Hornell, NY / Lakeland, FL
James G. “Jim” Congelli – 88 – of Lakeland, FL, formerly of Hornell, died early Sunday morning (May 3, 2026) at Lakeland Regional Health Medical Center, following a long illness. He was a beloved father to James M. and Jennifer Ann, a proud grandfather to Emma, Zachary and Connor and a friend to many.
James Gerard Congelli was born on May 18, 1937, the eldest son of Gerard & Ann (Iervalino) Congelli. He grew up on Cottage Avenue and was a member of Hornell High School’s class of 1956. James, known as “Jim” to close high school friends and family, was always fun-loving and good natured with a true zest for life.
Following high school, Jim worked for several years as a cashier at the former Loblaw’s Grocery Store before enlisting in the, US Army. He served stateside and was also stationed in Korea. Although he did not see combat, his time in the military proved both personally meaningful and formative. The experience deepened his commitment to a life defined by duty, service, and loyalty — qualities that guided him through every stage of his life. He was honorably discharged in 1962.
After his discharge from the US Army, Jim returned to Hornell, where he resumed work at the former Loblaw’s Grocery Store and later served as a sales representative for the Evening Tribune. During that time, he formed a close friendship with the Buisch family, especially Adrian Buisch. That bond grew even stronger after Jim purchased a home on Delaware Avenue, where he and his family lived until June 1990, and where their neighbors—the late Frank, Lena, and “Aunt Fran” Libordi—were regarded as family.
Jim was employed as a sales representative and truck driver for Interstate Brands (Millbrook Bread) Company, which operated a depot on the Hornell–Arkport Road for many years. Up at the crack of dawn each day, he was dedicated to his customers. From Hornell to Dansville, Wayland to Cuba, and Wellsville to Alfred State College, Jim’s lighthearted sense of humor brought an infectious smile to all who had the privilege of knowing him.
He especially enjoyed delivering to Alfred State College’s dining hall, where breakfast and a hot cup of coffee often awaited him, thanks to his sister, the late Margaret Carrig, who managed the dining hall for many years. In his free time, Jim also coached in the Hornell Babe Ruth Baseball League and served honorably on its Board of Directors.
In 1990, the Congelli family moved to Elmira, where Jim continued his career as a sales representative and truck driver for Strohmann Bakeries. From downtown Elmira to Elmira Heights, his infectious smile and fun-loving personality earned him a lasting reputation throughout the Southern Tier until his retirement in 1999.
He was married on June 1, 1968, at St. Ignatius Loyola Church to the former Mary Catherine “Katie” Leahy, who survives. Jim was a devoted family man who always put his loved ones first. He especially loved attending his children’s high school sporting events and was an avid football fan, proudly cheering on the Hornell Red Raiders and the Buffalo Bills. Over the years, many friends and neighbors became like family, and some of the most cherished memories with Jim were made around the kitchen table, often over “Jim’s Homemade Pizza.”
Jim had a true passion for cooking and could often be found in the kitchen on his days off preparing one of his specialties—homemade pizza, Italian ditalini soup with fresh-baked bread, or a pot of his signature spaghetti sauce.
While living in Hornell, Jim and Katie were communicants of St. Ann’s Church. In 2012, Jim and Katie moved to Lakeland, FL, where they were members of St. Anthony’s Church. Jim is a former member of the Hornell Knights of Columbus and throughout the years was an avid golfer. In his younger years, Jim enjoyed bowling at the Hornell Bowl in several leagues. An avid history buff, Jim was a huge fan of a good John Wayne western or any type of good old-fashioned war movie.
Jim was preceded in death by his sisters, Patricia Ann Flansburg and Margaret Ann Carrig; his brother-in-law, Raymond M. Carrig; and his former sister-in-law, the late Sharon A. Congelli.
In addition to his wife of 58 years, Katie, survivors include his son, James M. “Jimmy” Congelli of Belmont, NC; his daughter, Jennifer Ann (Darrell) Ingold of Holbrook, Long Island, NY; his brother, John Congelli of Hornell; three grandchildren, Connor Congelli, Emma Ingold and Zachary Ingold; several beloved nieces, nephews and cousins.
The family will greet relatives and friends on Saturday, June 27, 2026 from 11:00 AM until 1:00 PM at the Dagon Funeral Home, 38 Church Street, Hornell, NY. A Christian Service of Remembrance with Military Honors will follow at 1:00 PM. With Deacon Robert McCormick officiating. Final interment with committal prayers will follow at St. Mary’s Cemetery, Town of Fremont.
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.
Services will be live streamed and may be seen on the Facebook page of The Dagon Funeral Home by visiting www.facebook.com/dagonfuneralhome beginning at 1:00 PM. The video will remain online and will be available for viewing for 30 days.
In lieu of flowers, those wishing may contribute in Jim’s memory to St. Ann’s Academy, P.O. Box 446, Hornell, NY 14843 to continue supporting Catholic education. Memorial forms for contributions will be available at the Dagon Funeral Home.
To leave an online condolence or share a memory, visit www.dagonfuneralhome.com.