Hornell, NY / Middlesex, NY
Richard H. “Rick” Yates – 82 – formerly of Middlesex, NY, died Thursday evening (November 20, 2025) at Maple City Rehab & Nursing Facility (Hornell Gardens) where he had resided for the past 8 months.
Funeral arrangements are incomplete at the Dagon Funeral Home, 38 Church St., Hornell, NY.
Arkport, NY / Hornell, NY
Clarence J. “Bub” Robinson – 954 of North Almond Valley Road, Arkport, died Thursday morning (November 13, 2025) at his home with his loving family.
Born in Hornell on January 29, 1951, he was the son of Forrest & Gloria (Gallagher) Robinson.
Bub grew up in Hornell and was a graduate of Hornell High School (class of 1970). Following high school, he worked as a welder on the bridge crew at the New York State Department of Transportation (NYSDOT). For several years, Bub worked as a skilled welder/fabricator at Foster-Wheeler Corporation in Dansville and Morison-Knudson (M-K) in Hornell. Residing in New Orleans for about 2 years, he continued to work as a welder/ fabricator, working on ships in the harbor. Bub returned to the Hornell area and for about 23 years served as a corrections officer at Groveland Correctional Facility in Sonya, NY, retiring about 14 years ago. In his retirement years, Bub worked for the City of Hornell.
An avid motorcyclist, Bub had a lifelong passion for Harley Davidson’s, owning many throughout his life.
Having a deep love of dogs, it was Bub’s vision to combine motorcycle riding with raising money to help dogs. Putting his idea in motion, he was one of the founding members of Bikers for K9s Riding Club which raises money to help animal shelters, help animal owners with veterinary care costs, and help Veterans receive service animals.
Bub was a true outdoorsman who loved fishing (especially with his son, Tom). He enjoyed stream fishing, lake fishing, ice fishing —- pretty much anywhere that there was a puddle of water!! Bub also enjoyed hunting (deer, rabbit & turkey) and was an exceptional turkey caller. He also loved spending time in his log cabin which he built. Bub’s greatest joy, however, was simply spending time with his family — especially his granddaughter, Ellie.
In addition to his parents, Bub was preceded in death by his brother, Edward “Ed” Robinson.
He was married on June 19, 1982 to the former Bridget Parks, who has remained a lifelong friend. Also surviving are 3 daughters, Debbie (Bryan) Raffa of Lakeville, NY, Sarah (Michael) Bracken of Almond and Kaity Robinson of Alfred Station; 1 son, Tom Robinson of Arkport; his granddaughter, Ella “Ellie” Bracken; 3 brothers, Matt (Patty) Gambino of South Carolina, Pete (Candy) Gambino of Hornell, and Michael (Bill Booth) Gambino of NYC; 1 sister, Belle Steiner of Florida; several nieces & nephews.
The family of “Bub” Robinson will receive friends on Thursday from 4:00 PM – 6:00 PM at the Dagon Funeral Home, 38 Church St., Hornell, NY. A “Celebration of Life” will be held on Sunday (November 23rd) from 1:00 PM until 4:00 PM at the Arkport American Legion where family & friends will have a chance to share stories of Bub’s amazing life.
Bub’s family requested that in lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in his name be made to “Bikers for K9s,” C/O James Hover, DVM, Almond Veterinary Hospital, 27 South Main St., Almond, NY 14804. Memorial forms will be available at the Dagon Funeral Home.
To leave an online condolence or share a memory, visit www.dagonfuneralhome.com.
Mt. Morris, NY / Dansville, NY
Elaine M. (Norton) Smith – 86 – of Murray Hill in Mt. Morris, formerly of Dansville, NY, passed away peacefully on November 13, 2025. She was surrounded by love and under the wonderful care of the nurses and staff of Murray Hill who cared for her so kindly in her final days.
Born in Dansville, NY on June 11, 1939, Elaine was the beloved daughter of the late Willard and Onnolee Norton.
Elaine grew up in Dansville, NY and graduated from Dansville Central School with the class of 1957. After spending a short time in Wayland, NY, she returned to Dansville where she built a beautiful life and raised her family. Elaine worked for many years as a waitress at local favorites including the Busy Bee and the Coffee Cup, where her warm smile and kind heart touched so many.
