Shirley A. Meehan – 88 – formerly of Hornell, died Tuesday evening (April 28, 2020) in Twinsburg, OH where she has resided for the pasts 1 ½ years.

Born in Hornell on July 28, 1931, she was the daughter of Charles & Geraldine (Gibson) Maglier.

Shirley grew up in Hornell and was a graduate of St. Ann’s School and later graduated from Hornell High School (class of 1949).

On September 9, 1950 she married John “Jack” Meehan who died June 11, 1987.  For many years, Shirley & Jack lived in Lakewood, OH where she raised her family.  They later resided in Exton, PA.  Following the death of her husband, Shirley returned to Hornell where she lived before moving to Twinsburg, OH 1 ½ years ago.

While living in Hornell, Shirley was a member of Our Lady of the Valley Parish and a communicant of St. Ann’s Church.  Throughout the years she volunteered her time assisting the Board of Elections by helping with both local and federal elections.  She enjoyed playing cards with her friends and was active in the G. Carducci Lodge, Sons of Italy.  Shirley was an avid sports fan and especially enjoyed rooting for the Cleveland Cavaliers and the Cleveland Browns.  Her favorite times, however, were simply spending time with family & friends and she especially enjoyed attending high school alumni functions.

In addition to her husband, Shirley was preceded in death by her son, Michael Meehan who died in 2016; 2 brothers, Donald Maglier and Raymond Maglier; 1 sister, Jean McCool.

Surviving are 1 daughter, Mary Farrell of Twinsburg, OH; 3 sons, John Meehan of North Royalton, OH, Terry Meehan of Scarborough, ME and Kevin Meehan of Lakewood, OH; 1 sister, Sharon Siegel of Hornell; 5 grandchildren; 4 great-grandchildren; several nieces & nephews.

Due to the Coronavirus Pandemic there will be no calling hours.  A private graveside service will be held atSt. Mary’s Cemetery at the convenience of the family with Fr. Stan Kacprzak officiating.

The Graveside Service for Shirley will be streamed via Facebook Live and can be viewed on the Dagon Funeral Home Facebook page on Saturday  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. 

Shirley’s family request that in lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in her name be made to St. Ann’s Academy, 41 Genesee St., Hornell, NY 14843.

Loren A. Chilson – 48 – of 8398 Groveland Station Road, Dansville, NY died unexpectedly Thursday afternoon (April 23, 2020).

Born in Elmira, NY on March 15, 1972, he was the son of Alvin & Marilyn Chilson.

Loren grew up in Elmira and later lived in Wayland where he attended high school.  He has resided in the Dansville area for the past 15 years.

He was employed for about 22 years as a construction worker for Power & Construction Group of  Scottsville, NY, working primarily as a carpenter, mason and heavy equipment operator.

Loren had a deep love of the outdoors and thoroughly enjoyed his time spent hunting, fishing, camping, 4-wheeling and working outdoors (construction).  He had a deep love of family, especially his wife & children.  He also adored his “Canine Companion”, “Spirite” (Spirit).

He was married on June 16, 2001 to the former Shannon Prigge who survives.  Also surviving are 2 sons, Anthony Chilson of Dansville and Austin Chilson of Dansville; his step-son, Brandon East of New Jersey; 2 daughters, Savannah Chilson of Springwater and Cristie East of Dansville; his father, Alvin Chilson of South Dansville; his mother, Marilyn Chilson of Hornell; 2 brothers, Kevin Chilson of Elmira and “Guy” Chilson of Elmira; his sister, Melissa Revette of Binghamton; several nieces & nephews and several in-laws; along with his “brothers”, Matt Prigge & Jim Stewart.

At Loren’s request there will be no calling hours.  Private services will be held at the convenience of the family with a “Celebration of Life” to be held at a later date.

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

Loren’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.

Tabitha “Tabi” Remchuk Wang – 39 – of 191 Madison Ave., Hornell, died unexpectedly early Thursday morning (April 23, 2020) shortly after arriving at St. James Hospital where she was taken by Hornell City Ambulance after being stricken at home.

Born in Hornell on July 8, 1980, she was the daughter of William & Michelle (McDonald) Remchuk SR.

Tabi grew up in Hornell and was a graduate of Hornell High School (class of 1998).  She had been employed for several years at Burger King Restaurant in Hornell.

She was preceded in death by her mother, Michelle Remchuk who died August 14, 2019.

Surviving are her son, Evan Morse; her daughter, Lexi Remchuk; her father, William Remchuk SR of Corning; her brother, William “Bill” (Tanya) Remchuk of Corning; her nephew, Logan; her niece, Brenna.

