Hornell, New York

Floyd L. Loper – 82 – of County Route 70A (Big Creek Road), Hornell died Tuesday afternoon (June 6, 2023) at his home, surrounded by his family, following a long illness.

Born in Hornell on March 21, 1941, he was the son of Floyd & Eleanor (Murray) Loper.

Floyd grew up in Hornell and later graduated from Hornell High School, class of 1960. While in high school, Floyd worked on his family’s farm. He raised and showed Ashier cows. Floyd won the state championship multiple years with his bull, Herman, and even showed him at the World’s Fair in Chicago.

He served his country in the US Navy aboard the USS Saratoga from 1960 – 1962. He was honorably discharged when his father became ill and he needed to return to the family farm. Floyd later worked for the Erie Railroad and Dunkirk Ice Cream, and for over 35 years as a welder at Foster Wheeler Corporation in Dansville. During the years that Foster Wheeler was closed and until they reopened, he was employed as a welder on the Tappan Zee Bridge.

Floyd was married on May 21, 1965 to his high school sweetheart, Charlene Miller Loper, who predeceased him in 2021. He was also was preceded in death by his three sisters, Deatta Jamison, Hilda Norton, and Harriett Theilen.

Surviving are his son, Jeffrey (Christina) Loper of Hornell; his daughter, Michele (Ed) Flaitz of Hornell; 5 grandchildren, Jacob (Isabelle) Loper, Jessica Loper, AnnaMarie Flaitz, Emma Flaitz & Elaina Flaitz.

He and Charlene shared a true love story for 56 years. Floyd would walk over 6 miles every day after school to make sure Charlene got home safe. After they were married, they began building their own home. They lived a wonderful life together raising their family. They spent countless hours boating on Keuka Lake when not working or spending time on their own property.

Floyd had a love for the outdoors and spent his free time ice fishing, salmon fishing on Lake Ontario, and deer hunting on his property. He also enjoyed four-wheeling with his grandchildren all over their land and having picnics at the picnic table that he built. Additionally, he loved watching drag racing. One of his greatest joys came from watching his son and grandson race and helping them prepare and maintain their bike and dragster on race day.

A true handyman, Floyd could build or fix anything. He was always outside “tinkering” on something. Until the age of 75, he was still riding into the woods, cutting down trees, and chopping them up to heat his home. Floyd was loving, strong, and a great jokester, something he never lost even during his long battle with Alzheimer’s.

The family would like to thank Tender Loving Home Care for the wonderful care Floyd received the last 4 years. We are grateful he was able to remain in his home that he so dearly loved.

At Floyd’s request there will be no calling hours. A private graveside service will be held at St. Mary’s Cemetery at the convenience of the family with Deacon Robert McCormick officiating.

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

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

Hornell, NY / Bradenton, FL

Theresa Lorraine Cortese-Zampello, age 67, of Bradenton, FL passed away on March 28, 2023 after a courageous battle with a long-term illness.

Born in Hornell on July 14, 1955, she was the daughter of James and Mary (Orzechowski) Cortese.

Theresa, who grew up in North Hornell, graduated from the Hornell Senior High School (Class of ’73); thereafter, she attended SUNY at Brockport. She will always be remembered for her sharp mind and quick wit.

She was preceded in death by her father, Jim Cortese and her son, Preston Talley.

Surviving are two sons, Jarrad Talley and Trevor Talley; her daughter, Erica Zampello, all from the Bradenton, FL area. She is also survived by her mother, Mary Cortese; and five siblings, Patrick, Jeannie, Thomas, Michael, and Paul Cortese; as well as many aunts, uncles, cousins, nephews, nieces, and longtime partner, Richard Guidice.

At Theresa’s request there will be no calling hours. A private graveside service will be held at St. Mary’s Cemetery at the convenience of the family with Deacon Robert McCormick officiating.

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

Theresa’s family request that memorial contributions in her name be made to a charity of the donor’s choice.

