Hornell, New York

Linda K. Panter – 75 – of 46 Pine St., Hornell, died Thursday morning (February 19, 2026) at her home, following a long illness.

Born in Hornell on October 26, 1950, she was the daughter of John & Marguerite (Furlong) Cullen.

Linda grew up in Hornell and was a graduate of Hornell High School (class of 1968).  She earned her Licensed Practical Nursing (LPN) Degree  in 1969 from Steuben BOCES and for many years was employed as an LPN at St. James Mercy Hospital.  Later in life she enrolled at Alfred State College and graduated in 1991 with an Associate’s Degree in Nursing.  In 1993, Linda received her Bachelor of Science (BS) Degree from SUNY Brockport.

While working at St. James Hospital as a Registered Nurse, Linda also served as Clinical Instructor at SUNY Alfred, teaching nursing students.  She eventually received her Master’s Degree in Nursing from SUNY Binghamton and retired from SUNY Alfred with the title of Professor Emeritus.  Linda spent most of her life (over 55 years) working in healthcare at St. James Mercy Hospital and Alfred State College.  She enjoyed working with students and watching them grow in their profession.

Linda had been a member of Our Lady of the Valley Parish and a member of St. Ignatius Loyola Church.  For many years she was a member and also served as vice president of the United University Professional (UUP) Union and statewide level committees.  She served as a board member of the Bethesda Foundation and was a member of the Hornell Association and the AMVETS.  She also enjoyed spending time at the family’s cottage at Rushford Lake.  She loved being active with walking, gardening, playing pool and with her favorite hobby — visiting casinos.

Her high school classmates were very important to her and she enjoyed attending luncheons, meetings and reunions.

In addition to her parents, Linda was preceded in death by her brother, John Cullen; along with many other relatives, including Uncle Joe and Aunt Carolyn.

She was married on June 12, 1971 to Thomas Panter who survives.  Also surviving are 2 daughters, Kelly (Todd) Mullen of North Hornell and Kristy Panter of Hornell; 2 sons, William (Erin) Panter of Rochester and Thomas (Angela) Panter of Stuarts Draft, VA; 2 brothers, Joseph Cullen of Bath and Robert “Bob” Cullen of Hornell; 2 sisters, Patricia Kelleher of Hornell and Mary Margaret Cullen of Erwin, NY (with whom she had a special bond as she served as her caretaker; 13 grandchildren, Xavier, Garrett, Katerina, Jaiden, Kylie, Isabella, Elison, Noah, Ethan, Jaxson, Evan, Kendal and Zachary; 1 great-granddaughter, Ethilea Jo; nieces & nephews.  Linda is also survived by many childhood friends, including Sheila, Jay, Joe, Joanne, Donna & Tom just to mention a few.

The family of Linda K. Panter will receive friends on Thursday from 5:00 PM  –  7:00 PM at the Dagon Funeral Home, 38 Church St., Hornell, NY.  A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Friday at 1:30 PM at St. Ann’s Church with burial in St. Mary’s Cemetery.

Linda’s family request that in lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in her name be made to HHS Class of ‘68 c/o Rosalie Mulhollen, 5163 Purdy Creek Road., Hornell, NY  14843-9722.  Memorial forms will be available at the Dagon Funeral Home.

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

Hornell, NY

Barbara J. Miller – 77 – a resident of Maple City Rehab Nursing Facility, Hornell, died Tuesday evening (February 17, 2026) at St. James Hospital, following a long illness.

She was born in Buffalo on October 29, 1948 and grew up in Canaseraga in the home of Edward & Ina Dieter.  Barb attended Canaseraga Central School before moving to Hornell with her foster parents, Don & Sharon Rollins.  She was a graduate of Hornell High School (Class of 1970).

Barb was employed as a nurse’s aide at St. James Hospital for a number of years.  She also served as a housekeeper in many capacities in Hornell and Arizona.

A football and hockey fan, Barb enjoyed watching and cheering for the Buffalo Bills and Kansas City Chiefs, and she loved watching the hockey fights!  She was a member of New Hope Wesleyan Church in Hornell.

Barbara was preceded in death by her son, Donald Rice, Jr.; foster parents, Edward & Ina Dieter and Don Rollins.

