Hornell, New York

Steven Paul “Steve” Drone, also affectionately known as “Deacon” – 73 – passed away unexpectedly on June 8, 2023 at his home in DeBary, Florida.

He was born in Salamanca on November 25, 1949, the son of John and Gladys (Oakes) Drone.

Steve began his life in Salamanca for five years, before his family relocated to Hornell in 1955. In his younger years, he loved living in Hornell’s Armory Place neighborhood, where he developed many life-long friendships. His memorable childhood and young adulthood on Armory Place were cherished by Steve and his friends.

He was a graduate of Hornell Senior High School (class of 1967) and later attended Alfred Agricultural and Technical College (now SUNY Alfred State).

Steve was drafted into the U.S. Army on May 25, 1970. He began his tours of duty with the rank of Private. Steve participated in several crucial battles during the Vietnam War from December 1, 1970 – May 31, 1971. He earned several merits and awards, including The Bronze Star Medal and The Army Commendation Medal. Concluding his military career with the rank of U.S. Army Corporal, Steve was honorably discharged on May 1, 1976.

Following his honorable discharge, Steve was employed at the Bath VA. He was a communicant of St. Ann’s Church and enjoyed visiting with friends at the American Legion, where he was a member. Steve retired from the Bath VA in 2010. Upon his retirement, he relocated to Orlando, FL.

Steve loved living in the Orlando area, where he cared for his beloved dog Baby Girl. He enjoyed watching and attending sporting events. Steve was an avid fan of the New York Yankees, Los Angeles Dodgers, the Boston Celtics, the Buffalo Bills, Cleveland Browns, Muhammad Ali, and several golfers, including Lee Trevino.

Possessing a deep love of music, Steve was a devoted fan of Bob Dylan and many bands and artists from the 1960s – 1970s.

Steve valued his friends and family above all else. The Drone family is especially grateful for the friendship Steve had with Ed Smith, with whom he kept in weekly contact. Robert “Bobby” Eveland, Lewis “Louie” Lecceardone, and many others remained loyal friends throughout his lifetime.

He was preceded in death by his father, John Drone Sr.; his mother, Gladys Drone; his oldest brother John F. Drone Jr.; along with several extended family members.

He is survived by his older brother, Robert (Doris Pietrzak) Drone; his younger brother Mark (Helen Ratliff) Drone; and his sisters, Catherine (Bruce McLeod) Rohan, Cora Lynn New, and Lorie Downey. Steve is also survived by his maternal aunt, Mary Lou (Oakes) LaRuche and several nieces, nephews, and cousins.

Steve will be greatly missed by his family and friends.

A Memorial Service with Military Honors will be held at the Bath National Cemetery at a date & time to be announced.

Funeral arrangements are being coordinated by Dagon Funeral Home, 38 Church St., Hornell, NY.

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

Alfred, New York

M. Kathleen “Kate” (Fréchette) Foshee – 74 – of West University St., Alfred, NY, died Tuesday evening (June 6, 2023) at Maple City Rehab & Nursing Facility in Hornell. She had been in poor health for several years, especially since the loss of her beloved husband, Bill in 2018. In spite of having met later in life, Kate & Bill shared 33 years of a wonderful marriage.

Born in North Hornell on February 17, 1949, she was the daughter of Van Derck & Sarah (Houghton) Fréchette in the old Bethesda Community Hospital.

Kate was raised in Alfred, graduating from Alfred-Almond Central School in 1968. After being trained as a Nurse’s Aide at Bergen Mercy Hospital in Omaha, NE, she returned to work in that capacity at Jones Memorial Hospital in Wellsville, NY. When the Flood of 1972 ripped away a whole wing of Jones Memorial Hospital and her job along with it, Kate made the decision to return to Alfred to pursue a degree in nursing at Alfred University and graduated RN/BSN in 1974 with honors. What followed was 40+ years of caring, skillful, compassionate care for thousands, or maybe hundreds of thousands of people and their family & friends. Clara Barton would have been proud of her!!

She was preceded in death by her parents, Van Derck & Sarah Fréchette; and her husband, Bill Foshee.

Surviving are three older brothers, William (Ginny) Fréchette, Derck (Janis) Fréchette and Christopher (Wyn) Fréchette; her younger sister, Judith “Jude” Fréchette; as well as several nieces, nephews, great-nieces & great-nephews.

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

Kate had a love of horses, squirrels, cats, dogs and enjoyed watching animal documentaries on TV, so it would be appropriate donate in her memory to the SPCA of Allegany County or to your favorite PBS Station.

