Clarence Van Coombs – 86 – of 21 Armory Place, Hornell, died early Thursday morning (March 22, 2018) at Elderwood of Hornell Nursing Facility, following a brief illness.

Born in Dansville, NY on August 1, 1931 and was the son of Shelley & Marinda (Kemp) Coombs.

Clarence grew up in the Dansville area and attended Alfred-Almond Central School.  He resided in Canisteo for about 47 years and has lived in Hornell since 2002.

For several years, Clarence worked at Ingersoll Rand Corporation in Painted Post, NY and also at A&P Food Processing in Horseheads, NY.  He had been employed at the former Erie-Lackawanna Railroad and Conrail for over 20 years, retiring in 1993 as a trackman and truck driver.  He had been a member of the Adrian Baptist Church for many years.

In addition to his parents, Clarence was preceded in death by his daughter, Judy Coombs Leach (died in 2016); his grandson, Jeremy Coombs (died in 2004); three brothers, Bill Coombs, Dick Coombs and Frank Coombs.

He was married on December 12, 1953 to the former Joan Freeland who survives.  Also surviving are three daughters, Indy (Dave) King of Savona, Janine (Tim) Doane of Elmira Heights and Kelly (Karl) Thompson of Canisteo; two sons, Dan (Deb) Coombs of Canisteo and Robin (Denise) Coombs of Perkinsville; 1 sister, Louella (Richard) Brown of Dansville; 13 grandchildren; 19 great-grandchildren; 2 great-great-grandchildren; several nieces & nephews.

The family of Clarence Van Coombs will receive friends on Saturday from 2:00 PM  –  4:00 PM at the Canisteo Wesleyan Church located on Greenwood St., Canisteo where a Memorial Service will be held at the conclusion of calling hours at 4:00 PM  with Rev. Tony Ross officiating.  Final interment will be in Oak Hill Cemetery, Canisteo, NY.

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

Clarence’s family request that in lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in his name be made to the Ann & Carl Meyers Cancer Center, 111 Clara Barton St., Dansville, NY 14437.

Ellen L. Criss – (82) – formerly of 110 Elizabeth St., Hornell, passed away Sunday, March 18, 2018 at Hornell Gardens, where she had resided for the past three months.

Born in Bradford, NY on April 29, 1935, she was the daughter of John and Lottie (Moss) Axtell.

Growing up in Bradford, Ellen graduated from Bradford Central School. She and her husband moved to Almond and opened an ice cream shop and deli in Alfred. She enjoyed operating the business and serving local college students until 1972. She then moved to Hornell, where she has resided since that time. Ellen worked as a bookkeeper for Allen Monaghan, CPA and was later employed as the bookkeeper for Updyke’s Rest Home and the Italian Villa Restaurant in Hornell. She loved arts & crafts, crocheting, and was an avid New York Yankees fan.

Ellen was married on September 3, 1959 to Ronald “Ronnie” Criss who died January 1, 2003. She was also preceded in death by her brother, Richard “Dick” Axtell and her sister, Vi Axtell.

Surviving are 3 sisters, Mary (Francis) Dellamano of Oswego, NY, Sara Criss of Bath, NY, and Dee Eldred of Corning, NY; her great-niece Kellie (Ryan) Harrison and their daughters of Hornell; many other nieces & nephews, great- and great-great- nieces & nephews.

At Ellen’s request, there will be no calling hours. A private graveside service and burial at the Howard Cemetery will take place at the convenience of the family.

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

Ellen’s family requests that Memorial Contributions in here name be made to Hornell Area Humane Society, 7649 Industrial Park Road, Hornell, NY 14843.

Richard J. “Rick” Detter – 67 – of 480 Maple City Drive, Hornell, NY died unexpectedly on Tuesday (March 20, 2018) at his home.

Born in York, PA on August 23, 1950, he was the son of Richard & Pauline (Bair) Detter.

Rick grew up in Dover, PA and was a graduate of Dover High School. He was a veteran of the US Air Force, serving his country from 1970 – 1974.

Through the years, Rick had been employed in the construction industry and had resided in many locations, including Pennsylvania, Florida and New York. He had resided in Hornell for the past several years.

In addition to his parents, Rick was preceded in death by two brothers, Bruce Detter & James Detter.

Surviving are four daughters, Rayna Wilson, Deanna Detter, Wende Kohlinberg and Monica Detter; two brothers Charles Miller & Thomas Detter; three sisters, Roxine Detter, June Black and Sandra Yingling.

