Arkport, NY

Betty C. Dresser – age 81 of Oak Hill St., Arkport, died on June 8, 2025, at home after having one last “great day” going out for ice cream with her great grandchildren, watching them play in the mud puddles with ice cream cones in their hand.

Born in Hornell on March 30, 1944, she was the daughter of the late Floyd & Aletha “Ruth” (Bossard) Kame.

A lifelong resident of Arkport, Betty attended Arkport Central School and the Continental School of Beauty.  As a licensed cosmetologist, she opened “Betty’s Beauty Bar in her home in Arkport. Betty was always up to giving someone a haircut!  On August 18, 1962, she married the love of her life, Richard “Dick” Dresser with whom she shared 56 wonderful years before his passing on December 12, 2018.

Betty was a cosmetologist by trade, she worked at the Hornell Area Humane Society for many years and had a love for cats, but her true passion was her family. Betty loved watching children. Betty cared for her nieces, nephews, neighbor children, and her grandchildren.   Betty was happiest when children were in her home and she could bake them pies, cake, and cookies.  Betty was an amazing baker and cook and was behind many of the meals served at her grandson’s wine bar – The Brute.

Betty was the type of mom who traveled to her son Steve’s professional motorcycle events, supported Wendy’s horse, dog, and cat adventures, traveled to every sports event her grandchildren had and cheered with gusto in the stands.

In addition to her beloved husband, Betty was preceded in death by two brothers, Larry Kame & Vincent Kame, a niece Terry Kame, three nephews Randy Tychi, Tim Tychi, and Raymond Tychi.

Betty leaves behind her family: Steve & Nicole Dresser, Danica Dresser, Hannah Dresser, Wendy & Mark Recktenwald, Justin & Kyleigh Recktenwald, Hudson, Cody & Katie Recktenwald, Colton and new baby boy coming in July, Julie & Gordy Koester, Jenna Koester, John Koester & Brittany Reinard, Nate and Nicolle Matthews, Nolan Matthews, Nessa Matthews, Nevelyn Matthews, and Nixon Matthews.  Betty will be leaving behind her cat Stanley, and a feral colony she cared for in her barn.  Betty leaves her sister, Irene Tychi, two sisters-in-law, Patricia Kame and JoAnn Kame, several nieces, nephews and cousins.  Her grandchildren must know how proud she was of each of them.  She loved her time spent with her family and had great memories of the Bossard Cabin, Tychi farm, and times spent with family at our own farm winery.

Betty had one wish as she battled Super Nuclear Palsey- a rare form of Parkinson’s.  She wanted to stay in her home, in the house her father built. This would not have been possible without the amazing health care professionals who loved her as much as the rest of us did.  We owe so much gratitude to Thelma Canfield, Amy Wilhelm, Cassie Feenaughty, Kat Harrick, Kristen Quinlin, RayAnn Mann, Sasha Jones, Sherry Schneider, Yulanda Wilhelm, Ava Mayer, Emily Webster, Regan Hooker, and Nikki Liberati. These women became both friends and family to us all.  Special thank you to Care First and Dr. Kluger URMC, and Canisteo Valley Family Practice. A special thank you to Jodi Testani who came to the house to cut her hair.

The family of Betty C. Dresser will receive friends on Saturday, June 14, 2025 from 9:30 AM to 11:00 AM at the Dagon Funeral Home, 38 Church St., Hornell, NY where funeral services will be held at the conclusion of calling hours at 11:00 AM with Deacon Robert McCormick officiating.  Burial will be in Heritage Hill Cemetery, Arkport.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in Betty’s name may be made to the Hornell Area Humane Society, 7649 Industrial Park Road, Hornell, NY 14843.  Memorial forms will be available at the funeral home.

To leave an online condolence or share a memory, please visit www.dagonfuneralhome.com or www.facebook.com/dagonfuneralhome.

Hornell, New York

Rose E. Ashley – 86 – of 373 Canisteo St. (Lincoln Gardens), Hornell, died Friday afternoon (June 6, 2025) at St. James Hospital following a brief illness.

