Charlene M. Loper – 77 – of County Route 70A (Big Creek Road), Hornell died early Monday morning (July 12, 2021) at her home, surrounded by her family, following a long illness.

Born in Hornell on March 4, 1944, she was the daughter of Claude & Antoinette (Schmitz) Miller.

Charlene grew up in Hornell and later graduated from Hornell High School, class of 1962.

While in high school, Charlene began working at the former Lake Road Dairy and continued her employment for several years following graduation.  For many years she enjoyed raising her family as a “Stay-At-Home Mom” and for about 15 years was employed as a saleslady at the former McHenry Jewelers in Hornell, retiring in 1995.

She was married on May 22, 1965 to her high school sweetheart, Floyd Loper, who survives.  Also surviving are her son, Jeffrey (Christina) Loper of Hornell; her daughter, Michele (Ed) Flaitz of Hornell; 1 sister, Maurita Doherty of Gilbert, AZ; 5 grandchildren, Jacob Loper, Jessica Loper, AnnaMarie Flaitz, Emma Flaitz & Elaina Flaitz.

Charlene and Floyd shared a love story for 56 years that few get to witness and even fewer get to live.  In their younger years they spent countless hours building their entire house themselves and raising a family.  Throughout all the years there was seldom a harsh word between them, they were inseparable and very much in love.

Charlene enjoyed for many years boating on Keuka Lake with her husband, family and friends.  Charlene’s greatest pleasure though came from caring for her grandchildren on a daily basis, some up until they went to kindergarten. Then she loved spending time with them doing puzzles, playing board games, or just visiting.

The family would like to thank Tender Loving in Home Care for the wonderful care Charlene received the last 2 years.  We are grateful she was able to remain in her home that she so dearly loved.

At Charlene’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.

Charlene’s family request that in lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in her name be made to CareFirst Hospice, 3805 Meads Creek Rd., Painted Post, NY  14870

David A. “Dave” Gray – 59 – loving husband, father, son, brother, and friend, of 5791 Morton Hill Road, Hornell, died unexpectedly on Thursday, July 8, 2021.

Born in St. Louis, MO on August 22, 1961, he was the son of Dr. John and Margaret (Veth) Gray.  Dave grew up in Missouri, spending his younger years in Ferguson and attending St. John and James Catholic School.  At age 9, his family moved to Clarksville, and Dave graduated from Clopton High School (Class of 1979).  He attended Northeast Missouri State University before transferring to the University of Missouri-Rolla, where he earned his Bachelor of Science Degree in Mechanical Engineering.  In 1984, Dave was hired by General Electric Company, serving in several management and supervisory capacities, including managing a three-shift operation for the assembly of electronic jet engine controls.  In 1988, he enrolled in Harvard Business School where he earned his Masters in Business Administration.

Dave moved to the Hornell area in 1990, serving as Program Manager at Morrison Knudsen Corporation and American Passenger Rail Car Company.  He became the Senior Vice-President of Operations at Transportation and Transit Associates (TTA) in 1997, where he directed operations for TTA’s Hornell, Kanona, NY and San Francisco, CA locations.  He was also the Vice-President and General Manager of Transportations Systems for AAI Corporation.

In 2003, Dave established Gray Consulting, which provided strategic plans and technical guidance to various transit clients.  In 2006, with extensive knowledge and expertise in the rail car industry, Dave founded and was the President & CEO of Gray Manufacturing Industries (GMI).  For the last 15 years, he has operated this successful business supplying manufactured and remanufactured components and technical services to the Rail Transit Industry.

Dave was a devout, lifelong Catholic.  He was a member of St. John and James Parish in Ferguson, Mary Queen of Peace Parish in Clarksville, and most recently, a dedicated parishioner of Our Lady of the Valley Parish and a communicant of St. Ann’s Church in Hornell where he served as Eucharistic Minister.

Wherever Dave went, he was making friends, helping people who needed help, creating laughter and smiles, and was eager to tackle any problem for anyone at any time.  No one will ever know all the things he has done for others or all the lives he has touched along the way.

