 14807.

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

HORNELL-Dean G. Wesley, 86, of 114 Crosby St., Hornell, died early Friday morning (August 25, 2023) at Maple City Rehab & Nursing (formerly Hornell Gardens) with his loving wife by his side.

Born in Dansville, NY on December 23, 1936, he was the son of Gorden & Janet (May) Wesley.

Dean grew up in Hornell and was a graduate of Hornell High School (class of 1956). He was a veteran of the US Army, serving his country from 1959 – 1961 and was stationed in Japan for most of his service. He later served as a member of the US Army Reserves.

For 38 years, Dean was employed as a machinist at the former Foster-Wheeler Corporation, retiring in 1995. He enjoyed golf and was well known around town for his long daily walks during his retirement years. Dean was an avid sports fan and enjoyed rooting for the New York Yankees, Buffalo Bills and Syracuse Orangemen. He also loved his “canine companion”, Alex, very much.

Dean was a member of Our Lady of the Valley Parish and had been a communicant of St. Ignatius Loyola Church; St. Jude Parish (Alfred) and St. Ann’s Church. He was a member of the Hornell American Legion and a former member of the Hornell Moose Lodge and the Hornell Association.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Gordon & Janet Wesley; his daughter-in-law, Dr. Susan (Rainwater) Wesley; 2 brothers-in-law, Richard Wager & Donald Wager.

Dean was married in Cohocton, NY on November 18, 1961 to the former Jean Marie Wager who survives. Also surviving are his son, Michael Wesley (and his former spouse, Julianne Blanco Wesley) of Hornell; his daughter, Liz Wesley of Leroy, NY; his brother-in-law, Douglas (Beth) Wager of Warminster, PA; 3 sisters-in-law, Deborah (Robert) Thurling of Keuka Park, NY, Janet Wager of Millersville, PA and Jeanette Wager of Schwenksville, PA; his special cousins, Johanna Curtis and Sandy Smith; several nieces & nephews; along with his “girlfriends” at Maple City Rehab & Nursing.

At Dean’s request there will be no calling hours. Private services will be held at the convenience of the family.

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

Dean’s family request that in lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in his name be made to the Hornell Humane Society, 7649 Industrial Park Road, Hornell, NY 14843.

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

HORNELL – James W. Griffin passed peacefully in the comfort of his home in Arkport, NY on Wednesday (August 23, 2023) just three days before what would have been his 51st wedding anniversary to the love of his life, Cindy Griffin. Jim is survived by his wife, Cindy; sisters, Kay Davin and Nancy Shadd; his five children, Chris Griffin, Shawn Griffin (wife Amy (Rees) Griffin), Michelle Kaupp, Cheryl Hall (husband Murray Hall) and Bill Wulforst; six grandchildren, Patrick, Meghan, Michael, Shannon, Sean and Lexi; two great grandchildren, Graham and Murphy; and six nieces and nephews.

Jim was born in Hornell, NY on April 9, 1938 to Gerald and Irene (Pixley) Griffin and grew up on Erie Court with his sisters. Jim graduated from St. Bonaventure University in 1960 with a BBA and served in the US Army from 1961 – 1963 and the US Army Reserve from 1963 – 1972. Prior to 1972 Jim and his father, Gerald Griffin, were the owners of Griffin General Tire. Jim was a member of the Hornell Fire Department and deputized during the flood of 1972. Jim was a member of Our Lady of the Valley Parish and was a communicant of St. Ann’s Church in Hornell where he served as an usher for many years. He was a member of the Hornell Elks Club, serving as a Past Exalted Ruler, a member of the Knights of Columbus and other local organizations. When Griffin General Tire closed in 1972 Jim started his full-time public career at the Hornell Area Chamber of Commerce.

