Arkport, New York

Sarah G. Gates – (99) – of 9127 Strobel Road, Arkport, died early Sunday morning (July 28, 2024) at the Keuka Comfort Home Care Facility in Penn Yan, NY following a brief illness.

Born in Cumminsville, NY on May 16, 1925, she was the daughter of Jacob & Bessie (Flint) Rex.

Sarah grew up in South Dansville and was a graduate of Dansville High School (class of 1941). She was also a member of the South Dansville Methodist Church.

For over 30 years, she served as historian for the Town of Dansville (Steuben County) and was also a member of the Canisteo Valley Historical Society. She enjoyed reading, sewing and embroidering.

Sarah was married on November 28, 1943 to Otto C. Gates who died July 17, 2015. She was also preceded in death by 4 brothers, Milo Rex, Merle Rex, Clayton Rex & Stanley Rex; 3 sisters, Bessie Rex, Doris Campbell & May Williams; her daughter-in-law, Mindy Gates.

Surviving are 1 daughter, Thelma “Jean” Gates of Arkport; 3 sons, Donald (Charlene) Gates of Jasper, Dave Gates of Arkport and Roger “Charlie” Gates of Arkport; 7 grandchildren, Amy (Jeremy) Stephens, Carrie (Bryan) Paul, Donald (Stephanie) Gates, Karen (Michael) Smith, Karla (Johnny) Yarka, Kristie (Tommy) Radford and Donovan Gates; 18 great-grandchildren; 4 great-great grandchildren; several nieces & nephews.

The family of Sarah G. Gates will receive friends on Friday from 10:00 AM until 12:00 Noon at the Dagon Funeral Home, 38 Church St., Hornell, NY. Funeral & committal services will be held at the conclusion of calling hours at 12:00 Noon with Rev. Beverly Karr-Lyon officiating. Burial will be in Forest Lawn Cemetery, South Dansville, NY.

Sarah’s family request that in lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in her name be made to either the Keuka Comfort Care Home, PO Box 107, Penn Yan, NY 14527 or to Samaritans Purse, PO Box 3000, Boone, NC 28607. 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

Howard W. “Howie” Nisbet, Jr. – 92 – of 7997 Rose Rd., Hornell, NY (Town of Fremont) died Tuesday morning (July 23, 2024) at Strong Memorial Hospital in Rochester, following a long illness.

Born in Hornell on October 15, 1931, he was the son of Howard & Thelma (McCullum) Nisbet.

Howie grew up in Hornell and was a graduate of Hornell High School. Following high school graduation, he was employed for a time in the engineering department at the New York State Department of Transportation (NYSDOT) until being drafted into the US Army. Howard served his country as a member of the US Army from 1953-1955 (during the Korean Conflict) and had been stationed in Germany.

Following his honorable discharge from the military, Howard returned to Hornell and resumed his employment at the NYSDOT. Throughout the years, he worked his way up through the ranks of the engineering department retiring in 1989 as Principal Engineering Technician following 37 years of dedicated service.

During those years, Howard also raised beef cows and operated what would affectionately be known as “Welcome To Our World Farm.” He was proud of the fact that he was able to maintain the farm and operate his riding lawnmower and tend to his four acres right up to recent years. Following his retirement from the NYSDOT, he was employed seasonally for Burns Dairy Farm in Hornell, working in many capacities.

Howie had been a member of the United Presbyterian Church of Hornell and for over 50 years was a member of the Arkport American Legion. He was active in the Hornell Little League, serving as president for 16 years. For over 20 years he served as Scout Leader for Troup 37 of the Boy Scouts of America and was proud of the fact that his sons all became Eagle Scouts.

In his younger years, Howie enjoyed rabbit hunting and in later years had a passion for deer hunting. He was an avid NASCAR fan who enjoyed rooting for his favorite driver, Bill Elliott and later Chase Elliott. He loved the days spent with his family camping, especially attending dirt races on Super Dirt Week at the New York State Fairgrounds. He also enjoyed rooting for the New York Yankees (MLB) and the Buffalo Bills (NFL).

Howie will be remembered as a loving husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather and a friend to all. He will be sadly missed by everyone that had the privilege of knowing him!

Howard was married on June 28, 1953 to the former Nancy Buono who died March 7, 2019. He was also preceded in death by his sister, Elaine Gormont.

Surviving are 3 sons, Howard “Howie” (Dorothy) Nisbet III of Hornell, Timothy (Donna Walker) Nisbet of Stokedale, NC and Doug (Grace) Nisbet of Williamson, NY; 10 grandchildren, Brian (Patty Hopkins) Nisbet, Megan (Chris) Daily, Daniel Sirianni, Cara (August) Antol, Robert (Muneeza) Sirianni, Rikki Nisbet, Patrick Nisbet, Ethan Nisbet, Zachary Nisbet and Christopher (Kari) Bocianski; along with several great-grandchildren, nieces & nephews.

