Arkport, New York
Gary R. Recktenwald – 78 – of North Augusta, SC, formerly of Arkport, died unexpectedly on Saturday, March 14, 2026 at the Piedmont Hospital in Augusta, GA.
Funeral arrangements are incomplete and will be announced by the Dagon Funeral Home, 38 Church St., Hornell, NY.
Wellsville, New York
Chad Lee Bush – 52 – of 167 Early St., Wellsville, died unexpectedly Sunday morning (April 19, 2026) at St. James Hospital in Hornell.
Funeral arrangements are incomplete and will be announced by the Dagon Funeral Home, 38 Church St., Hornell, NY.
Campbell, New York
Jason G. Strauss, 41, of Campbell, NY, formerly of Addison, NY, passed away Tuesday evening (April 21, 2026), surrounded by his loving family at home.
Born on April 24, 1984, in Wellsboro, PA, Jason was the beloved son of Stephen Strauss, Sr. and Diane (Fangemann) Strauss.
He grew up in Addison, NY, where he attended Addison Central School. Jason went on to work in the family business, Strauss’s Tree Service, where he was known for his strong work ethic and dedication. Four years ago, Jason and his wife, Jessica, started a “homestead” together, raising beef stock and other livestock and also growing vegetables and flowers.
Jason was a devoted husband, father, son, and brother. He found his greatest joy in spending time with his family and creating lasting memories with those he loved. Jason will be deeply missed and forever remembered by all who knew and loved him.
He is survived by his wife, Jessica Strauss; his daughters, Anna Strauss (Seth Mealy) and Grace Strauss; his stepdaughter, Liah Ector; and his unborn grandson, Gus Mealy, expected in July. He is also survived by his mother, Diane Strauss; his brothers, Stephen (Yvonne) Strauss and Matthew Strauss (Kassandra Hendrickson); and several nieces and nephews, Sadie, Henry, Charlie, Emily, and Isaac Strauss, along with many aunts and uncles.
Jason was preceded in death by his father, Stephen Strauss, Sr; his paternal grandparents, John Sr. and Barbara Strauss; maternal grandparents, Ruby and Gerard Fangemann.
A Memorial Service / Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, May 2, 2026 at 2:00 PM at the Rathbone United Methodist Church, 6703 County Route 21, Addison, NY 14801. All are welcome to attend.
Funeral arrangements are in care of the Dagon Funeral Home, 38 Church St., Hornell, NY.
The family request that in lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in his name be made to the Rathbone United Methodist Church, PO Box 1, Addison, NY 14801.
To leave an online condolence or share a memory, visit www.dagonfuneralhome.com.
Hornell, New York
Helen J. Robbins – (100 years young) – formerly of 41 Oak St., Hornell, died Sunday evening (April 19, 2026) at Updyke’s Willow Ridge Nursing Facility where she had resided for the past 3 years.
Born in Hornell on May 24, 1925, she was the daughter of Antonio & Carmela (DeGaetano) Colomaio.
Helen grew up in Hornell and was a graduate of St. Ann’s School. She later graduated from Hornell High School (class of 1943).
For several years, Helen was employed as a legal secretary for the law office of Whiteman & Whiteman and later as a stenographer for Charles Cutler Insurance Agency. For 33 years she served as a stenographer & senior clerk for the New York State Department of Health, retiring in 1981 following 33 years of service.
Helen was a member of Our Lady of the Valley Parish and a lifelong communicant of St. Ann’s Church. She was a former member & secretary for the Ladies Auxiliary Son’s of Italy; recording secretary of St. Anthony’s Society; and a member of the CSEA Retirees.
Along with her sisters, Helen enjoyed spending time in the kitchen baking & cooking for family & friends especially during the holiday seasons. She loved playing bingo and in her younger years could find a game nearly every night. Helen enjoyed “games of chance” such as “scratch-off” lotto tickets and visiting the casinos in Atlantic City and Salamanca. In her younger years she enjoyed visiting her husband’s family in New York City and spending time at Coney Island. She also cherished the many years that she & her family spent at their cottage on Conesus Lake (near a cottage owned by former New York Yankee great, Phil Rizzuto).