Jim was formerly the Executive Director of the City of Hornell Industrial Development Agency, formerly the President of the Hornell Area Chamber of Commerce and headed both entities for 48 years. He was also a consultant and, for a period of time, was the Executive Director of the Steuben County Industrial Development Agency. Jim was also a Board Member of Steuben-Chemung-Schuyler Workforce New York; Chairman Southern Tier Regional Economic Development Corporation; and the Western New York & Pennsylvania Railroad. Among the many honors upon his retirement was the designation of “Griffin Junction” where two rail lines intersect near Bath, NY symbolizing the lifetime of efforts by Jim to bring people and ideas together to get things done.

Jim was formerly the Chairman of the American Economic Development Council; Past Chairman of the International Economic Development Council – Honorary Life Member and Fellow Member; and a Certified Economic Developer for the past 30 years; Past Chairman & Member of Board of Directors of the New York State Economic Development Council – New York State Developer of the Year 1991 serving his final years in an Emeritus status.

Jim was the first executive director and helped create the City of Hornell Industrial Development Agency (CHIDA) in 1974. With Sam Nasca as chair and many long time board members including, Mayor Shawn Hogan, George Prete, Dave Parmley, Joe Foreman, Billy Schu and others; these local business leaders grew what we know today as the Hornell IDA. While Jim was the Executive Director, the Hornell IDA created over 5,000 new jobs, retained over 2,500 jobs; constructed seven industrial and commercial parks, five of which are fully occupied; constructed over four miles of new roads and streets and installed over seven miles of sewer and water lines; applied for and received over $20 million in State and Federal construction grants and loans resulting in new private investment of over $300 million. The Hornell IDA is a completely self-sufficient agency operating on a budget without any government assistance and has transitioned to new leadership under Mike Nisbet and the current board leaving the Hornell Area poised for continued growth in the future.

Jim attended the first 30 Super Bowls and was a lifelong fan of the Buffalo Bills, proudly serving as a “Blue Coat.” He enjoyed his time at Keuka Lake where he and Cindy shared a second home, the “Griff Inn” for 20 years, where they enjoyed family and friends visiting for cook outs and boat cruises. Jim was also an avid dog person and enjoyed traveling. He especially loved living a big life driving a black Cadillac displaying a white hard hat with Buffalo Bills logo in the rear window.

To honor his wishes there will be no calling hours. Relatives and friends are invited to a celebration of Jim’s life at the Hornell Country Club, 473 Seneca Rd. from 5:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. on Wednesday (September 6, 2023).

Relatives and friends are also 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 (September 7, 2023). 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 either the Hornell Area Humane Society, 7649 Industrial Park Road, Hornell, NY 14843 https://www.hornellanimalshelter.org/ or to Catholic Charities  (Steuben County), 23 Liberty St., Bath, NY 14810. Envelopes for memorial contributions will be available at the Hornell Country Club and St. Ann’s Church.

The Bishop-Johnson & DeSanto Funeral Home, 285 Main St., Hornell 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.

CANISTEO – Phyllis Diane Cassidy, 77, passed away unexpectedly and peacefully Sunday morning (July 16, 2023) at her home on South Elm Street.

Born in Hornell on Oct. 17, 1945, she was a daughter of the late Ivan and Oneta (Coots) Sanford. On May 21, 1966, she was married at St. Joachim’s Church in Canisteo to Thomas A. Cassidy, who survives.

A lifelong resident of Canisteo, Phyllis was a graduate of Canisteo Central School and after raising her family she received an associate’s degree from Alfred State College.

She was employed at the Bath V.A. Medical Center before she became employed in 1983 as a secretary in the Horticultural Department of Alfred State College. In 1988 Phyllis began her career at the former Canisteo Savings & Loan Association and retired from there after many years of dedicated employment.

Phyllis was originally a communicant of the former St. Joachim’s Church in Canisteo and was currently a devout and faithful communicant of St. Ann’s Church in Hornell where she attended the Sunday afternoon rosary and was a member of the Perpetual Adoration Chapel.

A voracious reader, she volunteered at the Wimodaughsian Free Library in Canisteo and was a member of the Canisteo Historical Society and a life member of KAHOKO and was actively involved with her high school class reunions.

