James E. “Jim” Drake – 77 – of 31 Oak Hill St., Arkport, NY died October 26, 2017 at Elderwood at Hornell, following a short illness.

Born in Jasper, NY on June 6, 1940, he was the son of Burdett & Viola (Davis) Drake.

Jim grew up in Jasper and was a graduate of Jasper Central School (class of 1958) where he participated on many sports teams. Throughout the years, Jim resided in several locations, including Jasper, Hornell and Arkport.

Following high school graduation, Jim was employed for a time by the Town of Jasper as a member of the Jasper Highway Department. He was later employed in many capacities including conductor & brakeman for the former Erie Railroad, Erie-Lackawanna Railroad, Conrail & Norfolk Southern Railroad. He retired in 2002 following 40 years of service.

Jim was a member of the Arkport American Legion, past member of the Arkport Fire Department and former Zoning Officer for the Arkport Village. He was an avid sports fan, enjoyed hunting and watching NASCAR racing.

In addition to his parents, Jim was preceded in death by his sister, Joyce Paddock; his brother, Lyle Drake; and sister in law, Joanne Drake.

Jim was married on October 7, 1961 to the former Brenda Dennis who survives and still resides in Arkport. Also surviving are 3 daughters, Yvonne (Tom) Rechichi of Arkport, Dawn (Steve) Mess of Arkport, Jodi (Ryan) Howe of Arkport; 1 son, Dennis (Wendy) Drake of Arkport; 3 brothers, Harold Drake of Canisteo, Charles (Carolyn) Drake of Las Vegas, NV and Edsel (Marla) Drake of Salamanca, NY; 1 sister, Marilyn (Paul) Harvey of Salamanca, NY; 12 grandchildren; Chelsey Wyant of Rochester, Kyleigh (Justin) Recktenwald of Arkport, Ashley, Jordan, Austin and Bryar Drake of Arkport, Jaden and Jenna Mess of Arkport, Bradley Mess of Wellsville, Steven Mess of Norridgewock ME., Logan and Kaleb Howe of Arkport, and several nieces & nephews.

At Jim’s request there will be no calling hours. A private memorial service for family will be held at the convenience of the family. Family & friends are invited to a “Remembrance Dinner” held on Saturday (November 4, 2017) at 1:00 PM at the Arkport American Legion.

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

Jim’s family request that in lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in his name be made to either the Hornell Humane Society, 7649 Industrial Park Road, Hornell, NY 14843 or to the Arkport Central School Library Fund, 35 East Ave., Arkport, NY 14807.

Deborah M. “Deb” Chidsey – (63) – of 404 Cleveland Ave., North Hornell, passed away peacefully early Wednesday morning (October 25, 2017) following a courageous battle with cancer.

Born in Fort Bragg, NC on November 16, 1953, she was the daughter of Harold E. & Beverly (Jepsen) Chidsey.

Deb grew up in Penn Yan, NY and was a graduate of Penn Yan Academy (class of 1971). She attended Herkimer Community College and later attended Alfred State College.

For most of her adult life, Deb was involved in the retail food industry and had been employed at several area food stores including Acme & Tops Food Market. For 17 years she owned & operated Convenient Corner Mart on Main St. in Hornell, retiring in 2012.

Deb loved being outdoors and enjoyed playing golf, softball and taking daily walks. She also enjoyed spending time with her beloved pets. She will be remembered as a kind & generous person who tried to help others wherever possible. She will be missed by everyone who had the pleasure of knowing her — especially her four legged friend, Sammie!

She was preceded in death by her father, Harold E. Chidsey who died in 2011.

Deb was married on November 1, 2015 to Nancy J. Gunby who survives. Also surviving are her mother, Beverly Chidsey of Penn Yan; her sister, Laurie (Chidsey) Jensen of Penn Yan; her niece Erin Kennedy (Eric) Hodges of Wilmington, NC; her nephew, Matthew Kennedy of Penn Yan; several aunts, uncles, cousins, 2 great nieces & 1 great nephew.

At Deb’s request there will be no calling hours or services.

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

Deb’s family request that in lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to CareFirst Hospice, 3805 Meads Creek Rd. Painted Post, NY 14870 or to the Hornell Humane Society, 7649 Industrial Park Rd., Hornell, NY 14843.

Jerry L. Shoemaker – 75 – of Elmira, NY, passed away early Monday morning (October 23, 2017) at his home.

