Canisteo, New York

Jack D. Gardner, JR – 60 – of 6400 Cunningham Creek Rd., Canisteo, died suddenly Friday, November 26, 2021 at his home.

Born in Rochester, NY on December 2, 1960, he was the son of Jack Gardner, SR and his mother Frances Castner Gardner.

Jack grew up in the Hornell – Canisteo area and was a graduate of Hornell High School (class of 1979).  Following high school graduation, he enlisted in the US Army and spent time stationed in Korea and Colorado. He then transferred to the New York Army National Guard in 1982 and returned to Hornell. Throughout his military career of 34 years, and prior to retiring as a Sergeant Major in 2014, Jack deployed multiple times in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation Enduring Freedom.

He worked for many years for his father as a mechanic at Gardner Used Auto Parts. For 27 years, Jack was employed at the New York State Department of Transportation, working in many capacities.  He retired in 2020 as the Region 6 fleet supervisor. He was a member of New Hope Wesleyan Church of Hornell for many years and served as a volunteer fire fighter for South Hornell Fire Department.

Along with his military service, Jack was most proud of his loving family and will be remembered as a wonderful husband, father, grandfather, and brother. He was married on March 14, 1981 to the former Teresa Burch, who survives. Also surviving are his children, Jason (Kristen Collison) Gardner of Cameron, NC, Sarah (Jordan) Conklin of Corning, Luke (Rachel) Gardner of North Hornell, Zachary Gardner of Canisteo and Uriah Gardner of Canisteo; 7 beloved grandchildren, Elijah, Jack, Molly, Evan, Maggie, William, Charlie and Luke; 1 brother, Alan Gardner of Hornell; 1 sister, Traci (Mike) Porter of Canisteo; his step-mother Karen Gardner of Canisteo; several nieces & nephews.

Jack dedicated his life to serving God, his family and his country. He never considered his service as a burden or sacrifice, but rather counted this as a privilege, and it brought him his greatest joy in life.

A time of remembrance will be held from 4:00 PM – 7:00 PM on Friday, December 10, 2021 at Buena Vista Wesleyan Church, 6034 County Route #69, Canisteo, NY 14823. Family and friends are invited to come and visit with the family and share stories.

A memorial service will be held at 11:00 AM on Saturday, December 11, 2021, also at Buena Vista Wesleyan Church of Canisteo. Presiding over the service will be Pastor Doug Jones.

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

Jack’s family requests that in lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in his name be made to South Hornell Fire Department.

Josephine “Josie” Ciancaglini – 87 – of Rural Ave., North Hornell, passed away Saturday morning (November 20, 2021) at St. James Hospital following a long illness.

Born in Hornell on June 24, 1934, she was the daughter of John & Gilda (Silvino) Ciancaglini.

Josie grew up in Hornell and was a graduate of St. Ann’s School and later graduated from Hornell High School (class of 1952).  She was a 1956 graduate of Mercyhurst University in Erie, PA where she majored in English Literature and French.  She later received her Master’s Degree in Education from St. Bonaventure University.

For 33 years, Josie served as 9^th grade English Teacher at the former Hornell Junior High School and later at the Hornell High School.  For many years she was active in and served as director of the Hornell High School plays and musical productions and was a mentor to Hornell’s own, Bill Pullman.

Josie was a member of Our Lady of the Valley Parish and a communicant of St. Ann’s Church.  Throughout the years, she had been a member of several organizations such as Catholic Daughters of America, Ladies of Columbus, the Fortnightly Book Club, and was a life member of the Woman’s Auxiliary of the Carducci Lodge Son’s of Italy.  Josie served as president of the St. Ann’s Parish Council and for many years was a Religious Education Instructor.  She had also been a Board Member of the Hornell Library, the Steuben Senior Services Fund (SSSF), a member of the Hornell City Planning board and received numerous awards for her leadership on Hornell High School Building Teams.

She was a member and past Co-President of the Beato Angelo Society and was very passionate about him becoming a saint.  Josie had a deep devotion to Beato Angelo who was from Furci, Italy where she and a large group of Hornellians had descendants who immigrated to Hornell.

An extremely charitable woman, Josie gave of  herself and donated to many charities throughout the years.   She devoted countless hours of her time as a volunteer at the Aquinas Gift Shop of St. James Mercy Hospital, the Hornell American Red Cross, the American Cancer Society, Faith in Action, driving people to their medical appointments.

