Ronald P. “Ron” Webb

“Life should not be a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving safely in a pretty and well preserved body, but rather to skid in broadside in a cloud of smoke, thoroughly used up, totally worn out, and loudly proclaiming “Wow! What a Ride!”

“Ron” Webb, 63 of 10142 County Rd #16, Swain, NY enjoyed that kind of life journey making his final ride following a long illness early Saturday morning (January 9, 2016), holding his loving wife’s hand and with his beloved, lab “Fergie” watching over him.

Born in Niagara Fall, NY on December 31, 1952, he was the son of Harold & Janet (Hartman) Webb.

Ron grew up in Niagara Falls (Town of Wheatfield) and was a graduate of Niagara-Wheatfield High School (Class of 1972).  He has resided in the Swain area (Town of Grove) for the past 30 years.

He had been employed as a millwright & welder at National Grinding Wheel in North Tonawanda for about 15 years until its closure.  After relocating to Swain and for the next 25 years, Ron worked in the maintenance department at Elf Atochem, which later became Arkema Inc, an industrial chemical plant located in Piffard, NY. Ron took pride being selected a member of the Arkema team, building a “Habitat for Humanity” home for a family in Louisiana. He “retired” about 8 years ago.

Following his “retirement”, Ron began working in the Building & Grounds department of Hornell High School and later served as a bus driver for the Hornell School System.  As a bus driver, he would often drive the athletic teams to various sporting events and quickly became an avid Hornell High School Sports Fan.  He finally retired in April, 2014 due to ill health.

Ron was an avid Harley Davidson Motorcycle enthusiast who enjoyed touring and attending bike rallies throughout the Northeast and Florida with friends and family.  When his health declined he was able to continue his desire to ride with the purchase of a 3-wheeled trike, his Harley “Tri-Glide Ultra”.  He was a member of the Arkport HOG Chapter.

He was an avid outdoorsman & sportsman who thoroughly enjoyed hunting, fishing and camping. He not only hunted with conventional rifles & shotguns, but also enjoyed “black powder” rifle and bow-hunting.  He loved hunting big game; deer, caribou and big-horn sheep, and also game-birds such as duck, turkey & partridge.  His fishing adventures included fishing on the Niagara & St Lawrence Rivers, Lake Erie, the Pacific Ocean and reef fishing off the coasts of Mexico and Costa Rica. Throughout the years, Ron not only fished fresh water for walleye, trout and bass, he also enjoyed deep sea fishing for tuna, dorado, marlin and roosterfish. Memorable camping trips were made along the St Lawrence River, the Adirondacks, Maine and Nova Scotia.

Not being a “resort-type” vacationer, Ron’s travel excursions included: trekking Mayan ruins throughout Central America, snorkeling with sharks & sting rays on the barrier reef off Belize & Mexico, seeking the perfect glass of Guinness in Ireland & Rum in Jamaica, white water rafting class V’s on the Gauley in West Virginia and always making new friends to laugh and party with at Mardi Gras and Daytona Bike Weeks.
Ron was an avid Buffalo Bills Football fan (the good, the bad and all the “rebuilding” years) and also loved rooting for the Buffalo Sabers and Syracuse Orangemen.  In his high school years, he was an aggressive football, lacrosse and ice hockey player.

He was preceded in death by his father, Harold Webb and also his granddaughter, Grace Fraiser.

Ron was married on September 9, 1989 to the former Peggy Gelser who survives.  Also surviving are his children from a previous marriage; 1 son, Paul (Brian) Webb-Welch of Atlanta, GA; 1 daughter, Cari (Jason) Fraiser of North Tonawanda; his mother, Janet Webb of Niagara Falls; 1 brother, Dennis (Jackie) Webb of St. Petersburg, FL; 3 grandchildren; several nieces, nephews, aunts & uncles.