She is survived by her son, Terry Ashley of Bath, NY.

At Rose’s request there will be no call hours or services.

Funeral arrangements are in care of the Dagon Funeral Home, 38 Church St., Hornell, NY.

To leave an online condolence or share a memory, visit www.dagonfuneralhome.com.

Campbell, New York

Roberta K. Clark – 88 – of Campbell, NY died Thursday morning (June 5, 2025) at her home where she resided with her granddaughter, Katherine (Dakota) Beauvier-Thomas, surrounded by her family, following a long illness.

Born in Blossburg, PA on June 26, 1936, she was the daughter of Leland Niles & Mary (Richardson) Graves.

Roberta grew up in the Blossburg, PA & Lawrenceville, PA area where she attended high school, later receiving her General Education Development (GED) Diploma in 1996.

A resident of the Campbell area for the past 45 years, Roberta worked as a “Line Person” at the former A&P Plant in Horseheads, NY.  For over 40 years she served as manager of Campbell Estates Mobile Home Park which later became Colonial Coach Mobile Home Park.  She also owned & operated a small convenience store within the home park for several years.

Roberta had been a member of the Coopers Plains Methodist & Baptist Church and served as a volunteer for Catholic Charities in Bath, NY years ago.  She enjoyed crocheting and was an active member of Prayer Shall Ministries, creating & donating blankets and prayer shawls to hospitals, nursing homes and anyone in need.

She was married on February 5, 1977, to Lawrence Clark who died February 19, 2017.  She was also preceded in death by 3 sisters, Alice Mae, Virginia Coffee & Carol Strauss.

Surviving are her children & step-children, Larry (Sandra) Buman, Jerry & Sue Clark-Buman, Jimmy & Robin Clark-Buman, Mary (Kevin) Buman-Kirkham, Audrey Clark, Clara “Diane” Jackson, Cindy (Ed) Sheppard, Terry (René) Buman, Randy (Beth) Buman, Kenneth (Patty) Freeman and Donna (Chris) Beauvier; she is survived her half-sister Cathy Vogel and half- brothers Bruce Niles, and Larry (Mary-Lou) Burd; 34 grandchildren; several great-grandchildren; nieces & nephews who will sadly miss her contagious smile.

The family of Roberta K. Clark will receive friends/family for a “Celebration of Life” on Thursday (June 12, 2025) from 4:00 PM until 6:00 PM at the Thurston Christian Church, 7511 County Route 333, Campbell, NY.  A Memorial Service will be held at 6:00 PM with Rev. David Beck officiating.

Funeral arrangements are in care of the Dagon Funeral Home, 38 Church St., Hornell, NY.

Roberta’s family request that in lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in her name be made to a charity of the donor’s choice.  “Someday you will hear that I have died. Don’t believe a word of it, I’ll Be More Alive than I am now — I will be with God.” Billy Graham.

The Family wishes to express their deepest gratitude to the amazing staff with CareFirst NY especially Kelly (RN) for the dedicated care and support during this difficult time. You have been a blessing to our family. Thank you.

To leave an online condolence or share a memory, visit www.dagonfuneralhome.com.

Horseheads, New York

Pamela S. “Pam” Nicholson – 71 – died Wednesday evening (June 4, 2025) at the Alcor Nursing & Rehab facility in Horseheads, where she resided for the pasts 2 years.

Born in Hornell on March 27, 1954, she was the daughter of Nelson & Thelma (Stephens) Norton.

A resident of the Hornell area for most of her life, Pam enjoyed playing Lotto and trying her luck with “scratch-off” tickets.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her sister, Sharon Norton.

Surviving are 3 sisters, Lana (Al) York of Canisteo, Sheila (Mark) Hess of Canisteo and Karen Gardner of Canisteo; 3 brothers, John (Linda) Norton of Hornell, Michael Norton of Hornell and Mark (Cindy) Norton of Bath, NY; along with several nieces & nephews.

At Pam’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.