Her deep love for children led her to open an in-home daycare where she created a nurturing, joyful and nature-filled environment for countless little ones. Families who entrusted their children to Elaine always felt her genuine care and gentle spirit.
In the early 2000s, Elaine followed her adventurous heart to the sunshine state, living in Florida for several years before returning home to Dansville.
Elaine found peace in nature and joy in life’s simple pleasures. Her long walks with at least 4 dogs, square dancing and ballroom dancing, long bike rides into town to frequent GC Murphy’s 5&10 as well as thrifting brought her much joy. She was an avid collector of any item (including animals) that her grandchildren, nieces, nephews and many children that crossed through her door could play with. She always kept herself busy while listening to her country music.
Elaine had a profound love for her family; her children, grandchildren, nieces, nephews and any person that she had the chance to know. Her love did not discriminate and did not judge.
Elaine was preceded in death by her son, Lewis Strick; her former husband Gary Strick; and her brother, Duane Norton.
She is survived by her loving son, Gerry Strick (Bradi Sherer, Elizabeth Randall) of Hornell; her daughter Yvonne Strick of Florida; cherished grandchildren Tiffany (Jeremy) Colon & Jack Colon of Springwater, Corey Strick (Kaitlin Conklin, Addison Musto and Milania Musto) of Dansville, NY; Adam Koester of NY; daughter-in-law Christine Strick and Brandon Pyer of Hornell; her dear niece Duanne Norton of Mt. Morris, nephews Willard (Marie) Norton of Conesus, NY and Rodney (Gayle) Norton of Texas.
To honor Elaine’s wishes, there will be no calling hours. Family and friends are invited to a graveside service on Saturday (November 22, 2025) at 10:00am at the West Sparta Oak Lawn Cemetery, 4287 Redmond Road, Dansville, NY 14437. A Celebration of Life will be held at the Union Hose Club Rooms, 66 Elizabeth Street, Dansville, NY 14437 immediately following. All are invited to attend.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in Elaine’s memory to the Alzheimer’s Foundation of America by visiting https://alzfdn.org/.
Funeral arrangements are in care of the Dagon Funeral Home, 38 Church Street, Hornell, NY.
To leave an online condolence or share a memory, please visit www.dagonfuneralhome.com or facebook.com/dagonfuneralhome.
Hornell, New York
Curtis Jerry Jones, Sr. – 76 – of 67 Platt St., Hornell, died unexpectedly Tuesday morning (November 12, 2025) at his home.
Born in Piper, AL on October 7, 1949, he was the son of Charles & Eva Jane (Coleman) Jones, Sr.
Curtis grew up in Birmingham, AL and Montevallo, AL was a graduate of Montevallo High School (class of 1967). He later attended Grambling University and the University of Alabama earning an Associate’s Degree in Psychology.
He was a veteran of the United States Air Force, serving his country from 1972-1977. While in the Air Force, Curtis was stationed in several locations including Keesler Air Force Base in Biloxi, MS, Lackland Air Force Base in Texas, Francis E. Warren Air Force Base in Cheyenne, WY and was also stationed for a time in England.
Following his honorable discharge from the military, Curtis resided in Detroit, MI for over 20 years and had been employed at the South East Michigan Transportation Authority. He moved to New York State and has resided in Hornell for the past 20 years. He enjoyed basketball and cooking.
Curtis was employed as a Certified Medical Assistant and the Bath VA Medical Center in Bath, NY. A lifelong Jehovah Witness, he was a member of Kingdom Hall of Canisteo.
He was preceded in death by 3 sisters & 7 brothers.
Surviving are his son, Curtis (Bonnie) Jones, Jr. of Lakewood, CO; his former wife, Maria (Wayne) Sherman of Colorado Springs, CO; 1 sister, Gaynell (Edward) Jenkins of South Carolina; 1 brother, Clayton Jones of NYC; 2 grandchildren, Dreyke Jones and Daphnie Jones; along with many nieces, nephews, great-nieces & great-nephews.
At Curtis’ request there will be no calling hours. A Memorial Service will be held on Tuesday (November 18, 2025) at 7:00 PM at Kingdom Hall of Jehovah’s Witnesses, 1162 Airport Road, Hornell, NY.