Surviving are her children, Raquel “Rae” (John Mulligan) Rice of Hornell, Damion Rice of Hornell, & Angie Jackson of Hornell; foster mother, Sharon (Rollins) McGraff; foster siblings, Greg Rollins, Doug Rollins, Dona Rollins, Francis Raymond, Faye Sarvis, Diane Roosa, Joyce Sarvis, David Mastin, and Jeff Mastin; many grandchildren, nieces, & nephews, and her dear friend, Mary.

To honor Barb’s wishes, there will be no calling hours or services.  Funeral arrangements are in care of the Dagon Funeral Home, 38 Church St., Hornell, NY.

Memorial contributions in Barb’s name may be made to the Hornell Area Humane Society, 7649 Industrial Park Road, Hornell, NY 14843.

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

North Hornell, NY

Paula A. Zierak – 81 – formerly of Manor Hills Nursing Home in Wellsville, died Monday afternoon (February 2, 2026) at Elderwood at Hornell Nursing Facility, where she had resided for the past year.

Funeral arrangements are incomplete at the Dagon Funeral Home, 38 Church St., Hornell, NY.

Rochester, NY

Sonnya K. Hofecker – 88 – formerly of Rochester, died Sunday morning (February 1, 2026) at Elderwood at Hornell Nursing Facility.

Funeral arrangements are incomplete at the Dagon Funeral Home, 38 Church St., Hornell, NY.

Hornell, New York

Todd W. Carnrite – 55 – of 23 McDougall Ave., Hornell, died unexpectedly Saturday Morning (February 7, 2026).

Funeral arrangements are incomplete at the Dagon Funeral Home, 38 Church St., Hornell, NY.

Hornell, New York

John H. Shaut – 60 – of Hart St., Hornell, died Thursday evening (February 12, 2026) at Strong Memorial Hospital in Rochester, following a brief illness.

Born in Urbana, NY on August 30, 1965, he was the son of John & Julia (Patterson) Shaut.

John grew up in Hornell and attended Hornell High School.  After leaving high school for about a year, he returned and graduated in 1987.

For several years, John had been employed in the woodworking department of the former General Marble Corporation until the company closed in 1995.  For about 10 years he worked as a furniture maker at Gunlock Corporation of Wayland and later as a furniture maker for Lake Country Woodworking in Naples, retiring as a supervisor.  Most recently, John served in the maintenance department of Two Plus Four Property Management of Avon, NY.

John had a deep love & appreciation for nature and the outdoors.  He enjoyed hunting (deer & small game) and fishing (lake & stream) and loved camping.  He was a member of the Dansville Rod & Gun Club and had been a member of the former Hornell Eagles Club.  John loved smoking his own meat and getting together with family & friends for cookouts & barbeques.  He was a die-hard Miami Dolphins Football Fan (and also a “Closet” Buffalo Bills Fan).  He was a true animal lover (especially dogs) and will be sadly missed by his canine companions, “Thor” & “Gunner.”

He was preceded in death by his parents, John & Julia Shaut.

John was married in 1993 to the former Deborah “Deb” Jackson with whom he remained friends throughout the years.  Surviving are 3 sons, David Shaut of Wayland, Dustin (Jen) Shaut of Conesus and Dillon Shaut of Erie, PA; his “Significant Other,” Colleen Remchuk of Canisteo; his siblings, Steve (Debbie) Shaut of Hornell, Tom (Theresa) Shaut of Hornell, Chris (Steve) Carson of Hornell, Cathy (Joel) Gilman of Arkport, Kim (Kelly) Margeson of Hartsville, Barb Shaut of Hornell and Don Shaut of California; 1 “bonus-granddaughter,” Kendyl Priest; along with nieces & nephews.

At John’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.

John’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,

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

Hornell, New York

Claude Lewis Comardo – 60 – of 7 West St., Hornell, died Sunday afternoon (February 1, 2026) at Strong Memorial Hospital in Rochester, following a long illness.

Born in Rochester, NY on December 14, 1965 and grew up in the Rochester where he attended Irondequoit High School.  He later earned his General Education Development (GED) Diploma.

