Charles “Charlie” Jones, JR – 81 – of 7 Hakes Ave., Hornell, died Friday morning (December 12, 2014) at his home, following a brief illness.

A native of Piper, AL, he was born February 10, 1933 and was the son of Charles & Eva Jane (Coleman) Jones.

Charlie grew up in Piper, AL and was a graduate of Bibb County Training School in Centerville, AL (class of 1950).  At the age of 17, he joined the US Air Force and served his country for about 10 years.  While in the Air Force, Charlie was stationed in several places including Japan, Guam & Panama.

Living most of his adult life in Brooklyn, NY, Charlie was employed for about 30 years as a Union Representative for the AFLCIO, retiring in 1998 after 30 years of service.  He has resided in Hornell for the past 10 years.

Charlie was a member of the Jehovah Witness Organization and a member of Kingdom Hall in Canisteo. He enjoyed watching sporting events and was a Chicago Bears Football Fan and an LA Lakers Basketball Fan.

He was married to the former Lillian Whitehall who died 15 years ago.  Charlie was also preceded in death by 2 sisters and 3 brothers.

Surviving are 4 brothers, James, Sylvester, Clayton & Curtis; 2 sisters, Gaynell & Alma; many nieces, nephews, grand-nieces & grand-nephews.

At Charlie’s request there will be no prior calling hours.  A private Memorial Service was held at Kingdom Hall.

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

Hayden Bentley Kidder, newborn son of Samantha Barrett and Brad Kidder of 157 Hornell St., Hornell died Tuesday morning (December 2, 2014) at St. James Hospital shortly after entering this world.

Although Hayden was only her for a few short hours, he was truly loved by his parents and his entire family.  He is now with the Angels in Heaven.

In addition to his parents, Brad & Samantha, survivors include his sister, Kyla Kidder; paternal grandparents, Barry Kidder of Howard and Deb Travis of Howard; maternal grandparents, Michael Barrett of Florida and Michelle LaForge of Wayland; paternal great-grandparents, Lindy & Margaret Kidder of Howard and Ruth Travis of Canisteo; maternal great-grandparents, Al & Elaine LaForge of Mitchellsville, NY; aunts, uncles & cousins.

Private funeral services will be held at the Dagon Funeral Home, 38 Church St., Hornell, NY at the convenience of the family

Andrea J. “Spook” (Testani) Gordon – 46 – of New York City, formerly of Hornell, passed peacefully from this world Sunday night, November 30, 2014, following a valiant battle with colon cancer. She was surrounded by her husband, family and close friends, in the comfort of her own home.

Born and raised in Hornell, Andrea left Hornell High School a year early in 1985, after completing her high school education in 3 years. She earned her B.A. in Theatre from Elmira College in 1989, and her MFA in Directing from Wayne State University in Detroit, MI in 1992.

She was a resident of New York City where she had become one of Broadway’s most successful and sought after stage managers, working with some of the biggest names in the business. Andrea, who was known to all as “Spook,” had her first Broadway credit as production stage manager in 1998, with the drama SIDE MAN. She most recently served as the production stage manager for the 2008 all-star Broadway revival of ALL MY SONS; the beloved, Tony-winning musical THE 25TH ANNUAL PUTNAM COUNTY SPELLING BEE in 2005; MATCH in 2004; and I AM MY OWN WIFE in 2003. Her other Broadway stage managing credits include FRANKIE AND JOHNNY IN THE CLAIRE DE LUNE, THE MAN WHO HAD ALL THE LUCK, DESIGN FOR LIVING, THE MAN WHO CAME TO DINNER, and UNCLE VANYA. Her reputation for her professionalism, wit and charm is legendary in the theatre community.

Andrea left her professional life to dedicate her indefatigable energy and boundless love to her greatest achievement, her two beloved boys. She had most recently started teaching a stage management class at Fordham University which accommodated her son’s school schedule.

She was preceded in death by her beloved sister Jovena in 1977 and her cherished niece Elianna in 2001.

Spook is survived by her husband, John Gordon; sons, Robert and Sean; parents, William and Ruth Testani; eight brothers & sisters, Thomas Testani, Mary “Beeb” (Frank) Kilcoyne, Roseanne (Thomas) Wall, Jim (Samantha) Testani; Matthew (Jodi) Testani; Michael (Lina) Testani; Marisa “Tooey” (Dr. Richard Ferro) Testani, and Angela (David) Remchuk; many nieces & nephews.

Spook’s family will receive friends on Saturday (December 13, 2014) from 12:00 (noon) until 3:00 PM at the Dagon Funeral Home, 38 Church St., Hornell, NY. A prayer service will be held at the conclusion of calling hours at 3:00 PM with Deacon Robert McCormick officiating.  A “Celebration of Life” will follow at the Arkport Legion.

