Category: Obituaries

HORNELL-James J. “Jim” Beaver, 73, of 16 Pine St., Hornell, died unexpectedly Friday morning (May 5, 2023) shortly after being admitted to St. James Hospital after being stricken at home.

Born on June 14, 1949, he was the son of John & Loretta (McCarthy) Beaver.

Jim, affectionately known as “Beav” grew up in Hornell and attended St. Ann’s School. He later graduated from Hornell High School (class of 1967).

Following high school graduation, Jim enlisted in the US Marine Corp and, after graduating from Boot Camp in Paris Island, SC, served 13 month in Vietnam during the height of the Vietnam War. While serving in the Marines, he toured the world and was stationed in such places as Thailand and South Asia. Returning to the United States, Jim was stationed at Camp Lejeune, NC for several months before being honorably discharged with the rank of Corporal. Jim was always proud of the fact that he joined the military at the same time as his high school buddies, Mike Crooks (US Army) and Mike Coogan (US Army).

Returning to the Hornell area, Jim began his 45 year career working construction for Local Laborer Union #1358 of Elmira, NY. Throughout the years, he worked on many major projects including the State Office Building in Hornell, construction of Route 36, countless bridge repairs, Hornell Middle School & Hornell High School additions & renovations, Arnot Ogden Hospital renovations, St. James Mercy Hospital addition & renovations and most recently the Windmill Project in Cohocton-Wayland just to name a few. He retired in 2014.

Jim was a member of Our Lady of the Valley Parish and a communicant of St. Ann’s Church. He had also been a member of the Hornell VFW, Hornell American Legion, Hornell Moose Lodge and the Hornell Association. He enjoyed rooting FOR the New York Yankees and AGAINST the Buffalo Bills and also enjoyed driving around in his truck looking at new construction sites in the area. Jim loved amusement parks and visiting his brother, Frank, to go to Hershey Park and ride the roller coasters.

He always knew the people in charge of local construction.

In addition to his parents, Jim was preceded in death by 3 brothers, Francis “Fran” Beaver, Joseph “Joe” Beaver and John “Jack” Beaver JR.

He was married on July 12, 1975 to the former Mary K. Witzman who survives. Also surviving are 2 daughters, Jeanna (Rob Crosby) Beaver of Bel Haven and Bridget Loretta Beaver of Hornell; 1 son, James “Jim” (Lauren) Beaver JR of Almond; his “brother”, Mike Crooks, with whom he was raised; 8 grandchildren, Lily Crosby, Ella Crosby, Oliver Crosby, Gavin Beaver, Jayla Beaver, Cooper Hanchett, Colton Hanchett and Brook Beaver (with whom he helped raise); several nieces & nephews.

At Jim’s request there will be no calling hours. Private services will be held at the convenience of the family with final interment at the Bath National Cemetery, Bath, NY.

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

Jim’s family request that in lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in his name be made to the Bath VA Hospital Activities Fund, 76 Veteran’s Ave., Bath, NY 14810.

HORNELL-Francis E. “Fran” Smith, 89, of 11 Marick Park Drive, North Hornell, died early Friday morning (April 21, 2023) at his home, surrounded by his family, following a short illness.

Born in Hornell on February 11, 1934, he was the son of Edward & Margaret (Wallace) Smith.

Fran grew up in Hornell and was a graduate of St. Ann’s School and later graduated from Hornell High School (class of 1952). While in high school, he was employed at the Hornell Country Club as a caddie and greenskeeper, helping his father who served as Head Greenskeeper.

Following high school graduation, Fran enlisted in the United States Marine Corps and served his country from 1953 – 1955 during the Korean Conflict. While serving in the Marines, he was stationed at Camp Pendleton Marine Corps Base in Southern California.

After being honorably discharged from the US Marines, Fran returned to the Hornell area and began his career with the New York State Department of Transportation (NYSDOT). He began as a Laborer and eventually served as a Principal Accounting Clerk; retiring in 1995 with over 40 years of service. Fran later served as a “Ranger” at the Twin Hickory Golf Club, talking with the golfers and being outdoors.

Fran was a member of Our Lady of the Valley Parish and had been a communicant of St. Ignatius Loyola Church and St. Ann’s Church. He was a 59 year member and former Commander of the Hornell American Legion and also a member of the Ancient Order of Hibernians. Every Memorial Day weekend Fran and Sandy paid respect to our veterans by placing flags on their graves. Fran was a member of the Hornell Alumni Association and always enjoyed participating in the planning of their class reunions; as recent as 2020.