Funeral arrangements are in care of the Dagon Funeral Home, 38 Church St., Hornell, NY.
Curtis’ family request that in lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in his name be made to Faith in Action Steuben County, 20 Broadway Mall, Hornell, NY 14843.
To leave an online condolence or share a memory, visit www.dagonfuneralhome.com.
Hornell, New York
Sally A. Mastin – 54 – of Albion St., Hornell, died Saturday morning (November 8, 2025) at Olean General Hospital in Olean, NY, following a long illness.
Born in North Hornell on November 16, 1970, she was the daughter of Raymond & Carolyn (Clark) Towner.
Sally grew up in Towlesville, NY (Town of Howard) and attended Avoca Central School. She later received her General Education Development (GED) Diploma.
A resident of Hornell for many years, Sally enjoyed spending time on her computer playing games (especially Minecraft), watching shows and Facebook.
Surviving are her son, Jordon Maston of Hornell; two brothers, Clayton (Linda) Towner of Hornell and Eric Towner of Hornell; and she will be sadly missed by her “canine companion, Mooney.”
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 a charity of the donor’s choice.
To leave an online condolence or share a memory, visit www.dagonfuneralhome.com.
Hornell, New York
Sally J. Northrop – 79 – a resident of Maple City Rehab Nursing Facility, passed away Thursday (November 6, 2025) at St. James Hospital, Hornell, NY.
Born in Rochester, NY on January 29, 1946, she was the daughter of Peter & Virginia (Bush) Makohon.
Sally grew up in Rochester and was a graduate of Marshall High School (class of 1964). She later attended Alfred State College in Alfred, NY.
A resident of Rochester, NY and Albion, NY for most of her life, Sally has resided in Hornell for the past 4 years. She had been employed as a bookkeeper for Rohm Services (billing agency) for about 25 years, retiring 15 years ago.
Sally had a deep love of animals and throughout the years owned many dogs & cats. She loved crocheting, shopping and spending time in the kitchen cooking & baking.
She was married to Charles Northrop who died in 2006 and was also preceded in death by her twin sister, Susan Bialek.
Surviving are 2 daughters, Heather (Jason) Stewart of Canisteo and Holly Northrop of Albion, NY; 4 grandsons, Zachary (Elyssa) Stewart, Jared (Destiny) Stewart, Joshua Stewart and Shawn Stewart; along with several 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 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
Robert T. “Bob” Headley – 91 – of Hornell, died Sunday afternoon (November 2, 2025) following a long illness.
Born in Bellefonte, PA on June 8, 1934, he was the son of Robert & Mary (Thomas) Headley.
Bob (AKA “Nice Guy Bob”) grew up in Hornell and was a graduate of Hornell High School (class of 1953). Following high school graduation, he enlisted in the US Navy (January 1954) and served his country for 20 years. After completing boot camp, he was assigned to the Amphibious Construction Battalion to Little Creek, VA. Reenlisting in 1958, Bob was transferred to the District of Intelligence Office 10th Naval District in San Jan, PR, where he was stationed for two years. From 1960 to January 1963, Bob served at the Naval Recruiting Station in Buffalo, NY before being transferred to Communications Technical School in Pensacola, FL. Upon completion of school, he was transferred to Naval Communications Station in San Miguel, Philippines. In June of 1965, Bob was transferred to the Naval Communications Station in Kimaseya, Japan. Three years later, he was transferred to Cinclantflt, Norfolk, VA. In July of 1970, Bob was transferred to the Naval Communications Station in Sidiya, Morocco. Returning to the US, Bob was honorably discharged and retired from the US Navy on June 27, 1973, earning the rank of Communications Technician Chief Petty Officer (CTOC).
From 1973 to 1978, Bob resided in Bath, NY where he had been employed at the Steuben County Department of Social Services and later served as a supervisor of the communications room and mail room at Ingersol Rand Corporation.
In 1978, Bob moved to Hornell and opened Convenient Food Mart (corner of Main and Allen Streets) which he operated until 1996. During his 18 years at Convenient, Bob enjoyed visiting with his many customers and knew nearly all of them by their first names. He was known for teaching middle schoolers how to count to 5 when they came in for snacks. Throughout the years, Bob also owned and operated a Gumball business, supplying gumball machines to area businesses. He also owned and operated a Pay Telephone Business, supplying 38 payphones throughout Steuben County, Allegany County, and Livingston County.
