Hornell, New York
Dean G. Wesley – 86 – of 114 Crosby St., Hornell, died early Friday morning (August 25, 2023) at Maple City Rehab & Nursing (formerly Hornell Gardens) with his loving wife by his side.
Born in Dansville, NY on December 23, 1936, he was the son of Gorden & Janet (May) Wesley.
Dean grew up in Hornell and was a graduate of Hornell High School (class of 1956). He was a veteran of the US Army, serving his country from 1959 – 1961 and was stationed in Japan for most of his service. He later served as a member of the US Army Reserves.
For 38 years, Dean was employed as a machinist at the former Foster-Wheeler Corporation, retiring in 1995. He enjoyed golf and was well known around town for his long daily walks during his retirement years. Dean was an avid sports fan and enjoyed rooting for the New York Yankees, Buffalo Bills and Syracuse Orangemen. He also loved his “canine companion,” Alex, very much.
Dean was a member of Our Lady of the Valley Parish and had been a communicant of St. Ignatius Loyola Church; St. Jude Parish (Alfred) and St. Ann’s Church. He was a member of the Hornell American Legion and a former member of the Hornell Moose Lodge and the Hornell Association.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Gordon & Janet Wesley; his daughter-in-law, Dr. Susan (Rainwater) Wesley; 2 brothers-in-law, Richard Wager & Donald Wager.
Dean was married in Cohocton, NY on November 18, 1961 to the former Jean Marie Wager who survives. Also surviving are his son, Michael Wesley (and his former spouse, Julianne Blanco Wesley) of Hornell; his daughter, Liz Wesley of Leroy, NY; his brother-in-law, Douglas (Beth) Wager of Warminster, PA; 3 sisters-in-law, Deborah (Robert) Thurling of Keuka Park, NY, Janet Wager of Millersville, PA and Jeanette Wager of Schwenksville, PA; his special cousins, Johanna Curtis and Sandy Smith; several nieces & nephews; along with his “girlfriends” at Maple City Rehab & Nursing.
At Dean’s request there will be no calling hours. Private services will be held at the convenience of the family.
Funeral arrangements are in care of the Dagon Funeral Home, 38 Church St., Hornell, NY
Dean’s family request that in lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in his name be made to the Hornell Humane Society, 7649 Industrial Park Road, Hornell, NY 14843.
To leave an online condolence or share a memory, visit www.dagonfuneralhome.com.
Michael, you and your family are in my thoughts during this difficult time.
Dean, Rest in Peace my old friend and fellow employee at Foster Wheeler, We shared many many good times at work and on the way to work, Back in are younger days playing ball down in the Alley, God will look after you now as you are up in Heaven, no more lost or worrisome days. You will be greatly missed my friend of so many years. To Jean and Family, you are in my thoughts, These days are hard to understand, but God has a path for each of us and it was Dean’s turn to return to Heaven.
Bless you are the Family.
Richard