Philip T. “Phil” Bellanca – 93 – of 92 Elizabeth St., Hornell, died early Sunday morning (September 18, 2016) at his home, following a long illness.

Born in Mt. Morris, NY on January 11, 1923, he was the son of Gaetano & Michela (Cordia) Bellanca.

Phil grew up in Mt. Morris and was a graduate of Mt. Morris High School. He was a veteran of WWII, serving his country as a member of the US Army.

He moved to Hornell in 1948 and, throughout the years, had been employed at several local businesses including the Erie Railroad, Erie-Lackawanna Railroad, the Icehouse, Hornell Brewery and the former Merrill Hosiery Corporation.

Phil was a member of Our Lady of the Valley Parish and a communicant of St. Ann’s Church. He enjoyed gardening, growing the best tomatoes in Hornell, and loved everything to do with cars, especially antiques. Phil was also a skilled carpenter, who could always be found building or tinkering with a variety of projects.

He was married on January 25, 1947 to the former Margaret Sciotti who died November 14, 2008. He was also preceded in death by his grandson, Timothy Lowry who died in 1984; his son-in-law, Dennis Lowry; 6 sisters; and 4 brothers.

Surviving are 2 daughters, Mary Margaret (David) Massey of Sebastian, FL and Phyllis Lowry of Whittier, CA; 4 grandchildren, Philip Massey, Brigette Seibert, Heidi Lowry and Mitchell Lowry, 4 great-grandchildren; many nieces & nephews.

At Phil’s request there will be no calling hours. Friends are invited to attend a Mass of Christian Burial on Friday at 10:00 AM at St. Ann’s Church. Burial will be in St. Mary’s Cemetery.

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

Phil’s family request that in lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in his name be made to St. Ann’s Academy, PO Box 446, Hornell, NY 14843.

Dorothy J. “Dot” Ames – (89) – of 107 Circle Dr., Bath, NY, died early Friday morning (August 26, 2016) at Elderwood at Hornell Nursing Facility where she had resided for the past five years.

Born in Arkport on January 11, 1927, she was the daughter of Earl & Gladys (Wescott) Crooks.

Tragically, both of Dorothy’s parents died when she was a young child and she spent the next several years living with relatives. During these years, Dot lived in Thacherville, Albany, Hornell and Arkport. She attended several schools, including Alfred-Almond Central School and was a graduate of Arkport Central School (class of 1945).

Following high school, Dot resided in Buffalo for several years and worked at a local radio station. She lived in Hornell for over 30 years and had been employed at Elmhurst Dairy and also as a waitress at the former Big Elms Restaurant. She has resided in Bath since 1979.

Dorothy was a former member of the Southside Baptist Church in Hornell and most recently attended Bath Presbyterian Church. In her younger years, Dot enjoyed attending her children’s sporting events and school functions and more recently she loved rooting for her grandchildren. She also enjoyed going for walks and nice, long bike rides.

She was preceded in death by her brother, John “Jack” Crooks; her sister Gloria Giglio; her great-granddaughter, Brittni Gemmell; and her former husband, Robert “Bob” Gemmell.

Dot was married on April 6, 1979 to Fred Ames who survives. Also surviving are 3 sons, John (Karen) Gemmell of Hornell, William Gemmell of Connecticut and Timothy (Gail) Gemmell of Poughkeepsie, NY; 3 daughters, Cynthia “Cindy” (Robert) Stackpole, of Fairfield, CT, Linda Gemmell of Fairfield, CT and Nancy Langton of Fairfield, CT; 2 step-children, Patricia Ames of Phoenix, AZ and Nadine (Micah) Rosenblum of Baltimore, MD; her sister, Muriel “Mimi” Rawady of Rochester; 8 grandchildren, Kevin (Carol) Gemmell, John (Kristi) Gemmell, Keegan Gemmell, Alec Gemmell, Sarah Gemmell, Robert “Bob” Langton, Justan Gemmell and Zak Mallard; 2 step grandchildren, Harrison Rosenblum and Artemis Rosenblum; 4 great-grandchildren; 5 great-great-grandchildren; nieces & nephews.