At Tabi’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 date & time to be announced.

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

Tabi’s family request that in lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in her name be made to CASA-TRINITY, (Addiction Services), 45 Maple St., Dansville, NY 14437.

William M. “Mike” Bennett – 65 – of 8723 County Road #52 (Burns Road), Arkport, died Thursday morning (April 23, 2020) at his home, following a long illness.

Born in Fairfax County, VA on December 4, 1954, he was the son of William & Patricia (Davis) Bennett.

Growing up in Hornell, Mike was a graduate of Hornell High School (class of 1972).  While in high school, Mike excelled in baseball, primarily as a pitcher.  He later attended the University of West Virginia where he was a member of the University of West Virginia Mountaineers Baseball Team.

Mike resided in California for a brief period of time and returned to the Hornell area and began working for the railroad.  He had been employed at the former Erie Lackawanna Railroad, Delaware & Hudson Railroad and C.P. Rail, retiring in 2001 as an engineer.

An avid Buffalo Bills Football fan, Mike enjoyed classic trucks and Harley Davidson Motorcycles.  He loved working around his property, either planting flowers or other landscaping.  Mike was a member of the Sons of American Legion of Arkport and especially enjoyed “Hoisting a Few” with his buddies at Southside Tavern.

Mike always had a deep affection of animals and throughout the years raised many “Canine Companions.”  He would often find himself fondly talking about his favorite dog, “Melanie” who died 10 years ago.

He was married on July 1, 1981 to the former Karen Fiegl who survives.  Also surviving are his son, Joseph Fiegl of Alfred Station; 3 brothers, Timothy Bennett of Salome, AZ, Scott Bennett of Hornell and Jeff (Bridget) Bennett of North Dinwiddie, VA; several nieces & 1 nephew.

Due to the Coronavirus Pandemic 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 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 Hornell Humane Society, 7649 Industrial Park Road, Hornell, NY 14843.

Jean E. Alexin – (102) – formerly of Myrtle Ave., Hornell, died Wednesday at Elderwood of Hornell Nursing Facility, where she had resided for the past 9 years.

Born in Jamaica, NY on April 13, 1918, she was the daughter of Felix & Mary (Perillo) Riccardo.  She has resided in Hornell for most of her life.

Jean attended school in Hornell and later was employed as an aide at the former Clancy’s Assisted Living Facility in Hornell.  She later was employed as a seamstress at the former Marion Rohr Corporation for several years.

She was a member of Our Lady of the Valley Parish and a communicant of St. Ann’s Church.  Jean enjoyed cooking & baking and was especially known for preparing delicious pasta dishes.  She was also an excellent seamstress who enjoyed crocheting, sewing and doing alterations on her children’s clothes.  In her younger years, she enjoyed rooting for her husband who played baseball in the former local men’s baseball league.

Jean was married on September 2, 1940 to John Alexin who died January 8, 1993.  She was also preceded in death by 2 brothers, Rev. Benedict Riccardo and Peter Riccardo; 2 sisters, Sister Mary Antoinette Riccardo and Theresa Sheridan.

Surviving are 2 daughters, Teresa (Louis) Pulkowsky of Hornell and Jean (Kevin) Conklin of Hornell; 1 son, John (Donna) Alexin of Choctaw, OK; 8 grandchildren, Lisa (Tony) Green, James Pulkowsky, Thomas (Ann) Freeland, Kimberly Conklin, Kevin (Julie) Conklin, Kristen Conklin, Robert (Carrie) Alexin and Mark (Blair) Alexin; 8 great-grandchildren; several nieces & nephews.

Due to the Coronavirus Pandemic, there will be no calling hours.  A private graveside service will be held at St. Mary’s Cemetery at the convenience of the family with Fr. Stan Kacprzak officiating.

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

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

Jean’s family request that memorial contributions in her name be made to either St. Ann’s Church, 27 Erie Ave., Hornell, NY 14843 or to Elderwood at Hornell Activities Fund, 1 Bethesda Dr., Hornell, NY 14843.

A special “Thank-You” to the entire staff at Elderwood at Hornell Nursing Facility for their kindness and loving care shown to Jean during her 9 year stay.  Jean’s family will always be eternally grateful!

Carol A. Fiacco – (86) – formerly of 47 Mill St., Hornell, died peacefully to be with her Lord on Tuesday evening (April 21, 2020) at Hornell Gardens where she had resided for the past five years.

A native & life resident of Hornell, she was born June 17, 1933, and was the daughter of Paul & Virginia (Smith) McKinley.

