Hornell, NY / Fremont, NY
James George “Jim” Gentile – 90 – of State Route 21, Hornell (Town of Fremont) died early Tuesday morning (September 23, 2025) at Strong Memorial Hospital in Rochester following a long illness.
Born in Hornell on August 31, 1935, he was the son of Pasquale “Patsy” & Lucy (Viola) Gentile.
Jim grew up in Hornell and attended Hornell High School and later received his General Education Diploma (GED). He was a Veteran of the US Army, serving his country from 1954 – 1956.
Following his honorable discharge from the US Army, Jim was employed for several years at the former SKF Industries of Hornell and also Foster Wheeler Corporation of Dansville. For 30 years, he served as a UPS Delivery Driver, retiring in 1992.
Jim was a member of Our Lady of the Valley Parish and a communicant of St. Ann’s Church. He had been a member (and twice past governor) of the Hornell Moose Lodge and the Arkport American Legion. For many years Jim served as a volunteer fireman for the Arkport Fire Department. He also enjoyed rooting for the Buffalo Bills — especially during the Super Bowl Years.
He was preceded in death by 2 sisters, Rose Secondo, and Mary Holt.
Jim was married on April 23, 1983 to the former Rosemary Edger who survives. Also surviving are 8 children, Mike (Brenda) Gentile of Walworth, NY, Sue (Dave) Woolston of Rochester, NY, Cathy (Frank) Balys of Holley, NY, Andrea Jo (Steve) Johnson of Bowie, MD, James (Rachel) Gentile of Gettysburg, PA, Anthony Gentile of Leadville, CO, Vincent (Erin) Gentile of Painted Post, NY and Frank (Charlie & Karl) Gentile of Rochester, NY; 2 brothers, Angelo (Marguerite) Gentile of Hornell and Patsey (Betty) Gentile of Lackawanna, NY; many grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces & nephews.
At Jim’s request there will be no calling hours. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Friday (September 26, 2025) at 10:00 AM at St. Ann’s Church with burial in St. Mary’s Cemetery.
Jim’s family request that in lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in his name be made to St. Ann’s Church, 31 Erie Ave., Hornell, NY 14843.
In recognition of Jim’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.