The family of Dorothy J. “Dot” Ames will receive friends on Thursday from 11:00 AM – 1:00 PM at the Dagon Funeral Home, 38 Church St., Hornell, NY where funeral services will be held at the conclusion of calling hours at 1:00 PM Rev David Barnard officiating. Burial will be in Heritage Hill Cemetery, Arkport, NY.

Dot’s family request that memorial contributions in her name be made to Elderwood at Hornell Activities Fund, 1 Bethesda Dr., North Hornell, NY 14843 or to the Hornell Humane Society, 7649 Industrial Park Road, Hornell, NY 14843. Memorial forms will be available at the Dagon Funeral Home.

William T. “Bill” Morgan, affectionately known as “Bumper”, age 70, of 8712 Burns Road, Arkport, passed away Monday afternoon (August 22, 2016) at Noyes Memorial Hospital in Dansville, following a long illness.

Born in Wayland, NY on March 29, 1946, he was the son of Raymond & Geraline (Eichorn) Morgan. From the age of 8, Bill was raised by his aunt & uncle, Clyde & Lillian Akins.

Bumper grew up in Arkport and was a graduate of Arkport Central School (class of 1965). Following high school graduation, he enlisted in the US Air Force and served his country from 1965 until his honorable discharge in 1967.

After being discharged from the US Air Force, Bill returned to the Arkport area and began working for the New York Telephone Company. He began as a mail driver and later became a lineman and a splicer. For the last five years he served as an inspector, retiring in 1995 following 28 years of service to the company.

Bumper was a 28 year member of the Hornell Elks Lodge where he served 2 terms as Exalted Ruler. He was also a 42 year member of the Arkport American Legion where he served on the American Legion Board, tended bar and was a member of the American Legion Color Guard. He was also a life member of the National Rifle Association (NRA).

An avid outdoorsman, Bumper enjoyed hunting, fishing, mowing his lawn and working in his flower & vegetable gardens. For many years, he served as a coach in the Arkport Little League and also the Arkport Cinderella Softball League. He loved watching football on TV and especially enjoyed rooting for the New York Giants.

He was married on October 28, 1967 to the former Sara Hults who survives. Also surviving are 2 daughters, Billie Jo (Fred) Thompson of Canisteo and Heather (Mike Jones) Kurtz of Livonia; 2 sons, Tim Morgan of Buffalo and Jeremy (Ashley) Morgan of Columbus, OH; 2 brothers, David (Linda) Morgan of Arkport and James Morgan of Wayland; 1 sister, Beverley Morgan of San Diego, CA; 6 grandchildren, Lillian Thompson, Melody Thompson, Kate Kurtz, Emma Kurtz, Ava Morgan and Sophia Morgan; several nieces & nephews.

The family of William T. “Bumper” Morgan will receive friends on Thursday from 4:00 PM – 6:00 PM at the Dagon Funeral Home, 38 Church St., Hornell, NY where a Memorial Service will be held at the conclusion of calling hours at 6:00 PM with Deacon Robert McCormick officiating.

Bill’s family request that in lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in his name be made to either the Arkport American Legion, 1 Carter St., Arkport, NY 14807 or to Arkport Junior Baseball, C/O Mark Young, 12 Northridge Dr., Arkport, NY 14807 or to Arkport Girls Softball, C/O Jean McConnell, PO Box 298, Arkport, NY 14807. Memorial forms will be available at the Dagon Funeral Home.

Nelly Loh – 89 – of 7987 State Route 36, Arkport, NY, died Friday morning (August 12, 2016) at St. James Mercy Hospital following a brief illness.

Born in Belgium on October 23, 1926, she was the daughter of Quai & Ethel (Richards) Liu.

Moving to the United States in 1949, she and her husband, Huan Swee, settled in the New York City area residing in Manhattan and later moving to Queens. They resided in Forest Hills, NY for many years and in 1975 moved to Nunda, NY. She has resided in Arkport since 1986.

Nelly had been employed at the Mercycare Adult Day Care Program and for several years and worked at Steuben ARC. She was an avid collector of stuffed bears and had over 1000 bears in her collection.