The family of Howard W. “Howie” Nisbet, Jr. will receive friends on Monday from 4:00 PM – 6:00 PM at the Dagon Funeral Home, 38 Church St., Hornell, NY. Funeral services will be held at the conclusion of calling hours at 6:00 PM with Deacon Robert McCormick officiating. Burial with military honors will be in the Bath National Cemetery, Bath, NY.

Howard’s family request that in lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in his name be made to the Fremont Fire & Ambulance, PO Box 462, Arkport, NY 14807. Memorial forms will be available at the Dagon Funeral Home.

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

In recognition of Howard’s service to his country as a member of the US Army, the American Flag at the Dagon Funeral Home will be flown at half-staff.

Hornell, New York

Sybill Lee Reeve, precious baby girl of Andrew & Chesiray (Beck) Reeve was born into the “Arms of the Angels” on Monday, July 22, 2024 at Strong Memorial Hospital in Rochester.

Although Sybill never spent any time with us here on earth, she was loved, cherished and touched all of our lives.  Our little Angel now lives in Heaven with Jesus but will always live forever in our hearts and will never be forgotten.

Sybill was greeted at the Gates of Heaven by her sister, Morgan Leigh Reeve.

Surviving are her parents, Andrew & Chesiray (Beck) Reeve of Cameron Mills; 2 sisters, Marley Jade Reeve and GemaRay Beck; her brother, Lucifer Beck-Reeve; her maternal grandparents, Kathie Klemenz and Brian Beck; along with other relatives.

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.

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

Lewiston, NY

Joyce E. Donovan – 87 – of Lewiston, NY died Thursday evening (July 11, 2024)at the Elderwood at Wheatfield Nursing Facility in Wheatfield, NY.

Born in Niagara Falls, NY on February 27, 1937, she was the daughter of Joseph and Lois (Miller) Coulis.

Joyce was a lifelong resident of the Niagara Falls / Lewiston area and graduated from Niagara Falls High School in 1955. She was a devoted stay-at-home mom and homemaker while raising her three young children and never missed a sporting event or activity. After raising her children, Joyce began working in retail sales and was employed at several different department stores throughout the years.

Having a zest for life, Joyce loved to travel. She enjoyed her yearly trips with girlfriends and traveled to the Caribbean, Europe, Russia, Poland, Canada, Mexico, and Alaska to name a few. When she wasn’t traveling the world, Joyce dabbled in photography and knit & crocheted countless blankets for her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. She was also a member of the Red Hat Society.

On May 19, 1956, Joyce married Donald J. Donovan who died August 22, 2006. She was also predeceased by her beloved daughter, Christy Donovan on March 31, 1982.

Surviving are her son, Scott Donovan of Arkport; her daughter, Kelley (Richard) Kent of Niagara Falls, NY; four grandchildren, Shannon (David) Knight, Matthew Donovan, Ricky Benningfield & Ashley Benningfield; seven great-grandchildren.

To honor Joyce’s wishes, there will be no calling hours. Private services will be held by the family.

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

Memorial contributions in Joyce’s name may be made to the Niagara County SPCA, 2100 Lockport Road, Niagara Falls, NY 14304 or by visiting https://interland3.donorperfect.net/weblink/weblink.aspx?name=E347149&id=1&_ga=2.80807383.1369379816.1721247142-1247365526.1721247142

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

Canisteo, NY

Rhonda Lynn Randall – 56 – of 2437 County Route 128, Canisteo, NY, died Tuesday afternoon (July 2, 2024) at her home following a long illness.

Born in North Hornell on October 12, 1967, she was the daughter of Barnett & Betty (Shomper) Bostic.

Rhonda grew up in Hornell and attended Hornell High School. She later received her General Education Diploma (GED).

A resident of the Hornell-Canisteo area for most of her life, Rhonda had been employed at McDonalds of Hornell and also Advanced Auto of Hornell. She had been a member of the Hornell VFW and enjoyed calligraphy along with playing “on-line” poker on her phone.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Robert “Bob” Randall who died August 7, 2021; 2 sisters, Marilyn Powley and Rosemary Eiffert.

Surviving are 2 sons, Daniel Strauss of Buffalo and Justin Randall of Canisteo; her sister, Karen Ryan of Hornell; her brother, Tommie Bostic of Hornell; 2 grandchildren, Mya Strauss and Levi Strauss; several nieces & nephews including Jennifer Olix, Billy Powley and Heather Powley. She will also be sadly missed by her two canine companions, Cheeko & Reign.