Carol was a graduate of Hornell High School (class of 1952), and briefly attended Alfred State College.  Several years later she decided to continue her education and earned her Licensed Practical Nurses (LPN) diploma.  For several years she was employed at the former Bethesda Hospital, working in the nursery.

While in her 60’s, Carol decided, once again, to return to school and earned her associates degree in Human Services from Alfred State College.  She is a member of the International Honor Society of SUNY Alfred and a member of the AZB Sorority.

For over 30 years she worked in the cafeteria at the North Hornell School.  She was a member of Our Lady of the Valley Parish and for many years was a communicant of St. Ignatius Loyola Church.  In recent years she attended St. Ann’s Church.  She was a former member of the Ladies of Columbus and enjoyed taking long daily walks — usually several miles per day. She also enjoyed cooking, planting flowers, playing cards with her friends, traveling and picnics with the mill street neighbors.

Carol will be remembered for being a loving, caring and devoted wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister and friend.

She was preceded in death by her brother who died in infancy; her sister Sr. Barbara Cabrini, Sister of Mercy of Frankfort, IL; her sister-in-law Edda (Fiacco) Tuite of Brockton, MA.

Carol was married on October 9, 1954 to the love of her life Robert L. “Bob” Fiacco who survives.  Robert was her loving, caring and devoted husband.  He stood by her side for 66 years until the Lord came to take her home. Also surviving are her son, Mark (Liz) Fiacco of Atlanta, NY; 2 daughters, Susan (Dan) Nickerson of Scio,  and Tara Regan of North Hornell; 2 sisters, Mary Lucy McKinley of Hornell and Helen (Richard) Harkenrider of Rexville; her grandchildren, Jessica Tamburrine, Morgan (Harold) Todd, Leslie (Bernie) Faccilonga, Grant Fiacco, Jonathon Nickerson and Kevin Regan; her great-grandchildren, Madison & Landon Tamburrini, Harold, Marshall, Nora, Oden & Lottie Todd,  Gianna & Dominic Faccilonga and Lincoln Fiacco; brothers-in-law, Ezio (Mary) Fiacco of Hornell, Sonny Fiacco of Brockton, MA, Leo Tuite of Brockton, MA; along with many nieces and nephews.

A special thank you to Aunt Mary Lucy for all of your support and devoted time through the years with our mother and your sister. Also, thank you to all the nurses and staff who took excellent care of our mother at Hornell Gardens Nursing Home.

Due to the Coronavirus Pandemic there will be no public calling hours.  A private graveside service will at St. Mary’s Cemetery at the convenience of the family with Fr. Stan Kacprzak officiating.

The Graveside Service for Carol will be steamed via Facebook Live and can be viewed on the Dagon Funeral Home Facebook page on Saturday 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.

Carol’s family request that in lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in her name be made to St. Jude Children’s Hospital, PO Box 1000 – Dept. 300, Memphis, TN  38148

Joseph Patrick “Joe” McHale – 88 – formerly of Hornell,  passed away Tuesday Feb 25th, 2020 in Middleburg, Florida following a long illness.

Born in Hornell on February 14, 1932, he was the son of Michael and Twila (Meyers) McHale.

Joe grew up in Hornell and was a graduate of Hornell High School (class of 1949).  He served in the U.S Navy from 1951-1955 aboard the USS Franklin Delano Roosevelt. Following his navy years, he graduated from Compton Junior College in California receiving his AAS degree.

Returning to Hornell, he worked for Owens publishing in Dansville, managed the Lone Gable Bar/Restaurant, and retired from the USPS (as a rural route carrier).

Joe was an avid golfer, having played all over the world while in the navy.  He was a member of the (old) Hornell Country Club and later the Twin Hickory Golf Club. He and his wife, Julie were snowbirds for years, enjoying golf all over Florida.  Joe was a real handyman who was always ready to fix or repair anything.  He also loved woodworking, and all of his family have examples of his work: Pendulum clocks, footstools, bookshelves, and the like.  So many memories!!!

Throughout the years, Joe had been a member of the Hornell Elks Lodge and later the Green Cove Springs Elks Lodge in Green Cove, FL; the Hornell American Legion, the Hornell Knights of Columbus and the Hornell AMVETS.

In addition to his parents Joe was preceded in death by three brothers, Tom (Jo) McHale, Ray (Mary Lou) McHale and Steve Mchale; his sister-in-law, Anne Williams.