The family of Ronald P “Ron” Webb will receive friends on Saturday from 4:00 PM until 6:00 PM at the Dagon Funeral Home, 38 Church St., Hornell, NY.  A “Celebration of Ron’s Life” will be held on Sunday from 1:00 PM until 4:00 PM at the Sierra Inn, Swain, NY, where family & friends are invited to share memories and stories of Ron’s Life.

Ron’s family request that in lieu of flowers, you perform an unexpected and unsolicited act of kindness.

Marilyn T. “Molly” Holmes – 88 – a resident at Hornell Gardens died Sunday morning (January 10, 2016) at St. James Mercy Hospital where she was taken by Hornell City Ambulance.

Born in Hornell on May 19, 1927, she was the daughter of John and Lila (Burrows) Ahearn.

Molly grew up in Hornell, NY and was a graduate of Hornell High School (Class of 1945).  During her adult years, Molly lived in different areas of New York, including Rochester, Holcomb, and Webster before moving back to Hornell in 1992.  After graduating from Hornell High School she worked for Cards Drug Store for a couple of years.  She was employed by Stromberg-Carlson, a telecommunications equipment and electronics manufacturing company in Rochester, NY.  She later became a mail carrier for twenty-one years with the United States Postal Service.  After retiring from the USPS in 1989, Molly worked at the Twentieth Century Club Library in Almond, NY for about seven years.

Molly was a member of Our Lady of the Valley Parish and a communicant of St. Ann’s Church.  In her youth, she attended St. Ignatius Church.

Being part Iroquois, Molly was an avid collector of Native American Indian artifacts.  She was a member of the Iroquois Studies Association and a life member of the VFW Ladies Auxiliary.  Molly had a love of reading, and she was an exceptional gardener – flowers were her passion!  An organization near and dear to Molly’s heart was the St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.  The monthly donations she had been making for decades aided in the research of life-threatening diseases and the treatment of children.

In addition to her parents, Molly was preceded in death by four brothers, John “Jack” Ahearn, James Ahearn, Joseph Ahearn, and William Ahearn; one sister, Bette (Moss) VanHassent.

Surviving are her brothers, Gerard “Jerry” Ahearn of Genoa, NY and Michael Ahearn (Lee Lysyczyn)  of Painted Post, NY; several nieces and nephews.

The family of Marilyn T. “Molly” Holmes will receive friends on Friday from 4:00 PM to 6:00 PM at the Dagon Funeral Home, 38 Church Street, Hornell, NY where a Memorial Service will be celebrated at the conclusion of calling hours at 6:00 PM with Deacon Robert McCormick officiating.  Final interment will be in St. Ann’s Cemetery.

Molly’s family requests that memorial contributions in her name be made to the St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 262 Danny Thomas Place, Memphis, TN 38105 or the Hornell Animal Shelter, 7694 Industrial Park Road, Hornell, NY 14843.  Memorial forms will be available at the Dagon Funeral Home or click here to print a memorial form.

Cameron Lane Caruso – 21 – of 41 Westview Crescent, Geneseo, died unexpectedly Wednesday afternoon (January 6, 2016) in Largo, FL.

Born in Buffalo, NY on January 22, 1994, he was the son of Sean & Andrea (Sonner) Caruso.

Cameron grew up in Olean and later in Geneseo and was a graduate of Geneseo Central School (class of 2012).  Currently, he was a student at Monroe Community College in Rochester, majoring in public relations.

He was preceded in death by his paternal grandmother, Linda Caruso who died in 2013.

Cameron is survived by his parents, Sean & Andrea Caruso of Geneseo; 2 brothers, Taylor Evan Caruso and Michael Lynn Caruso, both of Geneseo; his paternal grandfather, Michael Caruso of North Hornell; his maternal grandparents, Joseph & Gaynel Sonner of Machias, NY; many aunts, uncles & cousins.