An avid collector of lighthouses, Phyllis loved to travel and enjoyed spending time at the beaches at the Outer Banks and in the New England States. She liked sporting events, especially baseball and football and attending performing arts events in Toronto, New York City and at the Rochester Philharmonic and the Naples Summer Theater.

She is lovingly survived by her husband of 57 years, Tom; two children, Kyle (Michelle) Cassidy of Hope Mills, NC and Carrie (Robert) Struble of Pineville, NC; 10 grandchildren; four great-grandchildren; one sister, Priscilla Abbey of Wayland, NY; as well as several nieces and nephews.

To honor her request 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 at 10 a.m. Friday (July 21, 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 the Wimodaughsian Free Library, 19 W. Main St., Canisteo, NY 14823. Envelopes for memorial contributions will be available at the church.

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

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

ARKPORT – Jack “Bing” Howe, 98, of Arkport, passed away peacefully at home on Wednesday, July 5, 2023, attended by family members. He was born in North Hornell, August 21, 1924, son of the late Charles and Lillian (Kelly) Howe. He was pre-deceased by his loving wife of more than 68 years, Joyce (McCarthy) Howe, as well as all 12 of his siblings.

Bing was a 1943 graduate of Arkport Central School and was soon thereafter drafted into the U.S. Navy. During World War II he served as a Signalman with the U.S. Navy Armed Guard aboard the Liberty Ship SS Edwin Markham, and later aboard the heavy cruiser USS Baltimore, arriving at Nagasaki, Japan soon after the dropping of the atomic bomb on that city. After his honorable discharge from the Navy in 1946, Bing embarked on a 40 plus-year career as the village barber in Arkport. Affectionally known by many as “Mr. Arkport”, he served at various periods of time as the Mayor, Vice Mayor, Trustee, Water Commissioner, Zoning Board member, as well as Election Inspector in Arkport, and finally as the Town of Hornellsville Highway Superintendent. Many former students of Arkport Central School remember him well as their school bus driver, a part-time job he held for a number of years. He was also active in community organizations, serving as the Arkport Hose Company Fire Chief, American Legion Post 1248 Commander, member of the Arkport Exchange Club, and the Arkport Rod and Gun Club.

Bing enjoyed traveling with his wife, Joyce, to many locations throughout the United States and Canada as officers of the National Campers and Hiking Association. They also traveled to many foreign countries associated with Joyce’s position with the International Society of Post Masters. However, one of Bing’s greatest joys was going up to his pond off of Oak Hill and just sitting on the front porch of his log hunting cabin, having a beer with his friends.

Surviving are his sons: Jack (Donna) Howe, of Lake Havasu City, AZ; Donel (Lisa) Howe, of Arkport; and a daughter, Kelly (Larry) Rose of Howard, NY. Seven grandchildren: Kimberlee Howe, Ryan (Jodi) Howe, Jason Rose, Charles Howe, Kristy (Jacob) McBride, Michelle (Kevin) Gilmore, and Jamie Rose. Great-grandchildren: Logan and Kaleb Howe, Kennedy and John (“JJ”) Gilmore; Rhys, Rhett, and Torin Howe, as well as Jackson and Cecilia McBride. He is also survived by a sister-in-law, Carolyn McCarthy, of Hornell; special niece, Cynthia Crouch of Cicero, NY; a number of cousins, nieces, and nephews; as well as a very special caregiver, Marguerite Stephens.

The family will receive callers from 6-9 p.m., Monday (July 10, 2023), at the Bishop-Johnson & DeSanto Funeral Home, 285 Main Street, Hornell. A funeral service will be conducted 10:00 a.m., Tuesday (July 11, 2023), at Bishop-Johnson & DeSanto, with graveside military honors to follow at Heritage Hill Cemetery, Arkport.

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

Donations may be made to the Arkport Fire Department, 6 Park Avenue, Arkport, NY 14807; or to CareFirst, 3805 Meads Creek Road, Painted Post, NY 14870. Envelopes for memorial contributions will be available at the funeral home.

