Francis J. “Fran” FitzGerald – (82) – formerly of 7345 Fawn Hill Drive, Hornell, died Monday (March 18, 2013) at McAuley Manor where he had resided for the past eight years.

Born in Hornell on April 28, 1930, he was the son of Michael & Johanna (Schreck) FitzGerald. 

Fran was a graduate of both St. Ann’s School and Hornell High School (Class of 1948).  He later attended St. Bonaventure University.  He was a veteran of the US Army during the Korean Conflict and was stationed at the Seventh Army Headquarters in Germany.

In 1956, he moved to Manhattan and also owned a home in Southampton.  Fran was employed as men’s clothing buyer for the Finchley Establishment and later worked for Magnavox Corporation.  For 15 years he was employed by 3M Corporation, retiring as regional manager.  He returned to Hornell in 1994.

Beverly J. Trimble – 73 – of 981 Karr Valley Rd., Almond, died unexpectedly Thursday evening (March 21, 2013) at St. James Mercy Hospital.

 Born in North Hornell on June 26, 1939, she was the daughter of Cash & Edith (Thomas) Davison.

 Beverly grew up in the Almond area and was a graduate of Alfred-Almond Central School (class of 1958).  Following high school, she was employed for a time at Westinghouse in Bath and also Marion Rohr Corporation.  She later worked for several years as a “packer” at Mullen Meat Processing.  For about 15 years, Beverly operated “Tootsie” — an antique Co-Op located in “The Garage” in Angelica.

An exceptional seamstress and upholsterer, Beverly enjoyed re-finishing and upholstering furniture.  Not only did she re-furbish most of her furniture in her home, she also made all of the draperies and other decorations.  Beverly also loved working on the exterior of her home.  She did all of the landscaping and even built a pond and a gazebo.  No job was too big or too small.

Sharon L. Thompson – 69 – of Loda, IL died Monday evening (March 18, 2013) near Hornell, NY as a result of injuries sustained in an automobile accident.

Born in Evergreen Park, IL on October 8, 1943, she was the daughter of Raymond & Loretta (Murdock) Fessler.

Sharon resided most of her life in Illinois, but lived in the town of Lindley, NY from 1985-1990.  She was most recently employed at the Community Service Center of Northern Champaign in Rantoul, IL helping those in need.

Beloved wife of Raymond E.Thompson who survives her.  Loving mother to her surviving children; 2 daughters, Christine (DeYoung) Mancini and Susan (Bob) Hall both of Painted Post, NY; 1 son, Robert (Rachel Wood) DeYoung, Jr. of Bath, NY; 2 step-sons, Raymond S. Thompson and Brian P. (Caryn) Thompson of Homewood, IL.  Loving sister of Nancy (Ken) Lopez and Raymond (Joyce) Fessler, both of Tinley Park, IL.  Wonderful grandma and aunt to 11 grandchildren, 3 great-grandchildren, and many nieces and nephews.

Sharon’s faith was always evident in her daily life and with her involvement with various church families. 

Sharon was an active participant on many non-profit Boards and always volunteered in her community. She was a caregiver for others and a second mom to many. Most recently, she helped to establish a food pantry in Paxton. She collected salt and pepper shakers for many years which helped a museum collection in Iowa. She also collected old Mason jars and washboards. She thoroughly enjoyed crafting, sewing, reading, gardening, and playing cards – especially Solitaire. She never forgot birthdays and special occasions by ensuring you had a card on your special day.  

A Memorial Service will be held at the Covenant Evangelical Church located at 260 S. Union St., Paxton, IL at the convenience of the family.

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

Sharon’s family requests that memorial contributions can be made in her name to either the Community Service Center, 520 E. Wabash Ave., Suite 1, Rantoul, IL 61866 or the Covenant Evangelical Church, 260 S. Union St., Paxton, IL 60957.

Robert H. “Bob” Griswold, 83, of 47 Bennett St., Hornell, passed away at his home early Sunday morning (March 17, 2013), surrounded by his loving family.

Bob was born in Hornell, NY on September 23, 1929, the son of Harold and Florence (Dougherty) Griswold. He was a lifelong resident of Hornell.

Bob was a graduate of St. Ann’s School and later graduated from Hornell High School (class of 1948) where he excelled in football as a four-year varsity player and was a member of the Red Raider Track Team. As a senior, Bob served as vice president of the Hornell High School Student Council.

He was employed at the former Erie Railroad, Erie-Lackawanna Railroad and Conrail for over 40 years in many capacities, including the Stores Department.  Bob was also employed for over 25 years at the Hornell YMCA, including over 10 years as physical director.  In his younger years, he worked at the Hornell Classic and Supreme Ice Cream in Hornell.

Maci Lynn Cady – 12 day old daughter of Matthew Cady & Kayla Mack of 158 Terry St., Hornell, died Tuesday evening at Strong Memorial Hospital in Rochester following complications at birth.