An active community member, Dave sat on numerous boards and volunteered for many organizations in Hornell.  He always found time for others, and tirelessly worked to make Hornell a better place.  He was a board member and volunteer at the Hornell YMCA for nearly 20 years and was instrumental in the construction of the new building, which was completed in 2011.  Dave was also a member of the Board of Directors of Maple City Savings Bank and The Hornell Chamber of Commerce and was a past member of the Board of Directors at St. James Mercy Hospital.  He was a United Way advocate, a lifelong blood donor for the American Red Cross, a Cub Scout Den Leader, and a Boy Scout Troop 16 Committee Member.  He was a Hornell Little League coach and was recognized as Coach of the Year in 2019.  But Dave’s proudest contribution to the community was his role in the founding of St. Ann’s Academy (SAA) in 2012.  For the past 9 years, he has dedicated time and resources to SAA, from raising money to keep tuition rates low for the children of the community, to purchasing equipment, wiring the building, installing white boards and projectors, fixing plumbing, shoveling snow and taking out trash, to bringing pizza to the school children and supporting the teachers and staff in every way possible.

In addition to serving his community, Dave loved gardening and working outdoors.  He cherished his yearly deer-hunting trips with friends to Wyoming.  When he wasn’t working or volunteering, Dave could be found at Twin Hickory Golf Club (especially with his Ex-Gods Golf League buddies) or at his cottage on Loon Lake.  He was a member of the Hornell Association, Hornell Elks Lodge, and the Knights of Columbus.  But most of all, Dave loved the time he spent with family, especially sporting events and Boy Scout activities with his son, Nicholas.

On May 19, 2007, Dave was married at St. Ann’s Church in Hornell to the former Penelope (Penny) Sherburne who survives.  Also surviving are his son, Nicholas of Hornell; step-children, Kaelyn (Matt) Willcox of East Syracuse, NY and Matthew Dessena of Conway, SC; his parents, Dr. John & Margaret (Veth) Gray of Clarksville, MO; two brothers, Joe (Jo Ann) Gray of Clarksville, MO and Mike (Sandy) Gray of St. Charles, MO; sister-in-law, Ellen Gray of Kirksville, MO; his mother- and father-in-law, Dave & Liz Sherburne of Hornell; brother-in-law, John (Diana) Sherburne of Marstons Mills, MA; sister-in law, Kim Sherburne of Lakewood Ranch, FL; several God-children; many aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, cousins, and dear friends.

Dave was preceded in death by his brother, Mark Gray in 2017; two infant siblings, Teresa Gray and Stephen Gray; grandparents, James & Anna Gray and Otto & Theresa Veth.

There are many words to describe David Gray…  selfless, honest, trustworthy, passionate, hard-working, giving, brilliant, and kind to name a few.  Dave was generous beyond measure and would give everything he had to his community and commitments. But most of all, he was a devoted husband to Penny, a proud and loving father to Nicholas and step-children Kaelyn & Matthew, a loyal and attentive son, brother, and friend.

Knowing Dave had an impact on the lives of so many, friends are encouraged to send a letter to Dave’s son, Nicholas, sharing a story or anecdote about how Dave touched your life.

At Dave’s family’s request, there will be no public calling hours.  Family and friends are invited to attend a Mass of Christian Burial on Tuesday (July 20^th) at 10:00 AM at St. Ann’s Church with Fr. Stan Kacprzak officiating.  The Funeral Mass for David A. Gray will be streamed live and can be viewed on the Dagon Funeral Home Facebook page on Tuesday at 10:00 AM by visiting www.facebook.com/dagonfuneralhome.  Burial will be in St. Mary’s Cemetery.

Dave’s goal was for St. Ann’s Academy to serve the children of our community for generations to come.  Friends and family have agreed to establish a long-term fund in his name.  To help achieve that goal, please consider a gift to St. Ann’s Academy, 41 Genesee St., Hornell, NY 14843.

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 or www.facebook.com/dagonfuneralhome.

Mark L. McGregor – 31 – of  Douglas City, CA, formerly of Hornell died unexpectedly Sunday afternoon (June 27, 2021) in California.

Born in Hornell on September 19, 1989, he was the son of Benjamin McGregor and the former Anna Micglire.

Mark, affectionately known as “Woodstock”, “Wookfoot”, “Funky Bunch” and/or  “Brodee Bear” grew up in the Hornell – Canaseraga area and attended Canaseraga Central School & Hornell High School and later earned his General Education Development (GED) Degree.