Born in Elmira, NY on May 14th 1942, he was the son of the late Raymond E. and the late Audrey M. (Wright) Shoemaker.

Jerry is survived by his wife Susan (Bennett) Shoemaker; his daughter Donna R. (Shoemaker) Donahue; his son Jerry R. Shoemaker; several grandchildren & great grandchildren. He is also survived by his very good friend Travis McDonald.

He was predeceased by his daughter Kelley J. (Shoemaker) Bailey.

Jerry was a wholesale food owner & business man for over 43 years. He also owned & operated apartment rentals for over 30 years.

He was President of Southport Jaycees for 2 years in the 1970’s and was a lifetime member of Jaycees International. Jerry served as president of the Elmira Kennel Club for 3 years in the 1980’s.

For over 25 years, Jerry’s passion was raising, breeding & showing English Bulldogs. He raised five homebred champions with one, “Dirty Harry”, who earned 2nd place at the Nationals. Jerry was also a member of the Bulldog Club of America for over 20 years.

At Jerry’s request there will be no calling hours. A Memorial Service will be held on Sunday, (November 5, 2017) at 4:00 PM at the United Methodist Church, 1238 Pennsylvania Ave., Elmira, NY. Please bring a dish to pass for the fellowship meal following the service! Jerry will be laid to rest in Fitzsimmons Cemetery on Maple Ave., Southport, NY.

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

Jerry’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

John Joseph Barney – 61 – of 7265 County Route 14, Town of Bath, NY, died unexpectedly Friday afternoon (October 13, 2017) at his home.

Born in Scranton, PA on April 20, 1956, he was the son of Richard Kenyan & Charlene Barney.

John grew up in HopBottom, PA and attended school in Mountain View, PA. He was a veteran of the US Army, serving his country from 1971 – 1978, during the Vietnam era. He had been employed as a Truck Driver for many years, driving throughout the United States, Canada and Mexico.

Surviving are his son, Brent Barndy of Hallstead, PA; his daughter, Mandy Mundriea of Williamsport, PA; two brothers & 2 sisters, along with several nieces & nephews.

At John’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.

William V. “Bill” Joseph – 72 – of Seymour St., Hornell, died _October 8th, 2017 at Elderwood of Hornell Nursing Facility, following a long illness.

A native & lifelong resident of Hornell, he was born November 15, 1944 and was the son of Abraham & Oral Lucille (Cornelius) Joseph.

Bill was a graduate of Hornell High School (class of 1963). Following high school graduation, he enlisted in the US Army and served his country during the Viet Nam War years. He was honorably discharged in 1971.

He was employed for 32 years as an Equipment Operator with the highway maintenance crew for the New York State Department of Transportation (NYSDOT), retiring in 2000.

Having obtained his private pilot’s license many years ago, Bill thoroughly enjoyed flying small airplanes around the area. He also loved boating and spent many days boating on nearby lakes. He was a photography enthusiast and loved taking pictures and videos of family and nature.

Surviving are 2 daughters, Denise (Jamie) Widger of Douglassville, PA and Christa (Gene Field) Munn of Reading, PA.

At Bill’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.

Bill’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.

Alton M. Rose – 85 – of Corning, NY, passed away at his home, surrounded by his loving family & friends on October 3^rd, 2017 after years of battling cancer.

Born in July of 1932 in Dundee, NY, he was the son of Merton & Viola (Florance) Rose.

Alton grew up on the family farm in Dundee and was a graduate of Dundee High School (class of 1950) he was an exceptional athlete, excelling in baseball, basketball & tennis.  His baseball skills were so great that he was actually scouted by the New York Giants Baseball Team.

He was a veteran of the US Army, serving his country during the Korean Conflict.  He was a member of the 101^st Army Airborne Division and saw extensive action during his military career.  He began his military service on December 1, 1952 and was honorably discharged on October 26, 1954.

A resident of Corning for nearly 65 years, Alton was employed for about one year at Corning Glass Works.  For about 40 years, he was employed as a pipe fitter by Local Union #109 and Local Union #267 of Plumbers & Pipe Fitters.  He retired in 1996.

Alton was a member of the Corning VFW and the Corning American Legion.  He was an avid Corvette enthusiast and had owned several Corvettes throughout the years.  He was also a member of the Corning Corvette Club.

