Category: Obituaries

HORNELL – Robert L. Rosell, 85, passed away Monday (June 19, 2023) at his home on Riverside Place with his children, where he returned for one last Father Day (against medical advice) after two weeks in the ICU at Thompson Hospital in Canandaigua. He received the most excellent care while in the ICU by the nursing staff there and should be commended for their work, he was transported home by his children. He was loved by and will be missed by both his children.

Born December 31, 1937 to Forrest and Lena Rosell, he was a graduate of Hornell High School which stayed dear to his heart. He married Eleanor Paluzzi after seeing each other in their high school years, him in Hornell and her in Watertown and he very much adopted her family as his upon their marriage. He was drafted in 1961 and served in the Army two years during the Korean Conflict while based in Germany most of the time. He rarely took credit for serving because “he wasn’t near action or in peril” though he was overseas and away from his family and new spouse. They brought Tim into their lives in 1967 and Tina into their lives in 1970. The family spent many vacation days in Watertown with the Paluzzi family. Eleanor’s father had worked on the railroad in Watertown and despite a language barrier, we are told they got along very well. Bob worked for the Erie and Erie-Lackawanna, Conrail and finally Norfolk Southern in the final years of his 41 years on the railroad (his father had done 44 years); he received many safety awards and was asked to teach safety classes. He never left Hornell even when the railroad left, and he did thousands of miles a year commuting to Buffalo so his family could remain in Hornell. He was a United Transportation Union No. 318 Secretary for the railroad for a number of years, running the Union out of his home on Sawyer Street (bought Nov. 22, 1963) where he remodeled and lived for most of his life until 2000 when he moved to Riverside Place in Hornell.

He was an avid golfer during his railroad years and after and enjoyed many a libation at the Twin Hickory with his compadres, Mike Barillo and Bobby Connell. He very much enjoyed the fall hunting season at the Whitford hunting camp with many including Mike, Jimmy, Al and Rod. He attended many of the sporting events of the grand kids and enjoyed pool time with his great grandchildren in Florida. Family time after workdays was the pride of his time. He was a communicant of St. Ann’s Church in Hornell, but mostly when he was told to go by Ellie.

He was a past co-President of the Hornell Alumni Association with Ray Schwartz for many a year and enjoyed that task greatly, interacting with the Board and the Superintendents and he worked with the Scholarship committee. He also enjoyed his yearly 1950s Class reunion picnic and his Thursday lunch meetings at the Villa with his classmates, particularly Dottie and Pete. He also kept busy in retirement years without golf while working for his friends, Bill and Steve at the Bishop-Johnson & DeSanto Funeral Home and entertaining the “diggers” at the various cemeteries from time to time. He very much enjoyed his few summer weeks on Keuka Lake in Shore Acres. He lived a very full life and one with very few regrets and always when asked, even if having any aliments, he was “fine”.

He was predeceased by his beloved wife of 58 years, Eleanor Rosell in 2018. He is survived by his son, Tim (Cindi) and their two children, Nolan and Alexandra. Bob is also survived by his daughter, Tina and her three children, Laken (Devon) Mullen, Katilyn (Franke) Davis and Mitchell. Joyfully he is also survived by his three great grandchildren who he enjoyed immensely. He is survived as well by his Riverside Place neighbors including, Dan and Laura, Denny and Lynn, whom he made his last phone call to announcing he was back home. He was also predeceased by his siblings, William, Dick, Birdie, Norma, Ray and Charlie and is survived by many of their children. He is also predeceased by Eleanor’s siblings, Olga Spazziani, Atzio Paluzzi, Angie Clafin and Mary Misercola.

Calling hours are 1-4 p.m. Sunday (June 25, 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. Monday (June 26, 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 Bob’s military service.

In lieu of flowers, those wishing may contribute in his memory to the Hornell High School 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 Bob’s family with the arrangements.

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

HORNELL – Chauncey J. Watches, 90, of Cameron Avenue, entered eternal rest peacefully Thursday (June 15, 2023) at Steuben Center in Bath, after a long illness.