Pam’s family request that in lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in her name be made to the Canisteo Fire & Ambulance, 14 Main St., Canisteo, NY  14823

To leave an online condolence or share a memory, visit www.dagonfuneralhome.com.

Hornell, New York

Ellen P. Powers – 83 – of 1190 County Route 66, Hornell, formerly of Washington St., Hornell, died Tuesday afternoon (June 3, 2025) at her home, following a long illness.

Born in Brooklyn, NY on June 18, 1941, she was the daughter of Frank & Mildred (Murphy) Fogarty.

Raised on Lake Ronkonkoma, LI, Ellen was a graduate of Sachem High School (class of 1959).  While living on Long Island, she held several jobs including waitressing and working in an antique shop.  Ellen resided in Florida for several years and served as a Church Day Care Provider.  She has been living in the Hornell area for the past 45 years.

Ellen was a former member of Our Lady of the Valley Parish and a communicant of St. Ann’s Church.  She enjoyed crafting, antiquing and would often “buy & sell” antiques.

She was married to James “Wayne” Powers who died February 27, 2022.  She was also preceded in death by 2 sisters, Denise Fogarty and Dorothy Fogarty.

Surviving are her children, Robin Rideout of Hornell, Robert Rideout of Maryland , Edward Rideout of Hornell, Kimberly (Dan Congdon) Kassay of Hornell, Mildred Kassay of Hornell, Randi (Steve) Parsell of Port Orange, FL and Frank (Michelle) Powers of El Paso, TX; 2 sisters, Maureen (Ronald) Palmer of Hornell and Francine (Dana) Lemme of Mt. Dora, FL; her brother, Frank (Cynthia) Fogarty II of Mt. Dora, FL; numerous grandchildren; great-grandchildren; great-great-grandchildren; nieces & nephews.

At Ellen’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.

Ellen’s family request that in lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in her name be made to a charity of the donor’s choice.

To leave an online condolence or share a memory, visit www.dagonfuneralhome.com.

Hornell, New York

Joanne L. Hawkins – 90 – formerly of 32 East Van Scoter St., Hornell, died peacefully late Friday evening (May 30, 2025), surrounded by her loving family, at Elderwood at Hornell Nursing Facility in North Hornell, where she had resided for the past 3 ½ years.

Funeral arrangements are incomplete and will be announced by the Dagon Funeral Home, 38 Church St., Hornell, NY.

Hornell, New York

Ronald S. “Ron” Benson – 87 – of State Route 21, Hornell, died early Friday morning (May 23, 2025) at St. James Hospital following a brief illness.

Born in Hornell on September 10, 1937 he was the son of Gustave  “Gus” and Fannie (Sage) Benson.

He grew up on Maple Street with his two sisters, Bonnie and Joyce, and graduated from Hornell High School in 1955.  He married his high school sweetheart Marilyn Sheridan (Murphy) and they had three daughters before they divorced amicably.

Ron had a long career in Accounting with the Erie Lackawanna Railroad taking him to live in Scranton, PA, Cleveland, OH, Pittsburgh, PA, and Albany New York.  He lived in Cleveland for many years where he met his second wife, Wilma Benson to whom he was married until her death in 1991. He initially retired in Cleveland, OH before settling again in his beloved hometown of Hornell where he met his love and companion, Sharon Benson (Miles Taylor) whom he married in 2017.  Ron had been a member of the Hornell Moose Lodge and the Hornell American Legion.

He was a lifelong fisherman and loyal New York Yankees and Cleveland Browns fan.  Ron never missed watching a Yankees game on TV, was happiest out on a lake with Johnny Cash playing from the speaker and a fishing pole in his hand, or spending time telling stories or jokes to his family.

Ron is survived by his beloved wife Sharon Benson; daughters Linda Smith (Wayne), and Becky Grano (Steve); 2 step-children, Jill Preston (Matt) and Tammy Evans (John); as well as his four grandchildren Kirsten Matyjasik (Ryan), Amy Etzkorn (John), Anthony and Alex Grano; his great- grandchildren, Millie and Walt Matyjasik, and Lyla, Rosalie and the family’s newest addition, Christopher Etzkorn; as well as several nieces and nephews.  Ron is preceded in death by his cherished daughter, Karen; wife Wilma; parents; and sisters.