He was preceded in death by his brother, Richard Rose and his sister, Eleanor Greene.

Alton was married for 47 years to the former M. Marie Scrithfield who survives.  Also surviving are his children; his sister, Alta Rockwell of Painted Post, NY; several nieces, nephew & cousins.

At Alton’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.

Alton’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.

Mary Roberta Harold – (90) – formerly of 276 Main St., Hornell, passed away Wednesday evening (October 4, 2017) at Hornell Gardens.

Born in Hornell, she was the daughter of the late Leo & Helen (Whitman) Hitchcock.

Roberta was a graduate of Hornell High School, Class of 1944.  In 1948 she graduated from Mercyhurst College in Erie, PA with a Bachelors Degree in Fine Arts.

She resided in Lewiston, NY for many years, returning to Hornell in 1988.  A former member of the Hornell Association, Roberta enjoyed being outdoors and liked nothing better than working in her yard and tending her garden.  She also enjoyed playing cards, working on crossword puzzles and browsing estate sales.

On July 9, 1949, she was married in St. Ann’s Church in Hornell to Robert Harding Harold who died on June 2, 1971.  She was also preceded in death by her brother, John Hitchcock and her granddaughter, Colleen Harold.

Surviving are her four children, Brian (Kathy) Harold of Lewiston, NY, Melissa (James) McGee of Pittsford, NY, Jeffrey (Diane) Harold of Hornell and Andrew Harold of Youngstown, NY; seven grandchildren, Robert (Megan) Harold, Peggy (Jeremiah) Rauch, Nora McGee, Colin McGee, Claire (Eric) Ochmanek, Timothy McGee and Caryn (Jeremy) Parsons; eight great-grandchildren; several nieces & nephews.

At Roberta’s request there will be no calling hours.  A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at the convenience of the family with private internment and committal prayers at North Ridge Cemetery in Cambria, NY.

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

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

Pedro L. Borges – 58 – of 4 Tobes Hill Rd., Hornell, died Saturday morning (September 30, 2017) at St. James Mercy Hospital following a brief illness.

Born in New York City on August 17, 1959, he was the son of Pedro & Lillian (Lopez) Borges.

Pedro had been a member of the Merchant Marines and had traveled throughout the world.  For most of his adult life, he resided in New York City and Florida.  While in New York City, he had been employed as a security officer for a security company.  He has resided in the Hornell – Canisteo area for the past eight years.

He was an avid New York Yankees fan and also enjoyed camping, grilling, barbequing and partying with his friends.

Pedro was preceded in death by his son, Michael Oquendo and his sister, Susan Borges.

He was married on August 8, 1983 to the former Doris Perez who survives.  Also surviving are his daughter, Tiffany (Papa) Niang of Brooklyn; 1 brother, Raymond Borges of New York City; 1 sister, Nicole Jackson of West Palm Beach, FL; 2 grandchildren.

At Pedro’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. 

Pedro’s family request that in lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in his name be made to St. Ann’s Academy, PO Box 446, Hornell, NY 14843.

Laurence B. “Larry” Dunn – 82 – of 638 Pine Knoll Park, Arkport, died Saturday morning (September 23, 2017) at Hornell Gardens, following a long illness.

Born in Hornell on November 28, 1934, he was the son of Eugene & Anna (Litell) Dunn.

Larry grew up in Hornell and was a graduate of Hornell High School (class of 1953).  He was a veteran of the US Army, serving his country during the Korean Conflict.  While in the military, Larry was stationed in several locations, including Ft. Dix, NJ and also in Germany.

Following his honorable discharge from the US Army, Larry was employed as a machinist at the former SKF Industries, retiring in 1988 following 28 years of service.   Larry then worked as a carpenter for Doug Gamo Construction for 12 years.

He was a member of the Arkport American Legion and enjoyed deer hunting and also small game hunting.  Larry thoroughly enjoyed spending time and working in his “wood shop” making an assortment of wood products, including gun cabinets and toy chests.  Larry also enjoyed going to his grandchildren’s sporting events.

Larry was preceded in death by 8 sisters and 4 brothers; Lucille Edwards, Genevieve Graham, Beverly Coddington, Mildred Spendlove, Margie Brown, Barbara Bill, Joan Marucha, Gerry Burley, Edwin, Harold, Eugene Jr., and Robert.  He was also preceded in death by his grandson, Joseph Paddock.