She was married in 1948 to Huan Swee Loh who died October 11, 1985. Nelly was also preceded in death by her daughter, Ethel Strickarz who died July 23, 2014.

Surviving are her son, Raymond Loh of Canisteo; her daughter, Eileen (Leon) Frontier of Penn Yan; her son in law, Dave Strickarz of Arkport; 5 grandchildren, Damien Friedman, Jennifer Otero, Vanessa Hollinger, Alice Fontier and Malcolm Fontier; 6 great-grandchildren, Kathryn Fitzpatrick, Alexis McMinn, Neal Mars, Colton Otero, Maya Smith & Kaila Smith;
2 great-great-grandchildren, Talon McMinn & JJ McMinn; several nieces & nephews.

At Nelly’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.

Nelly’s family request that in lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in her name be made to the Ethel Strickarz Scholarship Fund, C/O Steuben County ARC, 1 ARC Way, Bath, NY 14810.

Max William Muhleisen – (88) – of 360 Ells Rd., Hartsville, NY died on Wednesday, August 10^th, 2016 following a long-term illness.

Born in Hornell on May 28, 1928, he was the son of Maximilian & Anna Julia (Gropp) Muhleisen.

Max grew up in Hornell and was a graduate of Hornell High School (1945).  He later attended the University of Buffalo as a pre-med student.

In 1940, Max began a 52-year long commitment to the Boy Scouts of America (Packs 10, 26, 59, 67, and 69), where he received the American Legion Award after becoming Steuben County Scout Coordinator and Assistant District Commissioner.

Well known for his time spent working in grocery, Max was employed for a time at The Market Basket Grocery Store in Dansville as a Produce Manager.  He began his Acme career in 1957 as a clerk; working his way up to a Head Produce Clerk, Assistant Supervisor (Hamburg, NY), and eventually Store Supervisor of the Hornell and Bath locations. He then became Regional & District Manager and was charge of several Acme Stores in New York State.  Due to a work-related injury, he retired in 1979.

Max had various affiliations with many local chapters and organizations.  He was a longtime member of the Free & Accepted Masons (Bath, Hornell, Savona), the Almond Lions Club, and served many years on the Alfred-Almond Central School Board of Education.   He was a member at St. Paul’s Church in Hornell.

He enjoyed many hobbies throughout his life. He was an accomplished musician (piano & guitar), an avid reader, chess player, writer, cartoonist and fisherman.  Max was also an exceptional track athlete, maintaining the Hornell High School 400m record for nearly 50 years.  He loved his cats.  Above all, Max was a true humanitarian, dedicating much of his time to those in need.

Max was preceded in death by his daughter, Judy Barros; 2 brothers, Heinz Muhleisen and Herbert Muhleisen.

Surviving are his daughter, Linda (Jerry) Freeman of Dansville; 4 sons, Max Muhleisen of Auburn, Gary (Sue) Muhleisen of Caledonia, Jeff Northrup of Seattle, WA and Michael (Wendy Maki) Muhleisen of Hartsville; 1 brother, Jack (Carol) Muhleisen of Hornell; his former wife, Terry Bedard of Hammondsport; 14 grandchildren; many great-grandchildren; several nieces & nephews.

At Max’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.

Max’s family request that in lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in his name be made to Stephanie’s Animal Rescue & Shelter (Gainesville, NY).

Mary B. Howe – 77 – of 4 Oak Hill St., Arkport, was taken unexpectedly Tuesday evening (August 9, 2016) at St. James Mercy Hospital.

Born in Hornell to parents Arthur and Mildred (Collins) Brunskill on September 4, 1938, Mary spent her formative years growing up in the Hornell community. Working as a receptionist at the former Bethesda Hospital during high school, Mary graduated from Hornell High School in 1956. Immediately following high school, Mary took a job as a telephone operator for New York Telephone Company. Mary’s quick wit, warm personality, and sharp sense of humor served her well later in life as a waitress for the Village Café in Arkport, finally retiring ten years ago.

