William R. “Billy” Valentine, Jr. – 66 of 44 Reynolds Ave. Hornell passed away on November 29, 2020 at St James hospital following a long and courageous battle with cancer.

Born in Hornell on February 9, 1954, he was the 5th son of William & Ruth (Sheedy) Valentine.

Billy grew up in Hornell, graduating from Hornell High School in 1972.  He served in Korea for 3 years as an MP for the US Army prior to his honorable discharge in 1975.  Bill then continued to serve his country as a member of the US Army Reserves for 16 years, where he achieved the rank of Sergeant 1^st Class.

He was employed as a mechanic/supervisor for many years at Morrison-Knudson (M-K) Corporation.  As a contractor, he often traveled throughout the United States working on buses and rail cars, especially Maryland & California.  He retired about 10 years ago.

Bill had been a member of Our Lady of the Valley Parish and a communicant of St. Ignatius Loyola Church and later St. Ann’s Church. He was a member of the Hornell American Legion, the Hornell Association and the Hornell VFW where he served as a bartender.

He was a longtime fan of the Buffalo Bills (especially during the Super Bowl years) and loved watching the New York Yankees play. He enjoyed camping with his family, fishing with his boys, spending time with son in law, signing the books and hosting a few with his many friends at the American Legion, VFW and Association.

Billy was preceded in death by his father, William R. Valentine who died in 2009; his brother, Robert G. Valentine who died in 2017.

He is survived by his loving wife of 34 years, the former Mary Ann Carella.  Also surviving by his 3 sons, Jason Valentine of Gainsville, NY, William R. (Kenzie Mess) Valentine III of Gainsville, NY and Adam Valentine of Perry, NY; his daughter, Brittany (Bradley) Davis of Canisteo; his mother, Ruth Valentine of Hornell; his brothers, Tom (Theresa)Valentine of Hornell, Larry (Chrissey) Valentine of Hornell, Mike Valentine of Hornell, Tim (Bonnie Ross) Valentine of Canisteo, Jim (Judy) Valentine of Hornell, Mark (Sara) Valentine of Hornell, Rick Valentine of Hornell and Gary (Candi) Valentine of Elmira; his sister, Laurie (Mike) Adams of Hornell; 17 grandchildren; many nieces, nephews & cousins.

At Billy’s request there will be no calling hours. Private services will be held at the convenience of the family with burial in the Bath National Cemetery, Bath, NY. A “Celebration of Life” will be held at a later date.

The Graveside Service for William R. “Billy” Valentine will be streamed via Facebook Live and can be viewed on the Dagon Funeral Home Facebook page on Friday at 10:00 AM by visiting www.facebook.com/dagonfuneralhome.  The video will remain available for viewing on our Facebook page for 30 days.

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

Bill’s family request that in lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in his name be made to CareFirst Hospice, 3805 Meads Creek Road, Painted Post, NY 14870.

Stacey L. Laurie – 48 – of 8 Aber St., Canaseraga, died Tuesday morning (November 24, 2020) at her home, following a long illness.

Born in Rochester, NY on January 11, 1972, she was the daughter of Steven & Laura (Elam) Copeland.

Stacey grew up in Batavia, NY and attended Batavia High School.  She later attended Genesee Community College, majoring in Criminal Law.  She resided most of her life in Batavia and has lived in Canaseraga for the past year.

She was preceded in death by her father, Steven Copeland who died in 2018.

Stacey was married on August 11, 2001 to Joseph Laurie who survives.  Also surviving are 3 children, Steven Copeland of Batavia, Brittany Soles of Spencerport, NY and Joseph Copeland of Canaseraga; 2 step-children, Ashley Laurie of Rochester and Stephanie (Chris) Hall of Girard, PA; her mother, Laura Elam, of Batavia; 1 brother; 1 sister; 4 grandchildren, Arianna Soles, Austin Coverdale, Keaton Coverdale and Jax Hall.

