Margaret G. “Mitzi” Amphlett – (94) – 24 Birdsong Terrace, Spencerport, NY, formerly of Hornell, died unexpectedly Tuesday morning (March 7, 2017) at the home of her son in Hornell.

Born in Glasgow, Scotland, on January 20, 1923, she was the daughter of James & Martha (Cluney) Gemmell. She has lived in the United States since the age of three.

Mitzi was a graduate of Hornell High School class of 1941. For over 20 years, she assisted in the operation of Hornell Flooring, a business owned & operated by her husband, Wally and her brother, Robert Gemmell. She was later employed at Kodak Corporation in Rochester for about 15 years, retiring in 1980. She has resided in the Rochester area since the mid 1980’s.

While living in Hornell, Mitzi was a member of the Christian & Missionary Alliance Church and more recently was a member of St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in Hilton, NY.

Mitzi was a former member of the Hornell Moose Lodge and in her younger days was an avid bowler, belonging to several Woman’s Bowling Leagues and Mixed Bowling Leagues.

While her children were growing up, Mitzi was an active volunteer at the Hornell Little League and Hornell Babe Ruth League, working the concession stands and helping out wherever she could. Throughout the years, Mitzi thoroughly enjoyed attending her children & grandchildren’s school and sporting events.

She was married in 1943 to Warren “Wally” Amphlett who died March 13, 2010. Mitzi was also preceded in death by her brothers, James Gemmell, John Gemmell and Robert Gemmell; her sisters Edith Clow, Jessie Davis, Kathryn Lindsey and Hazel McDaniels.

Surviving are two sons, Warren (Mary) Amphlett of Hornell and Jack (Maureen) Amphlett of Ontario, NY; one daughter, Maureen (Thomas) Yurkewecz (with whom she resided) of Spencerport, NY; 7 grandchildren; 11 great-grandchildren; several nieces & nephews.

The family of Margaret G. “Mitzi” Amphlett will receive friends on Sunday 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 Rev Mark Ball officiating. Final interment will be in Rural Cemetery.

Mitzi’s family request that in lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in her name be made to Multiple Sclerosis Association, PO Box 237, East Syracuse, NY 13057 or to the Alzheimer’s Association, 435 East Henrietta Rd., Rochester, NY 14620. Memorial forms will be available at the Dagon Funeral Home.

James M. “Jim” Perry – 58 – of 692 Call Hill Rd., Andover, NY (Town of Hartsville), died suddenly Monday evening (March 6, 2017) at his home due to heart complications.

Born in Hornell on May 21, 1958, he was the son of Carl & Anna (Brown) Perry. He grew up in Hornell and was a graduate of Hornell High School (Class of 1976).

Jim never missed a day of work. He was well known for his “work ethic” and ability to solve the most complex problems. He attributed these abilities to his left handedness. A trait he proudly shares with his two youngest, Westin and Teegan. In his youth, he served as a paper boy for the Hornell Evening Tribune, delivering newspapers for 12 years throughout the 5th Ward (“The Bloody 5th”). Following high school graduation, he was employed for several years at Gunlocke Corporation in Wayland. For over 30 years he was employed as a “Jack of All Trades” at General Electric, Conrail, Morrison-Knudson (MK) and Alstom Corporation, working as a mechanic, welder and in the fabrication department. For the past six years he was employed at National Fuel as a station operation mechanic. Jim also worked as a pyro-technician for Young Explosives for 10 years, orchestrating numerous, local fireworks shows.

For 10 years, Jim served as a Town Council Member for the Town of Hartsville. He was a strong opponent of the Hartsville Wind Project and was not afraid to voice his opinion. His strong support of the town’s interest never wavered. He thoroughly enjoyed the outdoors and working with his hands. Jim spent countless hours tending the family property they call “Perrydise”. For over 30 years, Jim greatly enjoyed hosting family and friends to their annual pond party. His gardens and orchards were bountiful and he took great pride in nurturing them. He also grew flowers & vegetables and made his own apple cider. Occasionally, Jim enjoyed hunting and was a proud member of the National Rifle Association (NRA).