In his younger years, Fran served as a coach in the Hornell Grasshopper Baseball League. He was an avid golfer and a longtime member of the Hornell Twin Hickory Golf Club. Fran enjoyed camping throughout New York State and more recently loved the time spent at Sun Valley Campsite in Canaseraga. He was a true outdoorsman who enjoyed hunting (deer, pheasant & rabbit) and fishing (streams & lakes). Fran loved tending to his vegetable garden and flower garden and simply “puttering around” in the yard. He was also a die-hard New York Yankee fan (MLB) and Buffalo Bills fan (NFL) who for many years was a Buffalo Bills season ticketholder.

However, Fran’s greatest joy was simply being the best husband, father, brother, grandfather, great-grandfather and friend that he could possibly be. To him, family was everything. Through dance recitals, sporting events, birthday parties, graduations, weddings, and more, Fran was always there for his family. He was trustworthy, honest, humble, and loyal, and he had such a great sense of humor. His family will forever cherish his selfless devotion to them.

In addition to his parents, Fran was preceded in death by his brothers, Charles Smith (and wife Ann), James Smith (and wife Donna); his sister, Helen Ann O’Rourke (and husband, Ronald).

He was married on September 6, 1958 to the former Sandra Oxx who survives. Also surviving are 2 sons, Daniel (Sharon) Smith of Arkport and Kevin (Debbie) Smith of Hornell; 1 daughter, Kathleen Lynn of Rochester; 1 brother, Paul (Mary Jo) Smith of Elizabethtown, PA; 8 grandchildren, Ryan (Danielle) Smith, Aryn (Mark) Bailey, Lauryn (Tyler Crouch) Smith, Jessica (Devin) White, Shawn (Bobbie) Smith, Colleen Smith, Leigha (Rob Eisenhardt) Smith and Christopher Lynn; 7 great-grandchildren with “three on the way”; and several nieces & nephews.

The family of Francis E. “Fran” Smith will receive friends on Wednesday from 4:00 PM – 7:00 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 with burial in St. Mary’s Cemetery with full Military Honors.

Fran’s family would especially like to thank Rhonda Peterson, MD for her extraordinary compassionate care and support throughout Fran’s illness. Fran’s family requests that in lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in his name be made to Twin Tiers Honor Flight, P O Box 1770, Binghamton NY 13902 and CareFirst Hospice, 3805 Meads Creek Rd., Painted Post NY 14870. Memorial forms will be available at the Dagon Funeral Home.

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

In recognition of Fran’s service to his country as a member of the US Marines, the American Flag at the Dagon Funeral Home will be flown at half-staff.

HORNELL-Kathryn I. “Kay” Wall, 85, formerly of Glen Avenue, passed away Friday afternoon (March 31, 2023) at the home of her daughter, Monica in Avoca, NY.‎

Born in Hornell on Nov. 19, 1937, she was the daughter of the late George and Irene (Davis) Dean. On Aug. 22, 1959 she was married at St. Ann’s Church in Hornell to James R. Wall, who predeceased her on Jan. 13, 2008, after 49 years of marriage. Besides her parents and husband, she was also predeceased by a grandson, Zachary Wall and her grandmother, Kathryn Davis.

A resident of Hornell and Canisteo for most of her life, Kay was a graduate of Hornell High School and received an associate’s degree from Alfred State College.

Before her marriage, she was employed by the New York State Department of Transportation (NYSDOT) in Hornell and was later employed as a switchboard operator at St. James Mercy Hospital in Hornell and retired from the Hornell City School District where she was employed as a teacher’s aide and secretary. After retiring she dedicated her life to being a loving and devoted wife, mother and grandmother.

A devout Catholic, Kay was an active member of St. Ann’s Church of Our Lady of the Valley Parish in Hornell where she was a member of the choirs, taught religious education classes (CCD), a member of the Adoration Chapel and a longtime member of the prayer chain and participated in bible study.

Throughout the years she was a Cub Scout leader and Girl Scout leader. Kay especially enjoyed gardening and watching birds and was a member of the Cornell Ornithology Club.