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

Hornell, New York

Mary T. Pollizi – (62) – of 106 Hornell St., Hornell, died early Monday morning (May 29, 2023) at her home, surrounded by her loving family 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 along with her paternal grandparents, Anthony & Rose Pollizi and maternal grandparents, Claire & Margaret Norton.

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 friend 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.

A special “Thank-You” to the wonderful caregivers at Care First Hospice for their compassion & kindness shown to Mary and her family.

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, New York

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, NY

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.

Lexi lost her battle with addiction on May 23rd, 2023.  She leaves behind the love of her life, her son Corbin Paul.

Donations accepted in her name at Casa-Trinity, 86 River St., Hornell, NY  14843

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

Hornell, New York

Lynn Anne Sulyma passed peacefully into eternity on May 19, 2023.

She was the daughter of John and Irene (Werzechowski) Sulyma, of Hornell, NY, and proud to be born in Brooklyn, NY on January 29, 1954. Survivors include her brother Jonathan (Pat) of Almond, NY; her sister, Stephanie Sulyma of Rochester, NY; her niece, Marisa Mauro of Bee Cave, TX; her nephew, Nick Mauro of Fairport NY; many cousins, friends, and her dear friend, LuAnn Di Paglia.

Lynn was predeceased by her wife of sixteen years, Beth Lumsden, with whom she had a holy union at the Metropolitan Community Church in Washington, DC.

Her childhood was spent on both coasts, a large portion of it in San Jose, Ca. Her family relocated to Hornell, NY where she attended her last year of high school, graduating in 1972.

Upon graduation from High School, Lynn enlisted in the US Navy and trained at Naval BSIC training in Orlando, FL. She was then assigned to Ft. Benjamin Harris to the Military Joint Journalism School. Her permanent station was at the Public Affairs Office and the headquarters for the Naval Air Force at Norfolk, VA. Her enlistment lasted from April 27, 1973, until April 26, 1977.

Upon discharge from the military, Lynn matriculated at Old Dominion University, graduating with a Bachelor’s degree in Independent Studies, with a specialization in Japanese history and culture. She was a lover of Japanese culture and spoke Japanese.

Lynn attained her black belt in karate from her Shihan, Hiroshi Hamada, a 24th-generation Samurai, while at Old Dominion University and later taught women’s self-defense classes.

On her second trip back to the West Coast as an adult, she worked for the Press-Enterprise in Riverside, CA where she was a journalist. Lynn was proud to be a shop steward for her fellow customer service union workers at the Washington Post where she worked for twenty years. Her people skills were also employed for a time at ARC in Hornell where she was a Direct Support for clients.

Lynn had an intense curiosity and nimble fingers and began restoring furniture when she was only thirteen years old. She also sewed and once made her sister, Stephanie an entirely new wardrobe. Her other talents and interests included quilting, writing, drawing and painting, playing her guitar and singing, bird watching, and camping. vHer intelligence was brilliant and she possessed a sharp wit and great sense of humor.

Relocation to her family’s hometown happened following the death of her spouse and the care of her mother-in-law and father-in-law in Maryland who passed on after her wife’s death.

Lynn was a friend to many and was passionately involved in numerous political causes and candidate campaigns from a young age. Causes that were important to her included marriage equality, equal rites for women, LGBTQ rights, human rights, and ecological causes. Her focus was on promoting a healthy democracy through activism. Bertha the Bullhorn and Lynn were frequent participants in marches including the Women’s Rights March on Washington, DC in 2017.

Part of Lynn’s inquisitiveness was her studies of various religions. She had a deep and abiding faith in God and believed that God had a deep and abiding faith in ALL of His creation.

She loved nature and was an avid birdwatcher and camper. One of her favorite places was Shenandoah National Park where her and her wife’s ashes will be scattered.

There will be no memorial service but there will be a Celebration of Her Life in mid-July at a local location. Details will follow via various social media platforms.

Donations may be made in her memory to your local Indivisible Group, Planned Parenthood, or Multiple Myeloma Patient Support Group.

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

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

North Hornell, NY

Susan S. Lockwood (68) of Heather Heights, North Hornell, passed away at St. James Hospital, following a courageous 5 year battle with stage IV brain cancer, surrounded by her loving family.

