Donald Dominic “Don” Piano – (81) – with residences in both Hornell and Rochester, New York, died peacefully Saturday morning (June 23, 2012) at Rochester General Hospital following a long battle with pancreatic cancer.

Born on Central Park in Rochester on November 11, 1930, he was the son of (Giuseppe/Joseph) and Frances (D’Angelo) Piampiano (name later changed to Piano).

As a child, Don lived in Rochester and Buffalo.  His family moved to Hornell when he was about 10 years old.  One of his fondest early memories was attending the 1939 New York World’s Fair.  He was a member of the Hornell High School Class of 1950. 

From 1951 – 1953, Don served his country as a member of the US Army Security Courier Corps, stationed at Rhein-Main Air Base in West Germany.  After returning home, Don enrolled at Alfred State College, where he earned his Associate’s Degree in Applied Sciences / Sales and Distribution. 

Rosemary M. “Mitzie” Murphy – 81 – of 116 Maple St., Hornell, died Friday morning (June 22, 2012) at St. James Mercy Hospital surrounded by her loving family.

Born in Hornell on December 13, 1930, she was the daughter of Edward & Katherine (Hennessy) McEntee.

A lifelong resident of Hornell, Mitzie was a graduate of St. Ann’s School (class of 1945) and later graduated from Hornell High School (class of 1949).  For two years she attended Geneseo State College where she majored in Librarian and Elementary Education. 

Rosemary was employed for 2 years as a secretary in the Order Department of the former SKF Industries.  She later served as a substitute teacher at St. Ann’s School under Sister Mary Irma for 3 years and as secretary of St. Ann’s School for 29 years.  She retired in 1998.

William L. “Bill” Brown – 82 – of Hornell, died Wednesday morning (June 6, 2012) at his home, following a long illness.

Born in Hornell on October 7, 1929, he was the son of LeVerne & Bernice (Bicknell) Brown.  Bill grew up in Hornell and attended Hornell Public Schools until graduation from Hornell High School in 1948.

In December, 1948, Bill began working at the New York State Department of Transportation (NYSDOT), Division of Engineering, district No. 6, in Hornell, NY. 

Bill was a veteran of the US Army during the Korean Conflict, serving his country from 1951 – 1953.  Following his Honorable Discharge in February, 1953, he returned to the NYSDOT to become a civil engineer and in April, 1981, received the Engineer of the Year Award.  In May, 1986, Bill retired following 37 ½ years of service.

Harry E. Becker – (90) – of 73 Steuben St., Hornell, died early Friday morning (May 25, 2012) at the Bath VA Medical Center, following a long illness.

Born in Hornell on august 6, 1921, he was the son of Charles & Florence (Raish) Becker.

Harry grew up in Hornell and attended Hornell High School.  During WWII, Harry proudly served his country as a member of the US Army.  He was a member of Company K 108th Infantry Regiment (27th Division) which later became the 40th Infantry Division in the Pacific.  He participated at Guadalcanal, New Britain, Luzon, Mindanao & Leyte. 

During his military career, Harry received numerous medals & awards, including the Bronze Star, American Defense Service Medal, American Service Medal and the Asiatic Pacific Service Medal with Arrowhead.   He also received the Good Conduct Medal, Philippines Liberation Ribbon, Expert Infantry Badge, Combat Infantry Badge, WWII Victory Medal and the Antarctica Service Medal.

Walter M. “Ike” Schieder – 62 – of 480 Maple City Drive, Hornell, died unexpectedly Sunday afternoon (May 20, 2012) at his home.

Born in Hornell on August 12, 1949, he was the son of Joseph & Adele (Lucas) Schieder.

Although Ike was raised in Hornell, he attended Manlius Military School during his sophomore year.  He returned to Hornell High School for his junior & senior years and graduated with his class in 1967.  He later attended Monroe Community College and Alfred State College.
 
He had been employed as a lab technician at former Bethesda Hospital in the mid-1970s and had also worked at the former FBC Department Store.  For a time, Ike worked at the Alfred Ski Lodge in the maintenance department and making snow.