She is lovingly survived by six children, Rev. Gus Wall, SVD, Provincial of Bay St. Louis, MS, Peter (Lisa) Wall of Canisteo, NY, Thomas Wall of Hornell, Mary (David) Lindeman of Fairport, NY, Monica (Shane) Ogorzalek of Avoca, NY and Andrew (Kate) Wall of Hornell; 18 grandchildren, Katie (Jen) Bowie, Nick Wall (Kevin Reilly), Olivia (Nate) Palmer, Matt (Brandi) Wall, Jedidiah Wall, Benjamin (Shawna) Wall, Alexander (Nicole) Wall, Cecilia Wall, Adam (Kali) Lindeman, Ashley Lindeman (fiancé Pete VanCamp), Vincent Capluzzi, Joseph Capluzzi, Reaghan Ogorzalek, Alaina Ogorzalek, Krystian Ogorzalek, Zoe Balinsky, Emelia Wall and James Wall; 10 great-grandchildren; and one brother, David Dean.

To honor her wishes 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 by her son, Rev. Gus Wall at 10 a.m. Tuesday (April 4, 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 either St. Ann’s Church of Our Lady of the Valley Parish, 27 Erie Ave., Hornell, NY 14843 or CareFirst Hospice, 3805 Meads Creek Road, Painted Post, NY 14870. Envelopes for memorial contributions will be available at the church.

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

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

HORNELL – John Francis Price, age 92, formerly of Hornell, NY, died peacefully on Sunday (February 26, 2023) in Basking Ridge, NJ.

John was the son of George and Anna Price of Hornell. After graduating from Hornell High School in 1948, John went on to study Industrial Design at Syracuse University, where he graduated in 1954. That same year, he married his high school sweetheart, the former Joanne Mary Maher, also of Hornell, and they were married for sixty-six years. After he was honorably discharged from the United States Air Force, he worked for Sylvania Electric and Camden Associates before starting his own business, John Price Associates, in 1967 in Peabody, Massachusetts. His business took him across the country and abroad, and he won many accolades throughout his career for design excellence. John loved living in the Boston area, believing it was the perfect place to raise his two children, Andrew and Elizabeth.

John delighted in traveling with his family, taking vacations together throughout the United States, as well as Canada, the Caribbean, Mexico, and France. Later in life, he would travel to see his grandchildren in New Jersey and Ohio. He cherished his new role as grandfather. This past Thanksgiving was a special highlight for John, as he enjoyed the family festivities with his new great-grandson.

John is predeceased by his wife Joanne Price and his son-in-law James Leonard. He is survived by his son Andrew (Pam); daughter Elizabeth; sister Mary Jane Price; his grandchildren Eric Price, Alexis Price, Nicole Price, Brenna Leonard, and Julia Leonard; and great-grandson Callan Bracher-Price.

There will be no calling hours. Relatives and friends are invited to join his family at St. Ann’s Church, 31 Erie Ave., Hornell where a Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11 a.m. Saturday (April 1, 2023). Committal prayers and interment will follow at St. Mary’s Cemetery, Town of Fremont.

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-Terry Lee Harkenrider, 73, of Catherine Street, passed away Monday morning (March 20, 2023) at the Bath V.A. Medical Center, after a long illness. Terry fought through many illnesses including his last illness, non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma.

He kept joy in his heart during hard and wonderful times in his life. As a father he reminded his daughter to never give up, keep the faith and the beauty in the world close to your heart. They enjoyed taking rides and watching the sunset together. Terry spent the best years of his life teaching others that veterans can heal. Heal together and heal each other with their love for God. Strength with the Holy Spirit.

Born in Hornell on Sept. 24, 1949, he was a son of the late Robert and Jessie (McKinley) Harkenrider. Besides his parents, he was also predeceased by his infant daughter, Alicia Harkenrider; two brothers, Robert and Richard Harkenrider; one sister, Sheila Day; two brothers-in-law, Philip Palmesano and Jesse Scott; two nieces, Teresa Palmesano Andreano and Loretta Scott Beck; and one nephew, Randy Harkenrider.

A graduate of Hornell High School, where he was a member of the wrestling team, Terry proudly served his country with the U.S. Air Force during the Vietnam War from 1969 until his honorable discharge in 1972. He was a Medic and heroically saved civilians and enjoyed working with newborn babies. He was awarded the National Defense Service Medal, the Small Arms Expert Marksmanship Ribbon, and the Presidential Unit Citation.