While living in the Hornell – Canaseraga area, Mark was employed at the AAC Asbestos Removal Company for several years.  In 2017 he moved to Tennessee where he was employed at Speedy Line Striping, a company owned by his mother & step-father.   Since 2020 Mark has resided in California & Oregon where he worked as a “cultivator” for a Medical Marijuana company.

Mark absolutely was a true outdoorsman who loved nature and all of its beauty.  He enjoyed hunting, fishing, camping, hiking and climbing trees.  He also had a deep appreciation of music and especially loved going to Grateful Dead concerts.  He loved attending music festivals and would often sing when camping with his friends.  He had an affection for animals — especially dogs.

He was preceded in death by his father, Benjamin “Ben” McGregor; his maternal grandfather, Carl Micglire; paternal grandparents, Mark & Phyllis McGregor.

Surviving are his mother & step-dad, Anna & Jason Holley of Mt. Juliet, TN; his siblings, Ashley Micglire of Canandaigua, Sara Shroyer of Canaseraga NY, Devon (Laken) Mullen of Deltona, FL, Lucas (Erica Sawyer) Towner of Arkport, Matt Holley of Canisteo, Mike Holley of Canisteo, Michelle Holley of Canisteo and Travis Holley of London, OH; maternal grandmother, Mary Micglire of Clifton Springs, NY; many aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces & nephews.

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

Family & friends are invited to a “Celebration of Life” on Saturday, July 24, 2021 at 5:30 pm the Hornell VFW where Mark will be remembered and stories shared.

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

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

Sally A. Cleveland – 81 – of 8655 Rider Road, Arkport, formerly of Hornell, died Friday afternoon (June 25, 2021) at her home, following a long illness.

Born in North Hornell on December 24, 1939, she was the daughter of John & Marian (Kull) Jamison.

She resided in the Hornell – Arkport area for most of her life, lived in Horseheads for about 20 years and for the past 10 years spent the winter months in Florida.

Sally grew up in Arkport and was a graduate of Arkport Central School (class of 1957).  In here younger years she helped out at her mother’s diner in Arkport and later in life was employed as a cook & housekeeper for Steuben County ARC.

She was a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints and loved spending time working her rose garden.

Sally was married on June 28, 1957 to Ronald Cleveland who died in 2009.  She was also preceded in death by her brother, Glenn Jamison.

Surviving are her children, Anna Marie Cleveland of Millerton, PA, Rosemary O’Neil of Yorktown, VA, Mary Beth (Jon) Peterson of Hornell, Ralph (Trisha) Cleveland of Arkport, Rachel (Nathan) Perrine of Fredericksburg, VA and Gretchen (Philip Bartlett) Cleveland of Arkport; 2 brothers, John (Rosalie) Jamison of Arkport and Wally (Susan) Jamison of Arkport; 2 sisters, Betty Bear of Hornellsville and Bonnie Snyder of Hornellsville; 17 grandchildren; several great-grandchildren; nieces & nephews.

At Sally’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.

Sally’s family request that in lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in her name be made to CareFirst Hospice, 3805 Meads Creek Road, Painted Post, NY 14870.

Lori A. Isaman, 50, of 21 West Genesee St., Hornell, passed away Thursday evening (June 24, 2021) at her home following a lifelong battle with diabetes.

Born in North Hornell on June 11, 1971, she was the daughter of Kenneth & Sheryl (Chace) Isaman.

Lori grew up in Arkport and was a graduate of Arkport Central School (class of 1989).  She later attended Alfred State College (SUNY Alfred).

For many years, Lori was employed at several area banks, including Five Star Bank, Community Bank, and Maple City Savings.  She thoroughly enjoyed her banking career and interacting with the customers while working as a teller & customer service representative.  She was known for her beautiful smile at the drive-thru window, and she loved nothing more than helping serve the customers of her local community.

Lori loved cats, and she loved gardening around her house.  She was always eager to help anyone who needed anything.  Her family and friends always said she was known to “give the shirt off her back” if anyone needed it. Her sense of humor and kindness for others exuded in her interactions with them, and she truly enjoyed people.

She was preceded in death by her father, Kenneth “Ken” Isaman, who died in 2017.

Lori is survived by her son, Logan Isaman of Hornell; her mother, Sheryl Isaman of Arkport; her brother, Jeffrey (Jennifer) Isaman of Winston-Salem, NC; her sister, Stephanie Isaman of Arkport; her niece, Allison Mansell; 2 nephews, Ethan Isaman and Lucas Isaman; several aunts, uncles & cousins.