She loved to travel and on two occasions, visited Rome, Italy.  Josie also enjoyed traveling to professional shows and musical productions in New York City (Broadway), Chautauqua Institute, the Stratford Ontario Theater.  Because of her “Love of the Arts”, Josie served as President of the Hornell Arts Council and actually received the “Key to the City” of Hornell from then Mayor Shawn Hogan in recognition of her exceptional service to the Arts.

A true “Sports Fan”, Josie enjoyed rooting for her favorite sports teams such as the Buffalo Bills and the Notre Dame Fighting Irish.  She especially loved attending and cheering for her great-nephews, Adam & Austin; great-nieces, Andrea & Jessica.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her brother, Augie Ciancaglini.

Surviving are 2 nieces, Mary K. (Joe) Dwyer of Arkport and JoAnn (Shane) McMahon of Almond; 2 nephews, James “Jim” Ciancaglini of Hornell and Michael Ciancaglini of Hornell;  2 great-nephews, Adam Dwyer of Arkport and Austin Dwyer of Rochester; 2 great-nieces, Andrea McMahon & Jessica McMahon, both of Almond; her cousin, Mary Jo Colomarino (Dave) Jacobs and their daughter, Linda (Mike) DeCocq & son, David, all of Rochester; her childhood friend, Mary Theresa Moretti Purtell; along with countless friends throughout the Hornell Community and several relatives in Furci, Italy.  Josie will especially be missed by the Doran family (Mary Margaret, Brendan, Brian, Fr. James OSB, Maura & Andrew) and the Mickey & Bill Smith family (Neale, Hildreth, Bobby & Mark) who she considered her “Surrogate Families”.

The family of Josephine “Josie” Ciancaglini will receive friends on Monday from 1:00 PM – 2:00 PM at St. Ann’s Church where a Mass of Christian Burial will be held at the conclusion of calling hours at 2:00 PM.  Burial will be in St. Ann’s Cemetery.

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

Josie’s family request that in lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in her name be made to either the National Parkinson Foundation, PO Box 23204, Rochester, NY  14692 or the Hornell Alumni Association, PO Box 135, Hornell, NY 14843 or toSt. Ann’s Academy, 41 Genesee St., Hornell, NY 14843.

Darrell S. Brown – 85 – formerly of 373 Canisteo St. (Lincoln Gardens), Hornell, died Tuesday evening (November 16, 2021) at Elderwood at Hornell Nursing Facility where he resided for the past 8 months.

Born in Belfast, NY on November 25, 1935, he was the son of Gladys Conrad Brown & Ivan Brown.

Darrell grew up in Belfast and was a graduate of Belfast High School (class of 1954).   Following high school graduation, he was determined to join the United States Air Force, although being denied enlistment numerous times for being underweight.  Darrell was finally accepted into the Air Force, after “tipping the scales” at the required weight.  The local newspaper ran an article titled “Airman Darrell Brown Eats His Way Into the United States Air Force.”  Throughout his lifetime, Darrell remained a proud veteran who served his county during the Korean Conflict.

Following his honorable discharge from the Air Force, Darrell moved to the Hornell Area and for several years had been employed at the US Post Office where he served in many capacities.  He also served as office manager at the former Bethesda Hospital and inventory clerk at Crowley Foods in Arkport.  Throughout the years, Darrell worked at Southside Tavern and for about 20 years served as a security guard at the State Office Building in Hornell until his health forced him, sadly, to retire in January, 2020.

Darrell had been a member of Our Lady of the Valley Parish and a communicant of St. Ann’s Church.  In his younger years, he enjoyed bowling & hunting and had been a member of the National Rifle Association (NRA).  Darrell also enjoyed rooting for the Buffalo Bills (NFL) especially during the Super Bowl years.

Extremely proud of his Irish-German heritage, St. Patrick’s Day (March 17^th) was special to him and he was not afraid to let the world know (as all good Irish do)!  Darrell loved music, ranging from Frank Sinatra to Marty Robbins.  He was a vintage car enthusiast, especially Chryslers and never wanted to own a newer car.  That’s just the way he was!!

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by 3 brothers, Richton “Curly” Brown, James Brown & Theodore Conrad “Ted” Brown; 2 sisters, Veronica Piano and Sharon Perkins; his “special cousin”, Monica Arnold; his good friends, Carl Perry & Dick Curran.