Bob was a former member of Park Methodist Church and had been a member of the Hornell Moose Lodge, Hornell Elks Lodge, the Hornell American Legion, the Trinity Methodist Church in Bradenton, FL, and a member of the Naval Cryptological Veterans Association. He was an avid golfer and had been a member of the Twin Hickory Golf Club and played in the American Legion League at Twin Hickory and the Tribune League at the former Hornell Country Club. Bob resided in Florida from 2009 until returning to Hornell in May 2025.
He was married on January 1, 1957 to the former Bonita “Bonnie” Robinson who predeceased him on January 31, 2006 after 49 years of marriage. He was also preceded in death by his daughter-in-law, Nancy Headley on May 11, 2025 and his second wife Ann Nickolas (whom he married August 26, 2022) on December 26, 2023.
Surviving are 2 sons, Robert Headley of Land O’Lakes, FL and Bill (Julie) Headley of Hornell; one daughter, Benna (Ted) Greenfield of Chittenango, NY; sister, Carol (Bob) Young of Canisteo; 5 grandchildren, Shavahn Headley, Jenna (Paul) Headley Schmidt, Brandon (Stephanie) Riggin, Matthew (Christine) Riggin, and Heather Greenfield; 3 great-grandsons, Landon & Brody Riggin and Mikele Riggin; 2 great-granddaughters, Kinsley Riggin and Celestine Riggin.
The family of Robert T. “Bob” Headley will receive friends on Monday, November 10, 2025 from 4:00 PM to 7:00 PM at the Dagon Funeral Home, 38 Church Street, Hornell, NY where a Funeral Service will be held on Tuesday, November 11th at 11:00 AM with Deacon Bob McCormick officiating. Burial with full Military Honors will be in Rural Cemetery, Hornell, NY.
Bob’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, please visit www.dagonfuneralhome.com or www.facebook.com/dagonfuneralhome.
In recognition of Bob’s service to his country as a veteran of the US Navy, the American Flag at the Dagon Funeral Home will be flown at half-staff.
Middlesex, New York
Edward A. Nichols, (81), of Middlesex, NY, courageously fought a fatal disease for 7 years. With his Wife, Son and Daughter by his side, Our Heavenly Father welcomed Edward home on June 13, 2023.
Edward, fondly known as Eddie or Ed, was born January 6, 1942 in Painesville, Ohio.
Ed had a passion for family, snowmobiling, dirt track racing and classic cars. He would smile cheek to cheek and talk for hours, when you mentioned his family, and riding on his Polaris snowmobiles in the place he called “Heaven” (Adirondacks). Ed would get so excited to see Barefoot Bob McCreadie #9 take those tight corners at the track and while proudly showing off his “Best in Show” 1927 Ford Model T.
Most important of all, Ed gratefully cherished his moments with his devoted wife, Anna. He also adored his dogs, “Budzo,” and “Lucy Ducy.”
Ed honorably served as a Radioman in the United States Navy from 1961 to 1965 aboard the Destroyer USS Brownson (DD-518) during the Cuban Missile Crisis.
Edward is survived by his Loving Wife of 57 years, Anna; and two children, Dennis and Joanna. Also surviving are his four grandsons, Nathan, Nicholas, Michael (Storme) and Eddie; his four great-grandchildren, Sweed, Rorick, Reggie and Jah’Layla.
Ed’s family hosted a “Celebration of Life” at the United Methodist Church, Middlesex, NY.
In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to the Association of Ambly-odosis Research for a cure in Ed’s name.
To leave an online condolence or share a memory, visit www.dagonfuneralhome.com.
Alfred Station, NY
Richard L. “Rick” Gringhuis, 81, of Jericho Hill Road in Alfred Station, NY, died unexpectedly on October 31, 2025.
Born in Holland, MI on August 1, 1944, he was the son of Richard H. “Dirk” and Helen (Lees) Gringhuis. Rick grew up in East Lansing, MI, and graduated from East Lansing High School in 1962, where he dressed up and wore a tie to class each day. He earned both Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in Marketing from Michigan State University.