A resident of the Hornell – Canisteo area for the past 19 years, Claude had been employed as an Electronic Technician at Alstom (7 years); Gunlock Corporation in Wayland (4 years) and Strobel Supply in Hornell (1 year), retiring 4 years ago due to ill health.

Claude was an avid coin collector for many years and became an expert at assessing coin values.  He enjoyed fishing (streams & ponds) and especially looked forward to holiday dinners and cook-outs with family.

He was preceded in death by his brother, William Cross; and his nephew, Scott Cross.

On October 20, 2011, Claude married the former Kelly Edwards who survives.  Also surviving are one son; one daughter; several step-children; numerous nieces & nephews.

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

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

Claude’s family request that in lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in his name may 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

Annamarie “Annie” McManus – 65 – of 162 Terry St., Hornell, died unexpectedly Saturday evening (January 31, 2026) at Strong Memorial Hospital in Rochester, NY.

Born in Buffalo, NY on October 25, 1960, she was the daughter of John & Patricia (Izydorczak) Kearney and the step-daughter of Cathy Kearney.

Annie grew up in the Buffalo, Lancaster & Pembroke areas and attended Pembroke High School.  She later received her General Education Development (GED) Diploma.  She has resided in the Hornell-Canisteo area for most of her adult life.

Throughout the years, Annie had been employed at several area businesses including the former Marion Rohr Corporation, Hornell Gardens (in the Kitchen and later as Activities Aid), Best Western Hotel (Housekeeping Department) and most recently at 7-Eleven in Hornell.

Annie loved spending time in the kitchen cooking and baking delicious cookies, cakes & cupcakes.  She was a member of the Hornell VFW and enjoyed cooking & baking for various parties, memorials and celebrations of life.  She was also a die-hard Buffalo Bills Football fan.  Annie cherished her time spent with her family (especially her grandchildren) and her best friend, Kari Capluzzi.  She also loved & adored her canine companion, Sodus.

She was preceded in death by her parents, John & Patricia; her step-mother, Cathy; her grandson, Sawyer Karns-McManus; and her sister-in-law, Cheryl Klein.

Surviving are her husband, Timothy “Tim” McManus; her daughter, Heather (Bill Davis) Sills of Hornell; her son, Justin (Miranda Forshee) Sills of Canisteo; her “Bonus Children,” Nick (Nyki) Karns-McManus of Hornell, Grady McManus of Hornell and Cailey (Vincent) Taylor of Salem, OR; 4 brothers, Daniel (Laurie) Kearney of Corfu, NY, Donald (Becky) Kearney of Geneseo, NY, Richard Klein of Lancaster, NY and Kevin (Ellie) Kearney of Seneca Falls, NY; 2 sisters, Judy Christenson of Rembrandt, IA and Cynthia (Scott) Turner of Corfu, NY; 7 grandchildren, Savannah, Charlotte, Gulianna, Spencer, Kinsley, Charlie and Graham; along with many nieces & nephews.

The family of Annamarie “Annie” McManus will receive friends on Sunday (February 8, 2025) from 10:00 AM until 12:00 Noon at the Dagon Funeral Home, 38 Church St., Hornell, NY.  A “Celebration of Life” will follow at the Hornell VFW beginning at 12:00 Noon.  All are welcome to attend and encouraged to wear their favorite Buffalo Bills apparel to both calling hours and Celebration of Life.

Annie’s family request that in lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in her name be made to Golisano Children’s Hospital, 601 Elmwood Ave.  #655, Rochester, NY  14642.  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

Edwin H. “Eddie” Miller – 84 – of Greenwood St., Canisteo, formerly of Bishopville & Hornell, died unexpectedly on Wednesday (January 28, 2026) at his home.

Born in Rochester on February 6, 1941, he was the son of John & Loretta (Beth) Miller, Sr.

Eddie grew up in Rochester and was a graduate of Aquinas Institute High School (class of 1959).  Before high school, he attended Our Lady of Perpetual Help (grades 1-8), graduating in 1955.  With aspirations of becoming a Basilian Priest, he enrolled in Assumption University in Windsor, Ontario, CA. (class of 1964) where he majored in Philosophy.  For a time, Edwin taught German at Aquinas Institute.