Born in Auburn, NY on Jan. 23, 1933, he was the son of the late James and Marie (Heaton) Watches. On Dec. 31, 1955 he was married at St. Joseph’s Church in Batavia, NY to Joan (Wolcott) Watches, who predeceased him on July 16, 2012, after nearly 57 years of marriage.

After he was born, his family moved to Batavia, NY and in his early schooling he attended St. Joseph’s School prior to his family moving to East Bethany, NY and he graduated from Wyoming Central School. Chauncey received an associate’s degree from Alfred State College.

He proudly served his country with the U.S. Navy during the Korean War from 1952 to his honorable discharge in 1956. He was stationed on the USS Alshain and was the recipient of the Good Conduct Medal, the Korean Service Medal, the United Nations Medal and the National Defense Service Medal.

Chauncey has resided in Hornell since 1960 and was employed as an agent with the Metropolitan Life Insurance Company before he began his 27 year career as a salesman at the former Sears store on Main St. in Hornell.

He was a member of Our Lady of the Valley Parish and was a communicant of St. Ann’s Church in Hornell. Chauncey was also a Fourth degree member of the Hornell Council No. 243, Knights of Columbus and a member of the Arthur H. Cunningham American Legion Post No. 440 in Hornell. Throughout the years he coached Little League and was involved with the Boy Scouts. He especially enjoyed “playing” Santa Claus for several different organizations.

When he attended St. Josephs School in Batavia, he played the bugle for The Mighty St. Joe’s Drum and Bugle Corps. He loved attending Drum and Bugle events his entire life. Chauncey was an avid Bills fan from the beginning, living by the mantra, “wait til next year.”

A loving and devoted husband, father, grandfather and brother, he is survived by his eight children, Chauncey (Mary) Watches of Bath, NY, Michael (Joanne) Watches of Cheektowaga, NY, Patricia (Steve) Trentanelli of Andover, NJ, Jeffery (Carol) Watches of Pembroke, MA, Nancy Snyder of Hilton, NY, Gregory (Toni) Watches of Grand Island, NY, Kathleen (Ralph) Gencarelli of Norwalk, CT and Amy (Daniel) Ackerman of Bel Air, MD; 13 grandchildren; 10 great-grandchildren; one sister, Claire Marie Falcone of Arizona; one sister-in-law, Mary Fitch of Batavia, NY; as well as several nieces, nephews and friends.

Calling hours are 4-7 p.m. Friday (June 23, 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 11 a.m. Saturday (June 24, 2023), Committal prayers and interment, with military honors, will follow at St. Mary’s Cemetery, Town of Fremont.

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

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

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

Update:

Relatives and friends of Barbara Harris are invited to join her family at Christ Episcopal Church, 6 Center St., Hornell where a Requiem Mass will be celebrated in her memory at 10 a.m. Saturday (June 17, 2023). To honor her request, there will be no calling hours. 

Barbara (Sick) Harris, 87 of Northridge Drive, Arkport, entered eternal rest peacefully, surrounded by family on April 30, 2023 at Elderwood at Hornell.

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

ARKPORT – Barbara (Sick) Harris, 87, of Northridge Drive, entered eternal rest peacefully, surrounded by family, Sunday afternoon (Apr. 30, 2023) at Elderwood at Hornell.

Born in Hornell on Sept. 7, 1935, she was a daughter of the late Wilson and Aldene (Snell) Sick. In addition to her parents, she was also predeceased by one son, Richard F. Harris; grandson, Richard “Richie” Harris; and her brother and sister, Wilson W. Sick II and Jean DeVito.

A lifelong resident of the Hornell/Arkport area, Barbara was a graduate of Hornell High School, class of 1953 and received an Associate’s Degree in Nursing from Alfred State College.

She was a gifted and caring RN employed at the former Bethesda Community Hospital in North Hornell and St. James Mercy Hospital in Hornell.