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

Hornell, New York

Floyd L. Loper – 82 – of County Route 70A (Big Creek Road), Hornell died Tuesday afternoon (June 6, 2023) at his home, surrounded by his family, following a long illness.

Born in Hornell on March 21, 1941, he was the son of Floyd & Eleanor (Murray) Loper.

Floyd grew up in Hornell and later graduated from Hornell High School, class of 1960. While in high school, Floyd worked on his family’s farm. He raised and showed Ashier cows. Floyd won the state championship multiple years with his bull, Herman, and even showed him at the World’s Fair in Chicago.

He served his country in the US Navy aboard the USS Saratoga from 1960 – 1962. He was honorably discharged when his father became ill and he needed to return to the family farm. Floyd later worked for the Erie Railroad and Dunkirk Ice Cream, and for over 35 years as a welder at Foster Wheeler Corporation in Dansville. During the years that Foster Wheeler was closed and until they reopened, he was employed as a welder on the Tappan Zee Bridge.

Floyd was married on May 21, 1965 to his high school sweetheart, Charlene Miller Loper, who predeceased him in 2021. He was also was preceded in death by his three sisters, Deatta Jamison, Hilda Norton, and Harriett Theilen.

Surviving are his son, Jeffrey (Christina) Loper of Hornell; his daughter, Michele (Ed) Flaitz of Hornell; 5 grandchildren, Jacob (Isabelle) Loper, Jessica Loper, AnnaMarie Flaitz, Emma Flaitz & Elaina Flaitz.

He and Charlene shared a true love story for 56 years. Floyd would walk over 6 miles every day after school to make sure Charlene got home safe. After they were married, they began building their own home. They lived a wonderful life together raising their family. They spent countless hours boating on Keuka Lake when not working or spending time on their own property.

Floyd had a love for the outdoors and spent his free time ice fishing, salmon fishing on Lake Ontario, and deer hunting on his property. He also enjoyed four-wheeling with his grandchildren all over their land and having picnics at the picnic table that he built. Additionally, he loved watching drag racing. One of his greatest joys came from watching his son and grandson race and helping them prepare and maintain their bike and dragster on race day.

A true handyman, Floyd could build or fix anything. He was always outside “tinkering” on something. Until the age of 75, he was still riding into the woods, cutting down trees, and chopping them up to heat his home. Floyd was loving, strong, and a great jokester, something he never lost even during his long battle with Alzheimer’s.

The family would like to thank Tender Loving Home Care for the wonderful care Floyd received the last 4 years. We are grateful he was able to remain in his home that he so dearly loved.

At Floyd’s request there will be no calling hours. A private graveside service will be held at St. Mary’s Cemetery at the convenience of the family with Deacon Robert McCormick officiating.

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.

Hornell, NY / Bradenton, FL

Theresa Lorraine Cortese-Zampello, age 67, of Bradenton, FL passed away on March 28, 2023 after a courageous battle with a long-term illness.

Born in Hornell on July 14, 1955, she was the daughter of James and Mary (Orzechowski) Cortese.

Theresa, who grew up in North Hornell, graduated from the Hornell Senior High School (Class of ’73); thereafter, she attended SUNY at Brockport. She will always be remembered for her sharp mind and quick wit.

She was preceded in death by her father, Jim Cortese and her son, Preston Talley.

Surviving are two sons, Jarrad Talley and Trevor Talley; her daughter, Erica Zampello, all from the Bradenton, FL area. She is also survived by her mother, Mary Cortese; and five siblings, Patrick, Jeannie, Thomas, Michael, and Paul Cortese; as well as many aunts, uncles, cousins, nephews, nieces, and longtime partner, Richard Guidice.

At Theresa’s request there will be no calling hours. A private graveside service will be held at St. Mary’s Cemetery at the convenience of the family with Deacon Robert McCormick officiating.

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

Theresa’s family request that 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

Mary T. Pollizi – (62) – of 106 Hornell St., Hornell, died early Monday morning (May 29, 2023) at her home, surrounded by her loving family following a courageous battle with cancer.

Born in Hornell on November 14, 1960, she was the daughter of Francis & Barbara (Norton) Pollizi.

Mary grew up in Hornell and was a graduate of Hornell High School (class of 1979). For about 11 years she was employed at the former Red Barn Family Restaurant as a counter-girl and later as assistant manager and for 20 years served as a Home Healthcare Giver in the Hornell area. Most recently, Mary was employed at Stephens Auto in Hornell, serving in many capacities including warehouse worker, attending the counter and manning the phones.