Terry formerly resided in Arkport where he shared a life with his former wife, Sylvia (Dugo) Harkenrider of Hornell, who he fell in love and married in 1975. He has been a resident of Hornell for most of his life and when he was younger, his very first job was delivering meat for the former Argentieri Market in Hornell. He eventually became an orderly at the former Bethesda Community Hospital in North Hornell and was later employed by the former SKF Industries in Hornell.

A member of Our Lady of the Valley Parish, Terry was a communicant of St. Ann’s Church in Hornell and was a former member of the Arkport Memorial American Legion Post No 1248 and a member of the Hornell Association where he was a member of the Pool League.

Terry was a spiritual man who loved spending time with his grandchildren. He enjoyed working outside gardening and planting flowers. He also liked reading medical books, watching the news and current events, and telling jokes and making people laugh.

He is lovingly survived by one daughter, Megan E. Harkenrider of Hornell; her mother and former wife, Sylvia (Dugo) Harkenrider of Hornell; two grandsons, Caleb Harkenrider (Mahogany Mount) of Hornell and Zaine Jenkins of Hornell; a great-granddaughter, Brylynn Rene’ Harkenrider; two sisters, Mary “Patsy” Scott of North Carolina, and Joanne Palmesano of Hornell; as well as several nieces, nephews, cousins and his lifelong best friend, Dorothy Parschal of Catherine Street and her granddaughter, Carrie Ann Gillian; her son, Kevin Hixson and daughters, Tanayzah Gillian and Shay Lynn Parschal.

Calling hours are 1-3 p.m. Sunday (March 26, 2023) at the Bishop-Johnson & DeSanto Funeral Home, 285 Main St., Hornell where the United States flag and the Air Force flag will proudly fly in recognition of Terry’s military service.

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 (March 27, 2023). Committal prayers and interment, with military honors, will follow at Heritage Hill Cemetery, Arkport.

In lieu of flowers, those wishing may contribute in his memory to Casa-Trinity, 86 River 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 Terry’s family with the arrangements.

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

HORNELL-Edward P. “Zap” Zaparzynski, 89, passed away early Monday morning (March 20, 2023) at his home at 1190 County Route 66, The Woodlands, after a long illness.

Born in Elmira on May 17, 1933, he was a son of the late Joseph and Antoinette (Gublo) Zaparzynski. In 1979 he was married to Peggy “Peg” (Gordon) Zaparzynski, who predeceased him on January 17, 2019, after 40 years of marriage. Besides his parents and wife, he was also predeceased by one son, William Zaparzynski; a grandson, Jason Coates; a great-granddaughter, Zoey Kays; an infant brother, Edward; a brother, Theodore; and four sisters, Irene Celia, Adeline and Helen.

A veteran of the U.S. Marine Corps, Ed proudly served his country with the First Marine Division from 1952 until his honorable discharge as a Corporal in 1955. He served one year in Korea and was awarded the Korean Service Medal, the UN Service Medal, and the National Defense Service Medal.

Zap has resided in Hornell since 1961 and was employed by the former Erie and Erie-Lackawanna Railroads, retiring after 37 years of service from Conrail as a trainman. After retiring he was employed as a driver for Simmons-Rockwell.

He was a member of the Arthur H. Cunningham American Legion Post No. 440, the Cpl. J.J. Mooney VFW Post No. 2250, the American War Vets, and the Hornell Association. An avid bowler, he has been a die-hard Boston Red Sox fan since the age of 12.

Ed loved his daily coffee at Stop-N-Shop in Hornell and trips to the Casino and purchasing scratch off lottery tickets.

He is lovingly survived by one daughter, Irene (Jim) Farrell of Dansville, NY; two sons, Edward (Joanna) Zaparzynski of Tucson, AZ, and Jeffrey (Jodi) Zaparzynski of Hornell; one stepson, Michael (Michele) McGruther of Downingtown, PA; seven grandchildren, 11 great grandchildren and two great-great grandchildren; as well as several nieces and nephews and his beloved companion, Big Papi (named after Boston Red Sox player, David Ortiz).

To honor his wishes there will be no calling hours. A funeral service and military honors will take place in his memory at 11 a.m. Friday (March 24, 2023) at the Bishop-Johnson & DeSanto Funeral Home, 285 Main St., Hornell, with Deacon Robert McCormick officiating. Interment will be at Bath National Cemetery. Following the service everyone is invited to a “Celebration of Life” at the Hornell American Legion beginning between 12-12:30 p.m.