At Rhonda’s request there will be no calling hours. A “Celebration of Life” will be held at a later date.

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

Rhonda’s family request that in lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in her name be made to the Hornell Humane Society, 7649 Industrial Park Road, Hornell, NY 14843.

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

Hornell, New York

Anthony W. “Tony” Rice – 60 – of 81 Genesee St., Hornell, died unexpectedly on Monday (July 1, 2024) at his home.

Born in North Hornell on October 22, 1963, he was the son of Neil & Katherine “Kathy” (Mardo) Rice and the step-son of Paul Woodworth.

Tony grew up in Hornell and was a graduate of Hornell High School (class of 1981).  He was a four year veteran of the US Navy having served aboard the USS Jack Williams.

He was a lifelong resident of the Hornell-Arkport area and throughout the years worked at various places including Pizza Hut, Big Elms Restaurant and Gunlocke Corporation of Wayland.  Tony was an avid collector of cards, DVDs, bottles & comic books.

He was preceded in death by his father, Neil Rice; his infant brother, Lee Rice; and his sister, Debbie Lee Edwards.

Surviving are his son, Toni Weber Rice of Hornell; his mother & step-father, Kathy & Paul Woodworth of Hornell; his sister, Tammy (Tim) Beers of Valley View, PA; his nieces & nephews, Andrea, Sean, Timothy, Megan, Katie & Brie.

At Tony’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.

Tony’s family request that in lieu of flowers, memorial contributions be made to the Hornell Little League, 71 East Washington St., Hornell, NY 14843 or to a charity of the donor’s choice.

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

Dansville, New York

Ronald L. “Ron” Englert – 91 – of 10228 Route 36 South, Dansville, NY died Wednesday evening (June 26, 2024) at the Buffalo VA Medical Center.

Born in Dansville on December 28, 1932, he was the son of Carl & Bertha (Walker) Englert.

Growing up, Ron resided in several locations, returning to Dansville where he graduated from Dansville High School (class of 1950). While in high school, he played baseball & basketball for the Dansville Mustangs.

Following high school graduation, he enlisted in the US Marine Corps and served his country during the Korean Conflict. While stationed in Korea, he was wounded by schrapnel fired from a mortar and later received the Purple Heart Medal. He was affected by his wartime injuries throughout his lifetime.

Ron was a lifelong resident of Dansville and would spend the winter months in Florida. For several years he owned & operated Stony Brook Mobile Homes in Dansville and also Country Estates Mobile Home Park in Arkport, NY.

He was a lifelong New York Yankee baseball fan and in his younger years enjoyed hunting (deer) and fishing. He had been an avid bowler and, along with his brothers, bowled on the Englert Brothers Bowling Team. He also proud to have won the Pan-A-Rama Roll-Off Bowling Tournament in Rochester in the early 1970s.

In 1973, Ron married the former Frances Windham who died in 2010. He was also preceded in death by his son, Russell Englert; his step-son, Richard Carr; his brothers, John Englert, Carl “Sunny” Englert, Jr.; his sister, Joyce Wambold; his half-brothers, Dave Englert, Dwight Englert and Denny Englert.

Surviving are 2 sons, Bill (Tonya) Carr of Valrico, FL and Wayne (Michelle Mackey) Englert of Dansville; 3 brothers, Gerry Englert of Dansville, Larry Englert of Dansville and Bill Englert of Florida; his sister, Trudy Novak of Florida; his half-sister, Darlene Stone; his half-brother, Dean Englert; along with many other relatives.

At Ron’s request there will be no calling hours. Private services will be held at the convenience of the family with final interment in Bushnell, FL.

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

Ron’s family request that in lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in his 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

Joseph Ryan “Joe” Pollizi – 39 – of 43 Ravine St., Hornell, died unexpectedly Friday morning (June 21, 2024) at his home.

A native & life resident of Hornell, he was born March 29, 1985 and was the son of Mike & Kelley (Congdon) Pollizi.

Joe was a graduate of Hornell High School (class of 2003) and later attended Utica College and Alfred State College (SUNY Alfred).

For several years, Joe was employed as a meat cutter at P&C Grocery and later Save-A-Lot Grocery in Hornell. Throughout the years he also served as a carpenter/general contractor, working in Hornell and the surrounding area. He had been employed at R&R Docks of Avoca, building and installing docks on Keuka Lake. For the past 2 ½ years, Joe served as a machine operator at Stern & Stern Industries in Hornell.

He was a member of Our Lady of the Valley Parish and a communicant of St. Ann’s Church. Joe was an avid Buffalo Bills fan and throughout the years attended countless games — especially during the Super Bowl years. He had a passion for cars and loved working on his 1991 Mustang which was his “Pride & Joy.”