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

Online condolences or remembrances of Bing are welcome on the Facebook page of Bishop-Johnson & DeSanto Funeral Home or can be directed to: www.bishopdesanto.com.

HORNELL – John M. “Toby” Tobin, 80, passed away suddenly Monday morning (July 3, 2023) at St. James Hospital in Hornell, where he was taken after becoming ill at his home on Hyland Drive.

Born in Cortland, NY on Nov. 16, 1942 he was a son of the late Russell D. and Florence (Brooks) Tobin. Besides his parents, he was also predeceased by his stepson, Eric Buisch.
A graduate of Truxton Central School, John was a graduate of SUNY Cortland and later received a master’s degree from Alfred University.

He has resided in Hornell since 1964 and began his career with the Hornell City School District that same year. Throughout the years John was employed as a Health teacher, a Driver Education instructor and before he retired in 1998, he was a Physical Education teacher and the Faculty Manager. He attended all the sporting events that the school sponsored and coached soccer, baseball and assisted with the Invitational Track meets. He was also inducted into the Hornell High School Sports Hall of Fame.

During the summer months, John was employed by the City of Hornell as a firefighter/ambulance driver. For many years he was a bartender at the former Sunset Inn and was currently a bartender at the Southside in Hornell.

John was a member of Our Lady of the Valley Parish and was a communicant of St. Ann’s Church in Hornell and was a member of the Perpetual Adoration Chapel. He was also a member of the Hornell Elks Lodge No. 364, the Carducci Lodge in Hornell and was a former driver for the American Red Cross.

A fanatic for the Cleveland Browns and the NY Yankees, John enjoyed spending time fly fishing and hunting deer and rabbits.

John will be remembered most of all for being a devoted grandfather who always shared a word of encouragement and never missed any of his grandchildren’s sporting events.
He is lovingly survived by his wife of nearly 31 years, Rosalie Libordi Tobin who he married on Oct. 31, 1992; three children, James Tobin of Hornell, Kathleen Tobin of San Jose, CA and Michele (Gene) Doorley of Hornell; two stepsons, Mark (Kelly) Buisch of Hornell and Adrian (Kristen) Buisch of Rochester, NY; his step daughter-in-law, Laura Buisch of Arkport, NY; 10 grandchildren, Matthew (Kaelyn) Willcox, Brendan Buisch, Morgan Tobin, Anthony (Lu) Buisch, Elizabeth Buisch, Colin Buisch, Evan Buisch, Tayghan Doorley Maya Buisch, Ava Buisch and; one great-granddaughter, Margot Willcox; and one brother, Michael Tobin of Florida.

To honor his request there will be no calling hours. 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 in his memory at 10 a.m. Saturday (July 8, 2023). Private interment will be at St. Mary’s Cemetery, Town of Fremont at the convenience of his family.

In lieu of flowers, those wishing may contribute in his memory to either St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105 (www.stjude.org) or 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 church.

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

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

HORNELL – Mathew F. “Shine” Myers, 94, of Pardee Street, passed away Saturday morning (June 24, 2023) at the Maple City Rehabilitation and Nursing Center in Hornell.‎

Born in Haskinville, NY on Dec. 28, 1928 he was a son of the late Marcus and Lena Myers. Besides his parents, he was also predeceased by three brothers, Marcus Myers, Jr., Al (Eleanor) Myers, Merle (Evelyn) Myers; and one sister, Dorothy (Archie) Sprague.

Raised in Haskinville, Shine was a graduate of Avoca Central School, and proudly served his country with the U.S. Army from 1954 to his honorable discharge in 1956.

He has resided in this area his entire life and was employed for many years for the New York State Department of Transportation (NYSDOT) in Hornell, retiring in 1985. Shine and his wife, Karen, owned and operated the Laf-A-Lot on Loon Lake for several years and was affectionately known as the “Mayor” of Loon Lake.