Cameron’s family will receive friends on Monday from 4:00 PM until 7:00 PM at the Dagon Funeral Home, 38 Church St., Hornell, NY where Funeral Services will be held on Tuesday at 11:00 AM with Deacon Robert McCormick officiating.  Burial will be in St. Mary’s Cemetery next to his grandmother.

Glen A. Bossard – 84 – of 7685 Reservoir Rd, Hornell (Town of Fremont) died Thursday morning (January 7, 2016) at home, following a long illness.

A native & life resident of Hornell, he was born June 27, 1931 and was the son of Roy & Florence (Jaynes) Bossard.

Glen was a graduate of Hornell High School (class of 1948) and later worked on the L.O. Bossard Dairy Farm (owned by his uncle).

In 1955, he began working for New York Telephone Company which later became Bell Atlantic and finally Verizon.  Throughout the years Glen was employed as a lineman, specialist, cable splicer, installer & repairman, retiring in 1991.

Glen was a member of the Telephone Pioneer’s Union and was a former member of the Hornell Moose Lodge.  He enjoyed playing cards, especially poker & euchre and was a member of a local card club.  Glen enjoyed the outdoors (especially the winter months) and was a member of several snowmobile clubs.  In his younger years, he enjoyed hunting.

He was preceded in death by his son, Steven “Boz” Bossard who died in 2002; his daughter, Catherine “Cathy” Bossard who died in 2006; 2 sisters, Ruth Kame and Mildred “Millie” Flaherty; and his brother, Merle Bossard.

Glen was married on January 25, 1953 to the former Mary Dixon who survives.  Also surviving are 2 sons, Richard “Dick” (Nancy Kull) Bossard of Almond and Brett (Kerry) Bossard of Ithaca; 1 daughter, Barbara “Barb” (Ron) Hilsdorf of Fremont; daughter-in-law, Julie Bossard; 6 grandchildren, Rachel Bossard, Natalie Bossard, Becky Bossard, Katie Bossard, Sarah (Dan) McManus and Rian Hilsdorf; 3 great-grandchildren, Conrad Meyer, Logan Johnson and Macheyenne Johnson; several nieces & nephews.

The family of Glen A. Bossard will receive friends on Sunday from 4:00 PM until 7:00 PM at the Dagon Funeral Home, 38 Church St., Hornell, NY where funeral services will be held on Monday at11:00 AM with Deacon Robert McCormick officiating.  Burial will be in Rural Cemetery.

Glen’s family request that in lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in his name be made to either the Cathy Bossard Scholarship Fund, C/O Hornell Alumni Association, PO Box 135, Hornell, NY 14843 or to the Fremont Fire & Ambulance, State Route 21, Stephens Mills, NY 14843. Memorial forms will be available at the Dagon Funeral Home or Click Here to print a memorial form

Francis J. “Frank” Losecco – 86 – of 1190 County Route 66 (Green Acre Trailer Court), Hornell, died Friday evening (January 1, 2016) at Strong Memorial Hospital in Rochester, following a long illness.

A lifelong resident of Hornell, he was born on August 24, 1929 and was the son of Anthony & Josephine (Marino) Losecco.

Frank attended Hornell High School and later was employed at the former Stern & Stern Textile Corporation.  He was drafted in 1950 and served his country as a member of the US Army during the Korean Conflict.

Following his honorable discharge from the US Army, Frank returned to Hornell and resumed working at Stern & Stern Textile Corporation.  He worked for the company for a total of 16 years.  For several years, Frank served as a “handy-man” at the former Cameo Shop, and throughout the years as a self employed house painter.  For about 16 years, he was employed as a machinist at the former Erie Railroad, Erie-Lackawanna Railroad and Conrail.  For several years he worked at Morrison-Knudson (MK) and later was employed at Alstom Corporation, “retiring” in 1993.  Following his “retirement”, Frank enjoyed helping his son by working at the former Fran’s Locker Room and Losecco’s Family Market.  He officially retired 11 years ago.