Born in Hornell on January 8, 1955, at Bethesda Community Hospital, she was the daughter of Fred & Jeanne (Kame) Schwartz of Almond, NY.

Susan grew up in Almond and was a graduate of Alfred-Almond Central School (class of 1973). While in high school, she was employed as an office worker at the former Bethesda Community Hospital where she was exposed to the world of computer technology. She earned her Associate’s Degree in Computer Science from Alfred Sate College (SUNY Alfred) and later earned her Bachelor’s Degree in Computer Science.

In the spring of 1973 she met the love of her life and best friend, Ronald “Ron” Lockwood of Hornell and on June 5th, 1976 they married. They moved to Rochester the following year. She was first employed at Wegmans and later by the Fairport School District. In 1979, Susan & Ron moved back to Hornell and designed her dream home where their family have lived ever since.

She began her career working at Genesee Valley BOCES in Mt. Morris, teaching Computer Science & Computer Programming. She was a gifted and caring teacher for 30 years. Susan was highly respected by her colleagues and loved by her students. She also served an advisor to the DECA Club where her students won many awards. She retired in 2010.

Susan’s greatest joy was simply being the best wife, mother, daughter, sister, grandmother and friend that she could possibly be. Throughout the years she loved attending her children’s school and sporting events and was always there for her family. Susan would welcome all of her children’s friends who would come over to swim, play basketball or just hang out. Her happiest times were spent with her family. She loved her three dogs, Onyx, Opal and Pearl.

Following her retirement, Susan loved traveling with her family, visiting all but 10 states. Her favorite was watching the sunset at Siesta Key Beach. She enjoyed traveling to each of her children’s homes around the country. Her children will treasure her wisdom, guidance, humility, kindness and love and will miss her dearly.

Susan is survived by her husband of 47 years, Ron Lockwood; 3 children, Jason (Meredith) Lockwood of Charlotte, NC, Jaimee (Darcy Macdougald) Lockwood of Nashville, TN and Justine Lockwood of Tulum, Mexico; 3 grandchildren, Solara Rosas Lockwood, Lyla Lockwood and Weston Lockwood; her parents, Fred & Jeanne Schwartz of Almond; her sister, Chris (Larry) Drumm of Almond; and her niece Julie Barrett of Jacksonville, FL.

At Susan’s request there will be no calling hours. Family & friends will be invited to attend a “Celebration of Life” at a time and place to be announced later, where memories & stories will be shared.

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

Susan’s family request that in lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in her name be made to the Alfred Almond Alumni Association or the American Cancer Society.

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

Hornell, New York

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.

Arkport, NY / Canaseraga, NY

Donald L. “Don” Butler – 79 – formerly of the Arkport / Canaseraga area, died Saturday (May 13, 2023) at Maple City Rehabilitation & Nursing Center (formerly Hornell Gardens), where he has resided for the past 5 months.

Born in Canaseraga on May 6, 1944, he was the son of Curt & Iva (Barrett) Butler.

Don grew up in Canaseraga and attended Canaseraga Central School. During his high school years, he also worked on the Butler Family Farm. He was a veteran of the US Army, serving his country during the Vietnam era.

Following his honorable discharge from the US Army, Don returned to the Canaseraga area and lived most of his adult life in the Arkport / Canaseraga area.

He was employed for many years as a bus driver for Canaseraga Central School and also owned & operated Butler Transport Service, transporting Amish for work and other appointments.

Don loved sports and especially enjoyed watching College Basketball & College Football on TV. He also had a deep appreciation for classic vintage cars and throughout the years owned several. His greatest joy, however, was spending time with his grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by 9 brothers & sisters.

Surviving are 2 sons, Roy Butler of Livonia and Brian (Teresa) Becker of Texas; 1 daughter, Brandy Clark of Arkport; several grandchildren; great-grandchildren; nieces & nephews.

At Don’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.

Don’s family request that in lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in his name be made to St. Jude Children’s Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105.

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