The role for which she was most proud was that of a loving and devoted wife, mother and grandmother who will be remembered as a fantastic baker, known for her famous cookies and desserts. She enjoyed sewing and knitting as well.

Barbara was very close to her parents and was a wonderful friend to those who knew and loved her.

An active member of Christ Episcopal Church in Hornell, she was a dedicated volunteer for St. James Hospital Auxiliary for many years and served as a co-president at one time.

She is lovingly survived by her husband of 70 years, Frederic K. Harris, whom she married on Apr. 3, 1953 at the former Westminster Presbyterian Church in Hornell; four children, Steven A. (Jan) Harris of Palm Harbor, FL, Timothy W. (Wendy) Harris of Houston, TX, Linda (Alan) Hoover of Prescott, AZ and Donald J. Harris of Raleigh, NC; 15 grandchildren; 20 great-grandchildren; and many beloved nieces and nephews.

To honor her request, there will be no calling hours. A Requiem Mass will be celebrated in her memory at Christ Episcopal Church in Hornell at a date and time to be announced.

In lieu of flowers, those wishing may contribute in her memory to Christ Episcopal Church, 6 Center St., Hornell, NY 14843.

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

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

NORTH HORNELL – Jane Fahl passed away on Thursday (June 1, 2023), at the age of 96 with family by her side.

Jane was predeceased by the love of her life, husband James; infant son, William; daughter, Mary Jane; grandson, Rob; daughter-in-law, Deb; her brothers, Chuck and Ed and her sister, Marion. She is survived by her children, Kate (Chuck) Ingham, Jim (Elizabeth Smith Packer) Fahl, John (Sue) Fahl, Felicia (David) Gooler, Beth (Rohan) Sicard; 11 grandchildren, Mike (Julie) Ingham, Tom (Marian) Ingham, John (Katherine) Rokenbrod, Matt (Lauren) Rokenbrod, Jessica (Rhett) Snider, Brian (Jessica) Fahl, Shawn (Evan) Fahl, Nick Gooler, Anna Gooler, Jordan Sicard, Joshua Sicard; 3 step grandchildren, 18 great grandchildren; and one great-great grandson. Jane is also survived by her brother, James (Becky) Baker.

As she was lovingly called, Mom, Nanny, GG, had a deep love for her children, their spouses, her grandchildren, great-grandchildren and a great-great grandchild. She is also survived by many nieces, nephews, great nieces and nephews and great-great nieces and nephews.

After Jane retired in 1987, two of her most memorable moments were the trips that she was able to take to Ireland and to Jerusalem.

Jane was very active in volunteering for many local organizations and in 2011 was named Senior Citizen of the Year and received the Spirit of Volunteerism Award. She was a member of Our Lady of the Valley Parish and a communicant of St. Ann’s Church in Hornell.

Calling hours are 5-7 p.m. Monday (June 5, 2023) at the Bishop-Johnson & DeSanto Funeral Home, 285 Main St., Hornell. Relatives and friends are invited to join her family at St. Ann’s Church, 31 Erie Ave., Hornell where a Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated in her memory at 10 a.m. Tuesday (June 6, 2023). Committal prayers and interment will follow at St. Mary’s Cemetery, Town of Fremont.

The family would like to express their sincere gratitude to the staff on the Golf Unit at Manor Hills Assisted Living for the care and love provided to Mom for the past four years, especially Ashlee, Christian, Jen and Amy.

In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to the activities department at Manor Hills, 4192B Bolivar Road, Wellsville, NY 14895 or the American Cancer Society, 13 Beech St., Johnson City, NY 13790. Envelopes for memorial contributions will be available at the funeral home.

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

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

HORNELL-Mary T. Pollizi, 62, of 106 Hornell St., Hornell, died early Monday morning (May 29, 2023) at her home, following a courageous battle with cancer.

Born in Hornell on November 14, 1960, she was the daughter of Francis & Barbara (Norton) Pollizi.

