Hornell, NY  /  Canaseraga, NY

Thomas R. “Tom” Levee – 73 – of 5 Jackson St., Canaseraga, NY, died early Tuesday morning (March 3, 2020) at Noyes Memorial Hospital in Dansville, following a long illness.

Born in Hornell on November 8, 1946, he was the son of Robert & Virginia (Butler) Levee.

Tom grew up in Canaseraga and was a graduate of Canaseraga High School (class of 1965).  He later attended Barber School in Rochester and worked as a barber “off & on” for over 40 years.  For many years he served as a barber for the Craig State School in Sonyea, NY and also for the US Army & Air Force at Fort Drum.

He was employed for a time at Birds Eye Foods in Avon, NY and also drove a forklift for an Avon based Pre-Fabricated Home Company.  He later worked as a landscaper for Kelly Brothers in Dansville, NY.

Tom served as “Fire Police” for the Canaseraga Fire Company and was a member of the Canaseraga American Legion and the Marine Corp. League.  He was an avid collector of Arrowheads and loved searching for them locally, usually around Canaseraga.  For many years he made and sold beautiful custom canes and walking sticks.  In his younger years, Tom enjoyed hunting & fishing.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his brother, Robert “Bob” Levee who died in 2017.

Surviving are his sister, Roberta Johnson of Alabama; his brother, Ray (Terry) Levee of Canaseraga; several nieces & nephews.

At Tom’s request there will be no calling hours.  A “Celebration of Life” will be held on a day & time to be announced.

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

Tom’s family request that in lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in his name be made to the Canaseraga Fire Department, Main St., Canaseraga, NY 14822.

Janet A. Buckley – 71 – formerly of 108 Maple St., Hornell, died Sunday morning (March 1, 2020) at Hornell Gardens where she had resided for the past three years.

A native & life resident of Hornell, she was born May 13, 1948, and was the daughter of Richard & Eleanor (Carnes) Tinker.

Janet was a graduate of Hornell High School (class of 1966). Throughout the years she had been employed at several area businesses, including Russ Davis Ford, Steuben Theater, Hornell Twin Cinema and Electrolux.  For many years she served as a nanny and baby-sitter for several area families.

Janet enjoyed sun bathing, crossword puzzles, socializing with family & friends and rooting for her beloved New England Patriots.

In addition to her parents, Janet was preceded in death by her infant sister, Dorothea Tinker and by her brother, Daryl Tinker.

Surviving are her son, John (Shannon) Buckley and granddaughters, Allyson and Maya, of Hornell; 4 sisters, Gwen Ross, Kay (Jim) Terwilliger, Judy Smith, all of Hornell, and Lois Mansfield of Rochester; 2 brothers, Dale Tinker of Hornell and Dennis (Sue) Tinker of Canisteo along with several nieces & nephews.

Janet’s family is grateful for the wonderful care she received at Hornell Gardens and the special care and attention given by her sisters, Kay and Gwen.

At Janet’s request there will be no calling hours. A private Memorial Service will be held for the family at the Dagon Funeral Home, 38 Church St., Hornell, NY at the convenience of the family.

Janet’s family request that in lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in her name be made to Turning Point, 20 Elm St., Hornell, NY 14843.

Evalena Mae Slaght – 82 – a resident of Elcor Nursing Facility in Horseheads, NY, formerly of Hornell, died Monday evening (February 24, 2020) at Arnot Ogden Hospital in Elmira, following a long illness.

A native & life resident of Hornell, she was born August 4, 1937, and was the daughter of Charles & Ida (Lounsberry) Slaght.  She lived in Horseheads for the past 1 ½ years.