At Stacey’s requests 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.

Peter A. “Pete” DiRaimondo Sr. – 97 – of 403 Seneca Road, North Hornell, died late Sunday evening (November 22, 2020) at St. James Mercy Hospital following a brief illness.

Born in Brooklyn, NY on January 14, 1923, he was the son of Frank & Anna (Russo) DiRaimondo.

Pete grew up in Brooklyn and was a member of Sacred Heart Church and later St. Stephens Church.  He has resided in Hornell since 1982.

He was a veteran of the US Marine Corp serving in the 4^th Marine Raider Battalion during WWII.  He had been employed at Penn Central Railroad and later Conrail, retiring as a freight conductor in 1982.  He was a member of Our Lady of the Valley Parish and a communicant of St. Ann’s Church for many years.

Five days after he was honorably discharged from the US Marines, Pete was married (on July 27, 1946) to the former Anna Puleo who died July 31, 2010.

Surviving are 3 children, Peter (Rosalie) DiRaimondo Jr. of North Hornell, Andrea (Eugene) Scafidi of Taylorsville, NC and Frank DiRaimondo of Hornell; 3 grandchildren, Peter DiRaimondo III, Rosanna (Adam) Knotts and Philip (Lenae) Scafidi; 6 great-grandchildren, Landon DiRaimondo, Owen DiRaimondo, Eliana DiRaimondo, Arabella Knotts, Adeline Knotts and Jude Scafidi; several nieces & nephews.

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

The Graveside Service for Peter A. DiRaimondo Sr will be streamed via Facebook Live and can be viewed on the Dagon Funeral Home Facebook  page on Friday at 1:00 PM by visiting www.facebook.com/dagonfuneralhome.  The video will remain available for viewing on our Facebook page for 30 days. 

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

The DiRaimondo family would like to thank the US Department of Veteran Affairs (Bath, NY) as well as his wonderful Home & Health Care Aids who were so caring & supportive during Pete’s final days.  Also, a special “Thank-You” goes out to the staff at Elcor Nursing & Rehabilitation Center in Horseheads and to his many friends & caregivers at Elderwood Adult Day Care.

Pete’s family request that in lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in his name be made to the Bath VA Volunteer Services, C/O Bath VA Medical Center, 76 Veterans Ave., Bath, NY 14810.

Rev. John James Dromazos, 81, formerly of Arkport, NY, passed peacefully, surrounded by his family, on November 18, 2020.

John was born on December 25, 1938 in Dansville, NY, the son of James and Edith Dromazos.  His father immigrated to the United States in 1921 from Panormos, Greece; his mother was of Swedish ancestry.  In 1945, his family moved to Rochester, NY where he was baptized in the Greek Orthodox Church and named John-Christ by the Priest because he born on Christmas Day.

In 1952, the Dromazos family returned to Dansville where John graduated from High School.  He participated and sang in plays, musicals, choral groups, band, and hotel resort shows at the well-known “Castle on the Hill”.  John graduated from the SUNY at Fredonia with a B.S. degree in Education, majoring in vocal music.  He taught music at Hamburg Central High School and directed the Hamburg Presbyterian Church Choir.  Responding to God’s call to ministry, he attended Pittsburgh Theological Seminary and graduated with a Master of Divinity in 1967.  He put on the Yoke of Christ in his Ordination Service at the Hamburg Presbyterian Church.

John resided in Arkport from 1970 – 1974 where he served as Pastor of the Arkport Presbyterian Church.  He also served Presbyterian churches in West Delhi, NY and Sharpsburg, PA.

