Joseph “Joe” R. Tolan died peacefully at his home, surrounded by loved, ones after a brief illness on September 3, 2015.  He was 73.

Joe was born on October 22, 1941 in Hornell, New York, to Genevieve (Johnson) Tolan and Raymond John Tolan, who predeceased him. 

Raised by loving parents (not to mention the nuns at St. Ann’s School), he demonstrated respect and service to others, as well as generosity with his time and talents.  Joe graduated from Hornell High School, attended St. Bonaventure College and Cornell University in preparation for a lifetime career in public service. 

He was inducted into the Order of the Arrow of the Boy Scouts of America, was honorably discharged from the United States Army after serving as a Military Police Officer in Livorno, Italy, and was selected as Engineer of the Year by The New York State Association of Transportation Engineers.

Joe and Susan (Hall) married on December 28, 1991 in Canisteo, New York.  They relocated to North Carolina in 1996. 

Joe is survived by his wife, Susan, daughter and granddaughter Jill Tolan and Eve Khalil of Miami, Florida, daughter Olivia Anne Tolan of Basel, Switzerland; sister Mary (Robert) Mosier of Plover, Wisconsin, nephews Christopher (Robin Gose) Mosier of Austin, Texas and Michael (Rachel) Mosier of Mt. Vernon, Iowa; mother- and father-in-law Kay and Bob Hall of Big Flats, New York, sister- and brother-in-law Sandy and Kevin Sullivan of Rock Hill, South Carolina.

Joe spent more than fifty years in public service, beginning his long career as an Engineer with New York State Department of Transportation, continuing at the City of Charlotte Storm Water Services and concluding at the Town of Indian Trail. 

He was a loyal follower of the Buffalo Bills, Buffalo Sabres, Notre Dame football, and St. Bonaventure basketball.  Throughout his life, Joe was also a hunter, fisherman, NASCAR fan and most importantly, loved a good St. Patrick’s Day celebration.

A memorial service honoring Joe will be held Saturday, October 10 at 11:00 AM at Dagon Funeral Home, 38 Church Street, Hornell, New York, with a luncheon at the American Legion in Canisteo, New York following the service.  Joe will be laid to rest in the family plot in Canisteo, New York. 

A celebration of Joe’s life was also held September 9 at the Weddington United Methodist Church in North Carolina. 

The family would like to thank Shelby, Ashley, and Lola of Hospice and Palliative Care Charlotte Region, and Mari of Home Instead for their comforting care.  In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Hospice and Palliative Care Charlotte Region, 1420 E. Seventh Street, Charlotte, North Carolina 28204, or to the charity of your choice.

May joy and peace surround you, contentment latch your door,
and happiness be with you now, and bless you ever more.

Cleo M. Stillman – of Arkport, died early Monday morning (September 14, 2015).

Born in Buffalo, NY on April 21, 1933, she was the daughter of William & Mary Catherine (Greene) Doering.

Cleo grew up in Buffalo and was a graduate of  Buffalo Academy of the Sacred Heart (class of1951).  She later graduated from Sister DeMaralek School of Nursing.

She moved to the Hornell area in the late 1950’s and, throughout the years, had been employed as a waitress for several area restaurants including the Beacon Inn, Ponce DeLeon Restaurant, Arkport Inn, Big Elms Restaurant, Hornell Country Club, Lone Gable and RX’s 60-40 Southside.

Cleo had been a member of Our Lady of the Valley Parish and a communicant of St. Ann’s Church.   She enjoyed being a homemaker, was a great cook.  Her kitchen was always warm with music, good friends, good food & drink and now those good, good memories will always remain and we will reminisce and smile! She enjoyed crafts and also loved to decorate her home — especially for the holiday seasons. What a talent she possessed.

Cleo had a deep love of animals and throughout the years raised several dogs & cats and was always willing to take in a “stray”.  She found such comfort and peace in her love of all animals, large & small.  She had an appreciation for music and possessed a beautiful singing voice, but was hesitant in sharing her gift in public.  Cleo was a loyal Buffalo Bills Football fan and New York Yankees Baseball fan. 

She was extremely proud of her Scottish – Irish heritage and will be remembered for her wonderful sense of humor and her infectious laughter. How intelligent she was and how she enjoyed dressing well and “fixing-up,” for sure!
 