She was a member of Our Lady of the Valley Parish and a communicant of St. Ann’s Church. Mary was an avid reader of romance novels and mystery novels and enjoyed coloring in stress relief books. She had a deep appreciation of all music and in her younger years loved dancing. She was a die-hard Buffalo Bills Football fan and especially loved the Super Bowl years. Her greatest joy in life was simply spending time with her family, especially her grandkids.

Mary was preceded in death by her father, Francis “Fran” Pollizi along with her paternal grandparents, Anthony & Rose Pollizi and maternal grandparents, Claire & Margaret Norton.

Surviving are 2 sons, Jeremy (Nichole) Pollizi of Hornell and Steven Pollizi of Hornell; 2 daughters, Jennifer DePietro of Long Island and Rochelle Houghtaling of Buffalo; her mother Barbara Pollizi of Hornell; 3 brothers, Michael (Kelley) Pollizi of Hornell, Thomas (Margaret) Pollizi of Rochester and Timothy Pollizi of Hornell; 3 sisters, Deborah Stauffer of Ft. Meyers, FL, Rose (Richard) Bartlet of Hornell and Lori (Mark) Corso of Arkport; 3 grandchildren, Ryleigh Pollizi, Reid Pollizi and Conner Pollizi; many nieces, nephews & cousins.

The family of Mary T. Pollizi will receive friend on Monday from 12:00 (noon) – 2:00 PM at the Dagon Funeral Home, 38 Church St., Hornell, NY. A Memorial Service will be held at the conclusion of calling hours at 2:00 PM with Deacon Robert McCormick officiating. Final interment will be in St. Mary’s Cemetery.

A special “Thank-You” to the wonderful caregivers at Care First Hospice for their compassion & kindness shown to Mary and her family.

Mary’s family requests that in lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in her name be made to the Care First Hospice, 3805 Meads Creek Rd., Painted Post, NY 14870 or to the American Cancer Society, 13 Beech St., Johnson City, NY 13790. Memorial forms will be available at the Dagon Funeral Home.

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

Hornell, New York

Mary Lou Markham – (88) – of 83 Platt St., Hornell, died unexpectedly Saturday afternoon (May 27, 2023) at St. James Hospital where she was taken after being stricken at home.

Born in Hornell on June 4, 1934, she was the daughter of Francis & Josephine (Ely) Markham and the step-daughter of Dorothy Roe Markham.

Mary Lou grew up in Hornell and was a graduate of Hornell High School (class of 1953). She was employed for 22 years in many capacities at the former Corbin Wood Products in Hornell. When Corbin’s Wood Products closed its doors in 1976, Mary Lou made the decision to become a hairdresser and beautician. In 1977 she enrolled in Beautician School in Olean and became a licensed beautician. For over 40 years she owned & operated Mary Lou’s Hair Salon in Hornell.

She was a member of Our Lady of the Valley Parish and a communicant of St. Ann’s Church. She enjoyed spending time in the kitchen cooking & baking. She also loved working outside in her garden raising tomato plants and beautiful flowers. Mary Lou enjoyed sports and in her younger years enjoyed bowling.

In addition to her parents and step-mother, Mary Lou was preceded in death by her sisters, Sandra Ray (died 2007) and Loretta Markham (died 2016); her nephew, John Ray (died 2023) her longtime companion, John “Jack” Generalli (died 2021).

Surviving are her nieces & nephews, Robert “Bobby” (Terri) Ray, Joe (Colleen) Ray, Lisa Stubbs and Lynn (Tony) Jones; several great-nieces and great-nephews.

At Mary Lou’s request there will be no calling hours. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Saturday at 10:00 AM at St. Ann’s Church with burial in St. Mary’s Cemetery.

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

Mary Lou’s family request that in lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in her name be made to either the Hornell Humane Society, 7649 Industrial Park Road, Hornell, NY 14843 or to St. Jude Children’s Hospital, 501 St. Jude Pl., Memphis, TN 38105.

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

Hornell, NY

Joanne Marie Porcaro – 88 – of 119 East Elm St., Hornell, died early Saturday morning (May 27, 2023) at St. James Hospital, following a brief illness.

A native & life resident of Hornell, she was born September 11, 1934 and was the daughter of Frank & Edna (Norton) Secondo.