Mary was a member of Christ Episcopal Church of Hornell for many years. An avid music fan, Mary especially enjoyed country music, particularly Vince Gill. Mary’s warm, kind and loving personality shone through in everything she did. She was always available in times of need, ready with a warm meal, an unexpected visit for a sick friend, or just a sympathetic ear. Though Mary has passed, she will fondly be remembered by all who benefitted from her giving heart and inviting spirit.

Mary was married to Kenneth “Nip” Howe for almost 50 years. “Nip” passed on September 17, 2007. She was also preceded in death by her beloved daughter, Karen Howe who passed October 8, 1988; 2 brothers, William Brunskill and Mason Brunskill; 2 sisters, Catherine Brill and Ella Mae Wilkins.

In addition to being a caring wife and friend, Mary’s life revolved around her children, grandchildren and extended family. Her family is extremely grateful for all of the sacrifices she made to provide them
with love and support. We will miss her dearly.

Mary leaves a legacy of many children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. Surviving are her daughter, Debbie (David) Hunt of Cohocton; 2 sons, John (Laurie) Howe of Bear, DE and Bill (Kristine) Howe of Warsaw, NY; 2 sisters, Jean Lunn of Hornell and Helen Frost of Mesa, AZ; 6 grandchildren, Rachael VanCaeseele, Megan (Corrye) VanCaeseele-Cook, Alaina Howe, John Howe, Zach Howe and Payton Howe; 2 great-grandchildren, Quentyn VanCaeseele-Cook and Raegan Howe; as well as several nieces & nephews.

The family of Mary B. Howe will receive friends on Saturday from 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM (Noon) at the Dagon Funeral Home, 38 Church St., Hornell, NY where funeral services will be held at the conclusion of calling hours on Saturday at Noon with Father Tom Gramley officiating. Following the service, burial will be at Heritage Hill Cemetery, Arkport, NY.

Mary’s family requests that in lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in her name be made to Christ Church food pantry, PO Box 336, Hornell, NY 14843. Memorial forms will be available at the Dagon Funeral Home.

Baby Boy, Cian Ryan Cullen, who was expected to enter this world in 3 weeks, was taken by the Angels to be with Jesus in Heaven on Sunday (July 24, 2016).

He was loved and will be sadly missed by his mother, Holly Cullen of Hornell; his father, Josh Flint of Hornell; brother, Cameron Smith; sisters, Kiara Cullen and Akasha Autumn Flint; maternal grandparents, John Cullen and Jodie Cullen, both of Hornell; paternal grandmother Donna (Clancey) Coons of Thacherville; maternal great-grandfather, Eugene LaFave; several aunts, uncles & cousins.

“Cian will remain in our hearts forever!”

Private graveside services will be held at the convenience of the family at St. Mary’s Cemetery with Deacon Robert McCormick officiating.

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

Jane (Fouquet) Mathewson – 91 – of Canaseraga, NY went to be with the Lord on Thursday (July 14, 2016).  Jane was loved and known by many for her generous heart and quick wit.  She was an inspirational woman who faced the trials in her life with a kind heart, strong mind, and brave spirit.

Jane was born in Rochester, NY on July 30, 1924, the daughter of John and Edna (Ritz) Fouquet.

In the early years, Jane worked at The Ritter Company as a tool designer while living in Rochester, NY.  She later moved to Syracuse, NY and married David Mathewson, and together they raised seven children.  Jane loved antiquing, and her passion for antiques led her to establish her own business, “Fouquet Antiques,” which she operated out of her garage in Syracuse.  Throughout the years, she also sold photo albums, portraits, and encyclopedias.  Jane enjoyed working, but she was most proud of her role as homemaker and mother.  She especially loved the summers spent at the family cottage at Point Peninsula on Lake Ontario.

Barbara “Barb” L. Nye – 77 – of 5611 Hartman Rd., Dansville, died unexpectedly on Monday afternoon (July 11, 2016) at Ira Davenport Hospital in Bath, NY.

Born in Hornell on January 12, 1939, she was the daughter of Raymond & Clara (Sergurson) Robinson.

