Hornell, New York

Joseph C. “Muzzy” DiCosimo, 92 of Hornell, NY passed away on Tuesday, December 16, 2025 at St. James Hospital surrounded by people who loved him.

Muzzy was the youngest child of Augusto and Mary (Catania) DiCosimo and the brother of Augie DiCosimo (Darlene), Tony DiCosimo (Gert), Nuncio “Bute” DiCosimo (Mary), Jenny Zarvis (George), Margaret Stevens (Art) and Marion Capo (Frank) all who predeceased him. Muzzy was also predeceased by his mother- and father-in-law, Antonio and Carmella Colomaio and brothers- and sisters-in-law, Maggie and Tony Montemarano, Harold Robbins, Peter and Betty Colomaio, Matt and Mary Colomaio and Ezio Fiacco.

He is survived by his wife of 58 years, Rosie (Colomaio) DiCosimo; son, Joseph DiCosimo and his wife Elizabeth; and the granddaughter he adored, Adriana; as well as sisters-in-law Helen Robbins and Mary Fiacco; many nieces and nephews, including a special nephew, Johnny.

Muzzy was a 1952 graduate of Hornell High School and a member of the United States Army, serving as a prison guard in Dachau, Germany during the Korean War.  During his time in the Army he attained the rank of Corporal and received the Good Conduct Medal and National Defense Service Medal as well as being an Army sharpshooter.  Upon his honorable discharge in 1955, Muzzy moved to Los Angeles, California where he became a Master Barber, a trade he would practice for nearly 70 years.

In addition to barbering, Muzzy and his brother Nuncio “Bute” owned and operated Margaret’s Grocery Store, serving the east side of Hornell from 1965-1988.  Generations of kids spent countless hours at Margaret’s drinking Coke out of glass bottles and buying candy with their pennies.  Upon Bute’s retirement in 1988, Muzzy returned to barbering, opening Muzzy’s Barbershop in Hornell.  He retired in 2024 at age 92.

Muzzy loved nothing more than a game of Craps at a casino, NFL football and a “good dish of spaghetti.”  He was a devout Catholic who was a member of Our Lady of the Valley Parish and attended St. Ann’s Church.  He remained faithful through all of his challenges.

The family of Joseph C. “Muzzy” DiCosimo will receive friends on Friday from 4:00 PM until 6:00 PM at Dagon Funeral Home, 38 Church Street, Hornell, NY.  A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Saturday at 10:00 AM at St. Ann’s Church, Erie Avenue, Hornell, NY.   Burial will be in the Bath National Cemetery, Bath, NY.

Muzzy’s family request that in lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in his name be made to St. Jude Children’s Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN  38105.  Memorial forms will be available at the Dagon Funeral Home.

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

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

Canisteo, New York

Michael E. “Mike” Bloom – 54 – of 25 Pine St., Canisteo, NY, died early Tuesday morning (December 16, 2025) at his home, following a long illness.

Born in North Hornell on December 26, 1970, he was the son of Earl & Yvonne (Atkins) Bloom.

Mike grew up in Arkport and attended Arkport Central School.  He later received his General Education Development (GED) Diploma from Hornell BOCES.

Mike resided in Florida for about 2 years where he worked installing TV cable.  At the age of 20, he returned to the Hornell Area and has resided in Canisteo for the past 10 years.  A self-proclaimed “Jack of All Trades,” Mike has been employed at several area businesses and worked a variety of jobs, including Gunlock Corporation, welding, Dansville Logging, roofing & carpentry at Loper’s Contracting and as a mechanic at Smith’s Collision in Arkport.  Since suffering a stroke in 2019, Mike has been disabled and has not been able to work.

Prior to suffering a stroke, Mike enjoyed taking long rides on his Triumph Motorcycle with his buddies.  He also had a deep love of music — especially “Old Rock” and “Heavy Metal.”

He was married on September 5, 2015 to Deanna Smith who survives.  Also surviving are 3 children, Michael Bloom, Jr. of Hornell, Tabitha Smith of Perry, NY and Riley Bloom of Canisteo; his sister, Deanna Bloom of Bath; 6 grandchildren, Aubree Smith, Jude Johnson, Cylar Yeoman, Aiden Bloom Alynna Kepper and Carter Bloom; his great-niece, Anhaleigh Buckmaster; along with several nieces & nephews.  He will also be sadly missed by his 2 dogs & 6 cats.