For many years, Evalena resided at the Steuben ARC residence on Vanscoter St., Hornell.  She was always very kind and was loved by everyone.  Her favorite color was pink and she enjoyed collecting watches (usually with pink watchbands) and stuffed animals.  Evalena loved watching TV, especially the Food Network and the Hallmark Channel.  She spent time solving math problems in her workbook and her on her calculator and also enjoyed spending time knitting and going to the hairdresser.  Evalena often spoke highly of her younger years with her brothers and her friends, growing up on Conklin Street in Hornell.

In addition to her parents, Evalena was preceded in death by her brothers, Dewey Slaght and Robert Slaght.

Surviving are 2 brothers, Charles Slaght of Webster and Thomas Slaght of Elmira; nieces & nephews.

At Evalena’s request there will be no calling hours.  A private funeral service was held at the Dagon Funeral Home, 38 Church St., Hornell, NY with Deacon Robert McCormick officiating.  Burial was in Hope Cemetery, Hornell, NY.

Evalena’s family request that in lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in her name be made to ARC of Steuben, 1 ARC Way, Bath, NY 14810.

Theodore E. “Ted” Zinck SR – 82 – of 480 Maple City Drive, Hornell, died Monday morning (February 24, 2020) at Strong Memorial Hospital in Rochester, following a brief illness.

Born in Blossburg, PA on January 10, 1938, he was the son of John & Hazel (White) Zinck.

Ted grew up in Pennsylvania, residing in several locations including Blossburg, Rose Valley (where he had fond memories of his younger years), Port Allegany, Galeton and Knoxville where he attended school.

While in his late teens, Ted’s family moved to Painted Post, NY where he worked in the foundry of Ingersoll Rand Corporation for several years.  In 1961 he moved to Corning and was employed as a truck driver for Corning Waste Material Corporation and also drove truck for the City of Corning.  From 1973 – 1978 he resided in Arkport and has lived in the Hornell area for over 40 years.

He was a member of the Methodist religion and had attended the Methodist Church in Painted Post and also Corning.  He was an avid fisherman (both lake & stream) and also enjoyed hunting (deer & rabbit).  Ted enjoyed spending time with his family, especially his grandchildren.  He also cherished the times he spent “cruising the countryside” with his wife, Anna.

Ted was preceded in death by 2 daughters, Tammy G. Zinck (1964) and Michele L. Zinck (1988); 2 sons, Samuel J. Zinck (1969) and Theodore “Ted” E. Zinck JR (1988); 3 brothers, Oliver Zinck, Franklyn Zinck and David Zinck; 1 sister, Marie Fry.

He was married on May 21, 1961 to the former Anna M. Griffin who survives.  Also surviving are 3 daughters, Susan Zinck of Brockport, NY, Debra (Robert, JR) Guy of Hornell and Judith Salvagin of Hornell; 1 son, Timothy (Heather) Zinck of Fairfax, VA; 3 sisters, Ruth Laughman of McSherrystown, PA, Violet Rogers of Elmira and Naomi (John) Jacobus of Beaver Valley, NY; 14 grandchildren; 10 great-grandchildren; several nieces & nephews.

The family of Theodore E. “Ted” Zinck will receive friends on Wednesday from 4:00 PM – 6:00 PM at the Dagon Funeral Home, 38 Church St., Hornell, NY.  A Memorial Service will be held at the conclusion of calling hours at 6:00 PM with Deacon Robert McCormick officiating.

Ted’s family request that in lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in his name be made to the American Diabetes Association, PO Box 13067, Alexandria, VA  22312 or to the Alzheimer’s Association, 435 East Henrietta Road, Rochester, NY  14620.  Memorial forms will be available at the Dagon Funeral Home.

James A. “Jim” Soukup – 68 -of 8521 Canfield Rd, Cohocton, (Haskinville — Town of Fremont) died Friday afternoon (February 21,2020) at his home after a long illness.

Born in Cleveland, OH on April 12, 1951, son of William A. Soukup & Prudence (Anderson) Soukup.

