DeLorne R. “Rick” Martin – 68 – of 321 Erie Ave., Almond, NY, died Saturday evening (September 5, 2015) at Ira Davenport Hospital following a brief illness.

Born in Hornell on March 4, 1947, he was the son of Ralph & Mary (Vosburg) Martin.

Rick, who was also affectionately known as “DR”, grew up in Hornell and was a graduate of Hornell High School (class if 1965).  While in high school, he was a member of the Red Raider Football Team and also the HHS Track Team.

Following his high school graduation, Rick enlisted in the US Navy.  While in the Navy, he served three tours of duty in Vietnam.  As a “Helicopter Door Gunner”, Rick’s job entailed retrieving wounded soldiers from the battle field via helicopter.  He received the Bronze Star and two Purple Hearts after twice being wounded while performing his duties.  He was honorably discharged in 1977.

Throughout the years, Rick had been employed as an electrician for several railroad car refurbishing companies, including Morrison-Knudson (MK), Transportation & Transit Associates (TTA), Alstom Transportation and Siemens Transportation. He retired 6 years ago.

Rick had been a member of Our Lady of the Valley Parish and a communicant of St. Ann’s Church.  He was a life member of the Hornell VFW and a former member of the Hornell American Legion.  Rick enjoyed collecting model trains; was a baseball card collector; enjoyed hunting and in his younger years enjoyed fishing.

He was married on December 3, 1976 to the former Gail Lena Bowles who survives.  Also surviving are 3 sons, DeLorne “Ricky” (Wendy) Martin of Fremont, Richard Noyes of Hornell and Christopher Martin of Hornell; 1 sister, Lorna (Sam) Palmiter of Chester VA; 1 brother, Bill (Beverly) Raub of Friendship, NY; his brother-in-law, Larry (Suzanne) Bowles of Westminster, MD; 10 grandchildren, Cheyenne McCormck, Matthew Martin, Tiffany Martin, Ashley Baltimore, Richard Noyes JR, Brandon Noyes, Brittany Noyes, Chris Martin, Benjamin Brown and Brenden Martin; several great-grandchildren; several nieces & nephew. 

The family of DeLorne R. “Rick” Martin 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 with full Military Honors will be held at the conclusion of calling hours at 2:00 PM with Deacon Robert McCormick officiating.  Final interment will be in the Bath National Cemetery.

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

 Frederick Charles Aldrich – 85 – a resident of McAuley Manor died Friday evening (September 4, 2015) at St. James Mercy Hospital in Hornell.

Throughout the years, Frederick resided in many places including Pennsylvania, Wellsville, NY, Buffalo, NY and was employed by Eaton Yalentown Corporation in Batavia, NY.

Frederick’s family includes Rick & Billie Aldrich and their 2 children and 7 grandchildren; his deceased son, Ed, and his 2 children and 4 grandchildren; Ted & Kathy Aldrich and their 7 children and 4 grandchildren; Judi & Dale Ziefel and their 5 children and 9 grandchildren; Sherri & Don Hulme and their 7 children (1 deceased) and 7 grandchildren (1 deceased); David Aldrich and his 3 daughters and 4 grandchildren; Tina & John Walczak; James & Sandy Aldrich and their 2 children and 5 grandchildren.

At Frederick’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 14843. 

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

Phyllis M. Hoyt – 88 – of 14 Lisman Lane, Arkport, died late Saturday evening (August 29, 2015) at her home surrounded by her family following a brief illness. 

Born in North Hornell on December 1, 1926, she was the daughter of Arnold “Jake” & Kathryn (Kimball) Lawrence.

 Phyllis grew up in Arkport and was a graduate of Arkport Central School (class of 1944).  Following high school, she resided in New York City for several months, with ambitions of pursuing a modeling career.  

After returning to Arkport, Phyllis attended Alfred University.  She was then employed for a short time at New York State Electric & Gas (NYSEG) in Perry, NY.  Phyllis left the work-force for several years to begin raising a family and later began working at the Montgomery Ward Catalog Store in Hornell. 

