Hornell, NY  /  Alfred Station

Marie A. Diestler – 78 – of Pleasant Valley Road, Alfred Station, formerly of Elm St., Hornell, died unexpectedly early Monday morning (March 17, 2025) at Jones Memorial Hospital in Wellsville, NY.

Born in Hornell on May 19, 1946, she was the daughter of Michael & Helen (Fedor) Bigger.

Marie grew up in Hornell and was a graduate of St. Ann’s School and later graduated from Hornell High School (class of 1964).  She then moved to Rochester where she attended college.

In 1970, Marie moved to Japan where she lived for 2 years.  When she returned to Hornell, she moved into her home on Elm St., where she resided for over 50 years.  Recently she moved to Alfred Station so she could be closer to her grandchildren.

For several years Marie was employed at the former Bethesda Community Hospital and later went to work for Dr. Alan Folsom.  When Dr. Folsom retired, she went to work for Dr. Redding and then Dr. John Weyand where she served as office manager until her retirement in 2014.  Marie really loved being around people and had a way making you feel as though you had always been friends.

She was a member of Our Lady of the Valley Parish and a communicant of St. Ann’s Church where she served as Eucharistic Minister for many years.  Marie had a very strong faith and found much comfort in the church.  She spent a lot of time at the cemetery taking care of the graves of her loved ones.

Marie absolutely loved to cook.  She was famous for her homemade sauce and her stuffed rigatoni.  IF SHE EVER MADE THESE FOR YOU, THEN YOU KNOW!!   People often made request for her cooking at graduation parties, tailgate parties, holidays and birthday parties.  Marie especially enjoyed teaching her grandchildren her family recipes and traditions.  Everyone would take part in getting ready for the holidays and special occasions.

Having a love and talent for sewing and knitting, Marie would spend many months knitting scarves so she could have enough to donate.  She was very handy with her sewing machine.   She loved crafting.  She was very creative.  For almost every holiday, she made a homemade card for each of her grandchildren which they will always cherish.  In addition, she always had crafts and activities for her grandchildren.

Most importantly, Marie loved being with her grandchildren.  She had a very special bond with each and they were all very close.  She spent a lot of time with them and recently moved next door to them.  She loved the unexpected visits of them just popping over to see her or request some of her cooking.  Marie’s grandchildren were lucky enough to have her as the one and only person to babysit them as they were growing up.  People often told her son & his wife they “didn’t really know what it was like to be parents because they always had Marie around.”  Marie had the biggest heart and will be deeply missed!!

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her infant son, Michael Diestler (died 1968); her grandson, Benjamin Diestler (died 2007); 2 brothers, Michael Bigger and Stephen Bigger.

Surviving are her son, Andrew “Andy” (Billie Jean) Diestler of Alfred Station; 3 grandchildren, Andrew, Kaitlyn & Teagan Diestler; along with her nephew, Stephen (Michele) Bigger of Alpine, WY.

At Marie’s request there will be no calling hours.   A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Friday at 1:00 PM 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.

Marie’s family request that in lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in her name be made to either Our Lady of the Valley Parish, 27 Erie Ave., Hornell, NY  14843 or to Golisano’s Children’s Hospital (NICU) at Strong Memorial Hospital, 601 Elmwood Ave., Rochester, NY 14642.

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

Kinsley Morgan Drew

Heaven’s gain was our loss when our precious baby girl, Kinsley Morgan Drew was called by Jesus and became an Angel early Sunday morning (March 9, 2025) shortly after being born into this world.

Although Kinsley was only with us for about 30 minutes, she was very much loved, cherished and touched all of our lives. Our “Little Angel” will forever live in our hearts and will never be forgotten.

She was greeted at Heaven’s Gate by her infant brother, Maverick A. Drew; her maternal great-grandfather, Butch Roloson; her paternal great-grandparents, Carlton Drew, Sr., Rosalie Drew, James Bacon and Sharon Bacon.