Helen was married on August 28, 1948 to Harold Robbins who died in 1982. She was also preceded in death by her son, Peter Robbins who died in 2020; 2 brothers & their wives, Peter (Betty) Colomaio and Matt (Mary) Colomaio; her sister & husband, Domenica “Maggie” Tony Montemarano; brothers-in-laws, Ezio Fiacco and Joseph “Muzzy” DiCosimo.
Surviving are 2 sisters, Mary Fiacco of Hornell and Rose DiCosimo of Hornell; her daughter-in-law, Patricia “Patti” Robbins of Hornell; 2 grandsons, Mike (Kristina) Robbins of Hornell and Brian (Shasta) Robbins of Moore, SC; 2 great-grandsons, Connor Robbins and Theoden “Theo” Robbins; several nieces, nephews & cousins.
The family of Helen J. Robbins will receive friends on Friday from 2:00 PM – 4:00 PM and 7:00 PM – 9:00 PM at the Dagon Funeral Home, 38 Church St., Hornell, NY. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Saturday at 9:00 AM at St. Ann’s Church with burial in St. Mary’s Cemetery.
Helen’s family request that in lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in her name be made to Updyke’s Willow Ridge, 131 Hornell St., Hornell, NY 14843. Memorial forms will be available at the Dagon Funeral Home.
A big “THANK-YOU” from Helen’s family to the staff at Updyke’s and also the kind folks at CareFirst Hospice for making Helen’s final days peaceful and dignified. Your kindness and professionalism is truly appreciated and will never be forgotten!
To leave an online condolence or share a memory, visit www.dagonfuneralhome.com.
Hornell, New York
Frederick P. “Fred” Lang – (80) – formerly of Hornell, died early Monday morning (December 15, 2025) at his home in St. Petersburg FL, following a long illness.
Born in Rochester, NY on January 17, 1945, he was the son of Bernard & Emma Jeanette (Brighman) Lang.
When Fred was just a small child, his mother died and from 1949 – 1955 he lived at St. Joseph’s Villa and was raised by the Sisters of St. Joseph. After his father married the former Dorothy Ewing, Fred was able to move back and was raised by his dad & step-mother and lived in Scottsville, NY.
He was a graduate of Wheatland-Chili High School (class of 1963). Following high school graduation, Fred enlisted in the US Navy where he was a member of the Navy Drill Team. He served his country during the Vietnam Era and had been stationed aboard the USS Franklin Delano Roosevelt (FDR), a CVA 42 Aircraft Carrier. He was honorably discharged in 1967.
After being discharged from the Navy, Fred moved to the Hornell area and began his career in the insurance business and for two years was employed by Allstate Insurance, selling insurance out of the Sears Roebuck Store in Hornell.
On January 1, 1970, Fred purchased the E. Allan Witter Insurance Agency which he operated until 1991. In 1973, he established the Lang Agency inc., which was both Insurance Agency and Real Estate Agency. Throughout the years the Lang Agency was operated from several locations, including Main St., Canisteo, 17 Church St., Hornell, 176 Main St., Hornell, 364 Seneca Road, North Hornell and 27 Main St., Hornell. He retired in January, 2006. In addition to his real estate & insurance businesses, Fred owned & operated Maple City Appraisals during the 1980s & 1990s. He later served as a real estate consultant.
Following his retirement in 2006, Fred spent the winter months in St. Petersburg, FL and the summer months at his cottage on Lake Demon.
Fred had been a communicant of St. Ann’s Church of Hornell and more recently attended St. Mary’s Church of Canaseraga. He was a 50 year member of the Hornell Elks Lodge; 50 year member of the Hornell American Legion; a life member of the Hornell VFW and a member of the Loyal Order of the Moose.
He was an avid card player and especially enjoyed playing poker, euchre, hearts & pitch. Fred also loved rooting for the Buffalo Bills, Buffalo Sabres and the Tampa Bay Lightning. A life-long swimmer, he stayed in shape by taking his daily swims in his swimming pool or the Ocean (during the winter months in Florida) or in Lake Demon (during the summer months). For many years Fred also stayed in shape by playing in the YMCA Men’s Noon Basketball League.