The family of Ronald S. “Ron” Benson will receive friends on Wednesday, June 4, 2025 from

11:00 AM until 12:00 Noon at the Dagon Funeral Home, 38 Church St., Hornell, NY.  A Funeral Service will be held at the conclusion of calling hours at 12:00 Noon with Deacon Robert McCormick officiating.  Burial will be in Lakewood Park Cemetery, Rocky River, OH.

To leave an online condolence or share a memory, visit www.dagonfuneralhome.com.

Hornell, NY

William T. “Bill” McNelis – 81 – of 469 McKinley Avenue, Hornell, died May 21, 2025, surrounded by his loving family following a long illness.  Bill was a relentless fighter who defied medical expectations.  His life was a tribute to his spirit and “never give up” attitude.  Bill was an avid conversationalist who never missed an opportunity to catch up with friends and share a laugh.

Born in Hornell on June 12, 1943, he was the son of Robert & Catherine (Quackenbush) McNelis.

Bill was a graduate of Hornell High School (class of 1962) and later earned his associate’s degree in accounting from the Rochester Business Institute (RBI).

He was employed for 30 years at the New York State Electric & Gas (NYSEG), retiring in 1993 as a lineman.  He also served as steward at the Knights of Columbus for several years.

Bill was a member of Our Lady of the Valley Parish and a communicant of St. Ann’s Church.  He served as a trustee for the Village of North Hornell. He was also a 3rd degree member of the Hornell Knights of Columbus.

For 8 years, Bill served as a coach for the Hornell Midget Football League.  He also coached Little League Baseball for 3 years and Babe Ruth League Baseball for 12 years.  He was an avid sports fan who was especially loyal to the New York Yankees and the Notre Dame Fighting Irish.

He was married on September 19, 1964, to the former Mary Daniels who died April 28, 2005.  He was also preceded in death by two brothers, Robert (Sue) McNelis & John McNelis; sister, Mary (Tom) McKinley; grandson, John David McNelis.

Surviving are his fiancé, the former Nancy Stevens-Loper and her family.  Also surviving are 1 son, John (Beth) McNelis of Penn Yan; 1 daughter, Kathy (Joe) Flint of North Hornell; 2 brothers, Dave (Mary) McNelis of Elmira and Jim (Marianne) McNelis of Loon Lake; 2 sisters, Bridget (David) McBride and Ellen (Mike) Eckstein, both of Addison; sister-in-law, Cheryl McNelis of Hornell; 6 grandchildren, Mackenzie (Scott Betts) McNelis, Kelsie (Michael) Wick, Will McNelis, Alex (Liset) Flint, Spencer (Victoria) Flint and Elliott (Lauran) Flint; great-granddaughters Rafaela Flint and Vera Flint; many nieces & nephews whom he loved; many loving brothers- and sisters-in-law.

The family of William T. McNelis will receive friends on Friday, May 30th from 4 – 7 PM at the Dagon Funeral Home, 38 Church St., Hornell, NY.  A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Saturday, May 31st at 10:00 AM at St. Ann’s Church with burial in St. Mary’s Cemetery.

Bill’s family request that memorial contributions in his name be made to CareFirst Hospice, 3805 Meads Creed Road, Painted Post, NY 14870 or St. Jude Children’s Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105 or by visiting https://www.stjude.org/donate/.  Memorial forms will be available at the Dagon Funeral Home.

Hornell, New York

Lawrence J. “Larry” Gath – (76) – formerly of 23 East Main St., Hornell, died early Saturday morning (May 17, 2025) at Elderwood at Hornell Nursing Facility, where he had resided for the past two years.

Born in Wellsville, NY on January 26, 1949, he was the son of George & Edna (Smith) Gath.

Larry grew up in Hornell and was a graduate of Hornell High School (class of 1967).  While in high school, he was employed at the former Marion Rohr Corporation sweeping floors several nights per week and also worked at Sinclair Gas Station pumping gas & washing cars.

