Elizabeth J. “Betty “ Gangemi, 93, currently residing in Cortland, NY, previously of Hornell, NY passed away early Sunday morning (August 4, 2019) at the Cortland Park Nursing Facility in Cortland, NY.

She was born in Wayne, NY, on March 31, 1926 to Robert and Estella (Rutherford) Black.  She resided in the Corning, NY area until May 1946, when she married Nicholas Gangemi and moved to Hornell.  She resided in Groton from 2014 until moving to Cortland earlier this year.

While living in Hornell, Betty was a member of Our Lady of the Valley Parish and had been a communicant of St. Ignatius Loyola Church and later St. Ann’s Church.  For many years she served as bookkeeper for Nick’s Mobile, a service station owned & operated by her husband, Nick.

In her younger years she enjoyed bowling and belonged to a women’s bowling league and also a “couples league”, playing with her husband, Nick.  She also enjoyed working on crossword puzzles and jigsaw puzzles.

She was predeceased by her husband, Nicholas, on August 23, 2012. She was also predeceased by her parents, by two brothers, Robert Black and Theodore Black of Corning, and a sister Eleanor (Black, Bliss) Harrau of Lawrenceville PA.

She is survived by one daughter Linda (Stephen) Gobel of Cortland, NY, and two grandsons, Eric Gobel of Chicago, IL and Andrew (Marisa) Gobel of Homer, NY, and several nieces and nephews.

At Betty’s request, there will be no calling hours. Services will be private at the convenience of the family. Contributions can be made to St Ann’s Academy, 41 Genesee St., Hornell, NY 14843.

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

Thomas G. “Tom” Gilleran – 76 – of Hornell, died unexpectedly Wednesday morning (July 31, 2019) at his home.

Born in Albany, NY on September 27, 1942, he was the son of George & Frances (Klos) Gilleran.

Tom grew up in Hornell and was a graduate of St. Ann’s School.  He later graduated from Hornell High School (class of 1960).  Following high school graduation, Tom attended Alfred University where he majored in Chemical Engineering.

He was employed for many years at the New York State Department of Transportation (NYSDOT) as a computer technician, retiring about 17 years ago.

Tom had been member a communicant of St. Ignatius Loyola Church.  He enjoyed fishing, playing chess and watching baseball (especially the NY Mets & LA Dodgers) on TV.  He also enjoyed horse racing and his many trips to the race track.

He was preceded by his father, George T. Gilleran, his mother, Frances E. Gilleran in death by his nephew, Andrew Attinasi.

Surviving are his sister, Mary Ann (Daniel) Attinasi of Rochester; his nephew, Daniel (Johanna) Attinasi; his niece, Christine (Vince) LaTerra; two great nieces, Drew Attinasi and Mary Jo LaTerra; along with several cousins.  He will also be sadly missed by his friends and wonderful neighbors.

At Tom’s request there will be no calling hours.  Private graveside 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. 

Tom’s family request that in lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in his name be made to St. Ann’s Academy, 41 Genesee St., Hornell, NY or to the American Red Cross, 11371 LPGA Drive, Corning, NY 14830

Kathleen M. “Kathy” Durso – 57 – a resident of Corning Center for Rehabilitation & Healthcare, formerly of Hornell, died early Saturday morning (July 27, 2019) at Corning Hospital, following a brief illness.

Born in Hornell on February 27, 1962, she was the daughter of Michael & Mary Lou (Walters) Durso.

Kathy grew up in Hornell and was a graduate of Hornell High School (class of 1980).  She later received an Associate’s Degree from Alfred State College.

She resided in California for 25 years and had been employed for an insurance company. She returned to the Hornell area about 10 years ago to help take care of her mother, following the death of her father.

She was preceded in death by her father who died April 12, 2005.

Surviving are her mother, Mary Lou Durso of Hornell; 2 brothers, Michael (Rose) Durso of Half Moon Bay, CA and Stephen (Susette) Durso of Carpinteria, CA; 2 sisters, Cindy (Rick) Hasler of Dayton, OH and Chrissy (Doug) Taggert of North Hornell; 8 nieces & nephews, Joe (Melissa) Durso, Jim (Bree) Durso, Alexis Durso, Jennifer (Chris) Pawelski, Lindsay Hasler, Matthew (Kristen) Taggert, Melissa (Chris) Squeglia and Lisa (Josh) Nichols; great nieces & great nephews.

The family would like to express an appreciation and recognition to Kelly Mehlenbacher, a lifelong high school friend.

At Kathy’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. 

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in her name may be made to American Diabetes Foundation, PO Box 13067, Alexandria, VA   2312 .

Mathilda M. “Mickey” Slenker – 79 – of 110 Elizabeth St., Hornell, died Sunday evening (July 21, 2019) at Arnot Ogden Hospital in Elmira, following a brief illness.