Phyllis was then employed as a Librarian Aide at the Arkport Central School for 26 years before retiring in 1991. 

A lifelong member of the Arkport Presbyterian Church, Phyllis was also a member of the Canisteo Valley Historical Society & the Arkport Alumni Association.  She and her sister “Madge” were avid “Flee Marketers” who both enjoyed buying & selling antiques.  

Phyllis was married on July 5th, 1947 to Robert W. Hoyt who passed away in 1994.  She was also preceded in death by her brother, Donald Lawrence. 

Surviving are 2 sons, Michael (Ann) Hoyt of Arkport and Stephen (Pamela) Hoyt of Arkport; 2 sisters, Madlyn “Madge” (Donald) Lang of Arkport and Sandra Lawrence of Arkport; 1 brother, Sheldon (Barbara) Lawrence of Arkport; 6 grandchildren, Benjamin (Vaughn) Hoyt of Arkport, Tracie (Michael) McCarthy of Arkport, Carleton (Angela) Hoyt of Rochester, Ryan Hoyt of Ft. Lauderdale, FL, Patrick Moore of Arkport and Kerri-Ann (Matthew) Messecar of Corning; 10 great-grandchildren, Noah Hoyt, McKennah Cuozzo, Karman Hoyt, Aaron McCarthy, Mikah Hoyt, Lucas McCarthy, Zacharie Hoyt, Everett McCarthy,  Brayden Howell and Thomas Moore; several nieces & nephews.

At Phyllis’ request there will be no calling hours, simply a private burial with family. 

Phyllis’ family request that in lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in her name be made to either the Arkport Central School Library, 35 East Ave., Arkport, NY 14807 or the Arkport Presbyterian Church, 15 Main St., Arkport, NY 14807.  Click here to print a memorial form.

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

Dr. Ibrahim Al-Sinjari – 82 – of 437 Seneca Road, North Hornell, died unexpectedly Saturday evening (August 22, 2015) at his home.

Born in Mosul, Iraq on March 10, 1933, he was the son of Yahya & Fakhreya Al-Sinjari.

Ibrahim resided in Mosul, Iraq from 1933-1951 when he moved to Istanbul, Turkey to attend the University of Istanbul.  There he began his Undergrad Education and later Medical School, graduating in 1958.  Dr. Al-Sinjari returned to Mosul in 1958 where he resided and began his career, serving the people of Mosul for the next 10 years.  While living in Iraq, he served in the Iraqi Army.

In 1968, Dr. Al-Sinjari moved to Cleveland, OH where he lived for two years before moving to Washington, DC in 1970 to begin serving his residency at Howard University.  He completed his residency and orthopedic fellowship in 1972 and continued working in Washington until moving to Hornell in 1974. 

For 40 years, Dr. Al-Sinjari has served the medical needs of the Hornell – Dansville Area.  From 1975-2000, he worked tirelessly at St. James Mercy Hospital where he served on numerous boards & committees and from 1975-2013 was employed at Noyes Memorial Hospital in Dansville.

Dr. Al-Sinjari was a beloved father and a very hardworking man.  Dr. Al-Sinjari came to the United States in 1968 with the clothes on his back, a wife and two sons, not knowing any English.  He worked very hard to become a surgeon and provided for his family.   He was the consummate professional and loved his craft.  He was a great man!   His family and friends will forever admire his work ethic.  He was an avid reader; enjoyed watching the news; enjoyed taking his daily walks; loved grilling; and will be fondly remembered for telling jokes.  His favorite joke was “What does Bob Hope say? There is hope.”

He was preceded in death by his son, Faris Al-Sinjari.

Surviving are his wife, Akhtar; 3 sons, Khalid, Ali and Omar; his brother, Hasham Al-Sinjari.

As per the Islamic faith, Dr. Al-Sinjari was buried at Woodlawn Cemetery in Elmira, NY next to his son Faris Al-Sinjari.  

The family of Dr. Ibrahim Al-Sinjari request that in lieu of sending flowers, memorial contributions in his name be made to the Islamic Associate of the Finger Lakes (www.iaflcenter.org)

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

Anna E. “Ann” Trentanelli – 84 – of 7 Mill Street Hornell, died Monday afternoon (August 10, 2015), at her home surrounded by her loving family, following a long illness.

