Marieka “Rickey” Dagon

Marieka “Rickey” Dagon – (88) – a resident of Updyke’s Nursing Facility, formerly of 11 Main St., Hornell and later 440 Seneca Road, Hornell, died early Sunday morning (July 26, 2015) at McAuley Manor where she had been a patient for the past week.

She was born in Olean, NY on November 20, 1926 to Chris & Sarah Beliles.  When she was 2 months old, she was adopted by her loving parents, John & Bessie (Dromazos) Plianos.

Marieka grew up in Bolivar, NY where she attended Bolivar Central School.  When she was 15 years old, she moved to Dansville, NY and was a graduate of Dansville High School (class of 1944).  While in high school, she worked at the former Sugar Bowl, a restaurant owned & operated by her uncles.

Growing up in Dansville, Rickey never knew that she actually had a brother & 5 sisters.  Being of Greek origin, her parents were unable to read English and Rickey had to read their mail for them.  At the tender age of 15, Marieka, while reading a letter for her mother, was thrilled to learn that she had a family in Olean.  She finally got the opportunity to meet them when she was 19 years old.  They remained close from that day on.

Following high school, Rickey moved to Rochester where she graduated from Highland Hospital School of Nursing (class of 1947) earning her Registered Nurse’s license.  She later furthered her education, taking several nursing related courses at Geneseo State College.  She also took courses in Psychology and Pediatrics at Albany Hospital where she met her future husband, Jim Dagon.  At that time, Jim was a pre-law student at Sienna College.  Jim eventually became a funeral director, taking over the operation of the Dagon Funeral Home, following the death of his father in 1947.

Marieka began her nursing career by serving as Operating Room Supervisor at Noyes Memorial Hospital in Dansville for about 3 ½ years.  She was offered a position at the former Bethesda Community Hospital and briefly was in charge of the Operating Room — again, as O.R. Supervisor. 

She was married on September 6, 1950 to James J. Dagon.  Throughout the 1950’s & 1960’s, as Rickey & Jim began raising their family (eventually seven children), Marieka worked part time as a “floor nurse” at St. James Mercy Hospital.  She later served as “Charge Nurse” of the night shift of the North Wing of St. James and later as Emergency Room Supervisor.  On occasion, she would act as a private duty nurse for family & close friends.

From 1972 – 1986, Rickey was employed as the school nurse at the Hornell High School.  She thoroughly enjoyed her years at HHS, especially the close relationships that she had with the students.  In 1979, she was honored by the students as they dedicated the HHS Year Book in her honor.  Marieka taught nursing classes to High School Seniors and also adults via the Steuben County BOCES program for several years, helping others to begin their careers as nurses.

Following the death of her husband, Jim, in 1983, Rickey began helping her son, Jim, JR in the operation of the Dagon Funeral Home which her husband had operated since 1947.  For the next 21 years, Marieka assisted by tending door during calling hours and also working funerals.  She “retired” in 2004, but would still help out if needed. 

She was a member of Our Lady of the Valley Parish and a communicant of St. Ann’s Church.  Marieka had been a member of the Ladies of Columbus and the Catholic Daughters of America.  She served on the Board of the American Red Cross for 11 years and was a member of the American Heart Association.

Rickey will be remembered as a devoted wife, who adored her husband, and a wonderful, caring & loving mother, who never missed an opportunity to say “I Love You” to her seven children.  As an adopted daughter, she brought sunshine & happiness to her parents who were unable to have children.  As a sister, she was “the best” & as a friend, there were none better.  She certainly has earned a warm spot in the hearts of everyone whose life she touched.

In addition to her husband, Jim Dagon, who died in 1983, she was preceded in death by her granddaughter, Jill Andolina who died in 2013; her brother, George Beliles; sisters, Kate Lamberson, Anna Stocum & Fran Dieter.

Surviving are 2 sons, Jim (Patty) Dagon of Hornell and John (Karen) Dagon of Hornell; 5 daughters, Ellen Dagon of Hornell, Mary (Larry) Clark of Hornell, Molly (Rick) Andolina of Arkport, Sally (Rich) Head of Hornell and Anne (Rich) Scavo of North Hornell; 2 sisters, Mary Havers of Olean and Freda Schultis of Oneonta; 23 grandchildren; 14 great-grandchildren; several nieces & nephews.