He was married on September 19, 1970 to the former Julie Tristen who survives.  Also surviving are his daughters Kiera McHale and Erin McHale (Jerry) Smith of Middleburg, Fl; 4 grandchildren, Christian Torres, Adriana Torres, Kaleb Smith and Aliyah Smith; his brother Jim (Lucille) McHale of Tafton, PA; sister-in-law Leona Purcell of Orange Park Florida; his brothers-in-law Bill Shane of Oklahoma and Brad Williams of Bath NY; and sister- in-law Linda McHale; along with many nieces and nephews.

Joe was dearly loved and is sorely missed.

Due to the Coronavirus Pandemic there will be no calling hours.  His ashes will be interred at the Bath National Cemetery with full military honors in a private ceremony.  A “Celebration of Life” will be held at a later date to be announced.

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

Joe’s family request that donations in his memory be made to the Alzheimer’s Association, 435 East Henrietta Road, Rochester, NY  14620.

Shirley A. Fitch -73 of West Haven, CT passed away peacefully after a courageous battle with cancer in the early morning of April 17, 2020 at Yale New Haven Hospital- St. Raphael’s campus, with her devoted husband Mathew T. Fitch by her side.

She was born in Binghamton, NY to James V. and Lucy (Parrillo) Capolupo.  She grew up in Binghamton and spent many summers with her aunt and uncle, Angela and Dominic Mauro, in Hornell, NY.  Shirley attended grammar school in Binghamton and  graduated from Binghamton North High School. She furthered her education in business school and became a highly respected businesswoman in the Binghamton area, where her father James owned and operated several successful businesses. Upon her father’s death in 1977, she became the owner and manager of the family’s Del Motel located on Court St., Route US 11 in Binghamton, NY.  She operated this business for over 20 years while also caring for her mother Lucy Capolupo at the family home until her mother’s death in 1996.  Shirley was an extremely devoted daughter who would do anything for her mother and family.

Shirley was a dedicated, loving wife of 31 years to Mathew T. Fitch.  She also enjoyed spending time with her many aunts, uncles and cousins.  Shirley was always ready to go on an adventure and enjoyed music and the arts.  She and Mathew frequently traveled to different states including Pennsylvania, Delaware, Massachusetts and Maine, to name a few, for plays and concerts.  A highlighted annual vacation was attending her cousin Francis “Buzz” Mauro, Jr.’s  fundraising galas to support his Theatre Lab in Washington, DC.   She also enjoyed taking their grandchildren Tyler and Stephen on mini-vacations and adventures through the years.  Shirley was an avid collector of antique Victorian dolls and Santa Clauses, and started both of her grandsons collecting nutcrackers and Christmas villages.  Shirley had impeccable taste in clothing and jewelry and always looked beautiful.  She also had a keen eye for decorating, and her home reflected her style and vision.

She was predeceased by her parents James V. and Lucy (Parrillo) Capolupo; her infant brother James and brother James V. Capolupo Jr.; and her sister Delores Edson.  She was also predeceased by her uncles and aunts Leo and Carrie (Parrillo) Serino of Port Dickinson, NY and Carl and Grace Parrillo of Florida; cousin Deborah Poteran of Glenville, NY; and  close relatives from Hornell, NY,  including her uncle and aunt Dominic “Mickey” and Angela (Parrillo) Mauro; and cousins Salvatore Mauro, Carl and Jean Mauro, Marguerite Mauro, David Mauro, and Ann Mauro.  Shirley was also predeceased by her sister in-law Audrey Bowers of Bennington, VT, her sister- and brother-in-law Linda (Nicholas) DeSabella of Stratford, CT and brother-in-law John Fitch of Rancho Cordova, CA.

Shirley is survived by her loving husband Mathew T. Fitch; her stepdaughter Sharon Roady of Hamden, CT; her grandchildren Tyler and Stephen Roady of Hamden, CT.  She is also survived by nephew Robert L. (Francine) Edson, Jr.; great-nieces Jennifer (Patrick) McEwen of Endicott, NY and Angela Cwynar of Apalachin, NY; many cousins including Ralph & Marilyn Serino and Marie (Serino) Bakay of Clifton Park, NY,  Francis “Buzz” Mauro of  Hammondsport, NY and  Joseph Mauro of Hornell, NY.  Shirley was blessed with a large extended family that included many close cousins, nieces and nephews.

The family would like to thank Dr. Marianne Vahey and Dr. Peter Schwartz and the entire oncology team of doctors, nurses and support staff that took exceptional care of Shirley during her many treatments and hospitalizations at Smilow Cancer Center, New Haven, CT.  Shirley was also very fond of her in-home caregivers Phyllis and Veronica from Visiting Angels in Woodbridge, CT.  Lastly, a special thank you to Shirley’s team of nurses, therapists and her hospice team from the VNA Community Healthcare and Hospice, Hamden CT, who provided her and her family much needed support during the last few months of her life.