At Mike’s request there will be no calling hours.  A “Celebration of Life” will be held at a later date.

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 the Hornell Humane Society, 7649 Industrial Park Road, Hornell, NY  14843.

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

Hornell, New York

Frederick P. “Fred” Lang – (80) – of Lake Demons (Town of Howard), formerly of Hornell, died early Monday morning (December 15, 2025) at his home in St. Petersburg FL, following a long illness.

Funeral arrangements are incomplete and will be announced by the Dagon Funeral Home, 38 Church St., Hornell, NY.

Hornell, New York

Scott G. Getgen – 91 – a resident of Maple City Rehab (Hornell Gardens) died early Sunday morning (December 14, 2025) at Noyes Memorial Hospital in Dansville.

Born in Jersey Shore, PA on October 12, 1934, he was the son of Robert & Lillian Getgen.

He was a veteran of the US Air Force, serving his country during the Korean Conflict.  A former resident of Honeoye Falls, NY, Scott has resided in Hornell for the past two years.  He had been employed for many years at Ferno Corporation, manufacturing hospital & mortuary products.

Scott is survived by three children, including Charlotte (Alan) Bauldree of Homer, LA.

At Scott’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.

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

Hornell, New York

Todd M. Amidon 58 of 68 Hartshorn St., Hornell, died December 9, 2025, following a long illness.

Born in Florida on March 1, 1967, he was the son of Steve & Bonnie (Loper) Amidon.

Todd grew up in Arkport and was a graduate of Arkport Central School (class of 1985).  Following high school graduation, he enlisted in the United States Marine Corp. and served his country from 1985-1992.  Todd valued this service highly and attained the rank of Sargeant.  While in the Marines, Todd was stationed in several locations throughout the country, including Tennessee, North Carolina and eventually at the West Point Military Academy in Newburg, NY.  He was also proud to have served during Desert Storm.

Following his honorable discharge from the military, Todd continued his education and attended several colleges.  He earned his bachelor’s degree in business administration and project management from Florida Gulf Coast University. He had been employed as Project Manager for Frontier Communications in Rochester, NY.  Because he was a “Fan of the Sun — Not Cold Weather”, Todd resided in Florida for the past 20 years.  He loved keeping up with current events and watching the news stations on TV.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Steve & Bonnie Amidon.

Surviving are 2 daughters, Lauren (Jim) Beaver of Hornell and Haley (Josh) Withrow of Hornell; 4 sisters, Kim (Mark) Betker of Arkport, Karen Amidon (John Goff) of Cairo, GA, Tammy (Guy) Sick of Hornell and Beckie Amidon-Austin of Hornell; 2 brothers, James Stephen Amidon (Carl Rost) of Hornell and James Scott Amidon of Syracuse, NY; 6 grandchildren, Gavin Beaver, Jayla Beaver, Kayden Owens, Harper Withrow, Priesly Withrow and Ayla Withrow; along with many nieces & nephews.

Family was very important to Todd.  When he found out how sick he was he let his family know that his wish was to get all his siblings together and to spend as much time with family as possible.  In May of this year (2025) Todd and all 6 of his siblings gathered for first time in many years.

Todd loved to advise his siblings, children, grandchildren, and numerous nieces and nephews on topics ranging from managing their finances, getting an education, career paths, and relationships.  The kids could always count on him to impart words of wisdom and engage in thoughtful conversations.  He was passionate about leaving the world a better place and knew that the future lay in the hands of our kids and grandkids.

The family of Todd M. Amidon will receive friends on Wednesday from 4:00 PM until 6:00 PM at the Dagon Funeral Home, 38 Church St., Hornell, NY.  A Memorial Service with Military Honors will be held at the conclusion of calling hours at 6:00 PM at which time family & friends will have an opportunity to share stories & memories of Todd.  Final interment will be in the Bath National Cemetery, Bath, NY.