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.

Michael P. “Mike” Bantel – (51) – of 130 East Main St., Hornell, formerly of 13 West VanScoter St., died Thursday evening (March 15, 2018) at Arnot Ogden Hospital in Elmira, following a brief illness.

Born in Amityville, NY on December 16, 1966, he was the son of William & Margaret “Marge” Bantel.

Mike grew up in Massapequa, Long Island and graduated from Rosemary Kennedy School (Nassau County ARC).  While living on Long Island, he was a member of Maria Regina Parish in Seaford, NY.

Along with his family, Mike moved to Hornell in 1989.  Since living in Hornell he has been a member of the Steuben ARC Program.  He was a member of Our Lady of the Valley Parish and a communicant of both St. Ann’s Church of Hornell and St. Mary’s Church of Rexville, NY.

Mike enjoyed playing with his alphabet blocks and carried them with him in his knapsack at all times.  He loved bowling with his friends and was a member of the Steuben ARC Bowling League.  He also loved shopping with the Steuben ARC staff and also enjoyed “ringing the bell” for the Salvation Army in front of Wal-Mart at Christmastime.

Surviving are 3 brothers, Bill Bantel of Hornell, Jim Bantel of Massapequa, Long Island and Charles Bantel of West Palm Beach, FL; 1 sister, Janice Ruh of Gilbert, AZ; several nieces & nephews.

The family of Michael P. Bantel will receive friends on Thursday from 9:00 AM – 10:00 AM at St. Ann’s Church where a Memorial Mass will be celebrated at the conclusion of calling hours at 10:00 AM.  Final interment will be in St. Mary’s Cemetery alongside his parents.

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 ARC of Steuben, 1 ARC Way, Bath, NY 14810.

Shelly Haynes, JR – 65 – of 71 Church St. Court, Hornell, died unexpectedly Friday evening (February 16, 2018) at his home.

Born in Hampton, SC on April 23, 1952, he was the son of Shelly & Ruby (Murdock) Haynes.

Shelly grew up in Hampton, SC and throughout the years resided in various locations and had been employed as a construction worker for most of his adult life. He has resided in Hornell for the past 27 years.

He had a passion for health and physical fitness, enjoying exercise while staying in shape. Shelly often enjoyed listening to Classic Rock Music and had many artistic talents, including drawing, painting, and turning ordinary objects into works of art. Shelly Haynes, JR was a great man who valued the time that he spent with his children and provided as much positive influence and love as possible.

Surviving are his 8 children, Demeterious L. Haynes (age 15); Shaun M. Haynes (age 19), Alexis K. Haynes (age 20), Calvin T. Haynes (age 25), Rebecca L. (Haynes) Moore (age 35), Tiesha L. Snyder (age 37), Heather L. Clemons (age 39), Tina M. Haynes (age 45); along with many grandchildren.

At Shelly’s request there will be no calling hours. A private Memorial Service will be held at the convenience of the family with Deacon Robert McCormick officiating.

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

Richard G. “Dick” Norton – 89 – of 1190 County Route 66, Hornell died Thursday evening (February 15, 2018) at Elderwood at Hornell, following a brief illness.

Born in Franklin, NY on April 24, 1928, he was the son of Merritt & Edna (Nelson) Norton.

Dick grew up in South New Berlin and was a graduate of South New Berlin High School (class of 1945). While in high school, he excelled in sports, especially baseball.

He was a Veteran of the US Navy during WWII, serving his country aboard the Cubera-347 Submarine in the Atlantic Ocean. He was honorably discharged in 1948 after serving his country for two years.

Following his discharge from the US Navy, Dick was determined to pursue his dream of becoming a professional baseball player. In 1948, he signed a contract with the Boston Red Sox organization. In 1949, he came to Hornell as a left-handed pitcher for the Hornell Red Sox (which later became the Hornell Dodgers). His baseball career ended in 1950 due to an arm injury.

After a brief stint with the Erie Railroad, Dick became a New York State Trooper serving from 1953-1968, eventually working his way up to the rank of Sergeant. He was forced to retire in 1968 due to an injury sustained to his back.

From 1971–1999 (28 years), he and his wife resided in Florida, primarily in Titusville and Cocoa. Dick was a member of the Hornell Association and a former member of the Hornell American Legion. He was an avid golfer and was a member of Twin Hickory Golf Club where he usually played from the middle of every fairway. He was affectionately known as, “Down-the-Middle Dick” and the phrase “Nice shot, Dick” was often heard many times per round. Dick particularly loved playing golf with his children and grandchildren.