Born in North Hornell on January 27th, 1931 and was the daughter of Elmer and Hazel (Clark) Smith. 

Ann was a graduate of Arkport Central School (class of 1949).  She worked on the production line at Merrill Silk Mill then subsequently at Westinghouse facility.  After raising her family she returned to the workforce as part of the Hornell school system, for 26 years providing food services before retiring.

Ann was a member of Our Lady of the Valley Parish and a communicant of St. Ignatius Loyola Church.  She was a parishioner of St. Ann’s Church where she served by helping to maintain the church.  She was a member of the Carducci Lodge (Sons of Italy), Hornell Ladies of Columbus, and the Chapel of Perpetual Adoration of St. Ann’s. She was the activity coordinator at McAuley Manor, and worked the gift shops at St. James Hospital and McAuley Manor.

Ann lived for her family with a deep love for her husband, children, grandchildren, brother, and sisters.  She enjoyed attending to her beautiful garden, crocheting items for families in need, as well as spending quality time with her grandchildren. 

She was married on July 6th, 1957 in St. Ann’s Church to John F. Trentanelli  who died July 3, 2014.  She was also predeceased in death by her brother Donald Smith; and sisters Doris Bloom and Kate Storm.  

Surviving are her two sons Stephen (Patricia) Trentanelli of Andover, NJ, and Salvatore (Karen) Trentanelli of Corning, NY, her brother John Smith of Hornell, sister-in-law RoseAnn Rizzuto of formerly of Arkport, her brother-in-law Richard “Dick” Schieder of Hornell; her grandchildren Ann Marie (Dennis) Weaver, Stephen Trentanelli, Anthony Trentanelli, Ignatius Trentanelli, Nicholas Trentanelli, and John Trentanelli; several nieces, nephews, and cousins. 

The family of Ann S. Trentanelli will receive friends on Thursday from 3:00 PM  –  6 :00 PM  at Dagon Funeral Home, 38 Church Street Hornell, NY.  A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Friday at 10:00 AM at St. Ann’s Church.   Burial will be in St. Mary’s Cemetery.

Ann’s family request that memorial contributions in her name be made to Care First Hospice, 3805 Meads Creek Rd, Painted Post, NY 14870.  Memorial forms will be available at the Dagon Funeral Home or click here to print a memorial form.

Barbara Scott Clancy, 80, died peacefully on July 28, 2015.

Born in Avoca, NY on September 1, 1934, Barb was the daughter of Alida Scott Lefebre.  She was the beloved sister of Linda Scott Egmond, now deceased.

She met Tom Clancy in high school in Hornell, NY.  They married in 1956 after Barb graduated from Alfred University.  They raised Tom, Jr. (Anna) of Barrington, RI and Pamela Jane of Delmar, NY.  She later earned her Master’s degree from Conesus College.

Barb taught English in many schools while Tom’s work with the J.C. Penney Company moved them to numerous cities.  She retired in the early 1980s when they moved to Fort Wright, KY.  It was there that she tried her hand at professional framing. 

She and Tom began wintering in Colony Cove, Ellenton, FL in the mid 1990s.  Barb was a past President of the Colony Cove Hobby Club, where she made many close friends.  She loved all needlecraft, including quilting, cross-stitching and sewing.

Besides her husband and children, the lights of Barb’s life were her granddaughters, Holly, Kate and Laura Clancy.  She was their beloved Baba.  They laughed together, pulled pranks, and had their own inside jokes.  She will be sorely missed.

A graveside memorial service will be held at Saturday (August 22, 2015) at 11:00 a.m. at St. Mary’s Cemetery, Fremont, NY, where she will be buried beside her husband.

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

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to WeCare, c/o Dee Griffin, 7604 Lakeshore Drive, Ellenton, FL 34222.

Irene Klos – (97) – formerly of 14 Willow Place, Hornell, died early Saturday morning (August 1, 2015) at Hornell Gardens where she had resided for the past year.