Frank had a deep love of music and especially enjoyed listening to some of the great Italian singers such as Dean Martin, Frank Sinatra and Louie Prima.  He also enjoyed dancing during the Big Band Era.  Along with his son, he loved rooting for the Miami Dolphins.

He was preceded in death by his daughter, Tina Marie Losecco who died in 1972; 1 brother, Salvatore “Toddy” Losecco; 4 sisters, Annie Messina, Eva Armetta , Julia Schiera and Felecia Losecco.

Frank was married on October 6, 1951 (64 years) to the former Mary Ann Secondo who survives.  Also surviving are 2 daughters, Regina “Gina” Gurrola of Mesa, AZ and Theresa (Chuck) Hallas of Hornell; 1 son, Francis “Fran” (Lynda) Losecco of Canisteo; 1 sister, Mary Losecco of Hornell; 1 brother, Anthony Losecco of Cleveland, OH;
7 grandchildren; 7 great-grandchildren; several nieces & nephews.

The family of Francis J. “Frank” Losecco will receive friends on Tuesday from 4:00 PM until 7:00 PM at the Dagon Funeral Home, 38 Church St., Hornell, NY.  A Memorial Mass will be celebrated on Wednesday at 10:00 AM at St. Ann’s Church.  Final interment with full military honors will be in St. Mary’s Cemetery.

Frank’s family request that in lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in his name be made to either Strong Memorial Hospital, 4-1200 Unit Palliative Care, 601 Elmwood Ave., Rochester, NY 14642 or to Visiting Nurse Foundation Inc., PO Box 270441, Rochester, NY 14627.  Memorial forms will be available at the Dagon Funeral Home or CLICK HERE to print a memorial form.

In recognition to Frank’s service to his country during the Korean Conflict, the American Flag at the Dagon Funeral Home will be flown at half-staff.

Shirley E. Flaitz – (83) – of 153 Leach Ave., Hornell, died Sunday morning (December 27, 2015) at the home of her daughter in Cedar Creek, TX, following a brief illness.

Born in Liberty, PA on January 27, 1932, she was the daughter of Arnold & Ella (Scarborough) Plank.

Shirley spent her early years on her family farm in Liberty, PA and when she was about 12 years old, her family moved to the Hornell – Canisteo – Almond area.  She was a graduate of Alfred-Almond Central School (class of 1951).  She later graduated from Cosmetology School in Buffalo, NY.

She served the community as a licensed beautician, cosmetologist & hairdresser for about 60 years.  Throughout the years she owned & operated a beauty parlor in Almond and later owned & operated New Image Salon of Hornell.   She also worked at several local beauty salons, including Beau-Tan Beauty Shop, and Tres’ Chic in Hornell. Shirley was on call for decades at several area funeral homes.  She retired in October, 2014 after working with Karen Kinnerney-Bradley.

Shirley spent most of her “free time” attending family functions and get-togethers.  She especially enjoyed attending her children and grandchildren’s school and sporting events.  She will be remembered for her contagious laugh and ever-present smile.  She certainly brought a smile to everyone’s face simply by “being Shirley”. She was adored by her children, grandchildren and great grandchildren. She brought joy and laughter to everyone that knew her. Her love was truly unconditional and her family was blessed more than words could ever express to be a part of her life.

She was married to Samuel “Sam” Flaitz who died in 1987.  She was also preceded in death by two step-sons, Ronald Flaitz and Norman Flaitz; her brother, Lyle Plank.