Although Maci, who was a precious gift from God, was only here for a short time, she touched many lives and was truly loved by everyone.  She is now an angel in Heaven!

In addition to her parents, survivors include her sister, Jemma Mack; paternal grandparents, Tim Cady & Kelly Sanford of Hornell; maternal grandparents, Herbie (Candy Campbell) Mack and Tammy Lynch of Tioga, PA; paternal great-grandparents, Mike & Carolyn Cady of Troupsburg and Phil & Eloise Sanford of Hornell; maternal great-grandparents, Herbert & Connie Mack of Caton, NY and Richard & Doris Schmidt of Tioga, PA; maternal great-great grandmother, Betty Young of Tioga, PA; aunts, uncles & 1 cousin.

Private funeral & committal services will be held at the Dagon Funeral Home, 38 Church St., Hornell, NY at the convenience of the family.  Burial will be in Woodlawn Cemetery, Almond, NY.

John R. Coburn – 66 – of 5545 Crosby Creek Rd, Alfred Station, died early Sunday morning (March 3, 2013) at his home, following a long illness.

Born in Lackawanna, NY on January 3, 1947, he was the son of John & Mary (Dobbins) Coburn.

John grew up in North Boston, NY area and was a graduate of Hamburg High School (class of 1965).  He was a graduate of Alfred University where he earned his Bachelor’s Degree in Ceramic Engineering and his Master’s Degree in School Psychology.

He retired from Genesee Valley BOCES after 30 years, working at various schools in the district.  Following his retirement, he went on to earn a Paramedic Certificate from Corning Community College.  He also held certifications as an Emergency Medical Technician, EMTII, and Critical Care Technician.

Margaret Anne “Peggy” Rice – 59 – of 17 Harrington Pl., Hornell, went to be with the Lord on Sunday (March 3, 2013) surrounded by her family, following a courageous battle with cancer.

 A native & life resident of Hornell, she was born November 18, 1953 and was the daughter of James & Marion (Baker) Clark.

 Peg grew up in Hornell where she attended Lincoln School and St. Ann’s School.  She later graduated from Hornell High School (class of 1971). 

 She was employed for 28 years as a secretary at the New York State Department of Transportation (NYSDOT) retiring in 2009.  Peggy was a member of Our Lady of the Valley Parish and a livelong communicant of St. Ignatius Loyola Church.  She had also been a member of the Hornell Elks Lodge. 

 Peggy will be remembered as a warm & gentle woman with a heart of gold.  Although she lived a simply, quiet life, she always found time to laugh with her friends or lend a helping hand to anyone in need.  Her true joy in life, however, was simply spending time with her family and caring for her dogs.  She will be truly missed by everyone that had the pleasure of knowing her!

Catherine M. “Cathy” Hogan – 61 – of Rochester, formerly of Hornell, died Saturday afternoon (March 2, 2013) at Mount Carmel House in Rochester, following a brief illness.

 Born in Hornell on January 18, 1952, she was the daughter of Joseph & Catherine (White) Hogan.

 Cathy grew up in Hornell and was a graduate of St. Ann’s School and later graduated from Hornell High School (class of 1970). 

 Further education includes a Diploma in Nursing from the St. Joseph’s Hospital Health Center School of Nursing in Syracuse, NY in 1973, a BS in Nursing Cum Laude from SUNY Institute of Technology Utica/Rome, an MS in Nursing with a specialization in oncology nursing from the University of Pittsburgh in 1978 and a Post-Master’s Certificate as an Advanced Practice Nurse Practitioner from the Massachusetts General Hospital Institute of Health Professions in Boston, MA in 1995.

Michelle G. “Mickey” George – 59 – of 34 Sawyer St. Site, Hornell, died Thursday afternoon (February 28, 2013) at St. James Mercy Hospital, following a long illness.

She was born in Hornell on October 12, 1953, and was the daughter of Gilbert & Carmella (Constantino) Carlton.

Michelle grew up in Hornell and was a graduate of Hornell High School (class of 1971).  She resided in Rochester for several years where she had been employed as a waitress.  After moving back to Hornell, she worked in the meat department of the former ACME Grocery.

Janet T. Grassi – 94 – of 18 Marick Park Drive, North Hornell, died Tuesday afternoon (February 19, 2013) at Rochester General Hospital, following a brief illness.

Born in Hornell on May 25, 1918, she was the daughter of Frank & Mary (Falco) Miller

Janet grew up in Hornell and was a graduate of St. Ann’s School.  She was employed for several years at the former Merrill Hosiery in Hornell and later worked in the cafeteria at Hornell High School. 

From 1964 – 1968 she and her family resided in Wayne, NJ and Pequannock, NJ.  In 1968 the family moved to Callicoon, NY where they resided for about 3 years.  The Grassi family has resided in the Hornell – Canisteo area since 1971.  In later years, Janet & her husband, Toby traveled extensively throughout the United States, re-connecting with family and lifelong friends.