Following high school graduation, Larry was employed for about three years at the former Tuttle & Rockwell store and for about seven years as a machine operator at the former Corbin Wood Products in Hornell.

In 1976, Larry began working as a trackman (doing track maintenance) at Conrail in Hornell.  For 23 years he was employed as a Production Worked at Morrison Knudsen (MK), which later became Amrail, repairing railroad cars.  He retired in 2009.

Larry was an avid reader and especially enjoyed reading mechanical periodicals such as Popular Mechanics and Popular Science.  He also enjoyed rooting for the New York Yankees.

He was married on June 28, 1975 to the former Maryann Alexin who died April 28, 2018.  He was also preceded in death byhis sister, Mary Arcieri who died April 6, 2025.

Surviving are his brother, Pete (Jerry) Gath of Fremont; along with several nieces & nephews.

At Larry’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.

Larry’s family request that in lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in his name be made to the Dialysis Unit of Elderwood of Hornell, 1 Bethesda Dr., Hornell, NY.

To leave an online condolence or share a memory, visit www.dagonfuneralhome.com.

Almond, New York

Gerald H. “Jerry” Kernan – 73 – of McHenry Valley Road, Almond, NY died unexpectedly Monday morning (May 12, 2025) at the Orlando Regional Medical Center in Orlando, FL where he was taken after becoming ill while returning from vacation in Orlando.

Born in Hornell on May 26, 1951, he was the son of John & Eleanor (Griswold) Kernan.

A lifelong resident of the Almond area, Jerry was a graduate of Alfred-Almond Central School (class of 1969).  He had been employed for nearly 25 years in the maintenance department of Alfred University and for about 15 years served as equipment manager of the Alfred University Athletic Department, retiring about 14 years ago following 40 years of service.  He later spent 7 years as the groundskeeper for the athletic department at Alfred State College, and from 2017 until current he worked in the Green Thumb program for the NYS DEC.

A true “Outdoorsman,” Jerry cherished his time spent at his cottage on Honeoye Lake and on his hunting property affectionately called 4D Acres Camp.  He enjoyed hunting (deer & small game), fishing (especially on Honeoye Lake) and golfing.

Jerry was a lifelong member of the Almond Rod & Gun Club and a 33 year member of the Hornell Elks Lodge.  He was an avid Buffalo Bills (NFL) football fan (especially during the Super Bowl Years) and also enjoyed rooting for the Atlanta Braves (MLB).  Jerry had a deep love of his family and thoroughly enjoyed attending his grandchildren’s sporting events and school functions.

In addition to his parents, Jerry was preceded in death by his brother, Ken Kernan.

He was married on May 5, 1972 (53 years) to the former Eloise Kuhn who survives.  Also surviving are 2 sons, Steven (Amanda Bailey) Kernan of Almond and Eric (Laura) Kernan of Almond; 3 sisters, Sherry Guinnip of Wellsville, NY, Bonnie (Ken) Ordway of Arkport and Janice (Ozzie) Osborne of Atlanta, GA; 2 brothers, John Kernan of Hornell and Donald (Chris) Kernan of Almond; 4 grandchildren, Aeden O’Connor, Bailey Kernan, Julia Price and Allison Kernan; several in-laws, cousins, nieces & nephews.

At Jerry’s request there will be no calling hours.  Family & friends are invited to a “Celebration of Life” on Thursday, May 29, 2025 from 4:00 PM until 7:00 PM at the Hornell Elks Lodge, Broadway Mall, Hornell, NY.  All are welcome!!  A private graveside service will be held at Woodlawn Cemetery, Almond, at the convenience of the family.

Funeral arrangements are in care of the Dagon Funeral Home, 38 Church St., Hornell, NY.

Jerry’s family request that in lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in his name be made to the Almond Rod & Gun Club, C/O Eric Kernan, 1329 McHenry Valley Road, Almond, NY  14804.

To leave an online condolence or share a memory, visit www.dagonfuneralhome.com.