Hornell, New York
Joseph C. “Muzzy” DiCosimo, 92 of Hornell, NY passed away on Tuesday, December 16, 2025 at St. James Hospital surrounded by people who loved him.
Muzzy was the youngest child of Augusto and Mary (Catania) DiCosimo and the brother of Augie DiCosimo (Darlene), Tony DiCosimo (Gert), Nuncio “Bute” DiCosimo (Mary), Jenny Zarvis (George), Margaret Stevens (Art) and Marion Capo (Frank) all who predeceased him. Muzzy was also predeceased by his mother- and father-in-law, Antonio and Carmella Colomaio and brothers- and sisters-in-law, Maggie and Tony Montemarano, Harold Robbins, Peter and Betty Colomaio, Matt and Mary Colomaio and Ezio Fiacco.
He is survived by his wife of 58 years, Rosie (Colomaio) DiCosimo; son, Joseph DiCosimo and his wife Elizabeth; and the granddaughter he adored, Adriana; as well as sisters-in-law Helen Robbins and Mary Fiacco; many nieces and nephews, including a special nephew, Johnny.
Muzzy was a 1952 graduate of Hornell High School and a member of the United States Army, serving as a prison guard in Dachau, Germany during the Korean War. During his time in the Army he attained the rank of Corporal and received the Good Conduct Medal and National Defense Service Medal as well as being an Army sharpshooter. Upon his honorable discharge in 1955, Muzzy moved to Los Angeles, California where he became a Master Barber, a trade he would practice for nearly 70 years.
In addition to barbering, Muzzy and his brother Nuncio “Bute” owned and operated Margaret’s Grocery Store, serving the east side of Hornell from 1965-1988. Generations of kids spent countless hours at Margaret’s drinking Coke out of glass bottles and buying candy with their pennies. Upon Bute’s retirement in 1988, Muzzy returned to barbering, opening Muzzy’s Barbershop in Hornell. He retired in 2024 at age 92.
Muzzy loved nothing more than a game of Craps at a casino, NFL football and a “good dish of spaghetti.” He was a devout Catholic who was a member of Our Lady of the Valley Parish and attended St. Ann’s Church. He remained faithful through all of his challenges.
The family of Joseph C. “Muzzy” DiCosimo will receive friends on Friday from 4:00 PM until 6:00 PM at Dagon Funeral Home, 38 Church Street, Hornell, NY. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Saturday at 10:00 AM at St. Ann’s Church, Erie Avenue, Hornell, NY. Burial will be in the Bath National Cemetery, Bath, NY.
Muzzy’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. Memorial forms will be available at the Dagon Funeral Home.
In recognition of Muzzy’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.
Muzzy made this world a better place always enjoyed talking to him while getting my hair cut. He was so friendly and kind he really cared about his customers. I always went to Margaret’s Groceries and seen him behind the counter best meats in town. Going to miss seeing him in Wegmans and driving away in his Caddy. R.I.P Muzzy glad to call you my friend. Thoughts and prayers go out to his family. 🙏🏻🙏🏻
Wonderful memories of Bute and Muzzy… the BEST Italian sausage and of course penny candy Also i remember his mother with the big sheet pizza sold by the slice. Condolences to Rose and family. I will miss seeing him at Wegmans. RIP dear Muzzy. Fondly remembered by your Racalto girls.
A truly kind and gracious man, always enjoyed my conversations with Muzzy.
My most sincere and heartfelt condolences to his family. An end to an era, a great run
For a great human. Rest in Peace.
Muzzy is a wonderful man. Kind generous, friendly. A great Barber. When he worked at Margaret’s store he was liked by everyone. Thank you Muzzy for being such a wonderful person in my Life.
Uncle Joe stands as a titan in our lives. He remains a shining example as a family patriarch, community leader and entrepreneur, and will always be someone to look up to for a life centered on family, personal faith and strong work ethic.
We are all the better for being blessed to have him in our lives. Light and love to Aunt Rose, Joseph and Elizabeth, Adriana, his family, friends and colleagues.