A true outdoorsman, Joe loved camping and also shooting guns (primarily target shooting) with his son, Carson, who he loved & adored.

In recent years, Joe, like so many others, struggled with addiction. But through it all, he never lost his zest for life and always maintained his sense of humor. Joe truly wished to succeed in overcoming his addiction problems, not only for himself, but for his family. If anyone needed help, he would be the first to “step-up” with tools in hand & a smile on his face to help out. He will be sadly missed by all those who were fortunate enough to have known him.

He was preceded in death by his paternal grandfather, Francis Pollizi; his maternal grandparents, James & Jacquelane Congdon; his aunt, Mary Pollizi; along with his canine companion, Aries.

Surviving are his son, Carson (along with his mother, Erin Rose) of Hornell; his parents loving, Mike & Kelley Pollizi of Hornell; his sister, Sydney (Carter) Johnson of Binghamton; his brother, Anthony Pollizi of Hornell; his paternal grandmother, Barbara Pollizi of Hornell; along with many aunts, uncles and cousins.

The family of Joseph Ryan “Joe” Pollizi 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 with burial in St. Mary’s Cemetery.

The Pollizi family would like to thank Casa-Trinity for working with Joe throughout his struggles and trying to help others in the Hornell community and surrounding area.

Joe’s family request that in lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in his name be made to Casa-Trinity Rehabilitation, 86 River St., Hornell, NY 14843 or to St. Ann’s Academy, 41 Genesee St., Hornell, NY 14843. Memorial forms will be available at the Dagon Funeral Home.

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

Woodhull, New York

William W. “Bill” Humbert – 64 – of 4217 Cook Road, Woodhull, NY died Tuesday (June 18, 2024) at St. James Hospital, following a long illness.

Born in Uniontown, PA on November 25, 1959, he was the second son of Albert & Gladys (Bryson) Humbert.

In his younger years, Bill lived in Uniontown, PA, Cleveland, OH, and later resided in Levittown, PA, where he attended Woodrow Wilson High School (later to become Harry S. Truman High School).

He was a Veteran of the US Army and throughout the years resided in several locations, including Uniontown, Pa, Levittown, PA, Cleveland, OH, Mansfield, PA, St. Petersburg, FL and has lived in Woodhull for the past three years.

Over the years, Bill worked as an assistant carpenter and laborer throughout Pennsylvania, Florida and New York State and also worked as a general farm hand. He enjoyed the outdoors and was an avid fisherman, who loved fishing in the ocean, lakes as well as streams.

He was preceded in death by his mother, Gladys L. Humbert of St. Petersburg, who died in March of 2001.

Surviving are his father, Albert M. Humbert, step-mother, Carol Humbert of South Mills, NC; his siblings, Albert G. Humbert of St. Petersburg, FL, Cynthia (Jeff) Kennedy of Columbia Crossroads, PA, Harry (Annette) Humbert of Grovetown, GA, Diane (Richard) Davies of Virginia Beach, VA, Carl (Lisa) Humbert of Seminole, FL and Dale Humbert of St. Petersburg, FL; along with several nieces & nephews.

At Bill’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.

Bill’s personal request that, in lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in his name be made to Catholic Organization of Orphans or to St. Luke’s Children’s Hospital.

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

Hornell, New York

Ava LeeAnne Nichols, precious baby girl of Ryan & Savanah (Hess) Nichols of Hornell, was born into the “Arms of the Angels” on Thursday (June 13, 2024) at Jones Memorial Hospital in Wellsville, NY.

Our loss was Heaven’s gain and even though Ava never spent any time with us here on earth, she was loved, cherished and touched all of our lives. Our little Angel will live forever in our hearts and will never be forgotten.

She is being greeted at the Gates of Heaven by her paternal grandfather, Jerry Nichols; paternal great-grandmother, Linda Kerr; maternal great-great-grandfather, James “Wayne” Powers.

Ava LeeAnne was loved and will be sadly missed by her parents, Ryan & Savanah (Hess) Nichols of Hornell; maternal grandmother, Stacy Bradford; paternal grandmother, Paula Nichols; maternal great-grandparents, Daniel Bradford, Sr. and Robin Rideout; paternal great-grandfather, Greg Kerr; maternal great-great-grandmother, Ellen Powers; aunts & uncles, Zach (Krista Brewer) Broughton, Samantha Hess, John Kilmer, Joseph Kilmer and Nathan (Britney Ormsby) Nichols; along with many cousins and other relatives.

There will be no calling hours. Private services will be held at the convenience of the family where a “Memory Tree of Life” will be planted in her honor.

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

Ava’s family request that in lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in her name be made to the Hornell Humane Society, 7649 Industrial Park Road, Hornell, NY 14843.

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