Born in Hornell on January 8, 1918, she was the daughter of Clarence & Lillian (Shinebarger) Eicher.

Irene grew up in Hornell and was a graduate of Hornell High School (class of 1936) She later graduated from the former Hornell Federal Commercial School (class of 1938).

She served as Commissioner of Public Welfare for the City of Hornell for over 10 years, retiring in 1968 when Steuben County took over these duties.  She later was employed as a secretary in the Pharmacy of St. James Hospital for about 4 years, retiring in 1972.

Irene was a member of Our Lady of the Valley Parish and had been a communicant of
St. Ignatius Loyola Church.

She was married on August 30, 1940 to William “Bill” Klos who died August 2, 2005.  She was also preceded in death by 2 sons, William Klos, JR (died 2002) and Robert Klos (died 2004); 2 brothers, Howard Eicher and James Eicher.

Surviving are her daughter, Patricia Lathers of Hornell, NY; her sister, Marian Giglio of Hornell; 7 grandchildren; 12 great-grandchildren; nieces & nephews.

All are welcome to attend a graveside service on Wednesday, August 5th at 10:00 AM at Rural Cemetery in Hornell with Deacon Robert McCormick officiating.

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

Irene’ family request that in lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in her name be made to the Alzheimer’s Association, 435 East Henrietta Road, Rochester, NY 14620.

Marieka “Rickey” Dagon – (88) – a resident of Updyke’s Nursing Facility, formerly of 11 Main St., Hornell and later 440 Seneca Road, Hornell, died early Sunday morning (July 26, 2015) at McAuley Manor where she had been a patient for the past week.

She was born in Olean, NY on November 20, 1926 to Chris & Sarah Beliles.  When she was 2 months old, she was adopted by her loving parents, John & Bessie (Dromazos) Plianos.

Marieka grew up in Bolivar, NY where she attended Bolivar Central School.  When she was 15 years old, she moved to Dansville, NY and was a graduate of Dansville High School (class of 1944).  While in high school, she worked at the former Sugar Bowl, a restaurant owned & operated by her uncles.

Growing up in Dansville, Rickey never knew that she actually had a brother & 5 sisters.  Being of Greek origin, her parents were unable to read English and Rickey had to read their mail for them.  At the tender age of 15, Marieka, while reading a letter for her mother, was thrilled to learn that she had a family in Olean.  She finally got the opportunity to meet them when she was 19 years old.  They remained close from that day on.

Following high school, Rickey moved to Rochester where she graduated from Highland Hospital School of Nursing (class of 1947) earning her Registered Nurse’s license.  She later furthered her education, taking several nursing related courses at Geneseo State College.  She also took courses in Psychology and Pediatrics at Albany Hospital where she met her future husband, Jim Dagon.  At that time, Jim was a pre-law student at Sienna College.  Jim eventually became a funeral director, taking over the operation of the Dagon Funeral Home, following the death of his father in 1947.

Marieka began her nursing career by serving as Operating Room Supervisor at Noyes Memorial Hospital in Dansville for about 3 ½ years.  She was offered a position at the former Bethesda Community Hospital and briefly was in charge of the Operating Room — again, as O.R. Supervisor. 

She was married on September 6, 1950 to James J. Dagon.  Throughout the 1950’s & 1960’s, as Rickey & Jim began raising their family (eventually seven children), Marieka worked part time as a “floor nurse” at St. James Mercy Hospital.  She later served as “Charge Nurse” of the night shift of the North Wing of St. James and later as Emergency Room Supervisor.  On occasion, she would act as a private duty nurse for family & close friends.

From 1972 – 1986, Rickey was employed as the school nurse at the Hornell High School.  She thoroughly enjoyed her years at HHS, especially the close relationships that she had with the students.  In 1979, she was honored by the students as they dedicated the HHS Year Book in her honor.  Marieka taught nursing classes to High School Seniors and also adults via the Steuben County BOCES program for several years, helping others to begin their careers as nurses.