Mary grew up in Hornell and was a graduate of Hornell High School (class of 1979). For about 11 years she was employed at the former Red Barn Family Restaurant as a counter-girl and later as assistant manager and for 20 years served as a Home Healthcare Giver in the Hornell area. Most recently, Mary was employed at Stephens Auto in Hornell, serving in many capacities including warehouse worker, attending the counter and manning the phones.

She was a member of Our Lady of the Valley Parish and a communicant of St. Ann’s Church. Mary was an avid reader of romance novels and mystery novels and enjoyed coloring in stress relief books. She had a deep appreciation of all music and in her younger years loved dancing. She was a die-hard Buffalo Bills Football fan and especially loved the Super Bowl years. Her greatest joy in life was simply spending time with her family, especially her grandkids.

Mary was preceded in death by her father, Francis “Fran” Pollizi.

Surviving are 2 sons, Jeremy (Nichole) Pollizi of Hornell and Steven Pollizi of Hornell;
2 daughters, Jennifer DePietro of Long Island and Rochelle Houghtaling of Buffalo; her mother Barbara Pollizi of Hornell; 3 brothers, Michael (Kelley) Pollizi of Hornell, Thomas (Margaret) Pollizi of Rochester and Timothy Pollizi of Hornell; 3 sisters, Deborah Stauffer of Ft. Meyers, FL, Rose (Richard) Bartlet of Hornell and Lori (Mark) Corso of Arkport; 3 grandchildren, Ryleigh Pollizi, Reid Pollizi and Conner Pollizi; many nieces, nephews & cousins.

The family of Mary T. Pollizi will receive friends on Monday from 12:00 (noon) – 2:00 PM at the Dagon Funeral Home, 38 Church St., Hornell, NY. A Memorial Service will be held at the conclusion of calling hours at 2:00 PM with Deacon Robert McCormick officiating. Final interment will be in St. Mary’s Cemetery.

Mary’s family requests that in lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in her name be made to the Care First Hospice, 3805 Meads Creek Rd., Painted Post, NY 14870 or to the American Cancer Society, 13 Beech St., Johnson City, NY 13790. Memorial forms will be available at the Dagon Funeral Home.

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

HORNELL-Mary Lou Markham, 88, of 83 Platt St., Hornell, died unexpectedly Saturday afternoon (May 27, 2023) at St. James Hospital where she was taken after being stricken at home.‎

Born in Hornell on June 4, 1934, she was the daughter of Francis & Josephine (Ely) Markham and the step-daughter of Dorothy Roe Markham.

Mary Lou grew up in Hornell and was a graduate of Hornell High School (class of 1953). She was employed for 22 years in many capacities at the former Corbin Wood Products in Hornell. When Corbin’s Wood Products closed its doors in 1976, Mary Lou made the decision to become a hairdresser and beautician. In 1977 she enrolled in Beautician School in Olean and became a licensed beautician. For over 40 years she owned & operated Mary Lou’s Hair Salon in Hornell.

She was a member of Our Lady of the Valley Parish and a communicant of St. Ann’s Church. She enjoyed spending time in the kitchen cooking & baking. She also loved working outside in her garden raising tomato plants and beautiful flowers. Mary Lou enjoyed sports and in her younger years enjoyed bowling.

In addition to her parents and step-mother, Mary Lou was preceded in death by her sisters, Sandra Ray (died 2007) and Loretta Markham (died 2016); her nephew, John Ray (died 2023) her longtime companion, John “Jack” Generalli (died 2021).

Surviving are her nieces & nephews, Robert “Bobby” (Terri) Ray, Joe (Colleen) Ray, Lisa Stubbs and Lynn (Tony) Jones; several great-nieces and great-nephews.

At Mary Lou’s request there will be no calling hours. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Saturday at 10:00 AM at St. Ann’s Church with burial in St. Mary’s Cemetery.

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

Mary Lou’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 St. Jude Children’s Hospital, 501 St. Jude Pl., Memphis, TN 38105.