Surviving are 2 sons, Gerald “Jerry” (Patricia) Flaitz of Alfred Station and Kevin Flaitz of Alfred Station; 3 daughters, Cynthia (David) Jamison of Arkport, Deborah “Debby” (Daniel) Warczok of Arkport and Sally (Steve) McQueen of Cedar Creek, TX; 1 step-son, James Flaitz of Florida; 2 sisters, Beverly (Harold) Snyder of Alfred and Wanda (Randy) Atkin of Arlington, TX; 13 grandchildren: Gerald Flaitz JR, Eric Flaitz, Kaitlyn Flaitz, Jessica Flaitz, Zachary Jamison, Schuyler Jamison, Ryan Jamison, Cheyenne Jamison, Rachel Warczok, Nathan Warczok, Adam Law, Mike Flaitz, and David Flaitz; 4 great-grandchildren, Taylor Flaitz, Olivia Flaitz, Derek Flaitz, and Mason Flaitz; several nieces & nephews. Also, a very dear friend and neighbor Bill Harwood and family.

The family of Shirley E. Flaitz will receive friends on Saturday from 12:00 PM (noon) until 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 Deacon Robert McCormick officiating.

Shirley’s family request that in lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in her name may be made to a charity that was very important to her, St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital, PO Box 1000 – Dept. 300, Memphis, TN  38148.  Memorial forms will be available at the Dagon Funeral Home or click here to print a memorial form.

Debra E. “Debbie” Booth – 57 – formerly of North Main St., Hornell, died Monday evening (November 30, 2015) at McAuley Manor where she had resided for the past five years.

Born in Cuba, NY on March 12, 1958, she was the daughter of Roy & Jessie (Young) Button.

Debbie was lifelong resident of Hornell and was a graduate of Hornell High School (class of 1976).  She had been employed as a bartender at the former Blue Angel Restaurant for several years.  She later became a “Stay At Home Mom” raising her three children.

She was an avid NASCAR fan and also enjoyed watching NFL football and rooting for the Buffalo Bills.

Debbie was preceded in death by her father, Roy Button who died in 1999.

Surviving are 2 daughters, Regina Masterson of Hornell and Billie Jo Booth of Hornell; 1 son, Adam (Shannon) Simms of Avoca; her mother, Jessie Button of Perry; 2 brothers, Mike (Marcia) Button of Perry and Jeffery (Cheryl)  Button of New Mexico; 3 sisters, Bonnie (Steve) Willey of Perry, Laurie (Herb Bowman) Button of Florida, and Tammy Stewart of Perry; 5 grandchildren, Chelsea Clymo, Alexa Clymo, Jade Dubois, Ethan Speed and Jeffery Simms; several nieces & nephews.

At Debbie’s request there will be no calling hours.  A Memorial Service will be held on Saturday at 10:00 AM the Dagon Funeral Home, 38 Church St., Hornell, NY with Pastor Calvin Smith officiating.

Debbie’s family request that memorial contributions in her name be made to Huntington’s Disease Society of America, 505 8th Ave., Suite 902, New York, NY 10018.  Memorial forms will be available at the Dagon Funeral Home.

Dale E. Wing – 85 – of Burleson, TX, formerly of Arkport, died Friday morning (October 30, 2015), following a brief illness.

Born in Hornell on April 19, 1930, he was the son of Leonard and Mabel (Woodworth) Wing.

Dale attended Arkport Central School and later had many years of training in the aircraft industry.

He was a 20 year veteran of the US Air Force and had been stationed in many locations, including Japan, New York, England and Florida.  He also served a tour of duty in Vietnam.  He retired in 1968 as a Chief Master Sergeant.  Following his honorable discharge from the military, Dale served as a Field Representative with Pratt and Whitney Aircraft. Throughout his career, he served in many locations including California, Texas, Holland, Germany and Missouri.  He retired in 1985 following 15 years of service.

Dale was an avid runner and athletic walker for most of his life.  He loved to travel and go to new and exciting places.  He enjoyed listening to music and events with family.

He was married on April 7, 1956 to the former Josephine “Josie” Solinas, who died December 31, 1989.  He later married the former Leonora “Lee” Baird who died January 1, 2011.  Dale was also preceded in death by 9 brothers and sisters.

Surviving are his son, Tom (Rene’) Wing of Fresno, CA; his daughter, Toni (John) Wing-Jenkins of Burleson, TX; 7 grandchildren; 15 great-grandchildren; 1 great-great-grandchild; and many nieces and nephews.