Following the death of her husband, Jim, in 1983, Rickey began helping her son, Jim, JR in the operation of the Dagon Funeral Home which her husband had operated since 1947.  For the next 21 years, Marieka assisted by tending door during calling hours and also working funerals.  She “retired” in 2004, but would still help out if needed. 

She was a member of Our Lady of the Valley Parish and a communicant of St. Ann’s Church.  Marieka had been a member of the Ladies of Columbus and the Catholic Daughters of America.  She served on the Board of the American Red Cross for 11 years and was a member of the American Heart Association.

Rickey will be remembered as a devoted wife, who adored her husband, and a wonderful, caring & loving mother, who never missed an opportunity to say “I Love You” to her seven children.  As an adopted daughter, she brought sunshine & happiness to her parents who were unable to have children.  As a sister, she was “the best” & as a friend, there were none better.  She certainly has earned a warm spot in the hearts of everyone whose life she touched.

In addition to her husband, Jim Dagon, who died in 1983, she was preceded in death by her granddaughter, Jill Andolina who died in 2013; her brother, George Beliles; sisters, Kate Lamberson, Anna Stocum & Fran Dieter.

Surviving are 2 sons, Jim (Patty) Dagon of Hornell and John (Karen) Dagon of Hornell; 5 daughters, Ellen Dagon of Hornell, Mary (Larry) Clark of Hornell, Molly (Rick) Andolina of Arkport, Sally (Rich) Head of Hornell and Anne (Rich) Scavo of North Hornell; 2 sisters, Mary Havers of Olean and Freda Schultis of Oneonta; 23 grandchildren; 14 great-grandchildren; several nieces & nephews.

The family of Marieka “Rickey” Dagon will receive friends on Tuesday from 3:00 PM  –  7:00 PM at the Dagon Funeral Home, 38 Church St., Hornell, NY.  A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Wednesday at 2:00 PM at St. Ann’s Church with burial in St. Mary’s Cemetery.

Rickey’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 or to the Jillian Andolina Memorial Dog Yard, C/O Hornell Humane Society, 7649 Industrial Park Road, Hornell, NY 14843.  Memorial forms will be available at the Dagon Funeral Home or click here to print a memorial form

Marieka’s family would like to express their sincere gratitude to the wonderful staff at both Updykes Nursing Facility and McAuley Manor.  Mom’s last few years at Updykes were “good years” because of the outstanding care that she was given.  The staff at McAuley Manor made mom’s last few days extremely comfortable and pain free.  A hearty “Thank-You” to all of the staff at both facilities.

Otto C. Gates – (97) – formerly of 9127 Strobel Road, Arkport, died late Friday evening at Hornell Gardens where he had resided for the past five years.

Born in the Town of South Dansville on November 26, 1917, he was the son of Clair & Agnes (Eveland) Gates.

Otto was a lifelong resident of the South Dansville area and had attended the former Cobb School in South Dansville. 

He was employed for 46 years as a general farm hand for Stanley Osborn Farms, retiring in 1985.  He was a member of the South Dansville Methodist Church.

Otto was preceded in death by 2 sisters, Frances Gates and Mildred Downey.

He was married on November 28, 1943 to the former Sarah G. Rex who survives.  Also surviving are 1 daughter, Thelma “Jean” Gates of Arkport; 3 sons, Donald (Charlene) Gates of Jasper, Dave (Mindy) Gates of Arkport and Roger “Charlie” Gates of Arkport; 7 grandchildren, Amy (Jeremy) Stephens, Carrie (Bryan) Paul, Donald (Stephanie) Gates, Karen (Michael) Smith, Karla (Johnny) Yarka, Kristie (Tommy) Radford & Donovan Gates;  18 great-grandchildren; 1 great-great grandson; several nieces & nephews.

The family of Otto C. Gates will receive friends on Wednesday from 4:00 PM until 7:00 PM at the Dagon Funeral Home, 38 Church St., Hornell, NY, where funeral services will be held at the conclusion of calling hours at 7:00 PM with Rev. Donald Maynard officiating.  Burial will be in Forest Lawn Cemetery, South Dansville, NY.