Throughout the years, he was active in many organizations including, the Neils Creek Grange, the Hornell Motorcycle Club, the Loon Lake Association, the Wayland Town Board, the Arkport Memorial American Legion Post No. 1248, the Cohocton Lions Club, the Hornell Elks Lodge No. 364, the Hornell Moose Lodge No. 210 and for several years he operated an eating stand at the Steuben County Fair in Bath, NY.

Shine loved life, he especially enjoyed roller skating, dancing always having a good time.

He is lovingly survived by his wife of 50 years, Karen (McCabe) Myers; three children, Dana (Mary) Myers, Deborah (James) Dean, Diane (Henry) Deleo; as well as his grandchildren and many nieces and nephews.

Calling hours are 5-7 p.m. Wednesday (June 28, 2023) at the Bishop-Johnson & DeSanto Funeral Home, 285 Main St., Hornell. There will be no funeral service. Private interment will be in the Lakeside Cemetery at Loon Lake.

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

In lieu of flowers, those wishing may contribute in his memory to the Hornell YMCA, 18 Center St., Hornell, NY 14843 (envelopes for memorial contributions will be available at the funeral home) or to a charity of the donor’s choice.

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

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

HORNELL – Nicholas David “Nick” Paine, 65, of Bank Street gained his angel wings on Wednesday afternoon (June 21, 2023) at Highland Hospital in Rochester, NY after a long illness.

Born in Hackensack, NJ on Aug. 15, 1957, he was the only child of the late David Paine; who predeceased him in March of 1986 and Anne (Kriminocker) Paine; who predeceased him in July of 1986. Besides his parents, he was also predeceased by his son, Nicholas “Nicky” Paine,
Jr. in 2022.

A resident of Hornell for about 22 years, Nick was employed by the former Perry-Thompson Ford in Bath before he began his employment with Morrison-Knudsen (M-K) and Alstom in Hornell where he was employed as a Quality Control Manager.

He was a kind, compassionate and gentle man who was well known and loved by many; especially his worldly best friend and “brother”, Jeff Sawczyszyn. If Nick loved you, he truly loved you. He had a soft spot for animals and his passion was music. His piercing baby blue eyes reflected the gentle man he truly was.

Music was a very important part of his life. Nick will be remembered as a Rock and Roll legend. Many would say he was the “best” left-handed drummer around. He entertained hundreds of people with his amazing and unique drumming abilities. He told stories of packing the dance floor at the Fireside Chat. His love of music and passion for drumming allowed him to perform in several bands including, The Low cats, Montana Moon, The Rogues, Nixx, The Culprits, Buster Crab, Chimps with Hammers and his final band the Meat Cutter Union, with fellow band members, Jeff Sawczyszyn, Rich Black, Bruce Ingersoll. His music will forever live on in the hearts of everyone that had the pleasure of knowing and loving him.

“God speed” Nick – keep rocking on. We know that when we hear thunder now, it is you beating your drums once again.

He is lovingly survived by his sweetheart of the past 12 years, Patricia “Patty” Woodworth; two children, his beautiful daughter, Shawn (Gregg) Stowe of Bath and Garret Paine of Alfred and presently serving with the U.S. Marine Corps; two beloved grandchildren, whom he adored, he was their “Pop-Pop”, Quianah and Amirah Stowe; three “bonus” sons, Joseph, Nicholas and Larry Woodworth all of Hornell; three God children, Stephanie Ellis, Bailey Ellis and Casey Ellis who were entrusted to his care by his closest friends, Mike and Tracy Ellis; also his special little brown dog, Savanah.

To honor his wishes there will be no calling hours or funeral service. A celebration of Nick’s life will be held at a later date.

Because of his love for animals, the family has requested that those wishing contribute in his memory to the Hornell Area Humane Society, 7946 Industrial Park Road, Hornell, NY 14843.
The Bishop-Johnson & DeSanto Funeral Home, 285 Main St., Hornell is honored to assist Nick’s family with the arrangements.

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