Surviving are his son, Todd (Karen) Brown of Hartsville; 3 sisters, Patricia Benjamin of Oswego, Virginia Pearson of  Florida and Kathleen “Kathy” Updyke of Arkport; his sister-in-law, Norberta Brown; his dear friend, Tonia Flaitz; several nieces & nephews.

At Darrell’s request there will be no calling hours.  A private graveside service will be held at St. Mary’s Cemetery at the convenience of the family with Deacon Robert McCormick officiating.

Darrell’s family request that in lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in his name be made the charity of the donor’s choice.

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

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

Thomas R. “Tom” Eason – 66 – of Montour Falls, formally of Greenwood, NY died Tuesday (November 16, 2021) at home in the arms of his beloved daughter.   A 46 year battle with diabetes, dialysis and dementia finally became too much for him.

Born in Long Branch, NJ on March 18, 1955, he was the son of Raymond Mardo and the former Marilyn Birchard.  He was the step-son of Roy “Blackie” McDaniel.

Tom grew up in the Jasper – Canisteo area and attended Canisteo High School.  He was a veteran of the US Army, serving his country from 1973-1974 (Vietnam era).

An avid motorcycle enthusiast, Tom enjoyed both riding and building motorcycles — especially Harley-Davidsons and Triumphs.  He was a proud member of the Vietnam Vets / Legacy Vets Motorcycle Club holding the title of Chapter Treasurer for many years.  Tom was an avid hunter (both small game and big game) and gun collector. He especially enjoyed collecting and shooting Black Powder Firearms used during the Mountain Man era following the Civil War.  He not only collected antique firearms, he re-loaded all of his ammunition.  He was proud of the fact that he hadn’t purchased any ammo in many years.  He simply re-loaded his own ammo.

Tom was an accomplished photographer who thoroughly enjoyed taking “nature photos” of animals and other outdoor photos using his 35 mm camera.  He loved music and throughout the years enjoyed playing guitar and, in his younger years, played in several local bands.  He also enjoyed collecting vintage guitars.

He was married on July 22, 1991 to the former Carolyn Stevens who died December 11, 1999.  He was also preceded in death by his parents; along with 4 step-brothers, Danny, Lyle, Dick & Larry McDaniel.

Surviving are his son, Casey Eason of Oaks Bluff, MA; his daughter, Chelsea Eason of Montour Falls, NY; his sister, Ruth (Mike) Harrington of Elizabethtown, NC; half-brother, Everett (Kathy) McDaniel of Utica, NY; 4 step-brothers and 2 step sisters; 3 grandchildren, Jacqueline, Thomas & Lilly Mace; several nieces, nephews & cousins

At Tom’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

Ellen Temp – 96 – formerly of Rochester, died early Saturday morning (November 13, 2021) at Elderwood at Hornell Nursing Facility, where she had resided for the past four years.

Born in Rochester on December 30, 1924, she was the daughter of Michael & Theodora (Chmielewski) Wojciechowski.

Ellen grew up in Rochester and was a graduate of Benjamin Franklin High School (class of 1942).  She had been employed for a time as an operator for Rochester Telephone and later served as a Corporate Personal Assistant for Robert Korpek.

For many years Ellen served as bookkeeper for Better Living Homes of Rochester, a business owned & operated by her husband.

She was married to Irving L. Temp who preceded her in death.  Ellen was also preceded in death by her half-sister, Violet Warren.

Surviving are her sister, Elizabeth Hayes of Dover, PA; 2 nephews, Michael Born and Stephen Born; her niece, Kathleen Sloan.

At Ellen’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.

Memorial contributions in Ellen’s name may be made to a charity of the donor’s choice.

Robert J. “Bob” Ward – 97 – of Canandaigua, NY, formerly of Hornell, died Monday morning (November 8, 2021) at Thompson Hospital in Canandaigua, following a brief illness.

Born in Hornell on October 1, 1924, he was the son of James & Margaret (Callahan) Ward.

Bob grew up in Hornell and was a graduate of Hornell High School (class of 1942).  Following high school graduation, he enlisted in the US Navy serving his country as a Radio Operator on a Liberty Ship during WWII.

Following his honorable discharge from the US Navy, Bob returned to the Hornell area and began a career working in the bookkeeping department of the former Erie Railroad, Erie Lackawanna Railroad and Conrail.  While working for the railroads, he resided in several locations including Hornell, Cleveland, OH and Philadelphia, PA.  He retired in 1997 and has resided in Canandaigua since 2009.