Todd’s family request that in lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in his name be made to The Arc Allegany Steuben, 1 ARC Way, Bath, NY  14810 or to CareFirst Hospice, 3805 Meads Creek Road, Painted Post, NY 14870.  Memorial forms will be available at the Dagon Funeral Home.

In recognition of Todd’s service to his country as a member of the United States Marine Corp., the American Flag at the Dagon Funeral Home will be flown at half-staff.

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

Almond, New York

Gerald L. “Jerry” Drake – 77 – of County Rd #2, Almond, NY, died unexpectedly early Monday morning (December 8, 2028) at his home, following a long illness.

Born in Hornell on December 13, 1947, he was the son of Lavern Drake and Wilma (Mullen) Drake Root and the step-son of Theodore “Ted” Root.

Jerry grew up in Almond and was a graduate of Alfred-Almond Central School (class of 1967).  Following high school graduation, he enlisted in the United States Air Force and served his country during the Vietnam era.  Throughout the years he was stationed in many locations, including Texas (Basic Training), New Jersey and eventually Vietnam.  After returning from Vietnam, he was stationed in South Carolina, Okinawa, Idaho, Germany, Massachusetts, New Mexico and finally returning to Almond, NY.  Jerry was honorably discharged in 1987 with the rank of Tech Sergeant (TSGT) following a 20 year military career.  From 1987 – 1993, Jerry served as a furnace technician for Agway, cleaning & repairing furnaces.

He was a member of the Hornell American Legion and a life member of the Hornell VFW.  Jerry was a former Pittsburg Steelers fan but currently loved rooting for the Buffalo Bills.  Jerry also was a NASCAR entheusiest with his favorite driver being Kevin Harvick.  He also enjoyed taking his mother to the local casinos.

He was married on July 5, 1969 to the former Kathleen “Kathy” Sweeney who survives.  Also surviving are his son, Paul Edward (Terri) Drake of Silver Springs, FL; his daughter, Mary Bess Clark of Almond; his brother, Guy Drake of Wellsville; his step-sister, Terri Jean Root Jackson of Olathe, KS; his grandchildren, Cody (Christina Canniff) Clark, Hunter Clark, Nicholas (Katie Sirianni) Clark, Paul Drake, Jr., Jamie (Josh) Knight and Racheal Clayton; 8 great-grandchildren; several nieces & nephews.

In addition to his parents, Jerry was preceded in death by his brother, T. Donald Root, Jr. and his sister-in-law, Eileen Drake.

At Jerry’s request there will be no calling hours.  A private graveside service with military honors will be held at the convenience of the family.

Family & friends are invited to a “Celebration of Life” to be held on Tuesday, December 16, 2025 from 4:00 PM until 8:00 PM at the Hornell VFW, Canisteo St., Hornell, NY.  All are welcome to attend and share stories and memories of Jerry.

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

Jerry’s family request that in lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in his name be made to St. Jude Children’s Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN  38105.

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

Hornell, New York

Margaret A. “Sissy” Mahoney lived a life defined by compassion, creativity, and an unwavering commitment to nurturing others. Whether caring for the sick, inspiring the minds in young students, or crafting works of art, Sissy approached everything with purpose and grace.  She died Sunday morning, December 7, 2025, at the Vincent House in Wayland, after a furious battle with cancer.

Born in Hornell on April 22, 1950, to Mark and Eleanor (Gould) O’Neil, The family lived in Hornell until she was 10, then Buffalo, and finally Geneseo, where she graduated from Geneseo Central School in 1968.  She pursued her calling to care for others, earning her Associate’s Degree in Science and Nursing from Alfred State College and later her Bachelor’s Degree in Science and Nursing from Alfred University.

From 1971 to 1978, Sissy worked as a registered nurse at Strong Memorial Hospital in Rochester, primarily in the Medical Surgical Department.  In 1978, she became an ICU nurse at St. James Mercy Hospital in Hornell.  In 1986, she was asked by Father Elmer Schmidt to become a teacher at St. Ann School in Hornell.

For 19 years, Sissy was a beloved third-grade teacher at St. Ann’s.  Sissy had an extraordinary gift for recognizing an individual’s talent and fostering the growth of that talent.  She was especially great at discovering a student’s “artistic side.”