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

HORNELL-Joanne Marie Porcaro, 88, of 119 East Elm St., Hornell, died early Saturday morning (May 27, 2023) at St. James Hospital, following a brief illness.

A native & life resident of Hornell, she was born September 11, 1934 and was the daughter of Frank & Edna (Norton) Secondo.

Joanne attended Bryant School, Hornell Junior High School and was a graduate of Hornell High School (Class of 1952).

For a time, Joanne was employed as a sales clerk at the former Cards Drug Store in Hornell. She also served as a cook at the Hornell Knights of Columbus, working countless private parties. For many years she was employed as a cook in the cafeteria of the Hornell High School, whipping up delicious meals for hundreds of hungry students and teachers every day.

Joanne was a member of Our Lady of the Valley Parish and a communicant of St. Ann’s Church where she donated countless hours as a member of the St. Ann’s Church cleaning Crew. She had also been a member of the Ladies of Columbus and a lifetime member of the G. Carducci Lodge (Sons of Italy). Having a great “culinary gift”, Joanne loved cooking & baking especially for family gatherings and holidays. No one ever left her home hungry!

She was married on May 26, 1956 to Leo J. Porcaro for 63 years, who died March 4, 2020. Joanne was also preceded in death by 4 sisters, Mary Ann Losecco, Dorothy Ermy, Janice Davis & Patty Lenhart; her brother, Karl Secondo; and her son-in-law, George “Joe” Richardson

Surviving are 2 daughters, Rene Richardson of St. Petersburg, FL and Mary Magari of Syracuse; 2 sons, Richard “Rick” Porcaro of Hornell and Nicholas (Kathleen) Porcaro of Arkport; 1 brother, Frank Secondo of Mesa, AZ; her grandchildren, Joey Porcaro, Amy (Matt) Baldassare, Elizabeth “Liz” (Chris) Gandolfo, Kathryn Porcaro, Julie (Philip) Rubin, Jill (Craig) Reeves, Phillip Magari, Kaleigh (Chris Lafler) Porcaro, Christopher (Kirsten) Porcaro and Nicole (Dustin) Romanos; her great-grandchildren, Vinny Baldassare, Christian Baldassare, Gabriel Baldassare, Emma Baldassare, Spencer Porcaro, Quinn Porcaro, Ford Gandolfo, Leo Romanos and Rylee Porcaro; many nieces & nephews.

The family of Joanne Marie Porcaro will receive friends on Wednesday from 4:00 PM – 6:00 PM at the Dagon Funeral Home, 38 Church St., Hornell, NY. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Thursday at 10:00 AM at St. Ann’s Church. Burial will be in Bath National Cemetery next to her husband, Leo.

Joanne’s family request that in lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in her name be made to St. Ann’s Academy, 41 Genesee St., Hornell, NY 14843 or to a charity of the donor’s choice. Memorial forms will be available at the Dagon Funeral Home.

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

HORNELL – Joseph F. Cieslak, 76, of Hornell, NY passed on to Heaven, Thursday (May 18, 2023). He died unexpectedly at home after a long battle with COPD.

He was born on December 9, 1946 in Hornell NY to Francis and Dolores (Vose) Cieslak. Joe graduated from Hornell High School and was a lifelong resident. He was a member of St. Ann s Catholic Church in his earlier years.

He loved the sport of baseball and continued playing throughout the years. He coached Little League for the American Legion. His son, Joey played on this team and in1981, his father led this team to first place in the National League Championship. He also was an umpire for many years.

Joe was employed by Foster Wheeler in Dansville, NY as a welder until 1986 when he accepted a local job at Morrison Knudson and then Amerail building subway cars. He retired from Alstom. There he worked as a Quality Supervisor & Welding Inspector, being certified as a CWI/CWE. His work sent him to many US cities and around the world. After retirement, he was contracted by Bombardier as a welding inspector. Virginkar & Associates out of Boston employed him for several years. He taught and qualified workers as Certified Welders. He was a member of the American Welding Society. He was proud of his work in keeping high quality standards of procedures and policies. He was pleased when a contract was finally completed.