Kinsley Morgan Drew was loved and will be sadly missed by her parents, Angel Robbins and Breydon Drew; maternal grandmother, Susan Brockway of Hornell; maternal grandfather, Peter (Crystal) Cefarilli of Victor; paternal grandmother, Gina Darrin of Hornell; paternal grandfather, David Drew of Hornell; maternal great-grandmother, Bonnie Roloson of Florida; her aunts & uncles, Shylah Roloson, Matteo Roloson, Remington Roloson, and Colton Roloson all of Bath, Shelby Dewey, Bethany Darrin, Payton Darrin and Mason Drew, all of Hornell; along with many other family members.

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.

Kinsley’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, visit www.dagonfuneralhome.com.

Allegany, New York

Ryan J. Lamberson – 33 – of North 2nd St., Allegany, died Saturday afternoon (March 8, 2025) at Olean General Hospital following a brief illness.

Born in Olean, NY on August 30, 1991, he was the son of Richard “Rick” & Elaine (Bell) Lamberson.

Ryan grew up in Allegany and was a graduate of Allegany-Limestone Central School (class of 2009).  He later graduated Magna Cum Laude from St. Bonaventure University (class of 2013) with a Bachelors Degree in Computer Science.

Ryan was employed as Director of VR Development at Kelly Design & Development of Allegany, NY.  He had a love of music and recently began taking guitar lessons.  Ryan enjoyed spending time on his computer and especially loved playing chess with people around the world.  He achieved an ELO rating of 1,345.  Ryan enjoyed lake fishing and shooting guns and was a member of the Portville Rod & Gun Club.  He also was an avid collector of WWII artifacts. Recently he found a love for trails and hiking in the State Parks.

Ryan was quick-witted, likable beyond measure, and highly competitive.  He believed all challenges must be fought.  Ryan was very well spoken and also had the innate ability to make people understand things.  He felt true joy in other people’s achievements.

He was preceded in death by his sister, Erica; his father, Rick Lamberson; his paternal grandparents, Bob & Kate Lamberson; maternal grandfather, Clyde “Tom” Bell; his aunts, Bobbie-Kay Mikolajczyk and Sally-Jo Lamberson; his uncles, Steve Mikolajczyk and infant, Joseph Lamberson; along with his dogs, Gus and ZuZu.

Surviving are his mother, Elaine Lamberson of Allegany; maternal grandmother, Linda Zink Bailey of California; maternal step-grandmother, Joan Bell of Allegany; his aunt, George-Ann Lamberson of Olean; his uncles, John (Lori) Lamberson of  Friendship, NY and Craig Bell of California; several cousins; along with many other relatives that he dearly loved, including Bonnie Robinson and his close friends: Casey Ensell, Lee Filbert, Dan Jaremko, and Dan Winger.

There will be visiting hours Saturday, March 22nd from 12 Noon until 1:00 PM followed by a Memorial Service at 1:00 PM at the Christ United Methodist Church, 633 Linwood Ave., Olean, NY with Rev. Ron Isaman and Frank Wilson officiating.

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

Ryan’s family request that in lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in his name be made to Eldred WWII Museum, P.O. Box 273, Eldred, PA 16731.

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

Hornell, New York

David J. “Dave” Haight – 59 – of 445 Canisteo St., Hornell, died unexpectedly early Saturday morning (March 8, 2025) at his home.

Born in Rochester, NY on October 2, 1965, he was the son of Robert Haight Sr & Mary (Pearl) Minck.

Dave grew up in Canisteo and was a graduate of Canisteo Central School (class of 1983).  While in high school, he was a 3-time New York State Wrestling Champion for the Canisteo Redskins Wrestling Team.

He briefly served as a member of the United States Army and from 1985-2001 was employed at Stutzman’s Tree Farm serving in many capacities including planting, pruning and shipping to other states.  In 2001 he moved to Lugoff, SC and was employed at Herndon, INC. where he served as an erosion control supervisor. Moving back to the Hornell area in 2010, Dave was employed in the maintenance department of the newly opened St. James Hospital. He had been a member of the Hornell VFW.