Jim was a member of the former St. Ignatius Loyola Church, and most recently attended Our Lady of the Valley Parish at St. Ann’s Church.

Jim loved his family greatly. He was married on July 4, 1998 to the former Melinda “Mindy” Yates who survives. Also surviving are 2 daughters, Myriah Perry of Hornell and Teegan Perry at home; 2 sons, Corbin Perry of Hornell and Westin Perry at home; 1 brother, Joseph (Taresa) Perry of Brockport; 1 sister, Kathleen “Kathy” (Eric) Burton of Addison; several nieces, nephews & in-laws.

The family of James M. “Jim” Perry will receive friends on Friday from 4:00 PM – 7:00 PM at the Dagon Funeral Home. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Saturday at 11:00 AM at St. Ann’s Church.

Jim’s family request that in lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in his name be made to Boy Scouts of America, Five Rivers Council, 244 West Water St., Elmira, NY 14901 or to Our Lady of the Valley Parish, 27 Erie Ave., Hornell, NY 14843. Memorial forms will be available at the Dagon Funeral Home or click here to print a memorial form.

Robert “Bob” A. DeBeauvernet – 92 – formerly of 1190 State Route 66 (Green Acres Trailer Court) died Tuesday afternoon (February 28, 2017), at Elderwood at Hornell where he had resided for the past 7 months.

Born in Medford, MA on July 3, 1924, he was the son of Adolf & Cecilia (Zindell) DeBeauvernet.  He was a veteran of the US Air Force, serving his country during WWII.

Bob lived most of his life on Long Island where he was employed as a vending machine mechanic for over 30 years.  He has resided in the Hornell area since 1987.

He was a member of Our Lady of the Valley Parish and a communicant of St. Ann’s Church.  He was also an avid golfer.

He was married in 1947 to the former Phyllis Nastasi who died July 30, 2008.

Surviving are 3 sons, Robert (Diane) DeBeauvernet of Florida, Philip (April) DeBeauvernet of Pennsylvania, and Dennis (Lenny Arias) DeBeauvernet of South Dansville; 1 daughter, Susan (Jim Mateo) DeBeauvernet of Florida; many grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces & nephews.

At Bob’s request there will be no prior calling hours.  A Memorial Mass will be celebrated on Thursday at 2:00 PM St. Ann’s Church.  Final interment will be in St. Mary’s Cemetery.

Bob’s family request that in lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in his name be made to Elderwood at Hornell, One Bethesda Drive, Hornell N.Y. 14843

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

Arlene Snyder – 90 – died Tuesday morning (February 28, 2017) at the Livingston County Center for Nursing and Rehabilitation in Mt. Morris, NY where she had resided for the past two years.

Born in Port Chester, NY on June 13, 1926, she was the daughter of Frank & Alice (Brazee) Culko.

Arlene was a graduate of Port Chester High School (class of 1946). She resided in Pleasantville, NY for many years and had been employed as a secretary at Westchester Country Club in Rye, NY.

Surviving are her son, Eugene Meloni of Las Vegas, NV; 2 daughters, Laurie Wheeler of White Plains, NY and Eileen (Carl) Hilsdorf of Hornell; along with 6 grandchildren.

At Arlene’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.

Kenneth E. “Ken” Stephens – 76 – of 1244 Maple Court, Hornell, (Town of Hornellsville) died early Tuesday morning (February 28, 2017) at his home, following a long illness.

Born in North Hornell on September 15, 1940, he was the son of Elver & Marian (Taylor) Stephens.

Ken was a lifelong resident of the Hornell area and was a graduate of Hornell High School (class of 1959).