She was preceded in death by her daughter, Bridget Bannen Smith; her dear friend, Sharon Perkins and so, so many friends that God has welcomed home before her.  Now, welcome Cleo – what a beautiful, loving and fun gathering that will be! The Heavens will be rumbling!

Surviving are several cousins, including her caregivers, Kathleen, Jake & Addi Updyke; several nieces & nephews.  Her “extended family” includes her many friends in the Hornell community as well as some special friends at Hornell Gardens.  Also Fr. Peter — what a kind man.  Cleo loved his hearty laughter and his fancy sandals.

At Cleo’s request there will be no prior calling hours.  A Memorial Mass will be celebrated at St. Ann’s Church on a day and time to be announced. Final interment will be in St. Mary’s Cemetery.

Cleo, you certainly have been welcomed & rewarded by God into Heaven and all of your loved ones that have gone before you are now there to greet you.  Your dues have been paid in full.  There are no words that can express our sadness that you departure has left us.  How important you are and how much you will be missed.  BUT THIS IS ABOUT YOUR TRIP TO A BETTER PLACE & NOT ABOUT US.  So, until we meet again, “May God Hold You in the Palm of His Hand”.  With the greatest love, respect & admiration, we say “good-bye” for now to you, Cleo, FOREVER YOUNG!

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

Cleo’s family would like to thank the Hornell Ambulance drivers as well as the wonderful E.R. doctors & nurses and the
2nd floor nurses at St. James Mercy Hospital for the wonderful care given to her.  May God bless you all!  Also, Cleo says “Thank-You Butterscotch”.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in her name may be made to the Hornell Humane Society, 7649 Industrial Park Road, Hornell, NY 14843.

Frances Ann Perkins, 81, died peacefully at home, September 8, 2015, after a long, courageous battle with cancer.

Born to Frank and Ann (Whittemore) June in Jasper, NY, she lived her childhood years in Jasper. After her Mother remarried and moved to Dansville, Fran and her brother Billy lived with their adopted grandparents, Maude and Arthur Whiting. Their dearly beloved Grandpa, Earl June, lived in nearby Canisteo.
 
She was married to Willard Gray, and they settled in Groveland where she enjoyed being a homemaker. She was an excellent cook and baker who made delicious and picture perfect, pies, cakes and cookies. Her specialties were apple and rhubarb pie, bread and cinnamon rolls. Fran loved reading, crocheting, hand embroidery, interior decoration, gardening, crafts and flower arranging.  While living in Groveland, she was a member of the Sparta First Presbyterian Church.
 
Fran was a stay-at-home Mom before going out to work at Craig Develop- mental Center and SUNY Geneseo, where she was a member of CSEA Local 922. She later went to GCC becoming a Certified Home Health Aide.
 
She later married Jack Perkins and has lived in Dansville since then.
 
Fran was a loving, caring, generous, energetic, person who made friends easily. She defied the odds against her on many occasions.
 
She was predeceased by her beloved brother Bill, and husbands, Willard Gray and Jack Perkins, and special friend Allan Anderson.
 
Fran is survived by a daughter, Colleen  (Richard) Green of Perry, NY; a son, Kevin (Cheryl) Gray, of Dansville, NY; a half brother David H. (Donna) Bebout and families of Middleburg, FL, a cousin and special friend, Sybil Haley and Aunt Dorothy Clark, both of Hornell; a step-daughter, Patty (Rick) Knudsen of Dansville; two step-sons, Mike Perkins of Cornville, AZ and Marc (Ruby) Perkins of Richland, MS.
 
Those wishing to attend Fran’s memorial service may contact Colleen Green, PO Box 88, Retsof, NY 14539 or send email to csgreen@wnyti.com, to be notified of the time and place.

DeLorne R. “Rick” Martin – 68 – of 321 Erie Ave., Almond, NY, died Saturday evening (September 5, 2015) at Ira Davenport Hospital following a brief illness.

Born in Hornell on March 4, 1947, he was the son of Ralph & Mary (Vosburg) Martin.

Rick, who was also affectionately known as “DR”, grew up in Hornell and was a graduate of Hornell High School (class if 1965).  While in high school, he was a member of the Red Raider Football Team and also the HHS Track Team.

Following his high school graduation, Rick enlisted in the US Navy.  While in the Navy, he served three tours of duty in Vietnam.  As a “Helicopter Door Gunner”, Rick’s job entailed retrieving wounded soldiers from the battle field via helicopter.  He received the Bronze Star and two Purple Hearts after twice being wounded while performing his duties.  He was honorably discharged in 1977.