He came into the United Methodist Church (UMC) in 1975 and served the Whitneyville Larger Parish 1974-78, Pleasant Gap UMC 1978-85, Hicks Memorial UMC 1985-88, Beaver Memorial UMC 1988-2002, and First UM Church of Chambersburg 2002-2009.  John was active in the UMC Conference in various roles and responsibilities and was a member of the Order of St. Luke the Physician.  He enjoyed directing the Chi Rho Singers and teaching Lay Speaker courses.  Upon retirement in 2009, John returned to Lewisburg where he served as the Interim Chaplain at Bucknell University 2011-2012, was bestowed Pastor Emeritus of Beaver Memorial UMC, and taught various courses for Bucknell Institute for Lifelong Learning.  He was a faithful volunteer in the Chaplaincy Department at Evangelical Hospital, culminating in a naming ceremony in April, 2019 where a room within the hospital’s new chapel was named in his honor.

John was always involved in community activities and service organizations, to include Kiwanis, Rotary, and Lions Clubs.  He sang with the Susquehanna Valley Chorale for many years.  He was a Mason and served as the Chaplain for Charity Lodge No. 144 and as Grand Chaplain of the Grand Lodge of PA.  John enjoyed international travel and led tours to Israel, Jordan, Egypt, Greece, Ireland, Germany, and a mission trip to Uruguay.

He is survived by Barbara, his devoted wife of 46 years; and sons James (Bonita) of Boalsburg, PA; Bradley (Patrice) of Hurleyville, NY; and Christopher (Jill) of Dexter, MI; seven grandchildren, nieces, nephews, and his beloved dog.

Friends will be received on Monday from 10:00 AM – 11 AM Beaver Memorial United Methodist Church, 42 S. Third St., Lewisburg, where a funeral service will be held at 11:00 AM with the Rev. Dr. Robert Cook and the Rev. Leah Williams, officiating. For anyone unable to attend the service a live stream will be available at https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCcW_SUXaIlHvcSvdHk0LECw

It was John’s request to return to the Orthodox Church, the church of his childhood.  That was granted with the Sacrament of Chrismation on November 7, 2020 by Father Seraphim Reynolds of The Holy Cross Orthodox Church.

A private Graveside Orthodox Committal Service will be held at Greenmount Cemetery in Dansville, NY at the convenience of the family.

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

The Graveside Service for John J. Dromazos will be streamed via Facebook Live and can be viewed on the Dagon Funeral Home Facebook  page on Tuesday at 11:00 AM by visiting www.facebook.com/dagonfuneralhome.  The video will remain available for viewing on our Facebook page for 30 days. 

John’s family request that donations in his memory be made to Evangelical Community Hospital Patient Experience Department, One Hospital Drive, Lewisburg, PA 17837

Jeffrey L. “Jeff” Miller – 57 – of 61 Scott St., Hornell, died unexpectedly early Friday (November 13, 2020) at his home, following a long illness.

Born in Hornell on January 3, 1963, he was the son of Brian & Shirley (Stone) Miller.

Jeff grew up in Hornell and was a graduate of Hornell High School (class of 1981).  He was a veteran of the US Marine Corp, serving his country from 1982-1986.  While serving in the Marines, he was stationed at Camp Lejeune in North Carolina.

Following his honorable discharge from the military, Jeff returned to the Hornell area and was briefly employed at Gunlock Corporation in Wayland and later served as a truck driver for Byrne Dairy for about two years.  For several years he worked at Morrison-Knudson (MK) Corporation serving in many capacities, including sandblaster & welder.

For the past 20 years, Jeff owned & operated “Jeff’s Clubhouse”, a friendly Tavern located on River Street in Hornell where friends could gather & have a good time.  He had a deep affection for all of his bartenders and patrons alike and thoroughly enjoyed the years that he spent at the bar.

In years past, Jeff enjoyed NASCAR and was a huge Jeff Gordon fan.  He cherished the time spent with his family & friends at the Miller Family Camp located near the Jasper-Troupsburg line.  He also loved going for rides in his Camaro and visiting his grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his sister, Tammy Waters (died 2010) and his mother, Shirley Miller (died 2019).