Dave had a deep love of sports and was an avid baseball and football fan, he was a die-hard New York Yankees and Pittsburgh Steelers fan. His TV was always on ESPN. He also enjoyed wrestling, NASCAR, and a Coors light with his buddies as long as the mountains were blue.

He was preceded in death by his father, Robert Haight Sr, his mother Mary Minck, step-father Charles Minck, and father-in-law, Jack Moore.

On July 5, 2003 he married Sara Moore who survives. Also surviving are his children, Tosha (John) Garner of Alfred Station, Jonathan (Michelle) Haight, Brittany (Kaelah) Haight, his twins Kaleb and Kayleigh Haight, and 2 cool little dudes, Malik Simon and Jahmari Simmons all of Hornell; 3 sisters, Pam (Leroy) Teator of Hornell, Sandra (Kim) Minck of Bath and Robin (Adam) Booth of Arkport; 1 brother, Robert Haight Jr of Hornell; his grandchildren, Miranda, Gabriella, Aiden, Keyana, Emma, Joyce, Izabella & Daniel; along with his mother-in-law, Rebecca Moore and MANY special nieces & nephews.

At Dave’s request there will be no calling hours.  A Celebration of Life will be held on Sunday, April 6 from 2 PM until 6 PM at the Hornell VFW.

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

Dave’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

Patricia A. “Patty” LoCoco – 82 – formerly of 36 Oak St., Hornell, died Friday evening (February 28, 2025) at Elderwood at Hornell Nursing Facility where she has resided for the past three years.

Born in Montclair, NJ on August 7, 1942, she was the daughter of Joseph & Anna (LaFaro) LoCoco.

Patty grew up in Hornell and was a graduate of Hornell High School (class of 1960).  She resided in Newport, RI for several years and when she was about 30 years old attended College near Newport, RI.  While living in Newport, Patty was employed as Service Manager for Hoffman’s Steak House.  She lived in Andrews, TX for about 8 years, returning to the Hornell area about 40 years ago.

For about 20 years, Patty was employed at the Hornell Association where she served in many capacities, including bartender.

Patty was a member of Our Lady of the Valley Parish and a communicant of St. Ann’s Church.  She was a longtime member of the Hornell Association and a former member of the Hornell Moose Lodge.  Patty was an avid New England Patriots fan (NFL) who loved Tom Brady.  She was also a New York Yankee fan and had a lifelong affection for Newport, RI.  She loved dancing and listening to 1950s music and spending time with great-grandsons, Carter & Camden.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Mickey Donahue; and her brother, Joseph LoCoco.

Surviving are 4 sons, Kevin (Melissa) Hughes (along with children, Denae, Andrea, Caitlin & Joseph), Joseph Hughes (along with children, Nilza & Joseph), Michael Hughes (along with children, Lisa Marie & Michael) and Sean (Collette) Hughes (along with daughter, Jesseca); 1 sister, Belinda Coleman; 19 great-grandchildren; 2 nephews Johnny & Michael, his niece, Shelly; along with 14 cousins.

At Patty’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.

Because Patty had a deep love & devotion to God and because children held a special place in her heart, her 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.

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

Hornell, NY  /  Rochester, NY

Kyle Jeffery Johnson, 43, of Rochester, NY passed away at his home on January 5, 2025.

Born in Dansville, NY on January 29, 1981, he was the son of Jeffery H. and the late Susan J. (Smith) Johnson.

Friends are encouraged to join the family for a Celebration of Kyle’s Life on Saturday, March 1st, 2025 beginning at 1:00 PM at The Main Place in Hornell, 251 Main St., NY.  In the spirit of Kyle, an invitation is not necessary.

In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to an annual Kyle Johnson Memorial Scholarship through the Hornell High School Alumni Association (℅ Keegan Manchester, 61 Sawyer Way, Leominster MA 01453).  Additionally, contributions may be made in Kyle’s memory to the Hornell Area Family YMCA (18 Center Street, Hornell NY 14843) where he fostered his love of sports and community as a child.