In addition to his parents and step-mother, Fred was preceded in death by his brother, William Lang.
He was married on February 7, 2025 to his longtime “BETTER-HALF”, the former Kathy Clark Panter who survives. Also surviving are 2 sons, Frederick Lang and Theodore “Ted” Lang; his daughter, Jeanette “Jenny” Rauber; his step-children, Karla (Jason) Dungan, David (Taylor) Panter and Beth (Kenny) Depew; his half-brother, Charles (Aleshia) Lang; his step-brother, James Jessen; several grandchildren; step-grandchildren; nieces & nephews.
At Fred’s request there will be no calling hours. A Memorial Mass will be celebrated on Saturday, May 2, 2026 at 12:00 Noon at St. Mary’s Church of Canaseraga immediately followed by a “GOING AWAY PARTY” at the Hornell Elks Lodge.
Funeral arrangements are in care of the Dagon Funeral Home, 38 Church St., Hornell, NY.
Fred’s family request that in lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in his name be made to the Hornell YMCA, 18 Center St., Hornell, NY.
To leave an online condolence or share a memory, visit www.dagonfuneralhome.com.
Wayland, New York
Michael C. “Mike” Wright — AKA “Pops” – 64 – formerly of Corning NY & Beaver Dams, NY, passed away early Monday morning (April 13, 2026) at the Vincent House in Wayland, following a battle with cancer.
Born in Montour Falls, NY on June 16, 1961, he was the son of Jack & Mary (Smalley) Wright.
Mike grew up in Beaver Dams, NY and throughout the years resided in many locations, including Corning, Dansville, Buffalo, Dundee and Horseheads. While living in Horseheads, he had been employed for a time as a forklift operator at Lowes Home Improvement Store. In his younger years, Mike served as a farm worker as well as a handyman.
Having a love & appreciation of the outdoors, Mike enjoyed hunting & fishing and also enjoyed watching professional wrestling & NFL football on TV.
Mike was preceded in death by his parents and his former wife, Bonnie Coffee Wright and his beloved dog, Mia.
Surviving are his step-son, Bobby Graham and daughter-in-law, Heidi Phillips of Tioga, PA; along with 2 brothers, James Wright and John Wright.
At Mike’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.
Mike’s family request that in lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in his name be made to a charity of the donor’s choice.
To leave an online condolence or share a memory, visit www.dagonfuneralhome.com.
Fremont, New York
Lorraine M. Wulforst – 89 – of Conderman Road, Fremont, died Tuesday evening (April 7, 2026) at the Steuben Center for Rehabilitation in Bath, NY following a brief illness.
Born in Rochester, NY on September 21, 1936, she was the daughter of Joseph & Evelyn (Stocum) Hinkley.
Lorraine grew up in Greece, NY where she attended school. In her younger years while living in the Rochester area, she was employed at Delco Corporation. In later years after moving to the Fremont area she served as a cook at Alfred State College (SUNY Alfred) and also had been employed at Jenkins Farm Market in Arkport.
She was married in 1973 to Henry J. Wulforst (died in 2022). Lorraine was also preceded in death by her son, Scott Volkmar (died in 2024); along with 8 siblings; and several in-laws.
Surviving are her granddaughter, Shana Harrington of Whitesville, NY; her sister, Betty Chauncey of Florida; along with many nieces & nephews.
At Lorraine’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.
Lorraine’s family request that in lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in her name may be made to the American Cancer Society, 13 Beech St., Johnson City, NY 13790.
To leave an online condolence or share a memory, visit www.dagonfuneralhome.com.
Hornell, New York
Margaret M. “Maggie” Sleggs – (87) – of 54 Crosby St., Hornell, died early Saturday morning (April 11, 2026) at Maple City Rehabilitation Nursing Facility, on her 87th birthday, following a long illness. She was surrounded by her loving family who sang “Happy Birthday” to her at midnight, shortly before she entered the Kingdom of Heaven.
Born in Hornell on April 11, 1939, she was the daughter of Martin & Josephine (Jackson) Clancy.
Margaret grew up on Crosby Creek Road and graduated from Alfred-Almond Central School (class of 1957).