Spook’s family request that in lieu of flowers, memorial contributions be made to the Robert and Sean Gordon Trust Fund, care of Mary “Beeb” Kilcoyne, 444 Cleveland Avenue, Hornell, NY 14843. Memorial forms will be available at the Dagon Funeral Home or click here to print a form.

Patricia A. “Raynor” Markel of Hornell, died unexpectedly Saturday afternoon (November 29, 2014).

She was the daughter of Frank & Irma (Nuwer) Raynor.

Pat had been employed at the VA Hospital.

She was preceded in death by her father, Frank and also her brother.

Pat is survived by her husband, Steven Markel.  Also surviving are her mother, Irma; 2 brothers; 1sister; her best friend, Nancy; several nieces & nephews.

At Pat’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.

Pat’s family request that in lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in her name be made to the American Heart Association, PO Box 3049, Syracuse, NY 13220.

Christopher R. “Chris” Ames – 34 – of Rochester, formerly of Hornell, died Thursday afternoon (November 13, 2014) at Strong Memorial Hospital in Rochester, following a brief illness.

Born in North Hornell on July 4, 1980, he was the son of Richard Ames and the former Susan “Susie” Rowe.

Chris grew up in Hornell and was a graduate of Hornell High School (class of 1998).  While in high school, Chris played JV Football, St. Ann’s basketball and also played in the Babe Ruth Baseball League.

Following high school, Chris worked for several years doing general construction as a carpenter / roofer with his father.  Throughout his 20’s Chris toured the country as a “free spirit” following his favorite bands such as Widespead Panic, selling Tee Shirts and other items to support his “free spirit” life style and had a huge “festival family” with whom he traveled.  He loved this life and saw more places than one could dream of in a life time.  It was what he loved to do and music was very near and dear to his heart, especially his love for the Grateful Dead band.  In 2008 he worked as a sleep technologist doing sleep studies on patients at his stepfathers business New Life Sleep Consultants in North Carolina until it closed in 2010.  For the past four years, he has resided in Rochester, working as a self-employed carpenter and sub-contracting for Jon Grant Interiors.

Stephen A. “Steve” Lamb – (62) – of 1190 County route 66, Hornell, died early Wednesday morning (October 15, 2014) at McAuley, following a long battle with Hemangiopericytoma, Anaplastic Astrocytoma, which left him totally paralyzed.

A native & life resident of Hornell, he was born May 30, 1952 and was the son of Donald & Adeline (Lester) Lamb.

Steve grew up in Hornell and was a graduate of Hornell High School (class of 1971).  Following graduation, he learned to operate heavy duty construction equipment.

For over 36 years, Steve fulfilled his dream as a firefighter for the Hornell City Fire Department.  In 1992, he was promoted to the rank of Captain, a position that he held until 2011 when he retired due to ill health.  For many years, he was a member of the International Association of Fire Fighters (IAFF).  He had also been a member of the former St. Paul’s Lutheran Church of Hornell.

Bradley L. “Brad” Hoskins – 50 – of 48 Clover Crossing, Manchester, NY, formerly of Hornell & Arkport, died unexpectedly at his home.

Born in North Hornell on July 9, 1964, he was the son of Robert & Joyce (Smalt) Hoskins.

Brad resided in Hornell until the age of six when his family moved to Arkport.  He was a graduate of Arkport Central School (class of 1982).  He was a veteran of the US Army, serving in the 82nd Airborne Military Police Unit.  While in the US Army, he was stationed in several locations, including Germany.

Following his honorable discharge from the Army, Brad moved back to the Hornell-Arkport area.  He was employed for several years at Magic Cleaners in Hornell, working alongside his father.  He later owned and operated his own Chem-Dry Franchise in Hornell.

Brad lived in Rochester for several years where he was employed as a car salesman at various car dealerships.  Most recently he worked as a salesman for Balentine RV in Victor, NY.

He was an avid football fan and especially enjoyed rooting for the Buffalo Bills.  He loved target shooting (both pistols & rifles) and had been a member of the Canaseraga American Legion.

Surviving are 2 sons, Caden (Lindsey) Hoskins of Myrtle Beach, SC and Tyler Hoskins of Myrtle Beach, SC; 2 brothers, Wayne (Anna) Hoskins of Canaseraga and Alan (Kristine) Hoskins of Georgetown, KY; 1 sister, Candice Clark; 1 grandson, Bowen Hoskins; several nieces & nephews including his “special buddy, Jeremy Hoskins.

At Brad’s request there will be no prior calling hours.  A Memorial Service with military honors will be held on Monday at 1:00 PM at the Dagon Funeral Home, 38 Church St., Hornell, NY with Deacon Robert McCormick officiating.