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

Hornell, New York

Betty J. Scott – 73 – formerly of Warsaw, NY died Tuesday afternoon (February 18, 2025) at the Corning Center Rehab Facility in Corning, NY where she has resided for the past 4 years.

Born in Dansville, NY on April 20, 1951, she was the daughter of Clifton & Katherine Shephard.

Betty grew up in West Sparta and was a graduate of Dansville High School (class of 1969).  Throughout the years she resided in several locations including West Sparta, Castile, Rochester, Wayland, Warsaw and Corning.

Surviving are her children, Tammy (Stephen) Canuti of Hornell and Raymond Scott of Dansville; her brothers, Patrick Shephard of Middlesex, NY; and Vic Shephard of Dansville; her step-children, Debbie Donohue, Wilson Scott and Tina Scott; several grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

At Betty’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.

Betty’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, NY / Victor, NY

Doris R. Scott – 93 – of Victor, NY died Tuesday morning (February 18, 2025) at Maple City Rehab (formerly Hornell Gardens) where she had resided for the past 2 months.

Born in Clifton Springs, NY on March 15, 1931, she was the daughter of John & Gertrude (Helmer) Rawlinson.

Doris grew up in Bloomfield, NY where she graduated from high school.  Throughout the years she resided in several locations, including Bloomfield, Honeoye Falls, Lima, Florida, Victor & Hornell.

She enjoyed traveling, camping and occasionally visiting the casino & racetracks.

Doris was preceded in death by her husband, Dean Scott; daughter, Dorean Devlin; her son, Jeff Scott; and her sister, Eleanor McCauley.

Surviving are 2 sons, John Scott of Leroy, NY and Bradley (Rochelle) Scott of Farmington, NY; 2 daughters, Karen Scott of Antrim, NH and Debbie Scott of Newark, NY; along with several grandchildren & great-grandchildren.

At Doris’ 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.

Doris’ 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

Ambur R. Miller – 39 – of 33 Stephens St., Hornell, died Sunday morning (February 16, 2025) at her home, following a 13 year battle with Melanoma.

Born June 17, 1985 in Camp Lejeune in Jacksonville, NC, she was the daughter of Jeffery & Cindy (Shiloh) Miller.

Ambur grew up in Hornell and was a graduate of Hornell High School (class of 2004).  While in high school, she was employed at Burger King in Hornell.  Following high school graduation she worked several years at Best Western of Hornell.

She enjoyed reading novels, crocheting and drawing.  She also loved ancestry and finding & connecting with family members.

Ambur was preceded in death by her father, Jeffrey Miller; her paternal grandmother, Shirley Miller; 2 aunts, Tammy Waters & Charlene Koch; and her uncle, Edward Shiloh.

Surviving are her partner, companion & caregiver, Adam Mullen; 1 son, Michael Adams; 1 daughter, Adalyn Mullen; her mother, Cindy Miller of Hornell; her brother, Jeffrey “Tyler” Miller of Hornell; paternal grandfather, Brian Miller of Hornell; maternal grandparents, Edward & Susan Shiloh of Hornell; Adam’s mother, Yolanda Wade of Canisteo; many aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces & nephews.

At Ambur’s request there will be no calling hours.  Private services will be held at the convenience of the family.  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.

Ambur’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, NY

Gary O. Reynolds, 80, of North Hornell, passed away peacefully Thursday, February 13th, 2025, at Noyes Hospital. His parents, Ralph and Myra (Sharpe) Reynolds, and his sister, Kaye Root, predeceased him.

Gary was born on December 16, 1944 and grew up in Norwich, New York. He graduated from Norwich High School (class of 1963). After graduating, he attended Morrisville Technical College and received his Associate’s Degree in Food Service Management. Gary also attended the Rochester Institute of Technology (RIT), where he earned his Bachelor’s Degree in Food Management at the College of Business.