On November 2, 1949, Dick was married to the former Margaret Fie who died February 22, 2010. He was also preceded in death by his son, Christopher Norton who died in 2011; 2 grandsons, Michael E. Norton, JR who died in 1982 and Merritt W. Norton who died in 2018; his daughter-in-law, Darla Norton who died in 2015; 2 sisters, Jayne DeBoer and Norma Lovejoy.

Surviving are 2 sons, Michael Norton of Canisteo and Patrick (Debbie) Norton of Ithaca; 1 daughter, Cathy (Tom) Atchison of Silver Lake, OH; 10 grandchildren, Tina Norton, Tonya (Brian) Norton-Russell, Marcus (Christina Stewart) Norton, Katie (Dana Twigg) Norton, Kelsey (David Soltesz) Atchison, Kyle Atchison, Micah Francis, Christopher Norton, JR and Jennelle (Mark) Kliewer; 8 great-grandchildren, Evan Norton, Rhiannon Shiloh, Layla Russell, Mikayla Norton, Macrae Norton, Wesley Twigg, Lily Kliewer and Freya Arnold; nieces Dawn Robbins, Donna Mungin and Patti Taylor.

At Dick’s request there will be no calling hours. A “Golfing Celebration of Life” will be held at a later date at the convenience of the family.

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

Dick’s family requests that in lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in his name be made to the Hornell YMCA, 18 Center St., Hornell, NY 14843.

John F. Cullen – 65 – of 44 State St., Hornell, died Thursday morning (February 15, 2018) at his home, following a long illness.

Born in Hornell on July 14, 1952, he was the son of John & Marguerite (Furlong) Cullen.

John grew up in Hornell and was a graduate of Hornell High School (class of 1970). He later attended Fingerlakes Community College where he majored in Environmental Preservation.

He was a veteran of the US Air Force, serving his country from 1970 – 1974. While serving in the Air Force, John was stationed in many locations, including Thailand.

Following his honorable discharge from the Air Force, John returned to the Hornell area and had been employed at several local businesses, including Alstom, Corbin Wood Products, Gunlock Corporation and also worked in the maintenance department of the Canandaigua VA Hospital, Canandaigua, NY.

John had been a member of Our Lady of the Valley Parish and a communicant of St. Ignatius Loyola Church where, as a child, served as an Altar Boy. He was a member of the Hornell VFW and enjoyed cooking & baking.

In addition to his parents, John was preceded in death by his grandson, Cian Cullen.

He was married on February 4, 1994 to the former Jodie LaFave who survives. Also surviving are
2 daughters, Brandy (Mike Hall) Cullen of Tallahassee, FL and Holly Cullen of Tallahassee, FL; 1 son, Christopher Cullen of Hornell; 2 brothers, Joseph Cullen of Bath and Robert Cullen of Hornell; 3 sisters, Patty Kelleher of Hornell, Linda (Tom) Panter of Hornell and Mary Margaret Cullen of Painted Post; 2 grandsons, Cameron Smith and Isaiah Townsend; 2 granddaughters, Emily Cullen and Kiara Cullen; several nieces & nephews.

The family of John F. Cullen will receive friends on Monday from 4:00 PM – 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 with Deacon Robert McCormick officiating. Final interment will be in the Bath VA Cemetery.

John’s family request that in lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in his name be made to the American Cancer Society, 13 Beech St., Johnson City, NY 13790. Memorial forms will be available at the Dagon Funeral home.

Patricia A. “Pat” Severin – (86) – of Falls Church, VA, formerly of Hornell & Canisteo, died Sunday evening (January 28, 2018) at the Halquist Memorial Inpatient Center in Arlington, VA, following a long  illness.

Born in Hornell on June 28, 1931, she was the daughter of Floyd & Helen (Hooper) Egmond.

Pat grew up in Hornell and was a graduate of St. Ann’s School and later graduated from Hornell High School (class of 1949).  Following her high school graduation, Pat obtained her Registered Nurse’s License from St. James School of Nursing.  She later received her Bachelor’s Degree in Public Health from the University of Buffalo and worked for the County of Orleans, NY as a Public Health Nurse.

On September 29, 1956, she was married to Harold “Hal” Severin who survives.  Throughout the years, Pat & Hal and their family resided in many locations.  From 1956 – 1967 they lived in Pinole, CA and from 1967 – 1979 they resided in Brockway, PA where Pat was employed as a registered nurse at DuBois Hospital.  In 1979 they moved to Littleton, CO where Pat resumed working as a registered nurse at Bear Creek Nursing Home.  She retired in 1986.