Due to the Caronavirus Pandemic, there will be no calling hours.  A private graveside service will be held at the convenience of the family.

The Graveside Service for Shirley A. Fitch will be streamed via Facebook Live and can be viewed on the Dagon Funeral Home Facebook  page on Saturday 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.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 262 Danny Thomas Place, Memphis, TN 38105, (stjude.org),  or VNA Community Healthcare and Hospice, 753 Boston Post Road, Guilford, CT 06437.

To leave an online condolence please visit www.dagonfuneralhome.com

Karen L. Fitzgerald – 59 – of 7475 Seneca Road North, Hornell, died early Tuesday morning (April 14, 2020) at Strong Memorial Hospital in Rochester, following a long illness.

Born in Rochester, NY on June 2, 1960, she was the daughter of Joseph & Minnie (Thompson) Fitzgerald.

In her younger years, Karen resided in several places, including Rochester, NY and Newtown, CT, eventually moving to South Dansville as a teen and attending Arkport Central School.

Most of Karen’s career was filled with jobs that helped people. She worked at Jack and Jill’s Daycare in Henrietta, NY and spent many years working for ARC of Steuben in multiple capacities. After leaving ARC, she became a babysitter and a caregiver.

Karen was a member of the Arkport Presbyterian Church where she served as a volunteer for their Release Time Program and their Vacation Bible School.  She attended Ladies’ Bible Study and served on the board of Deacons. She enjoyed scrapbooking, needlework, card making and other crafts.  Karen was also an avid fan of the Arkport Central School sports programs, although she was often caught cheering on both teams. Her spirit, positive attitude, kindness and sunny disposition will be missed by all.

In addition to her parents, Joseph & Minnie, Karen was preceded in death by 2 brothers, Mike Fitzgerald and Jimmy Fitzgerald; 1 sister, Mary Burnham.

Surviving are her daughter, Sarah (Jason) Platt of Suffern, NY; her twin sister, Sharon (Mark) Westhoff of Searcy, AR; her brother, Paul Fitzgerald of Rochester; several nieces & nephews.

Due to the Coronavirus Pandemic there will be no calling hours at this time.  A Memorial Service and Celebration of Life (Karen’s 60^th birthday party) will be held at a future date. Please reach out to Sarah Sawczyszyn Platt on Facebook for more details as they are made available.

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

Karen’s family request that in lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in her name be made to either the Arkport Presbyterian Church or the Strong Memorial Hospital.

Mary Lou Durso – 83 – formerly of Elmwood Ave., North Hornell, died early Monday morning (April 13, 2020) at Hornell Gardens where she had resided for the past 3 ½ years.

Born in Catawissa, PA on May 14, 1936, she was the daughter of George & Dorothy (Shultz) Walters.

Mary Lou grew up in Bloomsburg, PA and was a graduate of Bloomsburg High School (class of 1954).

She was married on December 5, 1954 to Michael J. “Mike” Durso.  Mary Lou was a “Stay-At-Home Mom” for many years while she raised her five children.  During this time, she was “the leader” for Weight Watcher inspiring others.  It was not until her children were grown that she entered the workforce.  She was employed as a library aide for the Hornell City School District and later as office manager for Steuben Educators.  For many years she managed the St. James Mercy Hospital Aquinas Gift Shop and volunteered for the Hornell American Red Cross.

Mary Lou was a member of Our Lady of the Valley Parish and a communicant of St. Ann’s Church.  Through the years she enjoyed cooking, traveling and spending time with her family, especially her grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Michael J. “Mike” Durso who died April 12, 2005; her daughter, Kathleen M. “Kathy” Durso who died July 27, 2019.

Surviving are 2 sons, Michael (RoseMary) Durso Jr. of Half Moon Bay, CA and Stephen (Susette) Durso of Carpinteria, CA; 2 daughters, Cindy (Rick) Hasler of Dayton, OH and Chrissy (Doug) Taggert of North Hornell; 8 grandchildren, Joe (Melissa) Durso, Jim (Bree) Durso, Alexis Durso, Jennifer (Chris) Pawelski, Lindsay Hasler, Matthew (Kristen) Taggert, Melissa (Chris) Squeglia and Lisa (Josh) Nichols; 8 great-grandchildren; several nieces & nephews.

Due to the Coronavirus Pandemic, there will be no calling hours.  A private graveside service will be held at the convenience of the family at St. Mary’s Cemetery with Deacon Robert McCormick officiating.

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

Mary Lou’s family request that in lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in her name be made to the Hornell YMCA or Hornell Alumna Association.