Throughout the years, Rick had been employed as an electrician for several railroad car refurbishing companies, including Morrison-Knudson (MK), Transportation & Transit Associates (TTA), Alstom Transportation and Siemens Transportation. He retired 6 years ago.

Rick had been a member of Our Lady of the Valley Parish and a communicant of St. Ann’s Church.  He was a life member of the Hornell VFW and a former member of the Hornell American Legion.  Rick enjoyed collecting model trains; was a baseball card collector; enjoyed hunting and in his younger years enjoyed fishing.

He was married on December 3, 1976 to the former Gail Lena Bowles who survives.  Also surviving are 3 sons, DeLorne “Ricky” (Wendy) Martin of Fremont, Richard Noyes of Hornell and Christopher Martin of Hornell; 1 sister, Lorna (Sam) Palmiter of Chester VA; 1 brother, Bill (Beverly) Raub of Friendship, NY; his brother-in-law, Larry (Suzanne) Bowles of Westminster, MD; 10 grandchildren, Cheyenne McCormck, Matthew Martin, Tiffany Martin, Ashley Baltimore, Richard Noyes JR, Brandon Noyes, Brittany Noyes, Chris Martin, Benjamin Brown and Brenden Martin; several great-grandchildren; several nieces & nephew. 

The family of DeLorne R. “Rick” Martin will receive friends on Saturday from 12:00 PM  –   2:00 PM at the Dagon Funeral Home, 38 Church St., Hornell, NY where a Memorial Service with full Military Honors will be held at the conclusion of calling hours at 2:00 PM with Deacon Robert McCormick officiating.  Final interment will be in the Bath National Cemetery.

In Recognition of Rick’s military service, the American Flag at the Dagon Funeral Home will be flown at half-staff.

 Frederick Charles Aldrich – 85 – a resident of McAuley Manor died Friday evening (September 4, 2015) at St. James Mercy Hospital in Hornell.

Throughout the years, Frederick resided in many places including Pennsylvania, Wellsville, NY, Buffalo, NY and was employed by Eaton Yalentown Corporation in Batavia, NY.

Frederick’s family includes Rick & Billie Aldrich and their 2 children and 7 grandchildren; his deceased son, Ed, and his 2 children and 4 grandchildren; Ted & Kathy Aldrich and their 7 children and 4 grandchildren; Judi & Dale Ziefel and their 5 children and 9 grandchildren; Sherri & Don Hulme and their 7 children (1 deceased) and 7 grandchildren (1 deceased); David Aldrich and his 3 daughters and 4 grandchildren; Tina & John Walczak; James & Sandy Aldrich and their 2 children and 5 grandchildren.

At Frederick’s request, there will be no calling hours or services.  Funeral arrangements are in care of the Dagon Funeral Home, 38 Church St., Hornell, NY 14843. 

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

Phyllis M. Hoyt – 88 – of 14 Lisman Lane, Arkport, died late Saturday evening (August 29, 2015) at her home surrounded by her family following a brief illness. 

Born in North Hornell on December 1, 1926, she was the daughter of Arnold “Jake” & Kathryn (Kimball) Lawrence.

 Phyllis grew up in Arkport and was a graduate of Arkport Central School (class of 1944).  Following high school, she resided in New York City for several months, with ambitions of pursuing a modeling career.  

After returning to Arkport, Phyllis attended Alfred University.  She was then employed for a short time at New York State Electric & Gas (NYSEG) in Perry, NY.  Phyllis left the work-force for several years to begin raising a family and later began working at the Montgomery Ward Catalog Store in Hornell. 

Phyllis was then employed as a Librarian Aide at the Arkport Central School for 26 years before retiring in 1991. 

A lifelong member of the Arkport Presbyterian Church, Phyllis was also a member of the Canisteo Valley Historical Society & the Arkport Alumni Association.  She and her sister “Madge” were avid “Flee Marketers” who both enjoyed buying & selling antiques.  

Phyllis was married on July 5th, 1947 to Robert W. Hoyt who passed away in 1994.  She was also preceded in death by her brother, Donald Lawrence. 