Jeff was married on April 16, 1983 to the former Cindy Shiloh who survives.  Also surviving are his daughter, Ambur (Adam Mullen) Miller of Hornell; his son, Jeffrey Tyler Miller of Hornell; his father, Brian Miller of Hornell; 4 grandchildren, Michael Adams, Adalyn Mullen, Bryce Miller & Alivia Miller; several nieces & nephews, including Eric (Laura Fox) Francis and Cheyanna (James) Button; great-nephew, Angel Francis; great-niece, Olivia Button; aunts, uncles & cousins.

At Jeff’s request there will be no calling hours.  A “Celebration of Life” will be held at date & time to be announced.

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

Jeff’s family request that in lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in his name be made to the Bath VA Medical Center Activities Fund, 76 Veterans Ave., Bath, NY 14810.

Jackie Schaffer, 51, passed away peacefully with family at her side after a short battle with cancer on November 1^st, 2020.

She was preceded in death by her mother and best friend Phyllis “Flip” Ferris, and her dog Bubby.

Jackie is survived by her son Kristopher Schaffer; her grand-dog Sapphire; her father David Ferris; sister Michelle Schaffer; brothers Billy Schaffer and Danny Ferris; nephew and nieces, Brett Schaffer (Reagan Ball), Brittiny Blodgett (Camden Lawrence), Alicia (Kevin) Gallagher, and Nicole Jimerson; and 5 ½ great nieces and nephews.

Jackie was born April 19^th, 1969 in Urbana, NY. The most important thing to Jackie was her family. She treasured her son and loved her nephew and nieces like her children. Jackie cared deeply, pouring herself into caring for the ones she loved. She baked delicious treats, especially around the holidays (Super Bowl included). She loved dogs, being warm, spending time at the family cabin, buying birthday and Christmas gifts for the children in her life, traveling, football, and having a good laugh with her friends and family. She hated winter so it was fitting that she left us on the night of the first snow.

Jackie was beloved by many and will be sorely missed.

There will be no prior 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.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Eagles Autism Foundation https://www.philadelphiaeagles.com/eaglesautismfoundation/.

Roseanna M. “Rosie” Thompson, 76, passed peacefully from this world on Tuesday morning (November 3, 2020) after a long illness that she fought with courage and grace.

Born in Hornell, on April 2, 1944, she was the daughter of Grover and Marie (Vedo) Prior.

A resident of Hornell for her entire life, Rosie attended St. Ann’s School and graduated from Hornell High School (class of 1962).  A hard worker throughout her life, her favorite job was working with her family at Stubby’s Tavern in Hornell.  She had also been employed at St. James Hospital, Stern and Stern Textiles, Steiner Accounting, Woolworth’s and Kmart.  Rosie “retired” from Alfred State College in 2009 after 19 years of service.  She enjoyed talking with people and staying busy, so she continued to work part-time at Wal-Mart until her final retirement in 2017.

First and foremost, Rosie was a dedicated and loving mother. She treasured her children and embraced every moment with them. She especially loved her role as a grandmother.  The love she had for her family was immeasurable and she will be missed more than words can say.

Rosie loved to travel and went on many trips with family and friends and she was always ready for an excursion to the casino.  As a lover of all kinds of music and a lifelong Elvis fan, she went to many concerts including Cher, Neil Diamond and Barry Manilow just to name a few.

Throughout the years, Rosie was a member of the Hornell Moose Lodge, the Hornell Association, the Hornell VFW, the Hornell American Legion Auxiliary and the Hornell Alumni Association.

Rosie was predeceased by her father Grover Prior; her infant son; along with several aunts and uncles.

Surviving are her mother, Marie Prior of Hornell; her daughter, Deborah (William) Looney of Rochester; her sons, Robert (Marcy) Thompson of Clinton and Jonathan (Christine) Thompson of Scotia; grandchildren Nathaniel, Hollymae and Jonathan Thompson; brothers, James (Helen) Prior of Hornell, Thomas Prior of Arkport and Michael Prior of Rochester; nieces and nephews.