After retiring from teaching in 2005, Sissy returned to nursing at Hornell Gardens.  There, she resumed caring for patients including her Mother, Eleanor, until her retirement in 2010.

She was a devoted member of Our Lady of the Valley Parish and a communicant of St. Ann’s Church, where she served as a Eucharistic Minister and member of the Parish Council.  She worked with adult converts through the Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults (RCIA) program, welcoming newcomers to the faith.  As a member of the RENEW Program, she helped increase participation in daily and weekly Masses.

With her husband, “Mony,” she worked with Worldwide Marriage Encounter of Rochester.  There they helped to further strengthen good marriages.

An accomplished artist, Sissy enjoyed painting & sketching along with general crafting.  She especially enjoyed creating “beaded flowers” along with beautiful stained glass wall hangings.

In addition to her parents, Sissy was preceded in death by her son, Thomas John Mahoney; her sister, Brigid Martusewicz; and her brother-in-law, Jimmy Mahoney.

Sissy was married on March 10, 1973, and is survived by her husband Daniel (Mony) Mahoney.  Also surviving are her daughter, Sheila (Zachary) Stephenson of Fernandina Beach, FL; two sons, Daniel (Vanessa) Mahoney of Superior, CO and James (Kristine) Mahoney of Charlotte, NC; three sisters, Beth “Honey” (Craig) Ohlhorst of Newport News, VA, Patty (Roger) Dodington of England, and Kathryn “Kitty” (Eric) Hepler of Richmond, VA; three brothers, Mark “Bucky” (Ann) O’Neil of Philadelphia, PA, Timothy (Linda) O’Neil of Canandaigua, NY, and Brian (Julie) O’Neil of Victor, NY; six grandchildren, Kayla Mahoney, Phineas Mahoney, Loretta Stephenson, Sara Mahoney, Delilah Stephenson, and Celia “Oona” Mahoney; along with several nieces and nephews.

Sissy’s family will receive friends on Thursday from 4:00 PM until 6:00 PM at the Dagon Funeral Home, 38 Church St., Hornell, NY.  A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date.

Sissy’s family requests that in lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in her name be made to The Vincent House, PO Box 566, 310 Second Ave., Wayland, NY 14572 or by visiting https://vincenthouseny.org/sponsor .  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

Richard E. “Rick” Scott, Jr – 67 – of Hornell, NY, died unexpectedly on Saturday 9December 6, 2025) at his home.

Born in Shirley, Massachusetts on December 28, 1957, he was the son of the late Richard E. & Patricia (Krim) Scott, Sr.

Throughout his lifetime, Rick live all over the world.  As a boy, he lived in Germany, Alaska, Florida & New Jersey while his father served in the United States Army.

Rick himself enlisted in the United States Marine Corps in 1975 at the age of 17 and was stationed at Camp Lejeune, NC.  He toured the European Theatre.  Upon his honorable discharge in 1978, Rick returned to New Jersey and then moved to Maine, Florida & Delaware before settling in New York State.  Hornell has been his home since 2018.

A self-proclaimed jack-of-all-trades, rick was employed in many capacities in the mechanical, carpentry, masonry and welding industries.  He was a truck driver for many years and most recently drove for Val’s express in Monroe Township, NJ.

Rick enjoyed woodworking, mechanics, auto racing and was a New York Mets fan.  He also loved the outdoors and enjoyed fishing (lake, stream and occasionally deep-sea fishing).  He was a talented artist who loved sketching and working with water colors.

In addition to his father and mother, Rick was preceded in death by his brother, Patrick M. Scott of Brick, NJ.

Surviving are his loving sister, Debra (Thomas) Lardieri of Dover, DE; his sister-in-law, Melissa B. Scott of Brick, NJ; his daughter, Veronica K. (Antonio) Solorio of Washington State; his son, Leslie “Eddie” (fiancé, Dani Leeann) Scott of Oregon; along with 4 grandchildren.  Also surviving are his nieces, Myllisa (Jeremy) Kennedy and Rosann (fiancé, Mark Wallcott) Levkovski; his nephews, Bryan (Jill) Scott, Andrew (Cassie) Scott and Timothy (Emily) Scott; along with great-nieces & great-nephews.