The family of Marieka “Rickey” Dagon will receive friends on Tuesday from 3:00 PM  –  7:00 PM at the Dagon Funeral Home, 38 Church St., Hornell, NY.  A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Wednesday at 2:00 PM at St. Ann’s Church with burial in St. Mary’s Cemetery.

Rickey’s family request that in lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in her name be made to St. Ann’s Academy, PO Box 446, Hornell, NY 14843 or to the Jillian Andolina Memorial Dog Yard, C/O Hornell Humane Society, 7649 Industrial Park Road, Hornell, NY 14843.  Memorial forms will be available at the Dagon Funeral Home or click here to print a memorial form

Marieka’s family would like to express their sincere gratitude to the wonderful staff at both Updykes Nursing Facility and McAuley Manor.  Mom’s last few years at Updykes were “good years” because of the outstanding care that she was given.  The staff at McAuley Manor made mom’s last few days extremely comfortable and pain free.  A hearty “Thank-You” to all of the staff at both facilities.

23 Responses to “Marieka “Rickey” Dagon”

  1. Thomas Drumm says:

    JIM,ELLEN,JOHN,MARY,MOLLY,ANN,SALLY,&FAMILIES:
    I was so sorry to hear of your Mom’s passing. Ricky was the most wonderful person that I ever had the pleasure of knowing. I can still remember my High School days as a bus boy at the former Big Elms where they would come everyday for lunch. I don’t think there ever was another couple like your Mom & Dad that was so revered & loved by the entire community. You have all taken such great care of her since your Dad left us, I’m sure he was always smiling down from Heaven. My thoughts & Prayers are with you all, but remember We all have another Guardian Angel watching over us all.
    God Bless you all.

    Tommy Drumm

  2. Patrick T Crissy says:

    So sad to hear of the passing of Mrs. Dagon. There are so many people like myself from that little town that owe so much to her and her late husband, Jim. They were both very kind and giving people and together raised a wonderful family and represented the best that Hornell had to offer. I will always cherish and remember their words of wisdom that helped me through my “trouble years.”
    The passing of a Mother leaves an emptiness which is never filled. This, I know all too well. But the beautiful smile she had and the faith in people and family that she shared with us all, shall sustain us all until we see her again.
    My prayers and hopes of peace to the entire family.

    Patrick T Crissy

  3. Andy Corbett says:

    A true lady in every sense of the word. Not only did she raise a fantastic family but she shared her love & support to all of us students while she was at the high school. She and Mr. Dagon made a lasting impression on all who had the pleasure or honor of crossing their paths.

    A great loss for the Dagon family and the city of Hornell.

  4. Sam McRoberts says:

    Dear Ellen, Jimmy, Mary, Sally, Molly, Ann, John & all the inlaws and relatives,
    Aunt Ricky was my favorite all time Aunt! That is a FACT!!
    She was always in my heart since I was a little kid. She was my God Mother and she LOVED me!!! I knew it as a child and it never left me in my life. Aunt Ricky has a VIP pass straight into HEAVEN!!! GOD BLESS AUNT RICKY forever more!!!
    And All Of The Dagon Family, THE BEST FAMILY I KNOW !!!!!!!

    Sam

  5. Londa Ross says:

    I am so sorry for the loss of your beautiful mother. What a wonderful tribute to her. May God comfort you all at this time.

  6. joe palmer says:

    So sorry to hear of your alls loss… I send you condolences and prayers to help keep up your strength..

  7. Bruce Cameron says:

    To All the Dagon clan. Our heartfelt Love to you all and deepest sympathy for your loss. Your mom was such a special lady and close family friend to us all. She will allways be remembered by us..Love You All..The Cameron Family and old Washington Street Gang..

  8. Rick & Rose Bartlett says:

    JIM,ELLEN,JOHN,MARY,MOLLY,ANN,SALLY,&FAMILIES:
    So sorry about your mom’s passing! Mrs Dagon was a very special lady. She always seemed to remember everyone, and always had a kind word. Our thoughts & prayers go out to you all!

  9. Mary Lisi says:

    To all the Dagon family You have my deepest sympathies Your mom was such a special lady. She will be missed by everyone. She was always so kind and caring to everyone. She was such a good person. My thoughts and prayers are with you all

  10. Marty Hendee says:

    To the Dagon Family, my sympathies are with you for your loss. Your mother was a wonderful lady. She actually took care of me as an infant during my dad’s first illness in 1952.