He was a member of the Association Club and served on the board of directors. Joe and his father started a collection of postcards and pictures mainly of the Hornell area. At one time, Joe had one of largest collections in Hornell and he loved to share his collection with others.

He watched Jeopardy nightly. He enjoyed bowling, camping at Skybrook, dancing (jigger bug), writing poems for different events for family and friends, playing horseshoes shooting “six packs” and playing slo-pitch in the Men’s League on the Medics team. He was a devoted lifelong fan of the NY Yankees, Cleveland Browns, and the Notre Dame Fighting Irish. He loved to tell jokes and making people laugh. He enjoyed taking daily walks to the park with his dog, Eli.

Joe will be missed by family and friends. He is survived by his wife, Susan (Hunt) Cieslak who he married in 1993; his son, Joey Cieslak of South Carolina; two daughters, Andrea (Richard Daley) Cieslak of Canandaigua, NY and Angela (Thomas) Panter of Virginia. He adored his five amazing grandchildren, McKenna Cieslak, Kylie and Jaxson Panter and Charlie and Samuel Daley. Also survived by his sister, Dolores (Walter) Canfield, as well as their children, Christine (Orlando) Monaco, Dan (Susan) Canfield and Thomas (Veronica) Canfield. Survived by many brothers-in-law, sisters-in-law, nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

Calling hours are 4-7 p.m. TUESDAY (May 23, 2023) at the Bishop-Johnson & DeSanto Funeral Home, 285 Main St., Hornell, where a funeral service will take place at 11 a.m. WEDNESDAY (May 24, 2023), with Deacon Robert McCormick officiating. Committal services and interment will follow at St. Mary’s Cemetery, Town of Fremont.

In lieu of flowers, those wishing may contribute in his memory to the Hornell Little League.

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.

HORNELL-Gladys M. Drone, 96, a resident of The Jewish Home of Rochester, formerly of 23 Church St., Hornell, NY, passed away early Monday morning (May 15, 2023) at Highland Hospital in Rochester.

Born in Canisteo, NY, on August 1, 1926, she was the daughter of Carl & Cora (Call) Oakes.

Gladys grew up in Canisteo and attended Canisteo Central School. She briefly lived in Angelica, NY, and Salamanca, NY, before settling in Hornell, where she resided for most of her adult life.

She was employed as a seamstress at the former Stern & Stern Textile Corporation in Hornell for several years and for over 20 years served as a seamstress at the former Marion Rohr Corporation in Hornell, retiring in the late 1980s.

Gladys was a member of Our Lady of the Valley Parish and a communicant of St. Ann’s Church. She was a devout Catholic who prayed the Rosary daily. A true “homemaker,” she loved flowers and tending to her flower garden. She was an avid reader and enjoyed crocheting, cooking, baking, singing and dancing. Gladys also enjoyed spending time working on crossword and jigsaw puzzles and walking her beloved dogs, Bo and Sadie.

Throughout the years, Gladys loved spending time with her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren and took great pride in their accomplishments. She always looked forward to hosting family dinners, especially to celebrate holidays together.

Gladys was married on September 14, 1946 to John F. Drone who passed away October 19, 1978. She was also preceded in death by 4 brothers, Howard Oakes, Robert Oakes, Carl Oakes and Charles Oakes; 4 sisters, Mildred Strobel, Catherine Racalto, Ruth Watt and Frances “Frankie” Oakes VanZyle Mackey; her step-son, John F. Drone, Jr.; her son-in-law, Joseph J. Ganz.

Surviving are 3 sons, Robert “Bob” (Doris) Drone of Boynton Beach, FL, Steven Drone of DeBary, FL, and Mark (Helen Ratliff) Drone of Hornell, NY; 3 daughters, Catherine “Cathy” (Bruce McLeod) Ganz Rohan of Webster, NY, Cora Lynn New of Hornell, NY, and Lorie Downey of Pittsford, NY; 1 sister, Mary Lou Laruche of Buffalo, NY; 19 grandchildren; 16 great-grandchildren; many nieces & nephews.