Dale will be remembered as a man who lived by his own terms and considered his children to be his greatest accomplishment.  He will be sadly missed by his family and friends.

The family of Dale E. Wing will receive friends on Thursday from 12:00 PM – 1:00 PM at the Dagon Funeral Home, 38 Church St., Hornell, NY, where funeral services with full military honors will be held at the conclusion of calling hours at 1:00 PM with Father John Cullen officiating.  Burial will be in Heritage Hill Cemetery, Arkport, NY.

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

In recognition of Dale’s military service, the American Flag at the Dagon Funeral Home will be flown at half-staff.

Kevin Patrick Doran – 77 – died Wednesday (October 21, 2015) at his home following a long illness, surrounded by his loving family.

A native and life-long resident of Hornell, he was born on December 27, 1937, to the late William and Molly Doran.

Kevin was a graduate of Hornell High School (class of 1955) and later graduated from Loras College in Dubuque, Iowa.  He taught for several years at Hornell High School before turning his attention to radio full- time, serving as owner and general manager of WLEA and WCKR since the early 1970s.

Kevin was a life-long and active member of Our Lady of the Valley Parish and a communicant of St. Ann’s Church.  He was also an Oblate of St. Benedict Abbey in Still River, MA, where his son, Fr. James, is a monk.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his brother, Stanley Doran.

He was married to Mary Margaret (Gibbs) Doran, his wife of 49 years, on February 19, 1966, who survives him.  Also surviving are his five children:  Brendan of Jersey City, New Jersey; Brian of Hornell; Fr. James (William), O.S.B., of Still River, Massachusetts; Maura (Thomas) Knoell of Phoenix, Arizona; and Andrew (Aleksandra) of Rockville, Maryland; 7 grandchildren; and numerous nieces and nephews.

Family & friends are invited to pay their respects on Friday, (October 23, 2015) from 2:00 PM until 6:00 PM at the Dagon Funeral Home, 38 Church St., Hornell, NY.  A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Saturday (October 24, 2015) at 11:00AM at St. Ann’s Church in Hornell, with burial in St. Mary’s Cemetery.

The Doran family wishes to thank the many people who assisted him in his final illness, especially the Hornell Fire Department, the staff at St. James Hospital and at Hornell Gardens, and the many nurses and aides who assisted in his care.

It was Kevin’s wish that instead of sending flowers, family and friends request Masses celebrated for the repose of his soul.

Alvina E. Fenti – (88) – of Ardmore, OK, formerly of 22 Hart St., Hornell, died Tuesday evening (October 13, 2015) in Ardmore, following a long illness.

Born in Allentown, Pa. on May 30th, 1927, she was the daughter of Arthur & Ann (Knauss) Bechtel.  From 1949 – 1981, she resided in Bishopville, NY and resided in Hornell from 1981 until moving to Oklahoma about 11 years ago.

Alvina was employed for several years as a telephone operator for NY Telephone Company.  For many years she was employed as Unit Secretary at St. James Mercy Hospital and also as a receptionist for Dr. Collins & Dr. Foreman.

For many years, Alvina served as a volunteer for Southern Tier Hospice and also
St. James Mercy Hospital.  She was a member & past president of the Mental Health Association of Steuben County.

She was married on August 25th, 1946 in Angola, Indiana (later renewing their vows in St. Ann’s Church) to Jessamine “Jess” Fenti who died February 12, 2002.  She was also preceded in death by her brother, John Bechtel; 1 sister, Dolores Hunt.

Surviving are 3 sons, James Fenti of Salamanca, Paul (Diane) Fenti of Bolivar and David (Diedre) Fenti of Ardmore, OK; many grandchildren; great-grandchildren; nieces & nephews.

At Alvina’s request there will be no calling hours.  A private graveside service will be held at the convenience of the family.

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

Alvina’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.