She was employed for about 2 years at Westinghouse Corporation and for several years served as cafeteria monitor at the former Lincoln School in Hornell. She later worked as a short order cook at the former Glenwood Dairy in Hornell.
Maggie was a member of Our Lady of the Valley Parish and a former member of St. Ignatius Loyola Church and later St. Ann’s Church. While attending St. Ignatius Loyola Church, she was the first Eucharistic Minister to serve with the church. She also taught Religious Education (CCD) Classes and had served as CCD Coordinator. Margaret was also active in the St. Ignatius festival serving in many capacities including being in charge of the Cake Booth. She also cooked for the priests for about 8 years.
She was an avid New York Mets fan, Buffalo Bills fan and enjoyed rooting for the Notre Dame Football Team. She also enjoyed “craft painting.”
Margaret was preceded in death by her brother, Martin Clancy; 3 sisters, Veronica Clancy, Mary Ross and Anna Burritt.
She was married on January 17, 1959 to John Riley Sleggs who survives. Also surviving are 1 son, John (Jae) Sleggs of Leesburg, VA; 2 daughters, Kimberly (Michael) Rosso of Senoia, GA, and Sharon (Dan) Smith of Arkport; 1 sister, Elizabeth “Beth” (Lou) Cartella of Almond; 1 brother, Patrick (Gail) Clancy of Hornell; 8 grandchildren, Matt (Stacie) Collins, Tyler (Kara) Rosso, Jacob “Jake” Sleggs, Ezekiel “Zeke” Sleggs, Whitney (Matt) Rose, Ryan (Danielle) Smith, Aryn (Mark) Bailey & Lauryn (Tyler) Crouch; 13 great-grandchildren; several nieces & nephews.
The family of Margaret M. “Maggie” Clancy will receive friends on Thursday 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 Friday at 10:00 AM at St. Ann’s Church. Burial will be in St. Mary’s Cemetery.
Margaret’s family request that in lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in her name be made to the Hornell YMCA, 18 Center St., Hornell, NY 14843. Memorial forms will be available at the Dagon Funeral Home.
To leave an online condolence or share a memory, visit www.dagonfuneralhome.com.
Hornell, New York
Mary Ann Argentieri – 93 – formerly of 44 Spruce St., Hornell, died Friday morning (April 10, 2026) at Elderwood at Hornell Nursing Facility where she had resided for the past 15 months.
Born in Hornell on February 17, 1933, she was the daughter of Thomas & Mary Alice (Reifer) Glynn.
Mary Ann grew up in Hornell and was a graduate of the former St. Ann’s School and later graduated from Hornell High School (class of 1951). She later attended Geneseo State College (SUNY Geneseo). After leaving Geneseo, she was briefly employed as a receptionist & assistant for Dr. William Tracy of Hornell.
On November 14, 1953 she was married in St. Ann’s Church to Francis S. “Babi” Argentieri. For many years, Mary Ann served as a Stay-At-Home Mom, enjoying motherhood and raising her family.
In 1976, she began working for Dr. Mario Argentieri as a secretary and office manager, a position that she held for over 20 years.
Mary Ann had been a member of Our Lady of the Valley Parish and a communicant of both St. Ignatius Loyola Church and St. Ann’s Church. She had been a member of the St. Ann’s School Board, the St. Ann’s Mother’s Club; the Ladies of Columbus and the Catholic Daughters of America. For many years, Mary Ann served as a volunteer at the St. James Mercy Hospital gift shop and was a member of the St. James Woman’s Board. She was also a Buffalo Bills (NFL) fan along with a New York Yankee (MLB) fan. Her greatest joy, however, was simply being near her family.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Francis “Babi” Argentieri who died March 18, 2017; her infant son; her sister, Martha Samiec; her brother, Thomas Glynn & sister-in-law, Nancy Glynn; 3 brothers-in-law, Roger Argentieri, Jack Cregan and Marty Christianson.