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

The family will provide flowers and suggest that memorial contributions be made in his memory to the Wounded Warrior Project, 4899 Belforst Road, Suite 300, Jacksonville, FL 32256. Envelopes will be available at the funeral home.

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

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

CANISTEO-Raymond M. Carrig, 89, of Canisteo, departed this life on Thursday, (March 9, 2023), at Maplewood of Newtown in Newtown, Connecticut where he resided for nearly one-year. He was the beloved husband of Margaret Carrig (deceased), father of Dr. Barbara Moehring, grandfather of Charlotte and Brendan, and friend to many.

Raymond Carrig was born in February of 1934 in Hornell, NY to the late Anna (Kelly) Carrig and John Carrig. He graduated from Hornell High School in 1952. Following high school, Ray served two years with the US Army, including 17 months overseas during the Korean War. Ray was a graduate of NY State Agricultural and Technical College at Alfred and Kent State University of Kent, Ohio. On June 17, 1967, Raymond married Margaret Congelli at St. Ann’s church. They had one daughter Barbara.

Ray was a lifelong railroad man with 30 years of service. He started his career with the Erie-Lackawanna Railroad and ended it as the Road Foreman of Engines with Conrail in 1990. Following retirement, he obtained his real estate license and was an agent with the Lang Agency of Hornell.

During his free time, Ray could be found enjoying himself on the local golf courses. He also liked to travel, and often spent the winters in New Port Richey, Florida at the family condo. Some of his favorite trips were to Alaska and Hawaii. Ray also enjoyed visiting his daughter and grandchildren in Connecticut for the holidays and special events. Never one to stay inside long, Ray could usually be found working in the garage on a new project while enjoying a cigar or grooming the perfect lawn at their home in Canisteo. 

Raymond is survived by his daughter Barbara, and two grandchildren, Charlotte and Brendan and numerous nieces and nephews, and their children. He was predeceased by: his parents, John and Anna Carrig (Kelly); his spouse Margaret; his siblings, Joseph, Virginia, Francis, Mary Rose and Anna Marie; and his sister-in-law Jane Carrig.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Saturday, (March 25, 2023), at 10:00 am at St Ann’s Church, 31 Erie Ave., Hornell, NY. Committal prayers and interment, with military honors, 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 or the homepage of Bishop-Johnson & DeSanto Funeral Home  for 30 days beginning at 10 a.m. Saturday (March 25, 2023). The family will receive friends and family at the Bishop-Johnson & DeSanto Funeral Home, 285 Main St., Hornell from 8:30 am to 9:30 am on Saturday, (March 25, 2023) where the United States flag and the Army flag will proudly fly in recognition of Ray’s military service.

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

In lieu of flowers, those wishing to contribute to Ray’s memory may do so by donating to St. Ann’s Academy, P.O. Box 446, Hornell, NY 14843 to support Catholic education or Regional Hospice, Attn: Philanthropy Department, 30 Milestone Road, Danbury, CT 06810-5114. 

Online condolences and remembrances are welcome on the Facebook page of Bishop-Johnson & DeSanto Funeral Home.

ALMOND / OLEAN-Karen A. (Patrick) Sweezy, 61, of 326 North 5th St., Olean, NY, formerly of Almond, died Friday evening (March 10, 2023) at her home, surrounded by her family, following a long illness.

Born in Hornell on January 10, 1962, she was the daughter of Clifford “Chup” & Stella (Brundu) Patrick.

Karen grew up in Almond and was a graduate of Alfred-Almond Central School (class of 1980). She later earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Human Services from Alfred State College and a Master’s Degree in Education from Alfred University. While in high school and in college, Karen was a dedicated and talented athlete, excelling in softball and soccer. She was honored in 2016 by being inducted to the Alfred-Almond Alumni Association Sports Hall of Fame. She later served as a softball coach, passing on her love & knowledge of the game to future generations.

Karen resided in Alfred Station, Wellsville and Olean for the past several years. She was employed as a teacher for the Genesee Valley Central School where she worked as a reading specialist at the Middle School for about 10 years. She later served as an employment counselor for Pro-Action in Hornell helping to secure jobs for the unemployed. She retired about 8 years ago due to illness.

