Donald M. “Don” Gallese – 59 – of 293 Canisteo St., Hornell, NY, died unexpectedly on Wednesday morning, August 22, 2018.
Born in Hornell on December 27, 1958, he was the son of Dominic “Bill” & Dina (Ciancaglini) Gallese.
Don grew up in Hornell and was a graduate of the former St. Ann’s School and later graduated from Hornell High School (class of 1976). Following high school graduation, he enlisted in the US Navy, serving his country from 1976 – 1978.
Following his honorable discharge from the US Navy, Donald resided in Colorado for several years and was employed in the construction industry. He returned to Hornell and, along with his brothers, established Gallese & Gallese House Painting which they operated for several years. In the early 1980’s, Don began working as a prison guard at Groveland Correctional Facility, “retiring” about 9 years ago. He later was employed in the Meat Department at Wegman’s Grocery in Hornell, retiring about 3 years ago.
Donald had been a member of Our Lady of the Valley Parish and a communicant of St. Ann’s Church. Throughout the years he enjoyed traveling throughout the United States and especially enjoyed vacationing on the beaches, such as Ocean City, MD, Myrtle Beach and Florida. Don was an avid hunter & fisherman and loved cooking and serving venison to his family & friends. In his younger years, he enjoyed “shooting pool” at his family’s pool hall.
In addition to his parents, Don was preceded in death by his brother, Dominic Gallese who died in 2002, his brother-in-law, Emil Seliga who died in 2015 and also his canine friend, Dasher, who died in 2017.
Surviving are his longtime companion, Linda Cornish with whom he resided; his son, Ben Cornish of Boston, MA; his daughter, Madelaine “Maddie” Gallese of Hornell; his brother, Joseph (Cindy) Gallese of Hornell; 3 sisters, Nikki (Robert) MacDonald of Rochester, Mary (Steve) Kellerson of Rochester and Teresa Seliga of Endicott, NY; his special aunt, Lucy Wiley of Hornell; several aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews & cousins. He will also be sadly missed by his canine companion, Daisy.
At Don’s request there will be no calling hours. His family would like to celebrate his life with an informal reception on Sunday (Today) at the Cornish home, 29 Mays Ave., Hornell, NY from 11:00 AM – 2:00 PM where family & friends can share stories of Don’s life.
Funeral arrangements are in care of the Dagon Funeral Home, 38 Church St., Hornell, NY.
Donald’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.

H. Joseph “Joe” Donlon – (72) – of 6282 Gypsy Hill Road, Hornell, died Thursday afternoon (August 16, 2018) at his home, surrounded by his family and friends, following a long illness.
Michael R. “Mike” Hurlburt – (66) – of 445 Braden St., Elmira, NY, formerly of Hornell died
Maureen J. Dupuis – 62 – of 35 Russell St., Canisteo, died unexpectedly Monday afternoon (August 13, 2018) at the Guthrie Corning Hospital in Corning, NY.
Barbara L. Albert – (68) – of 16 ½ Main St., Almond, NY, formerly of 9255 County Route 15B, Canaseraga, NY (Town of Birdsall), died Saturday afternoon (August 11, 2018) at St. James Mercy Hospital, following a long illness.
Donna A. Booth – 84 – of 131 Hornell St., Hornell, formerly of Canisteo, died Sunday afternoon (July 29, 2018) at St. James Mercy Hospital, following a long illness.
Illa I. France – (89) – formerly of 1190 County Route 66, Hornell, died late Saturday evening (July 28, 2018) at Elderwood of Hornell, where she had resided for the past 4 months.
Dorothy A. “Dottie” Meehan – (86) – formerly of 188 East Ave., Hornell, died Friday evening (July 27, 2018) at Elderwood at Hornell, where she had resided for the past four years.
Robert W. “Bob” White – 61 – of 11 Ashland Ave., Elmira Heights, NY died Monday afternoon (July 23, 2018) at Elcor Nursing & Rehabilitation Center in Horseheads, following a long illness.
David R. Ferland – (79) – formerly of 19 Bostwick Pl., Hornell, died early Sunday morning (July 22, 2018) at the Bath VA Medical Center, following a long illness.