Surviving are 2 sons, Michael (Ann) Hoyt of Arkport and Stephen (Pamela) Hoyt of Arkport; 2 sisters, Madlyn “Madge” (Donald) Lang of Arkport and Sandra Lawrence of Arkport; 1 brother, Sheldon (Barbara) Lawrence of Arkport; 6 grandchildren, Benjamin (Vaughn) Hoyt of Arkport, Tracie (Michael) McCarthy of Arkport, Carleton (Angela) Hoyt of Rochester, Ryan Hoyt of Ft. Lauderdale, FL, Patrick Moore of Arkport and Kerri-Ann (Matthew) Messecar of Corning; 10 great-grandchildren, Noah Hoyt, McKennah Cuozzo, Karman Hoyt, Aaron McCarthy, Mikah Hoyt, Lucas McCarthy, Zacharie Hoyt, Everett McCarthy,  Brayden Howell and Thomas Moore; several nieces & nephews.

At Phyllis’ request there will be no calling hours, simply a private burial with family. 

Phyllis’ family request that in lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in her name be made to either the Arkport Central School Library, 35 East Ave., Arkport, NY 14807 or the Arkport Presbyterian Church, 15 Main St., Arkport, NY 14807.  Click here to print a memorial form.

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

Dr. Ibrahim Al-Sinjari – 82 – of 437 Seneca Road, North Hornell, died unexpectedly Saturday evening (August 22, 2015) at his home.

Born in Mosul, Iraq on March 10, 1933, he was the son of Yahya & Fakhreya Al-Sinjari.

Ibrahim resided in Mosul, Iraq from 1933-1951 when he moved to Istanbul, Turkey to attend the University of Istanbul.  There he began his Undergrad Education and later Medical School, graduating in 1958.  Dr. Al-Sinjari returned to Mosul in 1958 where he resided and began his career, serving the people of Mosul for the next 10 years.  While living in Iraq, he served in the Iraqi Army.

In 1968, Dr. Al-Sinjari moved to Cleveland, OH where he lived for two years before moving to Washington, DC in 1970 to begin serving his residency at Howard University.  He completed his residency and orthopedic fellowship in 1972 and continued working in Washington until moving to Hornell in 1974. 

For 40 years, Dr. Al-Sinjari has served the medical needs of the Hornell – Dansville Area.  From 1975-2000, he worked tirelessly at St. James Mercy Hospital where he served on numerous boards & committees and from 1975-2013 was employed at Noyes Memorial Hospital in Dansville.

Dr. Al-Sinjari was a beloved father and a very hardworking man.  Dr. Al-Sinjari came to the United States in 1968 with the clothes on his back, a wife and two sons, not knowing any English.  He worked very hard to become a surgeon and provided for his family.   He was the consummate professional and loved his craft.  He was a great man!   His family and friends will forever admire his work ethic.  He was an avid reader; enjoyed watching the news; enjoyed taking his daily walks; loved grilling; and will be fondly remembered for telling jokes.  His favorite joke was “What does Bob Hope say? There is hope.”

He was preceded in death by his son, Faris Al-Sinjari.

Surviving are his wife, Akhtar; 3 sons, Khalid, Ali and Omar; his brother, Hasham Al-Sinjari.

As per the Islamic faith, Dr. Al-Sinjari was buried at Woodlawn Cemetery in Elmira, NY next to his son Faris Al-Sinjari.  

The family of Dr. Ibrahim Al-Sinjari request that in lieu of sending flowers, memorial contributions in his name be made to the Islamic Associate of the Finger Lakes (www.iaflcenter.org)

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

Anna E. “Ann” Trentanelli – 84 – of 7 Mill Street Hornell, died Monday afternoon (August 10, 2015), at her home surrounded by her loving family, following a long illness.

Born in North Hornell on January 27th, 1931 and was the daughter of Elmer and Hazel (Clark) Smith. 

Ann was a graduate of Arkport Central School (class of 1949).  She worked on the production line at Merrill Silk Mill then subsequently at Westinghouse facility.  After raising her family she returned to the workforce as part of the Hornell school system, for 26 years providing food services before retiring.

Ann was a member of Our Lady of the Valley Parish and a communicant of St. Ignatius Loyola Church.  She was a parishioner of St. Ann’s Church where she served by helping to maintain the church.  She was a member of the Carducci Lodge (Sons of Italy), Hornell Ladies of Columbus, and the Chapel of Perpetual Adoration of St. Ann’s. She was the activity coordinator at McAuley Manor, and worked the gift shops at St. James Hospital and McAuley Manor.