Karen was a member of Our Lady of the Valley Parish and a communicant of St. Ann’s Church. She was a former member of the Hornell Moose Lodge, Carducci Lodge and the Hornell AMVETS. In her younger years, she loved spending summers in the Adirondack Mountains with her family and would search for the friendly bear named “Trouble.” Throughout the years, Karen enjoyed “crafts” and loved making beautiful quilts for family and friends, creating baptismal gowns for pre-mature babies, and bedding for the homeless. She always had a purpose for her creations that would benefit others! Karen loved the outdoors and taking long motorcycle rides with her fiancé, John Ricci and being a grandmother to Alexandria and Salvatore Sweezy.

She was preceded in death by her father, Clifford “Chup” Patrick.

Surviving are her fiancé, John Ricci with whom she resided; her son, Andrew (Kristen) Sweezy of Wellsville; 2 daughters, Maria (A. J. Butera) Sweezy of St. Petersburg, FL and Laura (Connor Insley) Sweezy of Tarrytown, NY; 3 sisters, Lisa Patrick of Hornell, Sherrill (William) Keihl of Geneseo and Mary (Fred) Grabowski of Geneseo; her mother, Stella (Brundu) Patrick of Hornell; 2 grandchildren, Alexandria Sweezy and Salvatore Sweezy; several aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, and cousins.

The family of Karen A Sweezy will receive friends on Thursday from 5:00 PM – 7:00 PM at the Dagon Funeral Home, 38 Church St., Hornell. A Memorial Mass will be celebrated on Friday at 1:30 PM at St. Ann’s Church.

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

Karen’s family request that in lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in her name be made to the Ronald McDonald House, 333 Westmoreland Drive, Rochester, NY 14620. Memorial forms will be available at the Dagon Funeral Home

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

ALMOND / HORNELL-Stephen D. “Steve” Kays, 75, of Almond, NY passed away Thursday morning (March 2, 2023) at home surrounded by family after a long illness.

Born in Phoenix, AZ on June 9, 1947, he was the son of Joe and Esther Kays.

Steve grew up in Hornell with his two brothers and two sisters where he excelled in high school sports. During his years in High School, Steve was active in student leadership having served as the Class President and captured attention as a talented baseball and basketball player, gifts he shared with Hornell youth for many years following.

Following high school graduation, Steve made a career working for the New York State Department of Transportation (NYSDOT), working his way from cleaning offices to managing multi-million dollar highway projects. He retired following 30 years of service but continued to serve as a contracted project manager on highway project until 2017 when he was sidelined by illness. He saw the development of Route 17 and oversaw elements of its transformation into I-86 as well as numerous bridge replacement projects with his last being the Seneca St / Seneca Rd bridge replacement.

Steve remained active in youth programs and sports for decades. He was a Den Leader for Webelos, umpired baseball games, coached baseball teams in Little League and Babe Ruth League, and coached Biddy and High School Basketball. His commitment to Hornell youth and was further demonstrated when he served on the Hornell School Board with a simple goal to improve the school experience for Hornell’s youth.

He married the former Sue Perry in October 1966 and had four sons, Don, Bill, Mike, and Jim. To give his boys a better life, Steve worked nights at the Coachlight Motel and poured concrete driveways and sidewalks for homes and businesses throughout Hornell. He had a passion for classic cars and could identify one by its headlights. Steve was a quiet man who preferred simple things in life — trips to Loon Lake, sledding at the Country Club, family trips to Darien Lake, Eldridge Park, or Long Point (which he did for the boys). In his later years, he could be found tending to the yard or watching NASCAR races, football, or the Weather Channel. While he regularly ducked cameras, many pictures show him in a rocking chair with a child on his lap.

Steve is survived by his wife of 56 years, Sue; sons, Don Kays of Wilmington, NC, Bill (Eileen) Kays of Wasilla, AK, Mike (Tonya Drake) Kays of Almond, and Jim (Marie) Kays of Angelica; 17 Grandkids; 7 Great-Grandkids; his brother Mike (Judy) Kays and sister Laurie Kays.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his brother Don “Butch”; sister Sunny; and grandchildren Mary Kathryn, Thomas, and Zoey.

The family of Stephen D. “Steve” Kays will receive friends on Monday from 5:00 PM – 7:00 PM at the Dagon Funeral Home, 38 Church St., Hornell, NY. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Tuesday at 10:00 AM at St. Ann’s Church with burial in St. Mary’s Cemetery. A “Celebration of Life” will follow at Muhleisen’s Restaurant in Almond, NY.