Rosie’s family will be present to receive friends on Saturday from 5:00 PM – 6:00 PM at the Dagon Funeral Home, 38 Church St, Hornell, NY.  Due to the Corona Virus Pandemic, everyone entering the funeral home will be required to wear a mask and practice social distancing.  Private funeral services will be held at the convenience of the family with Deacon Robert McCormick officiating.

The Funeral Service for Rosie Thompson will be streamed via Facebook Live and can be viewed on the Dagon Funeral Home Facebook  page on Saturday at 7:00 PM by visiting www.facebook.com/dagonfuneralhome.  The video will remain available for viewing on our Facebook page for 30 days. 

The family extends their sincere gratitude to the staff at Westwood Commons Senior Living Community and Lifetime Care Hospice.

In lieu of flowers, donations in Rosie’s memory may be made to Westwood Commons Activities Fund, 50 Union Square Blvd., North Chili, NY 14514.  Memorial forms will be available at the Dagon Funeral Home.

Robert J. “Bob” Hitchcock, Jr. 63 of Chaumont NY died unexpectedly Wednesday evening October 21^st 2020, in the Town of Howard, he was there doing what he loved to do, bow hunting.

Born in Oswego, NY on March 12^th 1957, he was the son of Robert and Barbara (Dumas) Hitchcock, Sr.

Bob grew up in Oswego and attended Oswego High School. Along with his father & brother, he operated Rural Machine Shop in Oswego for 25 years. He was also employed as a millwright for Local Union #1163 out of Syracuse. He retired in May 2018.

An avid sports fan, Bob loved the New York Yankees and the Syracuse Orangemen. He also loved to spend his time fishing & hunting.

He is survived by his wife of 31 years, Robin (Rucynski) Hitchcock. Also surviving are his son, Tyler Hitchcock of Oswego; his daughter, Sarah (Kameron) Williams of Norfolk, VA; his brother, Thomas (Mary) Hitchcock of Oswego, 3 Sisters, Deborah Kenyon of Rochester, Connie (Ken) Gould of Oswego and Donna (Harold) Morley of Oswego; several nieces & nephews. He will be missed by his yellow lab, “Ellie” who he loved dearly.

He was predeceased by his parents, and his brother in-law Paul Kenyon.

Bob loved to joke around and was always teasing someone. He loved to tell old stories and even though we heard them a million times, we still let him tell them anyway. He will be missed by many.

In following Bob’s wishes, there will be no services. A “Celebration of Life” will be held at a later date.

Betty Jean “Bett” Clark – 80 – of 1002 Wilhelm Rd., Harrisburg, PA, died Friday morning (October 16, 2020) at Community General Hospital in Harrisburg, following a long illness.

Born in Erie, PA on May 15, 1940, she was the daughter of Gerald & Elizabeth (Ranwand) Kepner.

Betty Jean grew up in the Canaseraga area and was a graduate of Canaseraga Central School (class of 1958).  She resided in Rochester for several years where she was employed at General Electric Corporation.  She later lived in Hornell for many years and worked for Birdseye Corporation in Avon, NY.

In 1984, Bett moved to Mechanicville, NY where she raised her family and was also self-employed.  She lived in Cohoes, NY from 1991-2014 and has resided in Harrisburg for the past six years.

While living in Hornell, Betty love attending Hornell Little League games, watching her husband coach and her son & nephews play ball.  Throughout the years, she also enjoyed watching the Little League World Series (played in Williamsport, PA) on Television.  Bett had a deep love of animals, and especially loved her many dogs that she raised throughout the years.  She also enjoyed working crossword puzzles, and watching General Hospital & Little House on the Prairie on TV.  Betty’s favorite movie was “Titanic” which she watched whenever it was on television.  Her greatest joy, however, was simply spending time with her family who she loved with all of her heart!!