Joanne attended Bryant School, Hornell Junior High School and was a graduate of Hornell High School (Class of 1952).

For a time, Joanne was employed as a sales clerk at the former Cards Drug Store in Hornell. She also served as a cook at the Hornell Knights of Columbus, working countless private parties. For many years she was employed as a cook in the cafeteria of the Hornell High School, whipping up delicious meals for hundreds of hungry students and teachers every day.

Joanne was a member of Our Lady of the Valley Parish and a communicant of St. Ann’s Church where she donated countless hours as a member of the St. Ann’s Church cleaning Crew. She had also been a member of the Ladies of Columbus and a lifetime member of the G. Carducci Lodge (Sons of Italy). Having a great “culinary gift,” Joanne loved cooking & baking especially for family gatherings and holidays. No one ever left her home hungry!

She was married on May 26, 1956 to Leo J. Porcaro for 63 years, who died March 4, 2020. Joanne was also preceded in death by 4 sisters, Mary Ann Losecco, Dorothy Ermy, Janice Davis & Patty Lenhart; her brother, Karl Secondo; and her son-in-law, George “Joe” Richardson.

Surviving are 2 daughters, Rene Richardson of St. Petersburg, FL and Mary Magari of Syracuse; 2 sons, Richard “Rick” Porcaro of Hornell and Nicholas (Kathleen) Porcaro of Arkport; 1 brother, Frank Secondo of Mesa, AZ; her grandchildren, Joey Porcaro, Amy (Matt) Baldassare, Elizabeth “Liz” (Chris) Gandolfo, Kathryn Porcaro, Julie (Philip) Rubin, Jill (Craig) Reeves, Phillip Magari, Kaleigh (Chris Lafler) Porcaro, Christopher (Kirsten) Porcaro and Nicole (Dustin) Romanos; her great-grandchildren, Vinny Baldassare, Christian Baldassare, Gabriel Baldassare, Emma Baldassare, Spencer Porcaro, Quinn Porcaro, Ford Gandolfo, Leo Romanos and Rylee Porcaro; many nieces & nephews.

The family of Joanne Marie Porcaro will receive friends on Wednesday from 4:00 PM – 6:00 PM at the Dagon Funeral Home, 38 Church St., Hornell, NY. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Thursday at 10:00 AM at St. Ann’s Church. Burial will be in Bath National Cemetery next to her husband, Leo.

Joanne’s family request that in lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in her name be made to St. Ann’s Academy, 41 Genesee St., Hornell, NY 14843 or to a charity of the donor’s choice. Memorial forms will be available at the Dagon Funeral Home.

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

Lexi lost her battle with addiction on May 23rd, 2023.  She leaves behind the love of her life, her son Corbin Paul.

Donations accepted in her name at Casa-Trinity, 86 River St., Hornell, NY  14843

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

Hornell, New York

Lynn Anne Sulyma passed peacefully into eternity on May 19, 2023.

She was the daughter of John and Irene (Werzechowski) Sulyma, of Hornell, NY, and proud to be born in Brooklyn, NY on January 29, 1954. Survivors include her brother Jonathan (Pat) of Almond, NY; her sister, Stephanie Sulyma of Rochester, NY; her niece, Marisa Mauro of Bee Cave, TX; her nephew, Nick Mauro of Fairport NY; many cousins, friends, and her dear friend, LuAnn Di Paglia.

Lynn was predeceased by her wife of sixteen years, Beth Lumsden, with whom she had a holy union at the Metropolitan Community Church in Washington, DC.

Her childhood was spent on both coasts, a large portion of it in San Jose, Ca. Her family relocated to Hornell, NY where she attended her last year of high school, graduating in 1972.

Upon graduation from High School, Lynn enlisted in the US Navy and trained at Naval BSIC training in Orlando, FL. She was then assigned to Ft. Benjamin Harris to the Military Joint Journalism School. Her permanent station was at the Public Affairs Office and the headquarters for the Naval Air Force at Norfolk, VA. Her enlistment lasted from April 27, 1973, until April 26, 1977.

Upon discharge from the military, Lynn matriculated at Old Dominion University, graduating with a Bachelor’s degree in Independent Studies, with a specialization in Japanese history and culture. She was a lover of Japanese culture and spoke Japanese.

Lynn attained her black belt in karate from her Shihan, Hiroshi Hamada, a 24th-generation Samurai, while at Old Dominion University and later taught women’s self-defense classes.