Ken was always known and admired for his great “work ethic”. While in high school, Ken worked for several area farmers. He would milk cows before school and return to the farms after school to milk cows again. During that same time and for a brief period following high school graduation, he was employed at the former Marion Rohr Corporation. He was actually the very first male ever hired at the company.

He was employed at the Erie Railroad, the Erie Lackawanna Railroad and Conrail, primarily as a Brakeman, working on the Caboose. He retired in 2002 with over 40 years of service. Always having the admiration of his co-workers, he was given the knick-name “Nice Guy” by his many friends on the railroad.

Ken had been a member of the Hornell Moose Lodge and an associate member of the American Legion. He was an avid golfer who not only enjoyed playing at the local golf courses but loved traveling with his golfing buddies to many out of town golf courses. In his younger years, Ken enjoyed hunting & fishing. He was a die-hard New York Yankee Fan and Buffalo Bills Fan. He also enjoyed doing yard work and carpentry projects and “tinkering” around the house. His greatest joy, however, was simply enjoying everyday life with his family!

He was married on June 25, 1960 to the former Margery “Marge” Watkins who died December 5, 2010. Ken was also preceded in death by his grandson, Joshua Wing who died in 1983 and his sister, Margaret Carson who died in 2011.

Surviving are 2 sons, Kenneth “Ken” Stephens JR of Arkport and Scott (Tammy) Stephens of Canaseraga; 2 daughters, Kathryn “Katy” (Patrick) Wing of Canisteo and Erin (Rick) Smith of Dansville; 1 brother, Gerald (Karen) Stephens of Melbourne, FL; 1 sister, Judith “Judy” Adams of Hornell; 12 grandchildren; 19 great-grandchildren; several nieces, nephews & cousins.

The family of Kenneth E. “Ken” Stephens will receive friends on Friday from 4:00 PM – 7:00 PM at the Dagon Funeral Home, 38 Church St., Hornell, NY where funeral services will be held at 11:00 AM on Saturday with Deacon Robert McCormick officiating. Burial will be in St. Mary’s Cemetery.

Ken’s family request that in lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in his name be made to the National Parkinson Foundation, PO Box 23204, Rochester, NY 14692. Memorial forms will be available at the Dagon Funeral Home.

Cheyanna Marie Nickel – 27 – of 236 Main St., Dansville, formerly of Hornell, died Monday evening (February 20, 2017) at Upstate Medical Center in Syracuse, following a long illness.

Born in Hornell on May 31, 1989, she was the daughter of Michele Nickel and Charles Chriscaden.

Cheyanna resided most of her life in Hornell and was a graduate of Hornell High School (class of 2010).   She had lived in Dansville for the past year.  Cheyanna was a member of New Bread Ministries for many years.

She had been employed as a delivery person for the Hornell-Canisteo Penn E Saver and also enjoyed helping with fundraising events at the Arkport Fire Department.  Cheyanna overcame many obstacles in her life and was a former participant of Special Olympics.  One of her fondest memories was her trip to Honolulu, Hawaii to meet her favorite celebrity, Dog the Bounty Hunter, a trip granted to her by the Make-A-Wish Foundation.

Cheyanna enjoyed crocheting, knitting, coloring & playing video games.  She was a diehard Buffalo Bills Football Fan and an avid NASCAR fan and especially loved rooting for her favorite driver, Dale Earnhardt, JR.

She was preceded in death by her maternal grandfather, Robert Nickel; her paternal grandmother, Helen Ryan Chriscaden; step-grandfather John L. Easton; and step-grandfather, Don Elliott.

Surviving are her mother & step-father, Michele Nickel and Terry Muchler of Hornell; her father & step-mother, Charlie & Felicia Chriscaden of Hornell; her brothers, Joseph Manley, Casey Chriscaden, Chuck Chriscaden, Timothy Houk, Jonathan Chriscaden, & Cody Aultman; her sisters, Kristen LaFleur and Jessica ZaZubec; maternal grandmother, Bertha “Bert” Nickel of Arkport; paternal grandfather, Laverne Chriscaden of Canisteo; step grandparents, Paul & Mary Muchler of Arkport, Christine Elliott of Ohio, Emma Jean Easton of Tennessee; her special friend, Jon Harvey of Dansville; several aunts, uncles, and cousins.