Jim grew up in Chesterland, Geauga County and graduated from West Geauga High School (class of 1969) and later attended Cooper School of Art. While growing up Jim became known as “Jungle Jim” both for sketching reptiles and bringing so many home, such as snakes, lizards, spiders, exotic reptiles, electric eels and an array of other animals.

Jim moved to New York in 1978, married and started a family.  He was employed as a delivery driver and one of the last “Milkman” for former Elmhurst Dairy and then a driver for Wise Potato Chips.

Passionate about raising children and buying/selling antiques, Jim was one of the best known antique dealers in the area and could teach customers the value of anything vintage. He taught his kids how to safely catch snakes and much to their delight, proudly carried them back to show their mother, who was not a fan of snakes.

Jim spent countless hours on the road at shows, antique shops, and garage sales. When his family went to a garage sale and brought back a pony, he just shook his head! We will miss our walking encyclopedia and the questions asked by all.

He was married on October 17, 1979 to the former Mary Wornoff who survives. Also surviving are two daughters, Tiffany (Christopher) Soukup-Brader and Laura (Paul) Shephard of Hornell; two brothers William (Josephine) Soukup of Bedford, OH, Gary Soukup of Ashtabula, OH; 1 sister Joyce (Gary) Garbas of Columbus OH; 1 granddaughter, Brooklyn Shephard; several nieces & nephews.

The family of James “Jim” Soukup will receive friends on Saturday (March 21, 2020) from 3:00 PM  until 5:00 PM at Dagon Funeral Home, 38 Church St., Hornell NY.  A Memorial Service will be held at the conclusion of calling hours at 5:00 PM with John and Pat Guthrie from River of Grace Ministries officiating.  Please wear plaid or flannel if you can as Jim always did.

Due to the recent health concerns regarding the Coronavirus, please refrain from physical contact such as shaking hands, hugging and/or kissing while paying your respects at the Dagon Funeral Home. 

For those choosing not to attend, the Memorial Service will be steamed via Facebook Live and can be viewed on the Dagon Funeral Home Facebook page on Saturday at 5:00 PM by visiting www.facebook.com/dagonfuneralhome.  The video will remain available for viewing on our Facebook page for 30 days.

Jim’s family request in lieu of flowers, memorial contributions be made either to the family or Hornell Concern for Youth, 76 East Main St., Hornell , NY 14843 or a charity of the donor’s choice.  Memorial forms will be available at the Dagon Funeral Home.

David a. Kinner – 93 – formerly of New York City, died Wednesday morning at the Steuben Center in Bath, where he had resided for the past 2 months.

He was born in Elmira, NY on May 11, 1926 and grew up in the Elmira area where he graduated from high school.  He was Veteran of the US Navy, serving his country from 1944 – 1946.

David resided in New York City for about 70 years and for over 40 years was employed as a regulator for New Jersey Transit Authority.  He lived in Painted Post for about 2 years and had resided in Bath, NY for the past 2 months.

He was preceded in death by 2 wives and also 2 sons.  He is survived by several cousins.

At David’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.

William “Bill” S. Dibrell – 72 – of 96 South Main St., Alfred, NY, died Thursday afternoon (February 13, 2020) at Strong Memorial Hospital in Rochester, following a sudden worsening of an illness.

Born in Corpus Christi, TX on September 17, 1947, he was the son of Aquilla Gibbs “A.G.” Dibrell II & Martha (Crowley) Dibrell.

The son of a US Naval officer, Bill grew up and lived in many locations throughout the United States and Canada.  He received his Bachelor’s degree from San Diego State University and then went on to receive his PhD in Philosophy from Michigan State University. 

As a resident of Alfred since 1983, Bill taught in the Division of Human Studies, College of Liberal Arts & Sciences at Alfred University.  Throughout the years, he helped shape the minds of countless young students.  Community minded, he was a proud member of the AE Crandall Hook & Ladder Company where he served as an Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) and also served for a time as Fire Chief.  Bill had a deep love of the Alfred community, always looking for ways to serve others. This mindset was predominant in his academic life as well; his “best day was a good teaching day”.  He loved music and enjoyed playing guitar, especially when simply sitting around with his family and friends.

