James W. O’Connor of Dansville, New York, died peacefully at his home surrounded by his loving family on Wednesday, February 12, 2020.

Jim was born on July 4th, 1938 in Hornell, NY during a spectacular fire work display to Gerald and Ruth (Donlon) O’Connor.  He was a hell-raising graduate of St. Ann’s School, as well as, Hornell High School (class of 1957).

Following graduation, Jim enlisted in the US Army and served his country from 1957-1959 and again from 1961-1962 when duty called him to Greenland during the Berlin Crisis.

After his honorable military service, Jim began his career with the Erie Railroad, but saw the future was in construction and joined the apprenticeship with Local #13 Union.  There, he successfully remained as a steam fitter for nearly 40 years until his retirement.

More enduring than his career was his loving 57 year marriage to the pretty lass, Mary Elizabeth Clancy.  Married in 1961, they went on to raise eight talented and diverse children: Tracy O’Connor, Mary Christine O’Connor, Stephanie O’Connor, Timothy (Rachel) O’Connor, Daniel  (Jessie) O’Connor, Kathryn (William) Shetler, Erin O’Connor, and Sara (Anthony Wensel) O’Connor.  He is survived by his wife, eight children, ten adorable grandchildren: Michael, Marissa, Gabrielle, Madison, Allison, Samantha, Aiden, Sylvia, Ethan, and Colson (each claiming to be his favorite) and many delightful nieces and nephews.  Additionally, he is survived by his in-laws: Edward “Ed” Clancy, Margaret “Peggy” Clancy, Richard (Barbara) Clancy.

He is preceded in death by his parents and four sisters: Catherine (Gerald) Quartz, Marie (Edward) Schane, Mary Ellen (Truman) Wheeler and Joanne (William) Rohan.

As family and friends reminisce, Jim will be remembered for his bright blue eyes and contagious smile; his Irish knack for humor and story-telling; his extensive knowledge of American and Native American History, and the affectionate nickname, Grumpy, given to him by his beloved grandchildren.   He greatly enjoyed woodworking, creating and collecting folk art, and helping his children renovate their family homes.   Above all, it will be his devotion to his family and faith that will define him.

Every year for over fifty years, his eight boisterous and energetic children always asked him what he wanted for his birthday, and his reply was always the same: “Peace and quiet!”   Thus, after a long and valiant battle with cancer, Jim will be laid to rest in peace.

Funeral services are as follows: Calling hours will be on Sunday, February 16th from 2-4 pm at Dagon Funeral Home, 38 Church St., Hornell, NY.   A Memorial Mass will be held on Monday, February 17th, at 12 noon at St. Ann’s Church to be immediately followed by a graveside service with military honors  at St. Mary’s Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation in his memory to one of the following organization he held in esteem: Special Olympics, Genesee Region for Livingston Country,1Grove Street, Suite 216, Pittsford, New York  14534      (585) 586-7400 or to Merkel Cell Cancer Research Organization, University of Washington www.merkelcell.org

In recognition of his military service, the American Flag at the Dagon Funeral Home will be flown at half-staff.

Gwendolyn I. “Gwen” Dart – 81 – formerly of Addison, died Thursday morning (February 6, 2020) at the Steuben Center Nursing Facility in Bath, where she had resided for the past 3 ½ years.

Born in Addison, NY on April 26, 1938, she was the daughter of Clarence & Helen (Cook) Kelly.

Gwen grew up in Addison and was a graduate of Addison High School (class of 1956).  She resided in Charlotte, NC for about 35 years and lived in Montour Falls for three years before moving to Bath, NY in 2016.

She was proud to be a “homebody” simply staying at home and being a devoted housewife, mother, grandmother and great-grandmother.  A very spiritual woman, Gwen had been a member of the Christian Missionary Alliance Church of Addison.  She enjoyed going to church and loved to read her bible.

Gwen was married on September 8, 1956 to Robert Dart who died September 6, 2008.  She was also preceded in death by her brother, Clarence Kelly and her sister, Kathleen O’Brien.

Surviving are 5 sons, Robert “Pete” (Lori) Dart of Cameron Mills, NY, Jeffery (Debbie) Dart of Hudson, FL, David (Val VanZile) Dart of Cameron, William (Julie) Dart of Stanfield, NC and Michael Dart of Concord, NC; 3 daughters, Karen (Robert Hisey) Dart of Concord, NC, Kelly (Dennis Sullivan) Dart of Stanfield, NC and Christina Dart of Coral Springs, FL; 1 sister, Maureen Flynn of Bath; 13 grandchildren, 8 great-grandchildren; several nieces & nephews.

At Gwen’s request there will be no calling hours.  A private graveside service will be held at the convenience of the family at Addison Cemetery, Addison, NY.

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

Gwen’s family request that in lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in her name be made to the Steuben Center Nursing Facility, 7009 Rumsey St. Ext., Bath, NY 14810.

Paul M. Woodworth Passed away early Tuesday morning (February 4, 2020) at his home at 7570 Eagle Valley Road, Savona, NY.

Born in Hornell on September 10, 1971, he was a graduate of Hornell Senior High (class of 1989).

Paul was a loving family man who enjoyed family BBQ and was a devoted San Francisco 49ers football fan.  He loved working with his hands doing remolding projects and for the past 3 years was employed at Gary Corel Contracting doing remodeling work.

He was preceded in death by his sister, Vicki Baker; his maternal grandparents Marshall & Lois Kame; paternal grandparents Wilson Woodworth & Margaret Woodworth Chace.

Surviving are his loving lifetime partner, Tammy Sullivan  of Savona; his mother, Becky (Gary) Miles of Hornell; his father Jerel (Brenda) Woodworth of Greenwood; his daughters, Tiffany Woodworth of Savona, Kori (Matt) Furniss of Bath and Destiny (Dylan Thomas) Presler of Bath; his brothers, Timothy Woodworth of Greenwood, Chad (Ashley) Miles of Hornell, Ken (Sarah) Woodworth of Virginia and Jeremy (Crystal) Woodworth of Andover; his sisters, Sarah (Nathan) Fleischman of Wayland, Kim Woodworth of Rochester; several grandchildren, nieces and nephews.

The Family will receive friends and relatives on Tuesday from 1:30 PM – 3:00 PM  at Living Waters Church in Hornell where a celebration of life will follow at 3:00 PM with Rev. Gary Miles presiding.

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

Paul’s family request that in lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in his name be made to the Living Waters Church, South Yard Road, Hornell, NY.

Alfred, NY

Douglass T. Turner – 82 – of Alfred, NY died Monday afternoon (February 3, 2020) at Strong Memorial Hospital in Rochester, following a long illness.

Born in Chicago, IL on July 14, 1937, he was the son of Laurent & Alice (DeGraffenried) Turner.

Douglass was a veteran of the US Army, serving his country from 1957 – 1962.  He had been employed at the NYS Department of Health in Albany, NY and had resided in Alfred for the past 10 years.

Surviving are his son, Aaron Turner of California and his daughter, Buffy Turner of Florida.

At Douglass’ 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.

Andrea V.  Bidell – 68 – of 31 Hart St., Hornell, died unexpectedly early Friday morning, January 31, 2020, at her home.

Born in Jackson, MS on February 27, 1951, “Andy” was the daughter of Joseph and Virginia (Hughes) Williams.

In her younger years, Andrea resided in many locations due to her father’s career in higher education, including Mississippi, Indiana, South Dakota, and even Thailand.  During her high school years, she lived in the Buffalo area and was a graduate of Sweet Home High School in Amherst, NY (class of 1969).  In 1973, she received her Bachelor’s Degree in Childhood Education from Buffalo State College where she met her beloved husband.

On July 28, 1973, Andrea married Frederick W. “Fred” Bidell, Jr.  They resided in Fort Collins, CO for nearly seven years where they purchased their first home.  Upon returning to New York, they lived in Swain for three years before moving to Hornell, where they have made their home for the past 36 years.

For many years, Andrea served as the Director of the Hornell Area Arts Council.  She went on to work as Director of Alumni Affairs and Annual Giving at Alfred State College.  More recently, she worked as Executive Director of Alumni Services and the Annual Fund at St. Bonaventure University.

Andy had been a member of the Hornell United Presbyterian Church.  She enjoyed gardening (both flowers and vegetables), hunting for and collecting antiques, watching cooking shows, making her family’s favorite meals, and honeymooning with Fred in Maine.  She was an avid reader and instilled a love of reading, and the arts, in her children.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Joseph and Virginia Williams.

Surviving are her husband, Frederick “Fred” Bidell, Jr.; two sons, Benjamin “Ben” (Kate) Bidell of Grand Island, NY and Zachary “Zach” Bidell of Cheektowaga, NY; one daughter, Elizabeth “Liz” Bidell of Brooklyn, NY; one brother, Joseph (Ann) Williams of Hawaii; one sister, Lana (Steve) Hollmann of Minnesota; one granddaughter, Liliane “Lili” Bidell; and dozens of nieces, nephews, in-laws, and other extended family.At Andrea’s request, there will be no calling hours.  A memorial service will be held on Saturday, February 8, 2020 at 11:00 am at the Hornell United Presbyterian Church with Rev. Katherine Griffis officiating.

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

Andrea’s family request that in lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in her name be made to the Hornell Area Humane Society, 7649 Industrial Park Rd., Hornell, NY 14843.

Julia M. “Julie” Bossard – (69) – formerly of Hornell & Arkport, died early Thursday morning (January 30th, 2020) at her home surrounded by her children, following a long illness. Julie was diagnosed with cancer last March & fought with pride & dignity until the very end.

Born in Hornell on August 17th, 1950, she was the daughter of James & Annie (Roselli) Eveland.

Julie grew up in Hornell & attended St. Ann’s school. She later graduated from Hornell High School (class of 1969).

She had been employed for a time as a receptionist for Richard Andolina DDS & for about 20 years was employed through GST BOCES as a teacher’s aide & worked in the Adolescent Psychiatric Care Unit in St. James Hospital in Hornell where she retired in 2012.

Julie was a member of Our Lady of the Valley Parish & a communicant if St. Ann’s Church. She was an avid golfer & a member of the Hornell Golf Club. She enjoyed dancing & riding motorcycles. Julie loved to go to different fall festivals & craft shows to find her handmade one of a kind jewelry that she loved to collect. She loved being at the lake & the beach & would spend her days in the sun. Julie also enjoyed being with her dog, Henley, who she loved to walk & take for rides.

In addition to her parents, Julie was preceded in death by her first husband, Daniel Swift who died in 1973 & her second husband, Steven “Boz” Bossard who died in 2002. She also had lost her sister-in-law, Cathy Bossard, to her own battle with cancer in 2006.

Surviving are her son, Daniel (Angela Webster) Swift of Millerton, NY; her 3 daughters, Jennifer (Jeff) Walsh of Conifer, CO, Natalie (Nathan) Donahue of Howard, NY & Rachel (Devin Webb) Bossard of Corning; 6 brothers; & 7 grandchildren, Danny Swift, Reghan Swift, Hayden Swift, Jack Walsh, Raelyn Webb, Glenna Webb & Morrison Webb; her mother-in-law, Mary Bossard; along with several very loved nephews & nieces.

At Julie’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 day & time to be announced.

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

Julie’s family request that in lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in her name be made to the Cathy Bossard Scholarship at Hornell Alumni Association at PO BOX 135, Hornell, NY 14843.

Domenica H. “Maggie” Montemarano – 98 – of 41 ½ Oak St., Hornell, died Friday afternoon (January 24, 2020) at St. James Mercy Hospital, surrounded by her loving family.

Born in Hornell on February 4, 1921, she was the daughter of Antonio & Carmella (DeGaetano) Colomaio.

Maggie grew up in Hornell and was a graduate of St. Ann’s School and later graduated from Hornell High School (class of 1939).  During WWII, she resided in Buffalo for two years working for Bell Aircraft making airplane parts for the Department of Defense.

Returning to Hornell, Maggie had been employed at Woolworth’s (Five & Dime), Koskie’s Music and for 15 years worked in the cafeteria at Hornell High School preparing delicious meals for the high school students.  She retired 34 years ago.

While working for the “Five & Dime”, Maggie met Anthony “Tony” Montemarano who was attending Alfred State College.  Their relationship began when Tony asked if he could walk her home.  After continuing to see each other at the store, Tony finally built up enough courage to ask her mother if they could see a movie together.  Maggie’s mother agreed, but only if Tony had her daughter home by

9:00 PM.  Both mom & dad waited up for them to get home that evening.  Maggie’s mom & dad loved Tony and they always made sure to save some food for him!  Tony & Maggie were married in St. Ann’s Church on January 9, 1943.

Maggie spent her entire life caring for her beloved family.  Known as an amazing cook, Maggie was extremely honored to feed her family and friends with her homemade meals.  She always made sure that everyone had enough to eat and she would never eat until everyone else was fed.

She was a member of Our Lady of the Valley Church and a communicant of St. Ann’s Church.  She could be seen every week at 4:30 Mass on Saturday sitting in the back row alongside family members.  Maggie & Tony were instrumental in establishing St. Ann’s Bingo which, for many years, was held following Sunday Mass.

She was a former member of the Carducci Lodge (Son’s of Italy) and for many years served as an election inspector for the City of Hornell.  In recent years, she, along with her sisters, could be seen at her daily visits to Wegman’s Grocery.

Maggie was preceded in death by her husband of 74 years, Anthony “Tony” Montemarano; her brothers & sisters-in-law, Peter (Betty) Colomaio and Matt (Mary) Colomaio; her brother-in-law, Harold Robbins;  her in-laws, Jen (Joseph) Calabrese, Louise (Russell) Reed and Philomena (Philip) Comella.

Surviving are 2 sons, Francis (Ellen) Montemarano of Punta Gorda, FL and Joseph Montemarano of Arkport; 1 daughter, Mary Montanarella of Rochester; her sisters, Helen Robbins of Hornell, Mary (Ezio) Fiacco of Hornell and Rose (Joseph) DiCosimo of Hornell; 2 granddaughters, Gina (Jason McKinney) Montanarella and Kara (Rob) Kuehne; 4 great-granddaughters, Cecelia Ebersold, Lila Ebersold, Harper Kuehne and Quinn Kuehne; many nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews, great-great nieces and great-great nephews.

The family of Domenica H. “Maggie” Montemarano will receive friends on Monday from 4:00 PM until 7:00 PM at the Dagon Funeral Home, 38 Church St., Hornell, NY.  A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10:00 AM on Tuesday at St. Ann’s Church with burial in St. Mary’s Cemetery.

Maggie’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.  Memorial forms will be available at the Dagon Funeral Home.

Joanne M. Nilsen – (83) – of 10 West Ave., Arkport, died early Tuesday morning (January 14, 2020) at her home, following a long illness.

Born in Hornell on March 23, 1936, she was the daughter of Carl & Rose (Gallese) Marino.

Joanne grew up in Hornell and was a graduate of St. Ann’s School and later graduated from Hornell High School (class of 1953).  Following high school, she enrolled at Buffalo General Hospital School of Nursing and following her graduation in 1956, she received her nurse’s license.

She was a veteran of the US Navy, serving her country from 1957-1958 as a US Navy Nurse.  Following her honorable discharge from the US Navy, Joanne moved to Brooklyn, NY.  She was employed as a nurse at the Brooklyn VA Medical Center for 38 years where she worked in every department, including Operating Room, Emergency Room and Psych Unit.  She retired in 1996.

In 2003, Joanne returned to the Hornell – Arkport area.  She was a member of St. Ann’s Church and also a member of the Ladies of Columbus.  She enjoyed reading and working on crossword puzzles and also loved rooting for the New York Giants and the New York Yankees.

She was married on October 17, 1962 to Robert “Bob” Nilsen who died February 3, 2016.  Joanne was also preceded in death by her daughter, Abigail Nilsen who died in 1971; 2 brothers, Charles “Chuck” Marino and Anthony “Tony” Marino.

She was married on October 17, 1962 to Robert “Bob” Nilsen who died February 3, 2016.  Surviving are 4 sons, Sam (Jit) Nilsen of Windham, NY, Bryan (Linda) Nilsen of Staten Island, John (Coleen) Nilsen of Baldwinsville, NY and Nicholas (Erin) Nilsen of Webster; 3 sisters, Cheryl Raschiatore of Rochester, Nicoletta Barrie of Rochester and Marylynn Marino of Rochester; her aunt, Lucy Wiley of Hornell; 6 grandchildren; several nieces & nephews.

The family of Joanne M. Nilsen will receive friends on Sunday 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 Monday at 10:00 AM at St. Ann’s Church with burial in St. Mary’s Cemetery.

Joanne’s family request that memorial contributions in her name be made to St. Ann’s Academy, PO Box 446, Hornell, NY 14843.  Memorial forms will be available at the Dagon Funeral Home.

In recognition of Joanne’s service to her country while serving in the US Navy, the American Flag at the Dagon Funeral Home will be flown at half-staff.

John T. George – 83 – of 313 Arlington Pl., Hornell, died early Friday morning (January 10, 2020) at his home, following a long illness.

Born in Troupsburg, NY on July 2, 1936 and was the son of Vincent & Etta (Hurlbert) George.

John grew up in Hornell and attended Hornell High School.  He was a Veteran of the US Air Force, serving his country from 1961 – 1963.  While in the Air Force, John had been stationed in Louisiana and also Japan.

A resident of Rush, NY for over 20 years, John had been employed as a truck driver for several companies in the Rochester area, including Zweigles Corporation and also Manson News.  Returning to the Hornell area about 20 years ago, John had been a member of the Hornell American Legion and the Hornell Moose Lodge.

John had a deep affection for animals and all wildlife.  He enjoyed building birdhouses and also feeding the birds, squirrels and other wildlife.  He will be sadly missed by his beloved “canine companions”, Benji & Gracie.

He was preceded in death by 3 sisters, Loretta Alexander, Mary DiCosimo & Marjorie Damrath; 3 brothers, James “Jimmy” George, Frank George & Victor George.

Survivors include the “Love of His Life”, the former Janet Lyke; 1 son, Richard (Susan) Stanton of Prattsburg, NY; 5 daughters, Lorie (Paul) Mosbacher of Wayland, Elaine (Michael) Hicks of Valoise, NY, Susan L. Stanton of Honeoye Falls, NY, Michelle (Jeff) Wrightman of Kentucky and Shirley Bottomley of Hornell; 8 grandchildren; 6 great-grandchildren; several nieces & nephews.

At John’s request there will be no calling hours.  A Memorial Service with full military honors will be held on Saturday at 2:00 PM at the Dagon Funeral Home, 38 Church St., Hornell, NY with Deacon Robert McCormick officiating.  Final interment will be in the Bath National Cemetery.

John’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.

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

John A. Thompson – 54 – of 5 Maple Ridge, Almond, NY, died Tuesday evening (January 7, 2020) at Strong Memorial Hospital in Rochester, as a result of injuries sustained in a one-car accident on December 13, 2019.

Born in Hornell on January 5, 1966, he was the son of Dale & Cora (Mills) Thompson.

John grew up in Almond where he attended Alfred-Almond Central School.  He resided in Shallotte, NC for about 2 years where he attended Shallotte High School during his freshman & sophomore years.   He returned to Almond where he graduated from Alfred-Almond Central School (class of 1985).  He later received his Associate’s Degree in Land Surveying from Alfred State College (SUNY Alfred).

For several years he was employed as a land surveyor for Passero Surveying Company of Rochester.  More recently, he worked as a surveyor for Ravi Engineering & Surveying of Rochester.

John had been a member of Alfred Station 7^th Day Baptist Church.  He was a “die hard” Buffalo Bills fan and in his younger years enjoyed hunting.  John had a love of music and especially enjoyed playing classic rock and country music REALLY LOUD!!!  One of John’s favorite pastimes was simply watching vintage TV shows such as Hogan’s Heroes, MASH, Star Trek & Bonanza.  He also loved watching old western movies, especially John Wayne movies.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his brother, Sam Thompson.

John was married on July 22, 1989 to the former Martha Biehl who survives.  Also surviving are 3 daughters, Cora (Josh Ritenburg) Thompson of Dansville, Tamara (Michael) Chaffee of Wellsville and Patricia (Chris) Patterson of Hornell; 3 sisters, Lisa (Robert) Prisco of Bath, ME, Debbie Thompson of Hornell and Amy (Dan) Mack of Cuba, NY; 1 brother, George (Michelle) Thompson of Clarksville, TN; 6 grandchildren; 2 step-grandchildren; several nieces & nephews.

The family of John A. Thompson will receive friends on Monday from 4:00 PM – 7:00 PM at the Dagon Funeral Home, 38 Church St., Hornell, NY where a Funeral Service will be held on Tuesday at 12:00 Noon with Pastor Ken Chroniger officiating.  Burial will be in Woodlawn Cemetery, Almond, NY.

John’s family request that in lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in his name be made to the Alfred Station 7^th Day Baptist Church, PO Box 7777, Alfred Station, NY 14803.  Memorial forms will be available at the Dagon Funeral Home.