The family of Cheyanna Marie Nickel will receive friends on Saturday from 12:00 PM – 2:00 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 2:00 PM with Bishop James Hall officiating.

Cheyanna’s family request that in lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in her name be made to the Make-A-Wish Foundation, 3025 Monroe Avenue – Suite 200, Rochester, NY 14618.  Memorial forms will be available at the Dagon Funeral Home or click here to print a memorial form.

Diane S. Nye – 52 – of 10229 Route 961F, Arkport, died Saturday morning (February 18, 2017) at her home, following a long illness.

Born in Batavia, NY on October 16, 1964 and was the daughter of Albert & Yvonne (Bellinger) Nye.

Diane grew up in the Wellsville – Andover area and attended Wellsville High School. She had been employed for a time in the housekeeping department of the Wellsville Manor and for many years was a “Stay-At-Home” Mom.

She has resided in the Arkport area for the past 27 years and for about 12 years was employed in the customer service & billing department at Pro Care in Hornell , bringing kindness and a smile to all with whom she worked. She retired in August, 2015 due to ill health.

Diane enjoyed planting & growing flowers and shopping for her grandchildren. She had a fascination and a fondness for the Amish lifestyle and enjoyed visiting the Amish communities and collecting Amish & Mennonite artifacts. She also enjoyed collecting glass miniatures, especially heart shaped miniatures and snowmen.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Albert & Yvonne Nye.

Surviving are her lifelong companion, Raymond “Ray” Stephens; 2 daughters, Devon (Edward) Liddiard of Weedsport, NY and Danyelle (Lester Burley) Kozlowski of Arkport; 2 sons, Derrick (Naomi) Schneble of St. Louis, MO and Damon Kozlowski of Canaseraga; Ray’s children, Holly (Justin Hershberger) Stephens of Canaseraga and Brooke (Christopher) Drew of Canaseraga; 2 brothers, Edward VanBuskirk of Andover and Jack (Brenda) VanBuskirk of Andover; 1 sister, Tina Cauvel of Johnsonburg, PA; her grandchildren, Logan, Reed, Andrew, Jaxson, Sophia, Zachary, Maci, Rachel & Korin; several aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces & nephews.

The family of Diane S. Nye will receive friends on Thursday from 4:00 PM – 7:00 PM at the Dagon Funeral Home, 38 Church St., Hornell, NY. Funeral services will be held on Friday at 11:00 AM at the Valley Wesleyan Church, 638 State Route 70, Canaseraga, NY with Rev. Jason Shambach officiating. Burial will be in Canaseraga Cemetery.

Diane’s family request that in lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in her name be made to Wilmot Cancer Institute, C/O Strong Memorial Hospital, 601 Elmwood Ave., Rochester, NY 14642. Memorial forms will be available at the Dagon Funeral Home.

Sandra L. Thompson – 75 – of 1505 County Road 13C, Canaseraga, NY, died Saturday (February 11, 2017) at Wellsville Manor in Wellsville, NY, where she had resided for the past month.

Born in Elmira, NY on March 20, 1941, she was the daughter of Carlton and Evelyn (Philipps) Beach.

Sandra was a life resident of Canaseraga, NY and graduated from Canaseraga Central School.  She enrolled in the nursing program at Alfred State College and became a registered nurse.  Throughout her nursing career, Sandra worked at St. James Mercy Hospital in Hornell, Noyes Memorial Hospital in Dansville, and was a Visiting Nurse for Livingston County.  Sandra was passionate about animal welfare, politics, and England.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by one brother, James, and two sisters, Rita Kay & Lisa.