Surviving are 4 daughters, Elizabeth “Liz” (Albert) Lucarelli of Elmira, Mary Frances (John) D’Onofrio of Pittsburgh, PA, Jeanne (Jeffrey) Black of Naples, NY and Ann (Joe) Brungard of Hornell; 2 sons, Francis “Fran” (Colleen) Argentieri of Hornellsville and Stephen (Michele) Argentieri of Syracuse; 3 sisters, Peggy Argentieri Cregan of Hornell, Mary Helen (Mark) Huffsmith of Minneapolis, MN and Sue Christianson of Hornell; her brother-in-law, Robert Samiec; 17 grandchildren; 18 great-grandchildren; nieces, nephews. She will also be sadly missed by her special friend and caregiver, Cindy Tinker.
The family of Mary Ann (Glynn) Argentieri will receive friends on Sunday (April 19, 2026) from 2:00 PM until 5:00 PM at the Dagon Funeral Home, 38 Church St., Hornell, NY. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Monday (April 20, 2026) at 10:00 AM at St. Ann’s Church with burial in St. Mary’s Cemetery.
Mary Ann’s family request that in lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in her name be made to the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation, Rochester Chapter, PO Box 368, Pittsford, NY 14534. Memorial forms will be available at the Dagon Funeral Home.
To leave an online condolence or share a memory, visit www.dagonfuneralhome.com.
Hornell, NY
Phyllis K. (Volk) Swackhamer
With deep gratitude for a life marked by faith and devotion, we announce the homegoing of Phyllis (Volk) Swackhamer – 79 – a faithful servant of the Lord, who passed away on April 8, 2026, following a brief illness.
Phyllis lived her life with a clear and faithful purpose—to please the Lord first, and then to lovingly care for her husband, children, and grandchildren. Her devotion to her family was evident in every moment she spent supporting, encouraging, and nurturing them. She found great joy in her role as a wife, mother, and grandmother, and was recently blessed with the arrival of a great-grandson. Later in life, Phyllis faced the challenges of dementia with remarkable grace. Despite the difficulties, she remained cheerful and active, continuing to brighten the lives of those around her.
Born on September 21, 1946 in Fillmore, New York, Phyllis was the daughter of the late Nathan & Jean (Beardslee) Volk. She grew up in Fillmore and graduated from Fillmore High School (class of 1964). On December 28, 1968, Phyllis married the love of her life, Gary Swackhamer. Their wedding came together in just a few days after Gary was drafted into the Army. Phyllis desired to begin their life together and quickly planned the wedding so she could accompany him to Germany. They were married for 58 years.
For many years, Phyllis worked alongside her husband at Swackhamer’s Greenhouses. In her late 30s, she decided to open a flower shop. She and her husband, Gary, opened Swackhamer’s Florist, and she attended Alfred State College to study floral design. Twenty years later, she chose to close the flower shop so she could devote more time to her family, especially her beloved grandchildren.
She was a longtime and active member of Hillside Baptist Church, where she faithfully served in many capacities throughout her life. Her deep faith was evident in her service and her love for her Lord and for others.
She was preceded in death by her brothers Jack Volk, Gerald Volk, and Phillip Volk (her twin), and her parents, Nathan and Jean (Beardslee) Volk.
Phyllis is survived by her beloved husband, Gary Swackhamer; her daughters, Tonya (David) James of Northborough, Massachusetts, and Teresa “Tracy” Howard of Hornell, New York; her sister, Judy (Richard) Heers, Immokalee, FL. She had three sisters-in-law that she considered more like sisters: Peggy Lynn Plank, of Hornell, NY, Cheryl Volk of Warsaw, NY and Shirly Volk of Sebastian, FL. She also leaves behind her seven grandchildren: Maxwell, Travis, Tessa, Logan (Hannah), Avery, Maris, Tytus, one great-grandson, David; and many loved ones who will miss her dearly.
The family of Phyllis K. Swackhamer will receive friends at Hillside Baptist Church on Saturday, April 18th from 3:00 – 4:00 PM followed by a funeral service at 4:00 PM. Pastor Craig Brittingham will be officiating. Burial will be in Heritage Hill Cemetery, Arkport, NY.
In lieu of flowers, Phyllis’ family request that memorial contributions in her name may be made to Hillside Baptist Church, 805 County Route 66, Hornell, NY, 14843.
Funeral arrangements are in care of the Dagon Funeral Home, 38 Church St., Hornell, NY.