On September 8, 1965, Rick married his high school sweetheart, the former Karen Bielinski. Karen passed away on the day of their 50th wedding anniversary, September 8, 2015. Throughout the years, Rick and Karen resided primarily in Chicago, IL, and Alfred, NY.
Rick was employed by Sears Roebuck & Co. at their World Headquarters, and later by Frankel & Company—where he served as Managing Director and was responsible for McDonald’s menu board planning. He was later hired for his expertise in this area to do consulting in China. After his official retirement, Rick worked at the Apple Store on Michigan Avenue in Chicago, just for fun.
During their life together, Rick and Karen had season tickets to the Chicago Symphony Orchestra, and enjoyed frequenting restaurants, art galleries and museums. Rick was a loving, supportive husband and Karen was the center of his world. He was a true gentleman. After Karen’s death, Rick sold their loft in Printer’s Row and relocated to their home in Alfred, where he became an active member of the village community. He was a warm, thoughtful, generous person who often reached out to help others. He was a good listener and had a wonderful sense of humor.
Rick had a style all his own with his Jeep, bald shaved head, tattoos, wardrobe, and eclectic collection of hats, satchels and canes. He was a self-proclaimed “gadget geek”, who embraced modern technological innovations and always sported the latest gear. He loved music, news, movies and TV. He was an avid reader (especially horror stories) and enjoyed Sci-Fi and action films, as well as old westerns and documentaries.
Rick is survived by his dear friend, Carrie E. Crane of Rochester, NY; his sister-in-law, Janina Latack of Tucson, AZ; his nephew Andrew Latack of New York, NY; and many Alfred residents.
At Rick’s request, there will be no services held.
Arkport, NY / Ocala, FL
Morton A. “Mort” Payne – 87 – of Arkport, NY and Ocala, FL, was called home to the Lord on October 27, 2025.
He was born in Avoca on April 22, 1938, and was the son of John and Grace (Haley) Payne.
Mort was the youngest of 4 children — Norman, Nelson, Marcia & Mort. He lived most of his life in Avoca where he graduated Avoca Central School.
He was a Veteran of the United States Air Force, serving his country from 1956 -1960. He later served in the United States Army National Guard from 1976 until 1996.
In May, 1963, he was married to Grace “Anne” Towner who died October 25, 2004. Together they raised 5 children, Richard, Mildred, Stephen, Michael and Donald.
After Anne’s passing, Mort met Barbara (Hilt) Payne. They where married on November 14, 2015 and would spend their time between Ocala and Arkport. Mort & Barbara enjoyed traveling and staying on the go. Mort was an active member of many fraternal and civic organizations, including the Avoca Fire & Ambulance, Arkport Fire & Ambulance, Hornell Elks Lodge, Arkport American Legion, Avoca American Legion, AMVETS Post in Ocala & Hornell, Hornell Association, Hornell Moose Lodge and Hornell Eagles.
In his younger years, Mort worked part time at Hunts Market in Avoca and for 30 years served as a driver for United Parcel Service (UPS) until his retirement in 1995.
In addition to his wife, Grace “Anne” Payne, Mort was preceded in death by his parents, John & Grace Payne; his brothers, Norman Payne, Nelson Payne & Marcia Grover; his daughter, Mildred Byron.
Surviving are his wife, Barbara; his children, Richard Fox, Stephen Payne, Michael Payne and Donald Payne; 14 grandchildren, many great-grandchildren; several great-great-grandchildren; along with nieces and nephews.
The family of Morton A. Payne will receive friends on Wednesday (Nov. 12, 2025) from 4:00 PM – 6:00 PM at the Dagon Funeral Home, 38 Church St., Hornell, NY. A Funeral Service with Military Honors will be held at the conclusion of calling hours at 6:00 PM. Burial will be in Valley View Cemetery, Avoca, NY.
Mort’s family request that in lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in his name be made to The Tunnel to Towers Foundation (T2T), 2361 Hylan Boulevard, Staten Island, NY 10306. Online donations may be made by visiting donationsupport@t2t.org. Memorial forms will be available at the Dagon Funeral Home.
In honor of Mort’s service to his country as a member of the United States Air Force and United States Army National Guard, the American Flag at the Dagon Funeral Home will be flown at half-staff.