Ann lived for her family with a deep love for her husband, children, grandchildren, brother, and sisters.  She enjoyed attending to her beautiful garden, crocheting items for families in need, as well as spending quality time with her grandchildren. 

She was married on July 6th, 1957 in St. Ann’s Church to John F. Trentanelli  who died July 3, 2014.  She was also predeceased in death by her brother Donald Smith; and sisters Doris Bloom and Kate Storm.  

Surviving are her two sons Stephen (Patricia) Trentanelli of Andover, NJ, and Salvatore (Karen) Trentanelli of Corning, NY, her brother John Smith of Hornell, sister-in-law RoseAnn Rizzuto of formerly of Arkport, her brother-in-law Richard “Dick” Schieder of Hornell; her grandchildren Ann Marie (Dennis) Weaver, Stephen Trentanelli, Anthony Trentanelli, Ignatius Trentanelli, Nicholas Trentanelli, and John Trentanelli; several nieces, nephews, and cousins. 

The family of Ann S. Trentanelli will receive friends on Thursday from 3:00 PM  –  6 :00 PM  at Dagon Funeral Home, 38 Church Street Hornell, NY.  A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Friday at 10:00 AM at St. Ann’s Church.   Burial will be in St. Mary’s Cemetery.

Ann’s family request that memorial contributions in her name be made to Care First Hospice, 3805 Meads Creek Rd, Painted Post, NY 14870.  Memorial forms will be available at the Dagon Funeral Home or click here to print a memorial form.

Barbara Scott Clancy, 80, died peacefully on July 28, 2015.

Born in Avoca, NY on September 1, 1934, Barb was the daughter of Alida Scott Lefebre.  She was the beloved sister of Linda Scott Egmond, now deceased.

She met Tom Clancy in high school in Hornell, NY.  They married in 1956 after Barb graduated from Alfred University.  They raised Tom, Jr. (Anna) of Barrington, RI and Pamela Jane of Delmar, NY.  She later earned her Master’s degree from Conesus College.

Barb taught English in many schools while Tom’s work with the J.C. Penney Company moved them to numerous cities.  She retired in the early 1980s when they moved to Fort Wright, KY.  It was there that she tried her hand at professional framing. 

She and Tom began wintering in Colony Cove, Ellenton, FL in the mid 1990s.  Barb was a past President of the Colony Cove Hobby Club, where she made many close friends.  She loved all needlecraft, including quilting, cross-stitching and sewing.

Besides her husband and children, the lights of Barb’s life were her granddaughters, Holly, Kate and Laura Clancy.  She was their beloved Baba.  They laughed together, pulled pranks, and had their own inside jokes.  She will be sorely missed.

A graveside memorial service will be held at Saturday (August 22, 2015) at 11:00 a.m. at St. Mary’s Cemetery, Fremont, NY, where she will be buried beside her husband.

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

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to WeCare, c/o Dee Griffin, 7604 Lakeshore Drive, Ellenton, FL 34222.

Irene Klos – (97) – formerly of 14 Willow Place, Hornell, died early Saturday morning (August 1, 2015) at Hornell Gardens where she had resided for the past year.

Born in Hornell on January 8, 1918, she was the daughter of Clarence & Lillian (Shinebarger) Eicher.

Irene grew up in Hornell and was a graduate of Hornell High School (class of 1936) She later graduated from the former Hornell Federal Commercial School (class of 1938).

She served as Commissioner of Public Welfare for the City of Hornell for over 10 years, retiring in 1968 when Steuben County took over these duties.  She later was employed as a secretary in the Pharmacy of St. James Hospital for about 4 years, retiring in 1972.

Irene was a member of Our Lady of the Valley Parish and had been a communicant of
St. Ignatius Loyola Church.

She was married on August 30, 1940 to William “Bill” Klos who died August 2, 2005.  She was also preceded in death by 2 sons, William Klos, JR (died 2002) and Robert Klos (died 2004); 2 brothers, Howard Eicher and James Eicher.

Surviving are her daughter, Patricia Lathers of Hornell, NY; her sister, Marian Giglio of Hornell; 7 grandchildren; 12 great-grandchildren; nieces & nephews.

All are welcome to attend a graveside service on Wednesday, August 5th at 10:00 AM at Rural Cemetery in Hornell with Deacon Robert McCormick officiating.

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

Irene’ family request that in lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in her name be made to the Alzheimer’s Association, 435 East Henrietta Road, Rochester, NY 14620.