The family of Gladys M. Drone will receive friends on Monday from 12:00 (noon) – 1:00 PM at the Dagon Funeral Home, 38 Church St., Hornell, NY. Funeral & committal services will be held at the conclusion of calling hours at 1:00 PM with Deacon Robert McCormick officiating. Burial will be in St. Mary’s Cemetery.

Gladys’ family requests that in lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in her name be made to St. Ann’s Academy, 41 Genesee St., Hornell, NY 14843. Memorial forms will be available at the Dagon Funeral Home.

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

HORNELL-Shirley M. Spillane, 91, of North Hornell, died peacefully in her sleep at home on Tuesday, May 9, 2023.

Born in Dunedin, New Zealand, Shirley was the daughter of Eugene and Laurel Liston.

Shirley married Robert M. Spillane at St. Patrick’s Church in Dunedin, NZ in 1955, and together, they enjoyed extensive travel and raising their 4 children all over the world. Shirley chose to be a dedicated homemaker providing a loving home to her family while living in New Zealand, Australia, Hong Kong, Singapore, Indiana, Mexico, New York, New Jersey, and (for the last 28 years in) Hornell, NY.

Family was Shirley’s purpose and interest, enjoying nothing more than spending time with her family whom she treasured – especially her grandchildren who brought her so much joy – as well as her many friends from all over the world. Her warm smile and unlimited generosity for helping others were known everywhere she went, leaving a lasting impression with all those she met. She will be missed tremendously.

She is a parishioner of Our Lady of the Valley Parish and a communicant of St. Ann’s Church.

Shirley is survived by her three daughters, Suzanne (Hector) Hoyos, Robyn Spillane and Michele Spillane of Hornell; grandson, Gregory (Dajaneé) Hoyos of Rochester; granddaughter, Dr. Elisa Hoyos (Aaron Marshall) of Voorhees, NJ; great-grandson, Reuel Gregory Hoyos and many dear cousins, nieces, nephews, great-nephews & friends in New Zealand, Mexico & the U.S.

To honor Shirley’s wishes, there will be no calling hours. Friends are invited to a Memorial Mass to be held at 10am on Friday, May 19th, 2023, at St. Ann’s Church in Hornell, NY. Final interment will be next to her loving husband, Bob and beloved son, Brent in Garland Brook Cemetery in Columbus, Indiana.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in Shirley’s name may be made to the Hornell Area Humane Society, 7649 Industrial Park Rd., Hornell, NY 14843.

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

Columbus, IN Funeral arrangements are in care of Myers-Reed Chapel, 3729 25th St., Columbus, IN.

To share a memory or send a condolence to the family, please visit www.dagonfuneralhome.com.

HORNELL-Anne Livingston Gemmell, 80, of 62 Delaware Ave., Hornell, died Friday afternoon, May12, 2023 at her home, following a long illness.

Born in Glasgow, Scotland on February 14, 1943, she was the daughter of Thomas & Josephine (Lockhart) Livingston.

Anne grew up in Glasgow. On October 6, 1962 she married Matthew Gemmell and in1964 they moved to the United States. They resided on in Sands Point, Long Island for a time, both working as “domestics” — Anne as housekeeper & cook and Matthew as a butler & chauffeur.

For several years they lived in Queens, NY where, for a time, Anne was a “Stay At Home Mom” raising her family. In 1973, they moved to Central Islip, Long Island and in 1975 Anne began volunteering at the St. John of God Catholic School. She was eventually hired as school as school librarian where she worked until her retirement in 1996.

While living on Central Islip, Anne was a communicant of St. John of God Catholic Church and had been a member of the Christian Mothers, St John of God Home School Association as well as Clan McDuff.