In December of 1965, shortly after he graduated from Morrisville Technical College, Gary was drafted into the United States Army.  He was stationed in Fort Dix, NJ for only seven days before being flown to Seattle, WA where he received combat training for 9 months.  In September of 1966, Gary was transported aboard the USNS General Nelson M. Walker to Vietnam where he spent six months in active combat in the 4th Infantry Division.  He was then stationed in Saigon as a security guard.  Gary was honorably discharged in September 1967 and was awarded the Combat Infantry Badge, given to soldiers who fought in active ground combat for 48 or more consecutive days.  While serving his country, Gary’s mother went to church every day he was gone.  He credits her faith and constant prayers for bringing him safely home.

Gary was married on October 21, 1967, at the North Presbyterian Church in Elmira, NY to the former Marcia Bryant who survives.  After living in Henrietta for approximately three years, they moved to Hornell.  Gary was employed at Dietary Consultants, Inc., a healthcare feeding company, from 1971 to 1987.  At that time, the company was sold to Sodexo, a French healthcare management/college feeding company.  He remained with Sodexo until 1992.  In 1993, Gary purchased Coslos, a fine dining restaurant located in Almond, which he owned and operated until 2003.

In 1990, Gary and Marcia purchased a cottage on Loon Lake where the family spent their summers.  Gary enjoyed spending time at the lake with his children & grandchildren and enjoyed water skiing.  He also loved to snow ski.  Gary enjoyed reading and collecting cars.  He was a member of the Antique Chevy Car Club of America out of Elmira, NY for many years.  However, Gary’s favorite hobby was attending the sporting events of his grandchildren.  They kept him busy attending soccer, volleyball, baseball, track, archery, trap shooting, and ski team events!

Gary had been a parishioner at the United Presbyterian Church in Hornell since 1972.  Very active in the church, Gary had been a Trustee for many, many years, and was also on the Maintenance & Repair Committee, the Personnel Committee, and was the head of insurance and bidding.  Gary was also a member of the Hornell American Legion and was a Rotarian in the Hornell Rotary Club in the 1970s.

In addition to his beloved wife, Marcia, Gary is survived by two daughters, Amy (Victor) Perez of Geneseo, NY and Kelly Smilinich (Will Nunn) of Arkport, NY; one son, Jeffrey (Jennifer) Reynolds of Arkport, NY; grandchildren, Megan (Joey) Semmel, Victoria Perez, Katharine “Katie” Perez, Andrew John “AJ” (Ilana) Smilinich, Braedan Smilinich, Hannah Reynolds, Ethan Reynolds, and Bryant Reynolds, Cait Nunn, Trevor (Liz) Nunn and Nate Nunn; great-grandchildren, Andrew Nunn and Magnolia Semmel; a twin brother, Terry (Janet) Reynolds of Syracuse, NY; brothers-in-law, Gary Root of Homer, NY and Dale Bryant of Elmira, NY; many nieces, nephews, & cousins.

The family of Gary O. Reynolds will receive friends on Sunday, February 16th, 2025 from 2:00 to 5:00 p.m. at the Dagon Funeral Home, 38 Church Street, Hornell, NY. On  Monday, February 17th, 2025 at 11:00 a.m., Reverend David Kilgore and Pastor Ted Warner will preside over a funeral service at the United Presbyterian Church. Burial with full military honors will be at Bath National Cemetery at a later date decided by the family.

To view Gary’s funeral service online, please follow this link:

Presby Hornell is inviting you to a scheduled Zoom meeting.

Topic: Honoring the life of Gary O. Reynolds
Time: Feb 17, 2025 11:00 AM Eastern Time (US and Canada)
Join Zoom Meeting
https://zoom.us/j/92020123812?pwd=qwS0eSFFyaso35AlRl17ZvDa7r7AQ8.1

Meeting ID: 920 2012 3812
Passcode: 117852

The Dagon Funeral Home, 38 Church St., Hornell, NY, is handling the funeral arrangements. To leave an online condolence or share a memory, please visit www.dagonfuneralhome.com.

Gary’s family requests that memorial contributions in his name be made to the United Presbyterian Church, 150 Main St., Hornell, NY 14843.  Memorial forms will be available at the funeral home.

In recognition of Gary’s service to his country, the American Flag at the Dagon Funeral Home will be flown at half-staff.