In recognition of Brad’s service to his country as a member of the US Army, the American Flag at the Dagon Funeral Home will be flown at half-staff.

Joseph R. “Joe” Ahearn – 83 – of  County Rt. 15, Bath, formerly of Hornell & Howard, died unexpectedly at his home.

Born in Hornell on March 11, 1931, he was the son of John & Lila (Burroughs) Ahearn.

Joe grew up in Hornell and was a graduate of Hornell High School (class of 1949).  He was a veteran of the US Air Force, serving his country for 8 years during the Korean Conflict.  While serving in the Air Force, he was stationed in several locations, including Guam and Amarillo, TX.

Following his honorable discharge from the Air Force, Joe lived in Hornell for several years.  He moved to Howard, NY in 1969 and has resided in Bath for the past 16 years. 

Joe served as a General Insurance Agent for Allstate Insurance in Hornell for over 30 years, retiring about 20 years ago.  For over 20 years, he (along with his wife, Carolyn) owned & operated a horse farm, raising riding horses and draft horses.  He also loved dogs and throughout the years adopted several dogs from the Hornell Humane Society.

Ronald M. “Ron”  Persing – 82 – of Elma, NY, formerly of Hornell, died October 2, 2014 following a long illness.

Born in Hornell on August 7, 1932, he was the son of Marshall & Lucy (Yannone) Persing. 

Ron grew up in Hornell and was a graduate of Hornell High School (class of 1950).  Following high school, he enlisted in the US Army and was a veteran of the Korean Conflict.  After receiving his Honorable Discharge from the US Army, Ron attended the University of Illinois. 

He was employed as a Diesel Electric Fireman for the former Erie Railroad and later as an Engineer for the Erie Railroad, Erie Lackawanna Railroad and Conrail, retiring in 1999 after 43 years of service.  He has resided in the Elma/Buffalo area for the past 25 years.

While living in Hornell, Ron was a communicant of the former St. Ignatius Loyola Church.  He enjoyed playing golf and had been a member of the Twin Hickory Golf Club.  He was an avid antique collector and especially enjoyed collecting cut glass & bean bottles.  For a few years he enjoyed flying single engine airplanes.

Richard A. “Rick” Terpstra – 69 – of 44 East Washington St., Hornell, died early Sunday morning (September 28, 2014) from injuries sustained in a motorcycle accident.

Born in Hornell on March 29, 1945, he was the son of John & Nora (Conklin) Terpstra.

A resident of Hornell for most of his life, he was a veteran of the US Air Force, serving his country from 1966-1971 as a member of the Military Police, and stationed in Germany.

He had been employed for many years as a mechanic at Conrail and later served as a truck driver and removal technician for Haz-Mat Removal (a hazardous waste removal company).  In later years, he was employed as a truck driver for USA Trucking.

Rick was an avid motorcycle enthusiast who enjoyed taking long rides on his Harley Motorcycle.   He loved the outdoors and enjoyed hunting — both bow hunting & rifle hunting.  He was a very active member of the AMVETS where he served in many capacities and also was a member of the Patriot Guard.

Rick will be remembered as a kind & gentle man who had a deep and profound love of his family, especially his grandchildren.  He was a loving husband, a caring father & grandfather and a true & faithful friend.  He will be sadly missed by everyone that had the pleasure of knowing him!

He was married on May 26, 1972 to Diane (Coogan) Terpstra who passed away on January 28, 2013.

Surviving are 2 daughters, Becky Oviedo of Wintersville, GA and Erin (Scott) Button of Hornell; 2 sons, Michael (Anissa) Terpstra of Columbia, SC and Joseph Terpstra of Roswell, GA; his aunt Ann Conklin of Hornell; 11 grandchildren, Kelsie Oviedo, Connor Oviedo, Ethan Button, Isabelle Button, Gabriel Button, Samuel Terpstra, Benjamin Terpstra, Noah Terpstra, Avery Terpstra, Charles Terpstra and Jonathan Terpstra; sever nieces & nephews.

On Saturday, October 11, 2014, beginning at 3:00 PM, Rick’s family, along with his “Motorcycle Brothers”, members of the AMVETS and members of the Patriot Guard will meet at the AMVETS on the Broadway Mall and then proceed to take Rick’s ashes on a final motorcycle ride throughout the area.

The ride will conclude at 4:00 PM at St. Mary’s Cemetery where a Memorial Service will be held.  Following the services at the cemetery, family & friends will gather at for a “Celebration of Rick’s Life” at the AMVETS on the Broadway Mall in Hornell.

Ricks family request that in lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in his name be made to the AMVETS, Post 245, 28 Broadway Mall, Hornell, NY 14843.  To print a memorial form, click here.

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

In recognition of Rick’s service to his country, the American Flag at the Dagon Funeral Home will be flown at half-staff.