To honor Rick’s wishes, there will be no calling hours.

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

Rick’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.

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

Hornell, New York

Nelson E. Hoffman – 86 – of 1190 County Route 66 (The Woodland Community), Hornell died late Thursday evening (November 27, 2025) at his home, following a brief illness.

Born in Sparta, NY on December 18, 1938, he was the son of Howard & Bertha (Henry) Hoffman.

Nelson grew up in Nunda, NY and lived on the family farm.  He was married on February 6, 1960 to the former Jean Zigenfus and together they resided in the Loon Lake / Cohocton area for over 50 years.  They have lived in the Hornell / Arkport area for the past 12 years.

A lifelong carpenter by trade, Nelson was employed at the Local Carpenters Union #276 out of Rochester, NY.  Throughout the years he worked on countless construction sites building commercial buildings, bridges, stores & even cemetery mausoleums.  He retired about 24 years ago.

Nelson was a true outdoorsman who enjoyed hunting (deer & small game) and fishing (lake & stream).  He especially loved his time spent salmon fishing and halibut fishing in Alaska. He also enjoyed doing puzzles and watching westerns. His greatest joy, however, was spending time with his family, especially his grandchildren.

In addition to his parents, Nelson was preceded in death by two stillborn children, Janice (1961) and Jakie (1980); 4 sisters, Leota Gardner, Juanita Snyder, Shirley Hoffman and Ellen Tisdale; 1 brother, Howard Hoffman.

Surviving are his wife of 65 years, Jean; 5 children, Lori (Scott) Holcomb of Alaska, Nelson (Sharlene) Hoffman of Dansville, Linda (Pat) Smith of South Dansville, Mark (Trish) Hoffman of Cohocton, Larry (Jorge Vargas) Hoffman of Pottsville, PA and Robin Hoffman (daughter-in-law) of Henrietta, NY; 1 sister, Virginia Cartwright of Short Track, NY; 15 grandchildren; 9 great-grandchildren; 1 great-great-grandson; several nieces & nephews.

At Nelson’s request there will be no calling hours.  Private services will be held at the convenience of the family.  A “Celebration of Life” will be held at future date.

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

Nelson’s family request that in lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in his name be made to either CareFirst Hospice, 3805 Meads Creek Road, Painted Post, NY 14870 or 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, NY  /  Middlesex, NY

Richard H. “Rick” Yates – 82 – formerly of Middlesex, NY, died Thursday evening (November 20, 2025) at Maple City Rehab & Nursing Facility (Hornell Gardens) where he had resided for the past 8 months.

Born in Rochester, NY on October 1, 1943, he was the first son of John & June (Shorthouse) Yates.

Rick, affectionately known as “The Count,”  grew up in the Rochester area and was a graduate of Gates-Chili High School (class of 1962).  He later received his Bachelor’s Degree in Chemistry from Hobart College in Geneva, NY.

He was a veteran of the United States Army, serving his country in the mid 1960s.  Rick briefly resided in Virginia and in the early 1970s returned to the Rochester area.  He moved to Canandaigua, NY in the 1980s and resided in Middlesex, NY from 1990 until moving to Hornell in March, 2025.

He had been employed as an Information Technologist (IT) for the Ontario County Department of Social Services in Hopewell, retiring about 18 years ago.  Rick was very “technology minded” and a self-proclaimed “loner” who lived a solitary life.  He was an avid reader particularly interested in science, technology and astronomy— always striving to “work his mind.” Rick also had a passion for music.

Rick was a “history & military buff” who enjoyed studying battle ships and attending military air shows with his lifelong friend, Tom Melanson.  He was also passionate about politics and public affairs and was not afraid to share his views on nearly any subject.  Rick shared his mother’s artistic touch and was a talented artist and was known for painting military ships.

In addition to his parents, Rick was preceded in death by his brother, Timothy Yates.

Surviving are two brothers, Steven Yates and Christopher Yates both of Greece, NY; along with his sister in law, Pat Yates and several nieces & nephews.

At Rick’s request there will be no calling hours.  Private services will be held at the convenience of the family.  A “Celebration of Life” will be held at a future date.

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

Rick’s family request that in lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in honor of his name be made to the Veteran’s Administration.

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