Sandra was married on August 29, 1959 to Theodore “Ted” Thompson who survives.  Also surviving are two sons, Lee (Gwen) Thompson of Lakeside, CA and David Thompson of Hollis, ME; one daughter, Michele (Michael) Paige of Hollis, ME; one brother, Randy Hayes of Livonia, NY;  two nephews, Ian (Melissa) Thompson of Canaseraga, NY and Chad Hayes of St. Petersburg, FL; and one niece, Michelle Hayes of Las Vegas, NV.

At Sandra’s request there will be no calling hours or services.  Funeral arrangements are in care of the Dagon Funeral Home, 38 Church St., Hornell, NY.

Maria Fucci Ormsby – 69 – of Brick Township, NJ, formerly of Hornell died Sunday (February 5, 2017) at Ocean Medical Center in Brick Township following a long illness.

Born in Hornell on February 16, 1947, she was the daughter of Anthony & Mary (Caruso) Fucci.

Maria grew up in Hornell and was a graduate of St. Ann’s School. She later graduated from Hornell High School (class of 1965). While living in Hornell, she was a communicant of
St. Ann’s Church.

Following her high school graduation, Maria moved to New Jersey where she attended Wilfred Academy in Newark, NY where she obtained her beautician / hairdresser license. For over 25 years she was employed as a receptionist at American Van Equipment in Lakewood, NY.

For many years, Maria was an extremely active member of The Church of the Visitation where she helped out in all aspects of the church such as fundraising and the day to day operation of the church.

Maria had an extreme love of cooking & baking and was known to be a “very active shopper”. She also had a deep love of music and especially enjoyed listening to classical music.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her sister, Clara Fucci who died at the age of three; her brother, Mike Fucci who died in 2012.

Surviving are 2 daughters, Tina Ormsby of Toms River, NJ and Bernadette Ormsby of Georgia; her grandchildren, Brandon Ellis, Maria hunter and Anthony Ellis; 1 great-granddaughter, Rozalin Schuler; 1 brother, Lenny (Diane) Fucci of Hornell; 2 sisters, Amelia Dempsey of Hamburg, NY and Marjorie (Jim) blowers of Swain; her sister-in-law, Linda Fucci of Hornell; several nieces, nephews & cousins.

Friends are invited to attend a Memorial Mass on Monday (February 13, 2017) at 10:00 AM at St. Ann’s Church. Final interment will be in St. Ann’s Cemetery.

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

Maria’s family request that in lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in her name be made to St. Ann’s Academy, PO Box 446, Hornell, NY 14843.  Click here to print a memorial form.

Daniel “Hoot Owl” P. Brown – 60 – of 6969 Route 21, Almond, died Saturday evening (January 28, 2017) at Strong Memorial Hospital in Rochester, following a brief illness.

Born in Hornell on June 27, 1956, he was the son of Robert & Kathleen (Watkins) Brown.

Dan grew up in Almond and attended Alfred-Almond Central School.

He had been employed as a plumber for nearly 35 years at Alfred University.  Dan was an avid hunter & fisherman and had been a member of the Arkport American Legion.  His favorite pastime was “Hoisting A Few” with his many friends, especially at the Old Mill Inn.

In addition to his parents, Dan was preceded in death by 2 brothers, Robert Brown and Thomas Brown; 1 sister, Marjorie Stephens.

Surviving are several nieces, nephews & cousins and his beloved dog, Shadow.

At Dan’s request there will be no calling hours.  Friends are invited to attend a “Gathering of Remembrance” on Sunday, February 12, 2017 at 12:00 PM at the Old Mill Inn located at 1 Depot St., Alfred Station, NY 14803.

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

Dan’s family request that in lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in his name be made to Trout Unlimited – Chapter 706 (Upper Genesee River Chapter), 7282 Route 305, Belfast, NY 14711.  Click here to print a memorial form.