Dr. Joseph P. McCormick – 65 – of 72 Maple St., Hornell, died early Sunday morning (May 20, 2012) at St. James Mercy Hospital, following a long illness.

Born in Hornell on November 30, 1946, he was the son of Charles & Catherine (Bulock) McCormick.

Joe grew up in Hornell and was a graduate of St. Ann’s School.  He later spent four years attending St. Andrews Roman Catholic Seminary in Rochester, NY. 

He was a 1969 graduate of Alfred University where he earned his BA Degree in biology.  He later studied physics at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute in Troy, NY.  Dr. McCormick graduated from George Washington University School of Medicine in Washington, DC.  Following his graduation from medical school, he completed his surgical residency at George Washington University Medical Center.

Mark S. Sawczyszyn – 57 – a resident of Southview IRA in Wayland, NY, formerly of Hornell, died unexpectedly Thursday morning (May 17, 2012) at Noyes Memorial Hospital in Dansville, where he was taken after being stricken at home.

Born in Hornell on May 12, 1955, he was the son of Stephen & Elnora (Butler) Sawczyszyn.

A resident of Hornell for most of his life, Mark moved to Wayland about 8 years ago.  He had been a member of Our Lady of the Valley Parish and a communicant of St. Ann’s Church.  While residing in Wayland, he enjoyed the time that he had spent working at the Dogwood Day Service in Dansville.  He later looked forward to spending time at the Adult Day Care at McAuley Manor in Hornell.

Robert J. “Bob” Argentieri – (86) – of 1130 Airport Road, Hornell, died Thursday morning (May 10, 2012) at Hornell Gardens, following a long illness.

A native & life resident of Hornell, he was born November 11, 1925, and was the son of Silvino & Dorothy (Feeney) Argentieri.

Bob was a graduate of St. Ann’s School and later graduated from Hornell High School (class of 1944).  

From 1944 -1961 he was employed as an accountant at the Erie Accounting Bureau.  In 1961 he began working as a mail carrier for the US Postal Service, a position he held until 1984.  From 1984 – 1992 he worked at Off Track Betting in Hornell.

Bob was a member of Our Lady of the Valley Parish and a communicant of St. Ann’s Church, where he served as an usher for many years.  He had also been a member of the St. Ann’s Parish Council and served on the finance committee.  He was a member of the Hornell Knights of Columbus an also the Hornell Elks Lodge and had served on the Arkport School Board.  Bob was also an avid Buffalo Bills and New York Yankee Fan.

Michael J. “Mike” Beecher – 42 – of 8008 State Route 36, Arkport, died unexpectedly on Tuesday at his home.

Born in Hornell on February 18, 1970, he was the son of Harold & Marilyn “Virginia” (Borden) Beecher.

Mike grew up in Canaseraga, NY and was a graduate of Canaseraga Central School (class of 1988).  He was a veteran of the US Army, serving his country from 1988 – 1990.

For the past 12 years, Mike was employed at Gunlocke Corporation in Wayland in various capacities, most recently as an upholsterer. 

He was an avid Denver Broncos fan and especially enjoyed rooting for his favorite player, John Elway.  He also enjoyed NASCAR with his favorite driver being Kyle Buisch.  Mike also liked hunting, bowling and working on cars.  His true love was for his family, especially his children.

Harold R. “Bob” Lieb, JR – 57 – of 13 Cottage Ave., Hornell, died unexpectedly Thursday morning (May 3, 2012) at his home.

Born in Hornell on May 14, 1954, he was the son of Harold & Jean (O’Connor) Lieb.

Bob grew up in Hornell and was a graduate of Hornell High School (class of 1972).  He attended Alfred State College and was a graduate of Corning Community College where he received his Bachelor of Science Degree in Civil Engineering Technology. 

He resided in Alaska (Juno, Valdez & Fairbanks) for many years where he was employed by the State of Alaska.  He also resided in Penn Yan for several years.  After returning to Hornell about 15 years ago, Bob worked for the New York State Department of Transportation as an engineer in the Bridge Department.  He moved to Florida for about 1 ½ years and, again, returned to Hornell about 3 ½ years ago.