Bill married Jeanette Oehler, November 24, 1972. Together they raised their daughter, Andrea.

He was preceded in death by his brother, Aquilla Gibbs Dibrell III.

Surviving are his significant other, Beth Ann Dobie of Andover; his daughter, Andrea Martha Dunn and her husband Richard Garner Dunn of Tucson, AZ; his sister, Ann Cecilia Dibrell Petyak of Ventura, CA. He is also survived by a large and loving family, including many nieces for whom he assumed a father-role and nephews with whom he was close.

He was thrilled to meet his granddaughter, who is “on the way” and expected to make her appearance in July, 2020.

At Bill’s request there will be no prior calling hours.  A “Celebration of Life” will be held on Saturday (February 22, 2020) from 1:00 PM until 3:00 PM at the Susan Howell Hall of the Alfred University Campus where family & friends can share stories and remember the life of Bill Dibrell.

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

Bill’s family request that in lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in his name be made to the AE Crandall Hook & Ladder Company, Main St., Alfred, NY 14802.

James W. O’Connor of Dansville, New York, died peacefully at his home surrounded by his loving family on Wednesday, February 12, 2020.

Jim was born on July 4th, 1938 in Hornell, NY during a spectacular fire work display to Gerald and Ruth (Donlon) O’Connor.  He was a hell-raising graduate of St. Ann’s School, as well as, Hornell High School (class of 1957).

Following graduation, Jim enlisted in the US Army and served his country from 1957-1959 and again from 1961-1962 when duty called him to Greenland during the Berlin Crisis.

After his honorable military service, Jim began his career with the Erie Railroad, but saw the future was in construction and joined the apprenticeship with Local #13 Union.  There, he successfully remained as a steam fitter for nearly 40 years until his retirement.

More enduring than his career was his loving 57 year marriage to the pretty lass, Mary Elizabeth Clancy.  Married in 1961, they went on to raise eight talented and diverse children: Tracy O’Connor, Mary Christine O’Connor, Stephanie O’Connor, Timothy (Rachel) O’Connor, Daniel  (Jessie) O’Connor, Kathryn (William) Shetler, Erin O’Connor, and Sara (Anthony Wensel) O’Connor.  He is survived by his wife, eight children, ten adorable grandchildren: Michael, Marissa, Gabrielle, Madison, Allison, Samantha, Aiden, Sylvia, Ethan, and Colson (each claiming to be his favorite) and many delightful nieces and nephews.  Additionally, he is survived by his in-laws: Edward “Ed” Clancy, Margaret “Peggy” Clancy, Richard (Barbara) Clancy.

He is preceded in death by his parents and four sisters: Catherine (Gerald) Quartz, Marie (Edward) Schane, Mary Ellen (Truman) Wheeler and Joanne (William) Rohan.

As family and friends reminisce, Jim will be remembered for his bright blue eyes and contagious smile; his Irish knack for humor and story-telling; his extensive knowledge of American and Native American History, and the affectionate nickname, Grumpy, given to him by his beloved grandchildren.   He greatly enjoyed woodworking, creating and collecting folk art, and helping his children renovate their family homes.   Above all, it will be his devotion to his family and faith that will define him.

Every year for over fifty years, his eight boisterous and energetic children always asked him what he wanted for his birthday, and his reply was always the same: “Peace and quiet!”   Thus, after a long and valiant battle with cancer, Jim will be laid to rest in peace.