She was preceded in death by her sister, Nancy Whiteman who died in 2012.

Betty was married on December 19, 1970 to Terry L Clark SR who survives.  Also surviving are her daughter, Michelle Kepner of Harrisburg; her son, Terry (Jamie Thompson) Clark JR of Harrisburg; 1 brother, Alan “Dale” (Arlene) Kepner of Wellsville; 1 granddaughter, Brandi Michele Lee (Brandon Hammond) Clark; 1 grandson, Nicholas Noyes; 1 great-grandson, Mason Lee Hammond; several nieces, nephews, great-nieces & great-nephews along with a large extended family who she also loved!

The family of Betty Jean Clark will receive friends on Thursday from 5:00 PM – 7:00 PM at the Dagon Funeral Home, 38 Church St., Hornell, NY where a funeral service will be held on Friday at 11:00 AM with ___ Mark Brewer officiating.  Burial will be in St. Mary’s Cemetery.

Betty Jean’s family request that in lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in her name be made to the Hornell Humane Society, 7649 Industrial Park Road, Hornell, NY 14843.  Memorial forms will be available at the Dagon Funeral Home.

Francis R. “Joe” Solo – (92) – formerly of 106 Elizabeth St., Hornell, died Friday afternoon (October 16, 2020) at Jones Memorial Hospital in Wellsville, following a long illness.

A native & life resident of Hornell, he was born March 15, 1928 and was the son of Carmen & Frances(Beaird) Solo.

Joe was a graduate of Hornell High School (class of 1946).  He was a veteran of the US Army, serving his country during the Korean Conflict.

He was employed for about a year in the soils department of the New York State Department of Transportation.  For 34 years he was employed as a mail carrier for the US Postal Service, retiring in 1987.

Joe was a former communicant of St. Ignatius Loyola Church and had been a member of the St. Ignatius Boy’s Choir during the 1930s-1940s.  In recent years, Joe was a member of Our Lady of the Valley Parish and a communicant of St. Ann’s Church. He was a life member of both the Hornell Knights of Columbus and the Hornell American Legion.  Joe was a New York Yankee fan and also enjoyed rooting for both the Buffalo Bills and New York Giants.  Throughout the years, he enjoyed playing golf and had been a member of Twin Hickory Golf Club.

He was married on July 21, 1951 to the former Lucy Miller who died May 20, 2014.  He was also preceded in death by his son-in-law, Steve Lamb who died October 15, 2014; and his sister, Catherine Solo who died October 20, 2010; as well as many “canine companions”.

Surviving are 1 daughter, Judy Lamb of Frederick, MD; 2 sons, Fran Solo of Endicott, NY and Christopher Solo of Endicott; 2 sisters, Elaine Grazioplene of Churchville and Patricia Emerson of Hornell; 4 grandchildren, Amy (Phil) Quattrini, Matthew Lamb, Erik Solo and Emily Solo; 4 great-grandchildren, Makenzi Quattrini, Logan Quattrini, Marco Solo & Nico Solo; several nieces & nephews.

The family of Francis R. “Joe” Solo will receive friends on Monday from 5:00 PM – 7:00 PM at the Dagon Funeral Home, 38 Church St., Hornell, NY.  A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Tuesday at 10:00 AM at St. Ann’s Church.  Burial will be in St. Ann’s Cemetery.

PLEASE NOTE THAT MASKS AND SOCIAL DISTANCING WILL BE REQUIRED AT BOTH THE DAGON FUNERAL HOME AND ST. ANN’S CHURCH.

Joe’s family requests that memorial contributions in his name be made to St. Ann’s Church, 27 Erie Ave, Hornell, NY 14843, or to the Hornell Humane Society, 7649 Industrial Park Road, Hornell, NY 14843 or to St. Jude Children’s Hospital, PO Box 1000 — Dep’t 300, Memphis, TN 38148. Memorial forms will be available at the Dagon Funeral Home.

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