Following her retirement, Pat & Hal moved to Perrysburg, OH and in 1992 they moved back to the Hornell – Canisteo area where they lived until moving to Tappahannock, VA.  They have lived in Falls Church, VA since 2014.

During her years in Hornell, Pat was a member of Our Lady of the Valley Parish and a communicant of St. Ignatius Loyola Church and later St. Ann’s Church.  She loved sewing and quilting and especially loved making beautiful full size quilts, baby blankets and other items which she gave to family & friends.  She also donated many of her creations to charitable organizations.

Pat was preceded in death by her infant brother, Jerry Egmond; 3 sisters, Kay Christiano, Christine Donlon and Monica Wescott.

In addition to her husband, Hal, survivors include 1 son, Michael Severin of Lakewood, CO; 4 daughters, Barbara Severin of Herndon, VA, Monica (Tony) Palombella of Midlothian, VA, Mary (Kevin) O’Brien of Arlington, VA and Theresa Severin of Alexandria, VA; 1 brother, George Egmond of Ellenton, FL; 4 sisters, Mary Gottko of Corning, NY, Ruth (Jerry) Canty of Hornell, Thelma (Bob) Burd of Hornell and Helen Egmond of Avoca; 4 grandchildren, Shyanne Severin, Lily Severin, Laura Palombella and Mark Palombella; 1 great-grandson, Logan Friend; many nieces & nephews.

The family of Patricia A. “Pat” Severin will receive friends on Wednesday from 4:00 PM – 6:00 PM at the Dagon Funeral Home, 38 Church St., Hornell, NY.  A Memorial Mass will be celebrated on Thursday at 10:00 AM at St. Ann’s Church. .  Final interment will be in St. Mary’s Cemetery.

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

Pat’s family request that in lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in her name be made to Hornell High School Alumni Association, Egmond Family Grant,  PO Box 135, Hornell, NY 14843 or to The Halquist Memorial Inpatient Center, 4715 15^th St. North, Arlington, VA 22205.  Memorial forms will be available at the Dagon Funeral Home.

Marcia Ann Worden – 64 – of 66 Oak St., Hornell, died Saturday evening (January 27, 2018) at St. James Mercy Hospital, following a long illness.

Born in Westchester, NY on March 23, 1953, she was the daughter of Anthony P. “Tony” & Dorothy T. (Speciale) Morabito.

Marcia grew up in the Bath – Avoca area and was a graduate of Bath-Haverling High School.  She later earned her Associate’s Degree from Alfred State College.

She was employed for a time at the former Canada Dry Bottling and Elmhurst Dairy in Hornell and also at Alfred State College.

Marcia will be remembered as a kind and caring person who was always mindful of the feelings of others.  She enjoyed taking daily walks throughout the city of Hornell and loved to stop and visit all of her friends at City Hall and send them cards on all of the holidays.  She also enjoyed visiting many stores in the Hornell area and will be missed by her friends at Country Kitchen.

She was married on December 20, 1975 to Terence K. “Terry” Worden who died September 18, 2011.

Surviving are her step-children, Danny Worden, Connie Worden and Cindy Hachtel; her brother, John Morabito of South Carolina; her sister, Michelle Lilly of Bradenton, FL; several aunts, uncles, nieces & nephews.

At Marcia’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.

Nathaniel “Nate” Goodwin – 69 – formerly of 24 Sawyer St. Site, Hornell died January 6th, 2018 at the Taylor Health Care Facility in Bath where he an resided for about 10 months.

Born in Philadelphia, PA on October 20, 1948, he was the son of Edward & Earline (Hamilton) Goodwin.

Nate was a veteran of the United States Air Force, serving his country from 1967 – 1970 during the Vietnam Conflict.

Following his honorable discharge from the Air Force, Nate was a self-employed contractor in the Philadelphia area. He resided in Hornell for over 20 years.

In addition to his parents, Nate was preceded in death by his son, Dwayne Goodwin and also his sister, Priscilla Nalls.

Surviving are 2 sons, Nathaniel Goodwin of Philadelphia, PA and Eric Goodwin of Broomall, PA; his daughter, Cassandra Mabery of Limerick, PA; his sister, Lucille Goodwin of Philadelphia, PA; 2 brothers, Edward Goodwin and Franklin Goodwin of Colorado; nieces & nephews.

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

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