Born in St. Louis, MO on December 17, 1939, she was the daughter of Melchior & Elizabeth (Eckrick) Haefele.

Mickey grew up in St. Louis where she graduated from high school (class of 1957).  She later graduated from St. Louis City Hospital School of Nursing where she received her Registered Nurses License.

Residing in Warren, OH for about four years, Mickey was employed as a registered nurse and also a nurse anesthetist.  She has resided in the Hornell area since 1980 and had been employed as a registered nurse at both St. James Mercy Hospital and the former Bethesda Community Hospital.

She was preceded in death by 2 sisters, Loretta Haefele and Elizabeth Ferry.

Surviving are 2 sons, Leo (Melissa) Slenker of Kansas City, MO and John (Jennifer) Slenker of Alexander, NY; 6 grandchildren, Matthew, Rachel, Thomas, Benjamin, Claire & Anna; several nieces & nephews.

At Mickey’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. 

Mickey’s family request that in lieu of flowers, memorials in her name be made to the charity of the donor’s choice.

Leo J. DelRossa, Jr., 76, of Penn Yan, NY, died Friday evening, July 12, 2019, at Hildebrandt Hospice Care in Rochester, NY.

Born in Penn Yan on December 2, 1942, he was the son of Leo and Rose (Ribble) DelRossa.

Leo grew up in Dresden, NY, and was a graduate of Penn Yan Academy. He had resided in Penn Yan since the age of 19.

At a very young age, Leo began working for his father at DelRossa Ford Tractor & Implement in Penn Yan. He was active in the family business for his entire life, managing DelRossa Ford—later Torrey Auto—in Dresden for 45 years. Leo was an award-winning mechanic and sales representative. He trained for, practiced, and mastered every aspect of the business including service calls, sales, mechanical service and repairs, accounting, and facility maintenance. Customer service was natural to this man who was loved by so many.

Leo attended St. Michael’s Church in Penn Yan. He was a member of the American Legion and many clubs, including the Elks, Moose, Duck Hunters, Penn Yan Hunting, and Himrod Field and Stream Conservation.

Leo was an avid outdoorsman, who enjoyed hunting and fishing. He was an excellent cook. He also enjoyed working in his vegetable garden. Leo was famously generous towards family, friends, and customers—and sometimes for complete strangers in need—there was no kindness that Leo would not do. To be touched by Leo’s unselfishness was to feel the Holy Spirit in action.

Surviving are his father, Leo J. DelRossa of Dresden; his longtime companion, Carol O’Keane of Rochester; a son, Leo J. “Skip” (Cindy Thompson) DelRossa, III; daughters Lena (John) McDermott of Hornell, NY and Christina DelRossa of Dundee, NY; brothers Alan (Joyce) DelRossa of Dresden, Erwin “Rocky” (Ginny Robinson) DelRossa of North Rose, NY, Jeff (Mary) DelRossa of Pittsburgh, PA, and Michael (Braedy) DelRossa of Geneva, NY; sisters Betty (Jerry) Masters of Geneva, Michelle “Mikki” (Eric) Sheldon of Dresden, Myra (Rick) Adsitt of Geneva, Dale Wood of Penn Yan, and Marcia (Tim) Gunkler of Penn Yan; grandchildren Britni (Jacob) Wilmot, Devon Forman, Alaina (David) Wilcox-McDermott, and Kelcie (Andrew) Lewis; great-grandchildren Caden Wilmot, Riley Wilmot, and Cullen Lewis; many nieces, nephews, and cousins.

At Leo’s request, there will be no calling hours. A “Celebration of Life” will be held on Saturday, August 3, 2019 at 3:00 PM at the Himrod Field and Stream Conservation Club, 770 Rice Road, Himrod, NY  14842. Friends and family can gather there to share stories and reminisce, while enjoying food and drink in a casual outdoor setting.

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

Leo’s family requests that in lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in his name be made to Hildebrandt Hospice Care, 2652 Ridgeway Ave., Rochester, NY 14626.

Hornell, NY  /  Arkport, NY

Gary J. Rauber – 64 – of 8723 Emerson Road, Arkport, (Town of Almond) died early Monday morning (July 8, 2019) at his home, following a long illness.

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

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

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

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

Jeanne E. Stearns – (89) – of 3 Henry St., Arkport, died Thursday morning (July 4, 2019) at Elderwood at Hornell Nursing Facility, following a long illness.

Born in North Hornell on November 28, 1929, she was the daughter of Edward & Alta (Snyder) Jeffery.

Jeanne grew up in Hornell and was a graduate of Hornell High School (class of 1948).  She later graduated from Columbia School of Nursing in New York City where she earned her Registered Nurses License.  In the upcoming years, she continued taking classes in keeping with her license.