On her second trip back to the West Coast as an adult, she worked for the Press-Enterprise in Riverside, CA where she was a journalist. Lynn was proud to be a shop steward for her fellow customer service union workers at the Washington Post where she worked for twenty years. Her people skills were also employed for a time at ARC in Hornell where she was a Direct Support for clients.

Lynn had an intense curiosity and nimble fingers and began restoring furniture when she was only thirteen years old. She also sewed and once made her sister, Stephanie an entirely new wardrobe. Her other talents and interests included quilting, writing, drawing and painting, playing her guitar and singing, bird watching, and camping. vHer intelligence was brilliant and she possessed a sharp wit and great sense of humor.

Relocation to her family’s hometown happened following the death of her spouse and the care of her mother-in-law and father-in-law in Maryland who passed on after her wife’s death.

Lynn was a friend to many and was passionately involved in numerous political causes and candidate campaigns from a young age. Causes that were important to her included marriage equality, equal rites for women, LGBTQ rights, human rights, and ecological causes. Her focus was on promoting a healthy democracy through activism. Bertha the Bullhorn and Lynn were frequent participants in marches including the Women’s Rights March on Washington, DC in 2017.

Part of Lynn’s inquisitiveness was her studies of various religions. She had a deep and abiding faith in God and believed that God had a deep and abiding faith in ALL of His creation.

She loved nature and was an avid birdwatcher and camper. One of her favorite places was Shenandoah National Park where her and her wife’s ashes will be scattered.

There will be no memorial service but there will be a Celebration of Her Life in mid-July at a local location. Details will follow via various social media platforms.

Donations may be made in her memory to your local Indivisible Group, Planned Parenthood, or Multiple Myeloma Patient Support Group.

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.

North Hornell, NY

Susan S. Lockwood (68) of Heather Heights, North Hornell, passed away at St. James Hospital, following a courageous 5 year battle with stage IV brain cancer, surrounded by her loving family.

Born in Hornell on January 8, 1955, at Bethesda Community Hospital, she was the daughter of Fred & Jeanne (Kame) Schwartz of Almond, NY.

Susan grew up in Almond and was a graduate of Alfred-Almond Central School (class of 1973). While in high school, she was employed as an office worker at the former Bethesda Community Hospital where she was exposed to the world of computer technology. She earned her Associate’s Degree in Computer Science from Alfred Sate College (SUNY Alfred) and later earned her Bachelor’s Degree in Computer Science.

In the spring of 1973 she met the love of her life and best friend, Ronald “Ron” Lockwood of Hornell and on June 5th, 1976 they married. They moved to Rochester the following year. She was first employed at Wegmans and later by the Fairport School District. In 1979, Susan & Ron moved back to Hornell and designed her dream home where their family have lived ever since.

She began her career working at Genesee Valley BOCES in Mt. Morris, teaching Computer Science & Computer Programming. She was a gifted and caring teacher for 30 years. Susan was highly respected by her colleagues and loved by her students. She also served an advisor to the DECA Club where her students won many awards. She retired in 2010.

Susan’s greatest joy was simply being the best wife, mother, daughter, sister, grandmother and friend that she could possibly be. Throughout the years she loved attending her children’s school and sporting events and was always there for her family. Susan would welcome all of her children’s friends who would come over to swim, play basketball or just hang out. Her happiest times were spent with her family. She loved her three dogs, Onyx, Opal and Pearl.

Following her retirement, Susan loved traveling with her family, visiting all but 10 states. Her favorite was watching the sunset at Siesta Key Beach. She enjoyed traveling to each of her children’s homes around the country. Her children will treasure her wisdom, guidance, humility, kindness and love and will miss her dearly.

Susan is survived by her husband of 47 years, Ron Lockwood; 3 children, Jason (Meredith) Lockwood of Charlotte, NC, Jaimee (Darcy Macdougald) Lockwood of Nashville, TN and Justine Lockwood of Tulum, Mexico; 3 grandchildren, Solara Rosas Lockwood, Lyla Lockwood and Weston Lockwood; her parents, Fred & Jeanne Schwartz of Almond; her sister, Chris (Larry) Drumm of Almond; and her niece Julie Barrett of Jacksonville, FL.

At Susan’s request there will be no calling hours. Family & friends will be invited to attend a “Celebration of Life” at a time and place to be announced later, where memories & stories will be shared.

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

Susan’s family request that in lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in her name be made to the Alfred Almond Alumni Association or the American Cancer Society.

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