The Funeral Mass & graveside service for Steve Kays will be streamed live and can be viewed on the Dagon Funeral Home Facebook page on Tuesday at 10:00 AM.  The video will remain available for viewing on our Facebook page for 30 days.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the Hornell YMCA, 18 Center St., Hornell, NY 14843. Memorial forms will be available at the Dagon Funeral Home.

A special “Thank-You” to Dr. Pasquale Picco and his staff for the wonderful care that Steve received during his long illness.

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

HORNELL – Heather M. Carroll, 46, passed away after a bout of illness on Friday, (February 24, 2023). 

Heather was born in Rochester, NY, and raised in Hornell, NY, a daughter of Lawrence and Debra (Bell) Carroll.  She is predeceased by her father, Larry.  Heather is survived by her mother, and brother Scott, sister-in-law, Maureen (Snyder), and nephews, Brennan and Owen Carroll, and niece; Margaret Carroll.

Heather worked for Corning Incorporated after attending Hornell High School (’95) and graduating from St. Bonaventure University in 1999.  She started off as a Cost Coordinator Accountant in Big Flats NY before being promoted to an Accounting Coordinator in Wilmington, NC.  She then was promoted again at Corning Headquarters as a Financial Analyst, Optical Fiber Division.  Her last promotion was as an Assistant Plant Controller in Manassas, Virginia.  Heather was married to her profession, putting in countless hours with numerous global markets.

Heather enjoyed spending time with her family and spoiling her nieces and nephews during holidays and birthdays

Family and friends are invited to the Bishop-Johnson & DeSanto Funeral Home, 285 Main St. Hornell, on Thursday, (March 2, 2023) from 3:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. Heather’s Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Friday, (March 3, 2023) at 10:00 a.m., at St. Ann’s Church, 31 Erie Ave., Hornell. Interment, with committal prayers, will follow at St. Mary’s Cemetery, Town of Fremont. All of 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  for 30 days beginning at 10 a.m. Friday (March 3, 2023).

Those wishing may remember Heather with a donation to Our Lady of the Valley Parish, 27 Erie Avenue, Hornell, NY 14843. Envelopes for memorial contributions will be available at the funeral home.

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

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

HORNELL-Jacob W. “Jake” Flaitz, 91, of Hornell, died early Tuesday morning (February 7, 2023) at Elderwood at Hornell Nursing Facility, where he had resided for the past 10 months.

Born in Hornell on January 13, 1932, he was the son of Leon & Lena (Saxton) Flaitz.

Jake grew up in Hornell and was a graduate of Hornell High School (class of 1951). While in high school, he excelled in sports and served as co-captain of the HHS Football and was a starting guard on the HHS Basketball teams. However, his “best sport” was baseball where he eventually signed a minor league contract with the Brooklyn Dodgers (MLB). In 1993 Jake was honored by being elected to the Hornell High School Sports Hall of Fame.

Following high school graduation, Jake was employed for a time as a house painter, working with Al Chapman and Hud Coogan. He was a Veteran of the US Navy, serving his country from 1952 – 1956. While in the Navy, Jake traveled throughout the world including the Mediterranean Sea and visiting many countries including Greece & Italy.

For about 7 years, Jake resided in Niagara Falls, NY where he began working for New York Telephone. In 1964 he moved back to his beloved Hornell and continued working for New York Telephone which later became NYNEX and Verizon. He retired as a lineman and cable splicer in 1992 following 35 years of service.

Jake was a member of Our Lady of the Valley Parish and a communicant of St. Ignatius Loyola Church and later St. Ann’s Church. He was also a member of the Hornell American Legion, the Hornell Moose Lodge and a proud “card-carrying” member of the Communication Workers of America (CWA) Union.

For over 10 years, Jake served as a youth football coach in Hornell. The Cowboys, his Midget Football team had a 4 year stretch where they were undefeated. He was a Hornell Grasshopper Baseball Coach for several years.

Following his retirement, Jake became somewhat of a golfing fanatic and would “hit the links” every chance that he got. He also became an accomplished carpenter & cabinet maker and would create beautiful, custom-made bookcases, tables and TV stands, often spending many hours in his basement fine-tuning his craft.

