Hilton, NY / Hornell, NY
Diane M. Caruso – 64 – of Hilton, NY, formerly of Arkport, NY, passed away peacefully on September 30, 2026, surrounded by her loving family after a courageous battle with metastatic melanoma.
Born in Hornell, NY, she was the cherished daughter of Robert and Patricia (Burke) Dwyer. Diane grew up in the Arkport area and graduated from Arkport Central School with the Class of 1980. She followed her calling to care for others by pursuing her RN at Alfred State College. She later earned her Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) from Roberts Wesleyan University and went on to complete her Master’s Degree.
Diane dedicated more than 40 years to the nursing profession. Although she brought her exceptional skills to several specialized areas, including maternity/obstetrics and aesthetics, oncology was her lifelong passion. For more than 30 years, she poured her heart, knowledge, and profound empathy into caring for people with cancer and supporting their families. She was known for her professionalism, clinical skill, and deeply compassionate nature, which made people feel safe and cared for during some of life’s most difficult moments.
An exceptionally strong and independent woman, Diane’s greatest pride was raising her three beloved children: Chelsie Caruso, Angelo Caruso and Michael Caruso (Tamra Tills). She was also the adoring grandmother of Jaicee, Rosalie, and Cassidy who brought immeasurable light and happiness to her life.
Those who knew Diane will remember her quick wit, strength, faith, and fierce devotion to the people she loved. She found joy in music and expressed her immense love for her family through her passion for cooking and baking, always creating warmth and lasting memories around the table. A lifelong animal lover, Diane shared an especially deep bond with her cherished Chow Chows, Honey and Song, who held a permanent place in her heart.
Diane is survived by her parents, Robert and Patricia Dwyer; her children and grandchildren; and her sisters, Tracy (Mike) Dwyer-Baker, Colleen (Francis) Argentieri, and Meghan Dwyer (Chris Cartella). She also leaves behind many beloved nieces and nephews, as well as a large, loving network of extended family, colleagues, and dear friends.
She was predeceased by her older brother, Robert P “Bobby” Dwyer and her maternal and paternal grandparents.
The family of Diane M. Caruso will receive friends on Wednesday (October 7, 2026) from 4:00 PM to 7:00 PM at the Dagon Funeral Home, 38 Church St., Hornell, NY. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Thursday (October 8, 2026) at 10:00 AM at St. Ann’s Church, 35 Erie Ave., Hornell, NY, with burial to follow in St. Mary’s Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorial contributions be made in Diane’s honor to the Melanoma Research Foundation or a local oncology care unit to continue her legacy of supporting cancer patients.
To leave an online condolence or share a memory, please visit www.dagonfuneralhome.com or www.facebook.com/dagonfuneralhome.
We are so sorry for your loss. We only had the pleasure of knowing Diane for a short while, but she made such an impression on us. She was a beautiful, sparky woman with such a wonderful presence. We were deeply saddened to hear of her passing. She will be greatly missed, and we know heaven has gained a very special soul.
John and Karen Ferraro
To Diane’s Family, my deepest sympathy and prayers are with you.
Diane was my cherished friend for 21 yrs. We met in California at work in 2005. Although we moved away from eachother we never lost touch. She was a beautiful soul and I will miss her deeply. My heart is broken but I trust she is with our Lord Jesus and at peace and rest. I love you Dee and I will think of you always.
Forever Friends,
Tracy
My friend, I will miss you and all the laughs we used to have. You were always a phone call away when I would call you panicking or needed advice going through my treatments. I will never forget that or you. Love you.
Oh, Diane, we are having a hard time believing you have left us. It seems like just yesterday we were laughing and dancing at Erika & James’ wedding. We always had great conversations whenever we were together. You were a lot of fun to be around and we will certainly miss you. May you rest in peace now, free of pain & suffering. You will never be forgotten. All our love, Chris & Sheila
Dee, you were great friend and a wonderful friend. I will always remember your kindness and warmth.
Your life was a blessing, your memory a treasure. My heart goes out to you and your family. I won’t say goodbye, for we meet again in Heaven.
Sweet Diane,
You will always be one of the coolest people I’ve ever known. I loved when you lived here and would come out to visit. You always gave the best advice, and I loved how much you loved your Buffalo Bills.
Your heart was pure gold, and you loved people deeply. Thank you for treating me like family from the very first day I met you. That is something I will always carry with me.
To your children, I know this is incredibly hard, but always remember: to be absent from the body is to be present with the Lord. You were so blessed to have such a cool and loving mom like Dee, and her love will always be with you.
Until we meet again, my friend. You are now reunited with Gepsee, and I know that reunion must be beautiful.
Rest well, Diane. You were truly loved and will never be forgotten.
Love,
Keisha
My dear Diane…It broke my heart to hear that you had passed away. As children we always thought we would live forever and be together forever. You were my best friend growing up. We had so many adventures! From bike riding everywhere, building hay forts in the barn, hide and seek in the corn fields, climbing trees, swimming in the pond, selling blackberries by the road, and the list goes on an on. I regret that we lost touch along the way. I missed out on so much of your life. From your kids, grandkids, career etc. you were well loved by family and people in your career ! That does not surprise me at all. I wish things had been different and we hadn’t lost touch. On April 28, I always think of you wondering where you are and how you are doing. You’ve never left my heart. We will meet again and continue our adventures! I pray for your family and friends. They have lost a wonderful mother, grandmother, and friend.