From 1958 – 1989, Jeanne served as School Nurse at Arkport Central School.  For about 8 years, she was employed as a registered nurse at St. James Mercy Hospital, retiring in 1996.

Jeanne was a member of the Arkport Presbyterian Church and also the Hornell Alumni Association.  She had a deep affection for animals and throughout the years owned many dogs & cats.  She was a longtime supporter of the Hornell Humane Society and also the SPCA.

Always ready to help others, Jeanne “took-in” countless children and young adults into her home, giving them a place to stay because they were having troubles at home.  She will be remembered as a loving & caring woman who was an asset to the entire community.

Jeanne was preceded in death by 2 sisters, Pat Tiemersma and Alyce Brown.

Surviving are 3 sons, William (Linda) Stearns of Arkport, Martin (Bea) Stearns of Menifee, CA and Mitchell (Gina) Stearns of Hildebran, NC; 1 daughter, Denise (Sam) Spear of Lockport, NY; 1 sister, Kathleen Wilson of Frederick, MD; 15 grandchildren; 8 great-grandchildren; several nieces & nephews.

At Jeanne’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.

Jeanne’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.

Warren L. LaFlamme – 48 – of 5914 County Route 64, Hornell, died unexpectedly Saturday afternoon (June 22, 2019) at his home.

Born in Mt. Vernon, IL on June 28, 1970, he was the son of Warren & Nadine (Dubois) Laflamme.

Warren grew up in Mt. Vernon, IL where he graduated from high school.  He later received his degree in Mechanical Engineering from Southern Illinois University (SIU).

Throughout the years, he resided in many locations and has lived in the Hornell area for the past three years.

Warren was a spiritual man who had a deep love of music and enjoyed playing guitar and also enjoyed playing video games.

Surviving are his son, Forest (Kelsey Henrick) Spiegel of Beaverton, OR; his parents, Warren & Nadine Laflamme of Mt. Vernon, IL; along with 2 sisters.

At Warren’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.

William M. “Bill” Leahy – 57 – of 3997 Fenton Ave., Greenwood, formerly of Canisteo, died Wednesday afternoon (June 19, 2019) at his home, following a long illness.

Born in Forest Hills, NY on August 12, 1961, he was the son of Bernard & Helaine (Perlman) Leahy.

Bill grew up in Stamford, CT and had resided in many locations throughout the State of Connecticut. After graduating from high school, Bill took classes at Corning Community College and also took classes at the  York State Fire Academy in Bath, NY, becoming a firefighter and EMT (Emergency Medical Technician) .  He was a veteran of the US Army, serving his country from 1985 – 1989.

For several years, Bill worked for Coleman Brothers and also Reithoffers Carnival.  He not only served as a mechanic, setting up, tearing down and maintaining the rides, but also as ride operator and truck driver for both companies.  Throughout the years, Bill had been employed as a truck driver for several trucking companies, traveling throughout the country.  He also drove for Rensenberger Trucking, transporting railroad workers.

Having a deep love of music, Bill served as the sound production engineer for several bands in Connecticut and often would travel with the bands.  For the past 16 years, he owned & operated Spectrum Entertainment providing DJ Music & Karoke for weddings and private parties.  He also enjoyed the outdoors and loved deer hunting.

For many years, Bill served as a firefighter and EMT in Connecticut, East Corning, South Corning, Macedon, and Greenwood.  He had also been employed as a mechanic at Monroe Muffler in Riverside, NY.

In addition to his parents, Bill was preceded in death by his sister, Deborah Leahy.

Surviving are his son, Shane Davis of Greenwood and also Shane’s mother Tammy (Eric) Ford of Greenwood.

At Bill’s request there will be no calling hours.  Private services will be held at the convenience of the family with final interment in the Bath National Cemetery, Bath, NY.

Memorial contributions in his name may be made to the Greenwood Volunteer Fire Department.

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

Charles E. “Charlie” Carmen – 76 – of 16 Ransom St., Hornell, formerly of Thacher St., Hornell, died unexpectedly Tuesday morning (June 11, 2019) at his home.

Born on April 27, 1943, he was the son of Donald & Rose (Baxter) Carmen.

Charlie resided in Cobleskill, NY for many years and has lived in the Hornell area for the past 25 years.  He had been employed as a truck driver for most of his adult life and had been employed as a delivery man for Bathrick’s Florist of Hornell.

He was a devoted member of the Church of Latter Day Saints in Arkport and was also an avid fisherman.

Charlie is survived by 2 sisters, Ella Smith and Rose Marie Carmen; his half-brother, Stewart Utter; his half-sister, Carol Acquaviva; along with many friends in the Hornell area.

At Charlie’s request there will be on 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, memorial contributions may be made to the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints.