Joseph Patrick “Joe” McHale – 88 – formerly of Hornell,  passed away 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.

The family of Joe McHale will receive friends on Saturday, June 12, 2021 from 2:00 PM – 3:00 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 3:00 PM with Deacon Robert McCormick officiating.

The Memorial Service for Joseph McHale will be streamed live and can be viewed on the Dagon Funeral Home Facebook page on Saturday at 3:00 PM by visiting www.facebook.com/dagonfuneralhome.  The video will remain available for viewing on our Facebook page for 30 days.

Family & friends are invited to attend a reception at The Main Place, 251 Main St., Hornell immediately following the Memorial Service (4:00 PM) to share stories & memories of Joe.

Final interment will be held at the Bath National Cemetery, Bath, NY.

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

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

Carolyn J. Finnerty – 78 – of 10516 State Route 36, Dansville, died Sunday morning (May 23, 2021) at her home.

Born in Elkland, PA on august 5, 1942, she was the daughter of Lee & Kathleen Bliss and was raised by her step-father, Jack Jeffers.

Carolyn grew up in Elkland, PA and attended Elkland High School.  For many years she resided in Rochester and in 1999 she moved to North Bingham, PA.  She has resided in Dansville for the past two years.

She had been a member of the Willing, NY Volunteer Fire Department and was a live member of the Wellsville VFW.

Carolyn enjoyed crocheting and was known for making beautiful quilts & blankets.  She also loved the outdoors and enjoyed camping & fishing.  Her greatest joy, however, was simply spending time with her family, especially her children and grandchildren.

She was married on August 16, 1959 to Edward Finnerty SR who died in 2009 after 50 years of marriage.  She was also preceded in death by her brother, Dennis Bliss; and her grandson, Wayne Finnerty.

Surviving are her son, Edward (Debra) Finnerty JR of Macedon, NY; 2 daughters, Julie (Ray) Wilson of Palmyra, NY and Amy Butler of Dansville; 1 sister, Debra (Randy) Seeley of Elkland, PA; 12 grandchildren; 15 great-grandchildren; nieces & nephews.

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

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

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

Cleola B. “Sue” Herington – 80 – of 11044 Pfaff Hollow Ext., Perkinsville, died Saturday afternoon (May 22, 2021) at Noyes Memorial Hospital in Dansville, following a long illness.

Born in Lima, NY on April 24, 1941, she was the daughter of Clarence & Dorothy Herington.

Sue grew up in Lima and was a graduate of Lima High School (class of 1959).  She resided in Springwater for several years and has lived in Perkinsville for the past 30 years.

She was a member of the Ingleside Christian Church of Naples.  Sue enjoyed crocheting and creating beautiful doll clothes.  She also enjoyed working on crossword puzzles.  One of Sue’s favorite pastimes was baking cookies and bread (especially pepperoni bread) and spending time with her family, especially her sister.  Sue also was a proud monthly donor to St. Jude Children’s Hospital.

In addition to her parents, Sue was preceded in death by 2 sisters; 4 brothers; her grandson; and her son-in-law.

Survivors include the “Love of Her Life”, Raymond Prigge; 2 daughters, Shannon (Guy Chilson) Chilson of Dansville and Becky Smith of Honeoye, 2 sons, Jeff (Louann) Smith of Florida and Joe (Teri) smith of Honeoye; her step-children, Cyndi Prigge of West Sparta, Matt (Amanda) Prigge of Wayland, Danyel (James Stewart) Prigge of Arkport and Jared Prigge of Canisteo; her sister, Lois Gascon of Birdsall; many grandchildren, including Cristie, Brandon , Anthony and Austin; several nieces & nephews.

At Sue’s requests 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. 

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

Robert F. “Bob” Butler – 82 – of 6692 Laine Rd., Hornell, died early Saturday morning (May 22, 2021) at Strong Memorial Hospital in Rochester following a long illness.

Born in Hornell on February 17, 1939, he was the son of Forbes & June (Dillon) Butler and was raised by his “Mom”, Carolyn Meeks.

Bob resided in many locations during his childhood and actually attend 37 different schools throughout the United States.  He graduated from Andover Central School (class of 1959).

Following high school graduation, Bob enlisted in the United States Air Force, serving his country from 1959 – 1961.  While in the Air Force, he was stationed in Japan for 18 months.

After being honorably discharged from the military, Bob was employed at the former Erie Railroad for about 2 years and later worked as a machinist for Worthington Corporation in Wellsville.  For many years he was employed as a lineman for Bell Telephone, New York Telephone and Verizon, retiring in 1999.

In his younger years, Bob was involved in Boy Scouts of America and served as a scoutmaster for three years.  He was an avid golfer and cherished the time spent with his buddies playing on area golf courses.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his son, Troy Daniel Butler (died 1978); 2 brothers, Clinton Butler and Michael Robinson; 1 sister, Cathy Halsey Hicks; his grandson, Christopher Kettner.

Bob was married on February 4, 1961 to the former Lorretta Grossman who survives.  Also surviving are his son, Mark (Bev) Butler of Hornell; 2 daughters, Tami (Lance) Carpenter of Hornell and Shawn (Rus) Kettner of Oshkosh, WI; 1 sister, Brenda Fitzwater of Mary Ester, FL; his grandchildren, Quade (Bailey) Butler, Quin (Emily) Butler, Dylan (Elija) Carpenter, Bronte (Dylynn) Carpenter, Raven (Ricky) Carpenter, Hannah Kettner, Eli Kettner, Noah Kettner, Kasandra (Rich) Updyke and  Britney (Adam) Updyke; his great-grandchildren, Brynn Hunt, Braylee Hunt, Lennox Kohler, Addy Butler, Amelia Butler, Lakyn Schroeder, Ivar Sorensen, Faye Sorensen and soon to arrive, Nova Carpenter; several nieces & nephews.

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

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

Bob’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.

David M. “Bubba” Glover– 76 – of 4660 Stratton Rd., Bath, formerly of Hornell, died Friday afternoon (May 21, 2021) at Strong Memorial Hospital in Rochester following a long illness.

Born in Hornell on August 22, 1944, he was the son of Homer & Betty (Rupert) Glover and the step-son of Walter Manry (who Betty later married).  He was a loving, devoted husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle, and friend.

Dave grew up in Hornell and was a graduate of Hornell High School (class of 1964).  As he grew older, he liked to recall his youth as a time he spent walking on his hands.  Indeed, he was a funny, agile, strong, handsome, charming, and energetic young man, full of life and determination.  He fell in love with Paula early in life.  They married on September 4, 1965 and built the kind of relationship everyone wants.  For 55 years, they were the best of friends, supported each other without question, and regularly found reason to laugh.  Paula felt lucky to have won the heart of such a “beautiful man.” Their adoration for one another only strengthened over the years. Family and friends recall the welcoming warmth of their home.

David taught us all what it means to be truly there for your family. He was an avid outdoorsman and shared this love, including hunting (especially deer) and fishing, with his children.  He inspired and supported their love of sports. Throughout the years, he served as a coach for David and Kim’s teams–Little League, Cinderella Softball, and often the HHS Girls Softball Team.  Never afraid to stand up for what he believed in, he defended and advocated for his family boldly and tirelessly. While he was an incredibly present husband and father, he found the energy to work three jobs to support his wife and children.  Among the jobs he worked, he was employed for several years at the former Corbin Wood Products in Hornell. Later he worked as a machinist at the former SKF Industries and for many years at Dresser-Rand Corporation in Wellsville.  He retired about 14 years ago.

Over the years, he loved and cared for many animals, both dogs and cats. He enjoyed feeding birds, playing cards, and watching sports. He was a “die-hard” New York Yankee fan and also loved rooting for the Buffalo Bills—especially during the Super Bowl years.

In addition to his parents and step-father, Dave was preceded in death by his granddaughter, Hannah Grace Glover.

He is survived by his wife, the former Paula Dailey; a son, David (Stephanie Andersen) Glover of Blandon, PA; a daughter, Kimberly (Patty Amidon) Glover of Arkport; a brother, Homer (Nancy) Glover of Rochester; a sister, Beverly Daggett of Penn Yan; 6 grandchildren, Tyler (Story) Glover, Kelsey (Deven) Peet, Emma Glover, Elianna Starr, Sophia Glover and Audrey Glover; several nieces & nephews; 2 dogs, Ruby and Betty; and 3 cats, Charlie, Mama, and Sonny.

For anyone who knew Bubba, his absence feels so very large.  He brought life and laughter wherever he went. Without him, life will never be the same.

At Dave’s request there will be no calling hours.  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.

Dave’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.

Raymond M. “Ray” McDermott – 82 – of Barrington — 2522 Knapp Rd., Dundee, NY, formerly of Hornell, went home to be with the Lord Tuesday morning (May 18, 2021) at Strong Memorial Hospital in Rochester, following a long illness with his loving wife and family by his side, hearing his grandson, Brendan McDermott softly singing “Amazing Grace.”

Born in Hornell on October 25, 1938, he was the son of Charles & Mary (Jones) McDermott.

Ray grew up in Hornell and attended St. Ann’s School.  He later graduated from Hornell High School (class of 1956).  He was a veteran of the US Army, serving his country from 1958-1960.  For years, Ray was employed as an engineer at the New York State Department of Transportation (NYSDOT) as a Design, Survey, Construction Inspector from 1960 until his retirement in 1995.  Following his retirement from the NYSDOT, he worked for several construction companies building roads and bridges, retiring in 2012.

Ray spent the winter months in Cape Coral, FL and has resided in Barrington for about 22 ½ years.  He was a member of the Barrington Community Church and was also a member of the Hornell Moose Lodge.

An avid golfer, Ray played in several golf leagues throughout the years, but most of all enjoyed golfing with his boys, John & Dave, his grandson, Brendon and his nephew, Tim McDermott.  For many years, and well into his 60’s, he played for the Moose Softball Team in the Men’s Softball League.  He enjoyed swimming as he had been on the Swim Team at Hornell High and a Life Guard at the YMCA.

Two of Ray’s most notable accomplishments and of which he was most proud were the fact that he actually quit smoking after 62 years of being a smoker and that he quit drinking in 1983 had has been sober for 38 years.

Ray was very proud of his Irish Heritage and was extremely happy that he was able to visit Ireland.  He was also very proud of all his grandchildren and their accomplishments.  He loved to attend their various academic awards ceremonies throughout their school years.  Ray was a very proud Papa at their high school and college graduations.  He is lovingly remembered by many at the former St. Ann School as the grandpa of Brianna, Vanessa and Brendan who was so generous in donating to the annual Christmas Bazaars all the stuffed animals that he won playing “The Crane Game”…they referred to him as the “King of the Crane Game”…and also donning his Santa Claus costume to help out at various fundraising events for his granddaughters at both St. Ann School and Canisteo-Greenwood High School.  Always a “child at heart” and fun-loving Irishman, Ray thoroughly enjoyed volunteering with his wife, Jamey, at the various children’s games at St. Ann School’s Christmas Bazaars.

He was also very active in the Desperado Debs Baton and Drum Corp., formerly of Hornell.  Ray was one of the first guard instructors and hard working parent of all three of his children who were members in the early years of The Debs….dedicating his time and passion for many years to the various parades, competitions and events.  He was lovingly referred to as “Gooch” by the Debs family members.

On June 19, 1999, Ray was married to Jamey Lynn Howell and made their home in Barrington and wintering the first ten years in Florida.  He really enjoyed country life, hunting, fishing, his love for animals, his many feline companions and the family dog, Trixie.  He loved traveling and sharing their Florida home with family.

Ray enjoyed attending his Class of ’56 Reunions and the Howell Reunions and hosting (with Jamey) the McDermott, Travis and Kenyon Reunions for many years as well as playing “Santa” at several Knapp Christmas’.

In addition to his parents, Ray was preceded in death by his daughter, Tracey McDermott; his sister, Marie Olds; 2 brothers, William McDermott and John “Jack” McDermott; best friends, Joseph “Joe” Martin and Randy Andrews.

He is survived by and will forever be missed by his loving wife, Jamey McDermott; 3 sons, Paul Gueth, John (Lena) McDermott and David McDermott of Hornell; his daughter, Beth Ann “Thumper” Jacobs of Hornell; his former wife, Margaret “Peg” McDermott of Hornell; 6 grandchildren, Deborah Ketterer, Alaina McDermott, Kelcie Lewis, “Scooches I & II”, Brianna Jacobs & Vanessa Jacobs and Brendan McDermott; 1 great-grandson, Cullen Lewis; his Barrington family, Warren & Wanda Howell, Amy McAdams, Jeff & Teresa Howell; the Barrington Church Family; longtime Hornell school friend, Peter Galbo; many nieces and nephews.

A graveside service with Military Honors will be held on Wednesday, May 26, at 2:00 PM at the Barrington Church Cemetery and will be followed immediately by a Memorial Service and “Celebration of Life” at the Barrington Community Church.

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

Ray’s family request that in lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in his name be made to the Hornell Area Humane Society, 7649 Industrial Park Road, Hornell, NY 14843 or to the Barrington Community Church, 4560 Old Bath Road, Dundee, NY 14837

Evelyn Carbone – 91 – formerly of Holley Terrace, Hornell and later Buffalo St., Hornell, died Wednesday afternoon (May 19, 2021) at Elderwood at Hornell Nursing Facility.

Born in Hornell on January 22, 1930, she was the daughter of Leo & Helen (Parcels) Jones.

Evelyn grew up in the West Almond area where she attended a local country elementary school.  She later attended Angelica Central School.

She was employed for many years as a press operator for Loohn’s Cleaners in Hornell.

Evelyn was a member of Jehovah’s Witness Kingdom Hall of Canisteo where she enjoyed bible study and her time spent with her many friends.  She loved shopping for groceries and browsing for items at the Salvation Army.  Evelyn also loved to simply sit by the window or sit on her porch listening to country music and enjoying the beautiful weather during the summer months.  She cherished the times spent with her children & grandchildren when they visited.

She was married to Dominick Carbone who died in 2003.  Evelyn was also preceded in death by2 sons, Leo Carbone and Tony Carbone; 3 sisters, Josephine Galvan, Jessie Kleiman and Ruth “Rudy” Brown; 3 brothers, Wendell Jones, David Jones and Leo Jones.

Surviving are her daughter, Cynthia “Cindi” (Marty) Kelleher of Hornell; 2 sons, Joseph (Karen) Carbone of Hornell & Nickalus “Nick” Carbone of Hornell; her daughter-in-law, Kate Carbone of Livonia; 1 brother, John (Carolee) Jones of Tennessee; 1 sister, Mary (Joe) Cotton of Alfred; 13 grandchildren; many great-grandchildren; great-great-grandchildren; nieces & nephews.

The family of Evelyn Carbone will receive friends on Monday from 5:00 PM – 6:00 PM at the Dagon Funeral Home, 38 Church St., Hornell, NY.  A Memorial Service will be held at the conclusion of calling hours at 6:00 PM.  Burial will be in Rural Cemetery, Hornell, NY.

Evelyn’s family request that in lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in her name be made to the Alzheimer’s  Association,  435 East Henrietta Road,  Rochester, NY  14620.  Memorial forms will be available at the Dagon Funeral Home.

Laura Ann Prete – 62 – of 23 Northridge Dr., Arkport, NY, formerly of Hornell, died early Sunday morning (May 9, 2021) at Strong Memorial Hospital in Rochester, following a brief illness.

Laura was born in Hornell on September 16, 1958, and was the daughter of George & Patricia (Brosnan) Prete.

Laura grew up in Hornell on the Eastside, where she attended Bryant Elementary School and was a graduate of Hornell High School (class of 1976).  She later attended Alfred State College where she earned her Associates Degree in Marketing.

Shortly after her graduation from college she was hired on as a teacher’s assistant in the Hornell School System working with special needs children. Laura was not a person to stay idle as she also worked part time jobs bartending at the Williams Inn, Ruperts, Knights of Columbus, Johnnie’s Ristorante, among others as well as working for Steuben ARC. It was through her many jobs that Laura developed many, many friendships and is missed by many as evident in facebook posts.

Laura was a member of Our Lady of the Valley Parish and a communicant of St. Ann’s Church. She had been an active member of the Hornell Woman’s Democratic Party and Carducci Lodge Ladies Auxiliary Sons of Italy.  Laura was also a past member of Ladies of Columbus and Catholic Daughters of America.  She was a proud American but was equally proud of her Irish/Italian heritages. Laura’s passions included a nice cup of coffee, listening to Irish music, supporting the Hornell Red Raiders and Penn State Nittany Lions, and was known to enjoy a “little” shopping as well.

Although Laura was never blessed with children of her own, she absolutely adored her nieces, nephews, and great-nieces & great-nephews.  She was also a loving daughter, fantastic sister and a true & loyal friend!!

Laura was preceded in death by her fiancé, Frank Fawcett who died April 21, 2002.

Surviving are her parents, George & Patricia Prete; two sisters, Barbara (Chris) Maker of Arkport and Georgiann “Gigi” Prete of Quincy, MA; one brother, Mark Prete of Arkport; her nieces & nephews, Rosario (Catherine) Prete, Lindsey (Steven) Nichols, Jared (Hannah) Maker, Brianne Maker and Anthony (Mandi Covis) Prete; great-nieces & great-nephews, Amelia Prete, Mason Nichols, Charlotte Nichols and Barrett Maker; along with several aunts, uncles, cousins and the Maker/Prete family dogs Max and Oliver.

Family will receive friends on Saturday from 10:00 AM  – 11:00 AM at St Ann’s Church, 31 Erie Ave., Hornell, NY.  A Memorial Mass will be celebrated at the conclusion of calling hours at 11:00 AM with final interment in St. Mary’s Cemetery.

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

The Memorial Mass for Laura A. Prete will be streamed via YouTube and can be viewed on the Dagon Funeral Home Facebook page on Saturday at 11:00 AM by visiting www.facebook.com/dagonfuneralhome   The video will remain available for viewing on our Facebook page for 30 days. 

Laura’s family request that in lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in her name be made to either the Hornell Human Society, 7649 Industrial Park Rd., Hornell, NY 14843 or St. Ann’s Academy, 41 Genesee St., Hornell, NY 14843 or the American Heart Association, PO Box 3049, Syracuse, NY 13220 or the Alzheimer’s Association, 435 East Henrietta Rd., Rochester, NY 14620.

Mary A. Petrelli – 89 – of 61 Delaware Ave., Hornell, died Sunday evening (May 9, 2021) at her home, following a long illness.

Born in Hornell on May 24, 1931 and was the daughter of Frank & Felice (Orologio) Petrelli.

Mary grew up in Hornell and was a graduate of Hornell High School (class of 1949).  She later attended the former Hornell Federal Commercial School.

She had been employed for a time at the former Russ Davis Motor Sales in Hornell.  On October 1, 1951 she began working for the New York State Department of Labor as a stenographer, retiring in March of 1991 following 39 ½ years of service.  Following her “retirement” she was employed part-time for 12 years in the Codes Enforcement Office for the City of Hornell.

For many years, Mary served as a volunteer at the former St. James Mercy Hospital Gift Shop before having medical problems.  She was a member of Our Lady of the Valley Parish and a lifelong communicant of St. Ann’s Church where she was active in the Perpetual Adoration Chapel.  Mary was also a member of the Ladies auxiliary of the Sons of Italy (Italian-American Women’s Club) and the Ladies of Columbus.

In addition to her parents, Mary was preceded in death by her sisters, Patricia “Pat” Sciotti (died 2004), Gladys Petrilli (died 2011), and Santa Cleveland (died 2020); her brother, Angelo Petrillo (died 2002); brothers-in-law, Anthony Sciotti and Walter Cleveland; sisters-in-law, Sandi Petrillo and Myrna Petrelli.

Surviving are her brother, Dominick Petrelli of Wellsville, NY; her nieces, Angela Fee of Ogdensburg, Mary (Fred) Klindt of Cohocton, Lisa (Todd) Grady of Ohio, Angelina (Dennis) Huffman of Ohio, Michelle Petrillo of California and Debbie (Neal) Barrett of Ohio, her nephews, Anthony (Debbie) Sciotti of Hornell, Walter (Joyce) Cleveland of Hornell, Mark Cleveland of Cohocton, Dan Cleveland of Buffalo, Michael Petrillo of Ohio, Andrew Petrelli of Wellsville, Roger (Jill) Peterson of Wellsville; 11 great-nieces; 7 great-nephews; many great-great-nieces & nephews.