While living in Rochester, Eddie was a member of Our Lady of Perpetual Help Church and also Blessed Sacrament Church.  He has resided in the Hornell area for over 50 years and has been a member of Our Lady of the Valley Parish and a communicant of St. Ann’s Church.

For about 30 years, Ed was employed as a Right-of-Way Agent for the New York State Department of Transportation (NYSDOT), retiring in 1994.

Throughout the years, he was a member of several fraternal organizations (or as Eddie would say “Libation Stations”) including the Knights of Columbus, Hornell Association, Hornell Elks Lodge, Hornell Moose Lodge, IOOF and Hornell Eagles.  He thoroughly enjoyed “hoisting a few” with his many friends at these clubs and will be remembered as a great “Story Teller” and was a self-proclaimed “Authority of Useless Information.”

Eddie also enjoyed hunting (deer & small game) and fishing (lakes & streams).  He loved rooting for the Buffalo Bills — especially during the Super Bowl years and also enjoyed keeping tabs on the Rochester Red Wings.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by 3 brothers, John Miller, Jr. (died 2010), Robert “Bob” Miller (died 2018) and Arthur “Art” Miller (died 2019); his sister, Helen Beardsley (died 2023); sisters-in-law, Eugenia (Kenya) Rodarte deMiller and Barbara Miller; brother-in-law, Rick Beardsley; his nephew, William Miller; his niece, Michelle Miller; great nephew, Nicholas Benitez; great-great niece, Scarlett Hartnett.

Surviving are 2 sons, Richard (Amy) Miller of Wallingford, CT and Jeffrey Miller of Meriden, CT; 1 brother, Richard Miller of San Diego, CA; 2 sisters, Mary (Forrest) Shorey of Albion, NY and Irene (Gary) Knights of Rochester; sister-in-law, Karen Miller; several nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews, great-great nieces and great-great nephews.

At Eddie’s request there will be no calling hours.  A Memorial Mass will be held on Saturday (March 28, 2026) at 11:00 AM at St. Stanislaus Church, 1124 Hudson Ave., Rochester, NY, 14621.  All are welcome to attend.

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

Eddie’s family request that in lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in his name be made to St. Jude Children’s Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN  38105.

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

Taylorsville, NC

Eugene “Gene” Philip Scafidi, 78, of Taylorsville, NC, died Saturday, January 24, 2026, at Frye Regional Medical Center in Hickory.

He was born February 25, 1947, in New York City to the late Antonio Scafidi and Mary Schenck Scafidi.  He was married in September, 1971 to Andrea and went on to have one son.  He was a loving and caring husband and father.  Family was the joy of his life.

Gene retired from the NY Police Department after being injured in the line of duty.  He then transitioned to sales, where he never met a stranger.  He always had a smile, whether it was helping customers at Sears or Target.  In his younger years, Gene enjoyed playing a round of golf and horseback riding.  Most of all, he loved spending time with his wife and grandson.  He appreciated the little things in life, like quick day trips just to get a good hot dog or bagel with his wife.  Gene was a kid at heart and always loved telling a good story or joke.

Gene is survived by his wife of 54 years, Andrea DiRaimondo Scafidi; his son, Philip Scafidi (wife Lenae) of Newton; his grandson Jude Scafidi; his nephew, Peter DiRaimondo III; his niece, Rosanna Knotts (husband Adam); along with a host of great-nephews and great-nieces.

He was preceded in death by his Mother-in-law, Anna DiRaimondo, and father-in-law, Peter DiRaimondo.

A memorial service to celebrate Eugene’s life will be held at a later date.

In the true spirit of Gene, who demonstrated generosity beyond measure to those he loved and cared for, let us all remember it is better to give than receive.  May we practice giving small tokens of our love to those around us via a smile, a story, or a handshake.  And also, simply give towards your own kids or grandkids (like he did).  If you wish to donate to a charity in his honor, please consider contributing to the New York City Police Foundation or the American Heart Association.

The Scafidi family is in the care of Bennett Funeral Service, 7878 NC Hwy 16, Newton, NC (828-465-2111).  Condolences may be sent to the Scafidi family at www.bennettfuneralservice.com.

Local 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.