    God Bless
    Marty Hendee

  11. Kim Clifford Wood says:

    To the Dagon family: my prayers of sympathy to you all in the loss of your Mother. What a wonderful lady who was so nice and gracious to everyone she met. May your memories bring a smile when you need them the most. She was one of Hornell’s special people and will be remembered always. May God bless you all and give you comfort today and always.

  12. Cynthia Denas says:

    Dear Ellen, Jim, Molly, Mary, Sally, Ann & John and family:
    I am so sorry for the loss of your beloved mother. I have wonderful memories of us growing up in Dansville and spending many times at your home in Hornell, after all, we are family! (2nd cousins). Your mother was a classy, warm-hearted woman who so loved her family. I remember my mother telling us stories of all the mischief your mother and my mother would get into as teenagers. We have such wonderful memories of your parents and the great times we spent with you. My thoughts and prayers are with all of you at this difficult time, but please keep her memory alive with all your love…..she was one special lady and I will miss her. May her memory be eternal. God Bless You All.

    Love always,

    Cynthia Denas

  13. Marseena (Foskey)Harmonson says:

    To the Dagon family, my sincere condolences on your Mom’s passing.Mrs Dagon was an exceptional lady.Kind to all of us kids who used to invade the Dagon home.She will be fondly remembered.God bless u all.
    Marseena

  14. patty says:

    So sorry to hear of the loss of such a wonderful person. My deepest sympathies to the Dagon Family.

  15. Elaine Barnes says:

    I would like to express my sincere condolences. Rickey will always be remembered fondly by my family.
    I can still remember the day she came to my house to talk with my mom.
    Your family will be in my prayers.
    Elaine

  16. John Vanderhoff says:

    To the Dagon family.

    Very sorry to hear of Rickey’s passing. Her friendship was a privilege to everyone in our family. There are so many great memories. My deepest sympathies to the Dagon family.

    Sincerely,
    John

  17. Marcella says:

    What a wonderful devoted and caring lady, who was so nice & gracious to meet. She is one of those special people that gave me comfort and loved her smile. I glad that I had the opportunity in knowing her. She always brought a smile and good memories from past and present. My thoughts and prayers are with you all… Dagon Family. I love you Mary and I will always keep you in my prayers.

  18. chris rizzuto says:

    To all of the Dagon family, my thoughts and prayers go out to you in this difficult time. Your mother was such an incredible person with a great spirit and zest for life. She always would tell me how much she loved her family and how important you all were to her. My family sends their heart felt condolences to you all and I will miss her greatly.

  19. Mary Hess says:

    Praying for you and your family during this difficult time and loss of your mom. May Our great Lord and Savior grant you all peace and comfort as only He can 2 Cor 1:3-9. You were so blessed to have your mom for all these years she was a blessing from God. May you all remember the many blessings God has given your family and His continual care during our brief lives. Praying for us all to keep looking to Jesus who holds the future in eternity. May we trust Him completely and know all His promises are true.
    In Christ love and grace, Joe and Mary Hess

  20. Chuck Feenaughty says:

    Sue and I want to send our deepest sympathy to the Dagon family at this time. You were blessed to have such wonderful parents. May the memories of the past bring smiles to you in the future. We now have a new angel to watch over us.

  21. Jim& Rosie Eveland says:

    It has been awhile but our memories linger on. She will be known for her kindness and thoughtfulness to me and my family. We just love seeing her there greeting us with her smiles. May she rest and peace. She will be missed.

  22. Joan Coleman says:

    I always enjoyed Rickey. I have 2 in-laws at Uppykes, and used to see Rickey there, when I visited. I remember her at the funeral home for so many years-always sweet and caring. I will make a donation to St.. Ann’s Academy in her memory, and will include her in my prayers.

  23. Jeff Hancock says:

    From the moment I was reunited with the Havers Family, grandma has spoken about Aunt Janet (aka Rickey). I was pleased to have finally met her last October following gramps funeral. We shared a bond through our adoptions. Like Rickey, I was much older when I learned I had a birth family somewhere. I wish I had the opportunity to have gotten to know Aunt Rickey better. The stories here are a testimony to the goodness and love she abundantly gave to those in her life.