While living in Hornell, Bob served as an Elder at the First Presbyterian Church and was a life member of the Hornell American Legion.  Throughout his lifetime, he enjoyed playing golf, hunting and spending time at his hunting camp in Hartsville, NY.  In recent years Bob enjoyed woodworking and making beautiful furniture.

He was married in 1949 to the former Jeanne Geary who died in 2000.  He was also preceded in death by his son, James J. Ward who died in 1957; along with 5 sisters and his dear friend, Dorothy Reitnauer.

Surviving are 2 daughters, Bonnie (David Blanding) Salter of Canandaigua and Roberta “Bobbi” Ward of Hornell; 4 grandchildren, Marianne Dineen, Melissa McCarthy, Kyle Wengren and Erik Wengren; 3 great-granddaughters, Lavery dineen, Addison McCarthy and Robin Boyd; several nieces & nephews.

At Bob’s request there were no calling hours.  Private services were held at the Dagon Funeral Home, 38 Church St., Hornell, NY with Deacon Robert McCormick officiating.  Burial was in Rural Cemetery, Hornell.

Bob’s family request that in lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in his name be made to the Hornell Alumni Association, PO Box 135, Hornell, NY 14843.

Nicoletta “Nikki” (Buono) McGrosso – 93 – of Hornell, passed away on Saturday October 30, 2021 in Henderson, NV, following a long illness.

Born in Queens, NY on January 17, 1928, she was the daughter of Rocco & Theresa (Falci) Buono.

Nikki was a graduate of Hornell Sr. High School (class of 1946) and later graduated from the Hornell Business School.  She was happily married to her high school sweetheart, Edgar McGrosso, until his passing in 2003.

Nikki was employed at Westinghouse Corporation as a secretary to the Engineering department for 10 years until her daughter was born. She became a stay-at-home mom, doting on her family for the remainder of her life.

Nikki was a member of the United Presbyterian Church in Hornell.  She was an avid reader and especially enjoyed reading historical fiction novels.

In addition to her husband, she was preceded in death by her sister, Nancy Nisbet and brother-in-law, James Griffin.

Nikki is survived by her daughter and son-in- law, Traci McGrosso Mills and Craig Mills, her grandsons Ryan (Kari) Mills and Ian Mills, her sisters Gloria Griffin and Kathy (Skip) Wood, brother-in-law Howard Nisbet and her many nephews and nieces.

The family of Nicoletta “Nikki” McGrosso will receive friends on Monday from 12:00 Noon until 1:00 PM at the Dagon Funeral Home, 38 Church St., Hornell, NY.  Funeral services will be held at the conclusion of calling hours at 1:00 PM with Rev. Katherine Griffis officiating.  Burial will be in St. Mary’s Cemetery next to her beloved husband whose loss she felt acutely until her death.

Together once again, may you both rest in peace.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that anyone who wishes to remember Nikki make a donation in her name to the Alzheimer’s Association, 435 East Henrietta Rd., Rochester, NY 14620.  Memorial forms will be available at the Dagon Funeral Home.

Timothy A. “Tim” Hammond – (62) – of 373 Canisteo St., Hornell, died unexpectedly on Monday (November 1, 2021) at his home, following a long illness.

Born in Hornell on March 28, 1959, he was the son of Emmett & Audrey (Kniskern) Hammond.

Tim grew up in Hornell where he attended Lincoln School, Hornell Intermediate School and Hornell High School.

He was a veteran of the US Navy and throughout the years resided in several locations, including Rexville, NY and Washington State before returning to Hornell.

He was last employed at the former Fitzpatrick Poultry Farm which later became Whitesville Poultry before moving to Hornell because of disability.  He enjoyed coin collecting, watching movies and listening to music.  He actually owned hundreds of movie DVDs and music CDs.  He was an animal lover who rescued many dogs & cats throughout the years and loved caring for them.

In additions to his parents, Tim was preceded in death by his sister, Maureen Randhawa.

Surviving are 2 sisters, Vickie (Tom) Benson of Almond and Karen (Don) Lowry of Honea Path, SC; 2 Brothers, James (Ellen) Woodworth of Watertown, NY and Craig Hammond of Hornell; his brother-in-law, Dr. Tariq Randhawa; many nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews and cousins.

At Tim’s request there will be no calling hours.  Private services will be held at the convenience of the family with final interment in St. Mary’s Cemetery.

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

Tim’s family request that in lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in his name be made to the Hornell Humane Society, 7649 Industrial Park Road, Hornell, NY  14843.