Funeral services are as follows: Calling hours will be on Sunday, February 16th from 2-4 pm at Dagon Funeral Home, 38 Church St., Hornell, NY.   A Memorial Mass will be held on Monday, February 17th, at 12 noon at St. Ann’s Church to be immediately followed by a graveside service with military honors  at St. Mary’s Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation in his memory to one of the following organization he held in esteem: Special Olympics, Genesee Region for Livingston Country,1Grove Street, Suite 216, Pittsford, New York  14534      (585) 586-7400 or to Merkel Cell Cancer Research Organization, University of Washington www.merkelcell.org

In recognition of his military service, the American Flag at the Dagon Funeral Home will be flown at half-staff.

Gwendolyn I. “Gwen” Dart – 81 – formerly of Addison, died Thursday morning (February 6, 2020) at the Steuben Center Nursing Facility in Bath, where she had resided for the past 3 ½ years.

Born in Addison, NY on April 26, 1938, she was the daughter of Clarence & Helen (Cook) Kelly.

Gwen grew up in Addison and was a graduate of Addison High School (class of 1956).  She resided in Charlotte, NC for about 35 years and lived in Montour Falls for three years before moving to Bath, NY in 2016.

She was proud to be a “homebody” simply staying at home and being a devoted housewife, mother, grandmother and great-grandmother.  A very spiritual woman, Gwen had been a member of the Christian Missionary Alliance Church of Addison.  She enjoyed going to church and loved to read her bible.

Gwen was married on September 8, 1956 to Robert Dart who died September 6, 2008.  She was also preceded in death by her brother, Clarence Kelly and her sister, Kathleen O’Brien.

Surviving are 5 sons, Robert “Pete” (Lori) Dart of Cameron Mills, NY, Jeffery (Debbie) Dart of Hudson, FL, David (Val VanZile) Dart of Cameron, William (Julie) Dart of Stanfield, NC and Michael Dart of Concord, NC; 3 daughters, Karen (Robert Hisey) Dart of Concord, NC, Kelly (Dennis Sullivan) Dart of Stanfield, NC and Christina Dart of Coral Springs, FL; 1 sister, Maureen Flynn of Bath; 13 grandchildren, 8 great-grandchildren; several nieces & nephews.

At Gwen’s request there will be no calling hours.  A private graveside service will be held at the convenience of the family at Addison Cemetery, Addison, NY.

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

Gwen’s family request that in lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in her name be made to the Steuben Center Nursing Facility, 7009 Rumsey St. Ext., Bath, NY 14810.

Paul M. Woodworth Passed away early Tuesday morning (February 4, 2020) at his home at 7570 Eagle Valley Road, Savona, NY.

Born in Hornell on September 10, 1971, he was a graduate of Hornell Senior High (class of 1989).

Paul was a loving family man who enjoyed family BBQ and was a devoted San Francisco 49ers football fan.  He loved working with his hands doing remolding projects and for the past 3 years was employed at Gary Corel Contracting doing remodeling work.

He was preceded in death by his sister, Vicki Baker; his maternal grandparents Marshall & Lois Kame; paternal grandparents Wilson Woodworth & Margaret Woodworth Chace.

Surviving are his loving lifetime partner, Tammy Sullivan  of Savona; his mother, Becky (Gary) Miles of Hornell; his father Jerel (Brenda) Woodworth of Greenwood; his daughters, Tiffany Woodworth of Savona, Kori (Matt) Furniss of Bath and Destiny (Dylan Thomas) Presler of Bath; his brothers, Timothy Woodworth of Greenwood, Chad (Ashley) Miles of Hornell, Ken (Sarah) Woodworth of Virginia and Jeremy (Crystal) Woodworth of Andover; his sisters, Sarah (Nathan) Fleischman of Wayland, Kim Woodworth of Rochester; several grandchildren, nieces and nephews.

The Family will receive friends and relatives on Tuesday from 1:30 PM – 3:00 PM  at Living Waters Church in Hornell where a celebration of life will follow at 3:00 PM with Rev. Gary Miles presiding.

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

Paul’s family request that in lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in his name be made to the Living Waters Church, South Yard Road, Hornell, NY.