At Lori’s request, there will be no calling hours.  A private Memorial Service will be held at the family’s convenience, with Deacon Robert McCormick officiating.

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

Lori’s family would like to express their deep gratitude to all of the Emergency Medical Personnel who came to her rescue throughout the years as her diabetes worsened.  These local “Super Heroes” saved her life many times.  The Isaman family will never forget how wonderful and professional they were each and every time they came to Lori’s assistance.

The Isaman family request that in lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in Lori’s name be made to the Hornell Area Humane Society Animal Shelter, 7649 Industrial Park Road, Hornell, NY 14843.

Hornell, New York

Adonis Michael-Zachariah George, precious baby boy of Ashley Fuller and Matt George was born into the arms of Angels June 20, 2021.

Although Adonis never spent any time with us on earth he was truly loved and touched many lives.  Our “Little Angel” will never be forgotten and will always live in our hearts!

He was preceded in death by his paternal grandfather, Michael George.

Surviving are his parents, Ashley & Matt; his big sister, Amara Rivera-George; his paternal grandmother, Patty George; his maternal grandmother, Roxanne (Fred Tigner) Fuller; 2 aunts, Alexus Davis and Jaime George;     1 uncle, Anthony George; several great-aunts; great-uncles; & cousins.

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.

Mary Jane Lemmer – 95 – of Hornell passed away Thursday morning (June 17, 2021) at her home.

Born on August 14, 1925 in Menomonie, Wisconsin, she was the daughter of Herman and Alice Cramer.

Mary Jane graduated from Lincoln High school and went on to receive her RN degree from St. Mary’s School of Nursing in Wausau, Wisconsin in 1946.

She married Dr. Eugene J. Lemmer and moved to Hornell in 1948.  She worked with him in his Chiropractic Practice as an office assistant.  Mary Jane and Eugene also established the Lemmer Greenhouse in the early 1960s. She began her Hornell career in nursing at the Bethesda Hospital.  She continued her nursing at the Hornell Gardens. She retired in 1990.

Mary Jane loved to work in her greenhouse. She enjoyed meeting friends as she shopped at Wal-Mart.  She was an avid crafter, dollhouse enthusiast and enjoyed crocheting.  She lovingly made over 300 Prayer shawls and donated these to the Prayer Shawl ministry.

She was predeceased by her son Gary in 1957 and her husband in 2004.

Surviving are her daughter Mary Alice Margeson of Hornell; granddaughter Emily Murray (Nick Shirley); grandson Trevor (Chelsea) Miller; three great granddaughters, Onalea, Emory and Addalee Miller; step- daughter Donna (Mike) Slikkers and family of Holland, Michigan; and step- son Stanley Lemmer and family of Tennessee.

Mary Jane’s family would like to thank her devoted caregivers for their many hours of care and companionship. We are grateful for Kathy Miller, Jessica Cabic, Kristi Sheldon, and Corie Teribury for their support as Mary Jane wished to stay in her home.

Honoring Mary Jane’s wishes, there will be no public funeral services or calling hours. A Private memorial will be at a later date.

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

As Mary Jane enjoyed animals, please consider making a donation to the Hornell Area Humane Society, 7649 Industrial Park Rd, Hornell, NY 14843 to honor her.

Vincent Schiera – 94 – of New York City died at the Isabella Nursing Home in New York.

He was born in Palermo, Sicily on May 14, 1925, and was the son of Giuseppe & Teresa (Spatola) Schiera.  He moved to the United States and settled in New York City and became a proud US citizen.

He worked a number of years as a grocer and later became the owner of The Public Fish Market which was the oldest fish market in Harlem.

Vincent loved to visit the Italian bakeries and coffee shops on the Lower East Side on Sundays with his family.  He was well known in his Washington Heights neighborhood as “Papi.”

He was married to the former Julia Losecco (of Hornell) who died in 1990.

Surviving are his daughter, Mary Theresa Schiera Vega and her husband, Edward G. Vega; grandchildren, Dina, Jenna; great-granddaughter, Mia.  He also leaves behind his sister, Rosa; nephews, Pepino, Giorgio, Nello; nieces, Marchella & Cetti in Palermo, Sicily.

At Vincent’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 Fr. Stan Kacprzak officiating.

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

To leave an online condolence, visit www.dagonfuneralhome.com