Jake was married on November 13, 1957 to the former M. Elaine Delaney who died October 21, 1977. On September 27, 1980 he married the former Mary Brody Madau who died December 19, 2016. He was also preceded in death by his daughter, Rebecca Flaitz; his son, Andrew “Andy” Flaitz; 5 brothers, Sam Flaitz, Richard “Dick” Flaitz, George Flaitz, Donald Flaitz and Robert “Bob” Flaitz; 2 sisters, Geraldine “Dean” McLane and Kathryn House.

Surviving are 3 sons, Jacob (Kelly) Flaitz, Jr of Conesus, NY, Timothy Flaitz of Rochester and Thomas (Tonia) Flaitz of Hornell and a daughter, Patricia “Trish” (Bud) Paris of Warren, PA; a step-son, Anthony (Patti) Madau of Leroy, NY; his sisters-in-law, Donna Flaitz and Dolores Flaitz; 12 grandchildren, Jacob Andrew Flaitz, Alex Flaitz, Justyn Schumaker and Julia Flaitz; Haylie (Jariot) Spicer, Sydney Paris, Tori (Patrick) Morris, Beau Paris, Teagan Paris, Lexi Paris, Antonio Madau and Peter Madau; 2 great-grandchildren; many nieces & nephews.

At Jake’s request there will be no calling hours. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Tuesday at 10:00 AM at St. Ann’s Church. Burial with full military honors will follow in St. Mary’s Cemetery.

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

Jake’s family request that in lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in his name be made to St. Ann’s Academy, 41 Genesee St., Hornell, NY 14843.

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

HORNELL-Joseph M. “Joe” Dropp, 75, of 6660 Laine Rd., Hornell (Town of Hornellsville), died Saturday evening (January 28, 2023) at Strong Memorial Hospital in Rochester, following a long illness.

Born in Hornell on January 7, 1948, he was the son of Joseph & Rita (Harrington) Dropp.

Joe grew up in Hornell and was a graduate of Hornell High School (class of 1966). Following high school, he served for two years as a member of the US Army and was stationed in Vietnam for a year during the Vietnam Conflict.

Following his honorable discharge from the Army, Joe returned to the Hornell area and began his career with the railroad. For over 30 years, he served as a plumber & carpenter foreman for the former Erie Railroad, Erie-Lackawanna Railroad and Conrail. He later served in the security department of the former Morrison-Knudson (MK) and later Alstom Corporation. Throughout the years, Joe also worked part time as a barber for Angie’s Barber Shop in Hornell.

He was a member of Our Lady of the Valley Parish and a communicant of St. Ignatius Loyola Church and later St. Ann’s Church. He was also a member of the Hornell VFW and the Hornell American Legion.

Joe was a true outdoorsman who enjoyed hunting (deer & small game) and fishing (streams). He also loved his time spent working outdoors — doing yard work, mowing and cutting trees. He was skilled mechanic & carpenter and could fix just about anything.

In addition to his parents, Joe was preceded in death by 2 brothers, Gerald “Jerry” Dropp and Thomas “Tom” Dropp; his sister, Patricia “Pat” Dropp; and his granddaughter, Hannah Elizabeth Rose Logan;

He was married on June 29, 1969 to the former Mary Ellen Crandall who survives. Also surviving are 4 daughters, Debra “Deb” (Phil) Logan of Almond, Colleen (David) Brownell of Hornell, Bridgett (Peter) Galfusz of Williamsburg, VA and Erin (Bil) Panter of Henrietta, NY; his brother, Michael (Patrice Campbell) Dropp of Cortland; his sister, Rita Elizabeth “Liz” Ramsey-Dropp of Warren, PA; 11 grandchildren; 2 great-grandchildren; several nieces & nephews.

The family of Joseph M. “Joe” Dropp will receive friends on Friday from 4:00 PM – 7:00 PM at the Dagon Funeral Home, 38 Church St., Hornell, NY. The US Army will conduct Military Honors at the conclusion of calling hours at 7:00 PM. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Saturday at 11:00 AM at St. Ann’s Church with burial in St. Mary’s Cemetery.

Joe’s family request that in lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in his name be made to Tunnel to Towers Foundation, 2361 Hylan Boulevard, Staten Island, NY 10306. Memorial forms will be available at the Dagon Funeral Home.

In recognition of Joe’s service to his country as a member of the US Army, the American Flag at the Dagon Funeral Home will be flown at half-staff.

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