In 1996, they moved to Hendersonville, NC where they resided for several years before moving to Hornell in 2005. Anne was a member of Our Lady of the Valley Parish and a communicant of St. Ann’s Church. She enjoyed volunteering at Turning Point Catholic Charities and also volunteering at Hornell Gardens where she recited the Rosary every Thursday. She was an active member of Our Lady of the Valley Liturgy Committee. She was an avid reader and also loved the time spent watching and taking care of her grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Matthew Gemmell who died July 26, 2009.

Surviving are 3 daughters, Joanne (Deacon Mark) Clark of Hornell, Suzanne (Ed) Riss of Ronkonkoma, NY and Dianne (Sean) O’Neill of Hornell; 3 brothers, Robert (Betty) Livingston of England, Andrew Livingston of Scotland and Thomas Livingston of Ireland; 1 sister, Josephine Margey of Scotland; 6 grandchildren, Jackie Clark, Tom Clark, Allie (Kevin) Pullyblank, Matt Riss, Molly Riss and Jade Reynolds; 1 great-grandson, Carter Pullyblank; many nieces & nephews.

At Anne’s request there will be no calling hours. A Memorial Mass will be celebrated on Saturday, May 20, 2022 at 11:00 AM St. Ann’s Church.

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

Anne’s family request that in lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in her name be made to either CareFirst Hospice, 3805 Meads Creek Rd., Painted Post, NY 14870 or to Our Lady of the Valley Parish, 27 Erie Ave., Hornell, NY 14843.

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

ALMOND-Ruth C. (McMichael) Shaw, 100 years young, a resident of UpDyke Willow Ridge Nursing Facility, formerly of 7905 Bishopville Rd., Almond, died Thursday evening (May 4, 2023) at St. James Hospital, following a “Disagreement With Old Age.”

Born in Hornell on October 24, 1922, she was the daughter of Cornelius & Louise (Myers) Griffin.

A lifelong resident of the Hornell-Almond area, Ruth attended Hornell High School and later was employed in the housekeeping department of Alfred State College. Throughout the years, she served as a waitress for several area restaurants, including Coslo’s, Brother’s Four, Tops Diner, Sherwood Hotel, Texas Hot, Big Elms, Jumbo’s Restaurant (with her mother & sister) and the Arkport Inn. For 26 years Ruth was worked at Wegman’s Grocery, first in the meat department (the older Wegman’s) and later the deli department (new Wegman’s). She retired in 2014 at the tender age of 91½.

Ruth was a former member of the Southside Baptist Church. Her happiest moments were simply raising her large family.

She was married to Clifford McMichael who died in 1975. She later married Stanley Shaw who died in 1996. She was also preceded in death by 2 brothers, Edward Griffin and Charles Griffin; 2 sisters, Ruby Childs and Gertrude McDaniels; 2 sons-in-law, Joe Rechichi and Larry Kame.

Surviving are 1 daughter, JoAnne Rechichi Kame of Arkport; 4 sons, Clifford “Pete” (Barb) McMichael of Bishopville, Edward (Claudia) McMichael of Alfred Station, Dale (Tera) McMichael of Alfred Station and Joseph (Janet) McMichael of Alfred Station; her step-son, Bud Shaw of Ohio; 26 grandchildren; many great-grandchildren; several nieces & nephews.

The family of Ruth C. (McMichael) Shaw will receive friends on Thursday from 3:00 PM – 5:00 PM at the Dagon Funeral Home, 38 Church St., Hornell, NY where funeral & committal services will be held at the conclusion of calling hours at 5:00 PM with Deacon Robert McCormick officiating. Burial will be in Heritage Hill Cemetery, Arkport, NY.

Ruth’s family request that in lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in her name be made to St. Jude Children’s Hospital, PO Box 1000, Suite 300, Memphis, TN 38148. Memorial forms will be available at the Dagon Funeral Home.

To leave an online condolence or print a memorial form, visit www.dagonfuneralhome.com.