Otto’s family request that in lieu of flowers, memorial contribution in his name be made to either Samaritans Purse, PO Box 3000, Boone, NC 28607 or to Food Bank of the Southern Tier, 945 County Rt. 64, Elmira, NY 14903 or to Hornell Gardens Activities Fund, 434 Monroe Ave., Hornell, NY 14843.  Memorial forms will be available at the Dagon Funeral Home or click here to print a memorial form.

John T. Senka – (68) – of 2282 County Route 50, Wayland, NY (Town of Dansville) died Monday morning (July 13, 2015) at his home, following a Brief illness.

Born in Weehawken, NJ on July 12, 1947 and was the son of John & Julia (Jurkovic) Senka.  He was raised in Arkport when his widowed mother married his stepfather, Joseph Katsur.

He was a graduate of Arkport Central School (class of 1965). He attended Alfred State College where he met the love of his life, Sandy Nikl. 

John served in the US Army Infantry from 1967-1969, including a combat tour of duty in South Vietnam.  He received numerous decorations — among them the Combat Infantryman’s Badge, Purple Heart, Bronze Star and Army Commendation for Valor Medal.  He was severely wounded in December of 1968. 

Following his Honorable Discharge, he returned home to marry his college sweetheart, Sandy.  They married on November 15, 1969 in Endwell, NY.

John began his career in the insurance business in 1969 as a debit agent with Metropolitan Life Insurance Company.  He became manager of the Dansville, NY office.  Throughout the years he helped many young men and women get started in insurance careers.

In 1983, he and his family moved to Montour Falls, NY where he became a Principal/President of the Senka agency.  John loved the insurance business — especially helping families at the time of a loss.  He taught insurance classes for many years at Corning Community College in an effort to help young people and to “give back” to the insurance industry.

John’s greatest love and proudest achievement was his family — his wife, Sandy and his children, Debbie, Johnny and Jeff along with their spouses and his grandchildren.

He and Sandy developed “Oak Tree Farm” throughout their marriage and spent weekends mowing the meadows and enjoying nature.  In 2004, John authored the book “Wounded Body-Healing Spirit” which dealt with his combat experiences as well as his struggles with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder and Clinical Depression.  It was an unselfish endeavor to help others.  He truly enjoyed helping veterans at the Bath VA Hospital and would often supply them with some of the things that they needed — sometimes as simple as a suitcase in which to carry their clothing.

John was a spiritual man who believed strongly in God and cherished his personal relationship with Him.  He was a member of many service and fraternal groups, including the VFW, American Legion, DAV, Moose and Lions.  He served on many boards, including Livingston Mutual Insurance Company, Schuyler County Chamber and St. Joseph’s School Board.  In 2012, John was the recipient of the Watkins Glen chamber of Commerce’s Prestigious Catholic Award.  He was a Roman Catholic.
Surviving are his wife, Sandy; sons, Johnny (Carola) Senka of Arkport and Jeff Senka of Odessa, NY; his daughter, Debbie (Don) Ames of Montour Falls, NY; his sister, Jean (Mike) Howe of Bloomfield, NY; his brothers, Joe (Kim) Katsur of Wayland and Bob (Bonita) Katsur of Wasilla, AK; his grandchildren, Grace Ames, Everett Ames, Ava Senka and Johnny Senka; many nieces, nephews and valued friends.

The family of John T. Senka will receive friends on Monday from 3:00 PM until 7:00 PM at the Dagon Funeral Home, 38 Church St., Hornell, NY.  A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Tuesday at 11:00 AM at St. Ann’s Church in Hornell, NY.  Burial with full military honors will follow at the Bath VA Cemetery, Bath, NY at 1:00 PM.

John’s life was, in many ways, about service.  He used his time, resources and faith to serve those in need.  He would love to inspire others to be of service and make a difference in the life of a family member, friend or stranger, a person, a fellow human being.  So, we ask that, in lieu of flowers, you decide where you can best serve the needs of others and do that in honor of John’s spirit of concern and generosity.
 
In honor of John’s military service, the American Flag at the Dagon Funeral Home will be flown at half-staff.