A special “Thank-You” goes out to Mary’s devoted caregivers, Diane Sick and Rosalie Tobin.

The family of Mary A. Petrelli will receive friends on Thursday from 5:00 PM – 7:00 PM at the Dagon Funeral Home, 38 Church St., Hornell, NY.  A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Friday at 10:00 AM at St. Ann’s Church with burial in St. Mary’s Cemetery.

Mary’s family request that in lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in her name be made to either St. Jude Children’s Hospital, 501 St. Jude Pl., Memphis, TN 38105 or to Roswell Park Alliance Foundation, PO Box 943, Buffalo, NY 14240

Gary T. Dye – 54 – of 1452 Sharps Hill Rd., Hornell, (Town of Fremont) died Tuesday afternoon (April 27, 2021) at Strong Memorial Hospital in Rochester, following a long illness.

Born in North Hornell on February 8, 1967, he was the son of the former Betsey Kilbury and Forrest Dye.

Gary grew up in Fremont and was a graduate of Arkport Central School (class of 1985).  From a young age, he was introduced to the workings of his family business, Frost Lee Dairy Farm.  While in high school, Gary developed a strong work ethic while working on the family farm and continued for many years following high school graduation.

Following the sale of Frost Lee Dairy Farm, Gary began working for the Town of Fremont, first as an equipment operator and later serving as Supervisor of the Road Crew.  He was later employed as a cement truck operator in Mt. Morris and an equipment operator for Briggs Dairy Farm and Hendee Homestead, both of Fremont.

Throughout the years he developed a deep love for the Town of Fremont where he served as a life-member of the Fremont Fire Department and many years as Chief.  For over 20 years, Gary served on the Fremont Board of Appeals and was also a member of the Fremont Cemetery Association.

Gary was a member of Our Lady of the Valley Parish and a communicant of St. Ann’s Church.  He loved getting together with his family and friends during “deer season”, simply enjoying each other’s company and being in the “great outdoors.”  He will be remembered as a “peacekeeper” who could always see both sides of any debate or argument.  He simply wanted everyone to “get along” and put their differences behind them.

A self-proclaimed “Jack of All Trades”, Gary could fix just about anything.  He enjoyed spending countless hours in his workshop (which held tools too numerous to count), simply tinkering and working on various projects.  He also loved helping his family and friends with anything that they needed.  He will be sadly missed by everyone that had the pleasure of knowing him!!

Gary was preceded in death by his son, John E. Dye who died May 2, 2011; his step-father, Floyd Farley; his mother-in-law, Patricia Hale; his father-in-law, Roland Hale; his brother-in-law, Khalid Ashraf.

He was married on December 9, 1988 to the former Ann Hale who survives.  Also surviving are his daughter, Danielle “Dani” (Lance) Rawlings of Pompano Beach, FL; his mother, Betsey Farley of Hornell; his father Forrest (Mary) Dye of Lee, FL; 1 brother, Barry (Mary) Dye of Hornell; his step-sister, Kelly (Dean) Wightman of Prattsburg, NY; his in-laws, Mary (Dale) Pena of Hilton Head, SC and Lisa (Brooks) Crankshaw of Wilmette, IL; 2 nieces, Courtney (Robert Myers) Ashraf and Aline Crankshaw; 1 nephew, Patrick (Tricia) Wightman.

At Gary’s request there will be no calling hours.  A Memorial Mass will be celebrated on Saturday  (May 8, 2021) at 11:00 AM at St. Ann’s Church with final interment of Gary, along with his son, John, in the Fremont Cemetery.

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

The Memorial Service for Gary T. Dye will be streamed via YouTube and can be viewed on the Dagon Funeral Home Facebook page on Monday, May 8, 2021 at 11:00 AM by visiting www. facebook.com/dagonfuneralhome   The video will remain available for viewing on our Facebook page for 30 days. 

Gary’s family request that in lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in his name be made to either the Fremont Fire Department or the Fremont Cemetery Association.