Barbara grew up in Hornell and was a graduate of Hornell High School (class of 1957). Following high school, she graduated from Beautician’s School and became a licensed beautician and hairdresser. She resided in Alfred for many years and owned and operated her own beauty parlor.

Barb resided in Dansville for several years and later lived in Florida and North Carolina. While in North Carolina, she served as a Home Health Care Provider, caring for the elderly in her area. She returned to Dansville where she has lived for the past 10 years.

She had a deep love for animals and throughout the years owned and loved many pet dogs. She was an avid reader and enjoyed working on jigsaw puzzles.

Barb was preceded in death by an infant son and also her sister, Carol Drennan.

Surviving are 5 sons, Brian (Shelly) Robinson of San Diego, Ca, Raymond (Jennifer Lippens) King of West Almond, Jamie Nye of Goldsboro, NC, Jarad Nye of Dansville and Justin (Becky Wheeler) Nye of Wayland; 1 daughter, Deanna (Christopher) Norton of Groveland; 1 sister, Nancy (Bill) Shearer of Conesus, NY; her former husband, Dale Nye of Alfred; 17 grandchildren; 3 great-grandchildren; several nieces & nephews. She will also be sadly missed by her pet Shih Tzu, Rocky.

The family of Barbara L. Nye will receive friends on Friday from 4:00 PM – 7:00 PM at the Dagon Funeral Home, 38 Church St., Hornell, NY where a Funeral Service will be held on Saturday at 11:00 AM with Deacon Robert McCormick officiating. Final interment will be in Rural Cemetery.

Barbara’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. Memorial forms will be available at the Dagon Funeral Home or click here to print a memorial form.

Robert E. “Bob” Stewart – 78 – of 4882 Acker Road, Hornell (Town of Hartsville), died Tuesday evening (June 28, 2016) at home surrounded by his loving family.

Robert was born January 27, 1938 and was the son of Richard and Julia (Randall) Stewart.

A native and life resident of Hornell, Bob was a graduate of Hornell High School (class of 1955).  After graduating from high school, he enlisted in the US Navy, serving his country from 1955 – 1959.

After his honorable discharge from the Navy, Bob worked for the Erie Railroad for several years.  In the mid 1960s, Bob began working at The Evening Tribune as a circulation director, a position he held for nearly 20 years.  For approximately 20 years, Bob and his wife, Carol, owned and operated the Sunset Inn.

Bob loved dogs and spent most of his adult life training and handling dogs for competition.  He traveled throughout the United States and Canada competing in field trials in the grouse woods and won several national championships.  During the winter months, Bob enjoyed training his dogs in Texas.  He also enjoyed fly fishing at home, as well as in Arizona and New Mexico.  Bob was an avid New York Yankees fan, and he was usually seen wearing his Yankees cap.  However, Bob most enjoyed spending time with family and cheering on his four grandsons at all of their sporting events.

In addition to his parents, Robert was preceded in death by his brother, Richard “Gary” Stewart.

Robert was married in 1959 to his beloved wife of 57 years, Carol Pomeroy, who survives.  Also surviving are his daughters, Kelly (Michael) Clair of Hornell and Laurie (Scott) Smith of Hornell; four grandsons, Christopher (Samantha) Clair of Canisteo, Kyle (Jessica) Clair of Hornell, Matt Smith and Luke Smith of Hornell; three great-grandchildren, McKenna Clair, and twins Benjamin and Henry Clair; sisters-in-law, Betsy Pomeroy and Margi Pomeroy; several nieces and nephews.

The family of Robert E. Stewart will receive friends on Friday from 4:00 PM until 7:00 PM at the Dagon Funeral Home, 38 Church St., Hornell, NY where funeral services will be held at 11:00 AM Saturday. Burial with military honors will be in Hornell Rural Cemetery.

Bob’s family requests that memorial contributions in his name be made to Hornell Humane Society, 7649 Industrial Park Road, Hornell, NY 14843 or to the Hornell Public Library, 64 Genesee St., Hornell, NY 14843.  Memorial forms will be available at the Dagon Funeral Home or click here to print a form.

To leave an online condolence or print a memorial form, visit www.dagonfuneralhome.com.

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