He was married on July 11, 1959 to the former Margaret Rechichi who survives.  Also surviving are 3 sons, Mike (Linda) Dunn of Haymarket, VA, Rich (Terrie) Dunn of Hornell and Dan (Michelle) Dunn of Getzville, NY; 1 sister, Helen Kern of Springfield, VA; 5 grandchildren, Jennifer, Eric, Adam, Alex and Ryan; 5 great-grandchildren, Mickayla, Dylyn, Saige, Jaide and Emily; several nieces & nephews.

The family of Laurence B. “Larry” Dunn will receive friends on Thursday from 2:00 PM until 5:00 PM at the Dagon Funeral Home, 38 Church St., Hornell, NY where a Funeral Service will be held at the conclusion of calling hours at 5:00 PM with Deacon Robert McCormick officiating.  A private burial with full military honors will be held on Friday at St. Mary’s Cemetery.

Larry’s family requests that in lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in his name be made to the Melanoma Treatment Center at Roswell Park Alliance Foundation, Elm & Carlton Streets, Buffalo, NY 14263 or Care First (Hospice), 3805 Meads Creek Road, Painted Post, NY 14870.  Memorial forms will be available at the Dagon Funeral Home, or click here to print a memorial form.  The family would like to extend a special thanks to the teams at Roswell, CareFirst and Hornell Gardens for the outstanding care provided.

In recognition of Larry’s service to his country during the Korean Conflict, the American Flag at the Dagon Funeral Home will be flown at half-staff.

Grace Moretti Eagan of 321 Seneca Road, North Hornell, entered into rest Saturday afternoon (September 23, 2017) at the Vincent House in Wayland, following a long illness.

Born in Hornell, she was the daughter of Lawrence G. and Lucy (Dininny) Moretti and had been married to the late Robert E. Eagan.  She resided in Rochester for several years and had also lived in New York City and Rocky Hill, CT.

Grace grew up in Hornell and was a graduate of St. Ann’s School, Hornell High School and the former Hornell Commercial Institute.  She received her advanced education from the University of Rochester; the Rochester Institute of Technology; and Queens College in New York City.

She had been employed at Neisner Brothers, Inc. in Rochester in several capacities — the last one as a buyer in New York City, having been promoted as the first female executive of the chain of 200 stores.  Her company was taken over by Ames Department Stores in Connecticut, where she was appointed Assistant Traffic Manager.

Grace returned to her family in Hornell and immediately took courses to enter the field of Real Estate with the Lang Agency, Inc.   She was active in the Western Steuben-Allegany Board of Realtors and was selected “Realtor of the Year” in 2005.  She subsequently was appointed as an honorary member after leaving the Lang Agency and retiring.

She served several years on the Curriculum Advisory Committee of Alfred State College.  She was a charter member and president of the Administrative Professionals in Rochester for two years; co-president of the St. James Auxiliary; and president of the Italian-American Women’s Club upon her return to Hornell.

In 2006, Grace was appointed a director of the Hornell Credit Union.  She was a member of the Ladies of Columbus and volunteered for the American Red Cross.  Grace also volunteered at the Erie Railroad and Toy Museum every week when it first opened and also volunteered in the later years at McAuley Manor & St. James Mercy Hospital.

She was a member of Our Lady of the Valley Parish and a communicant of St. Ann’s Church.  She was a member of the St. Ann’s Choir — beginning while she was in high school at early morning Mass and in later years with Our Lady of the Valley Resurrection Choir.  Grace was an active reader — especially of the news media.

While living in Rochester, Grace had the distinct honor of being recruited to become Executive Secretary to Bishop Fulton Sheen after he was appointed Bishop of the Dioceses of Rochester.  She very respectfully and regretfully had to decline this tremendous honor.

Grace was instrumental in founding a new Catholic Church in Rocky Hill, CT, where she lived for six years.  She was selected as a Co-Chairperson of the planning board and was elated that the board accepted her suggestion to name the church “St. Elizabeth Ann Seton.”

She traveled extensively throughout the United States and Canada and visited several countries in Europe and Morocco in Africa and also visited the Shrine of Fatima in Portugal.

The highlight of one of her trips to Italy was having Pope John Paul II who was driving by in his Pope Mobile and shaking hands with some of her group.

Grace attended the Belmont Stakes every year and was there to watch the great horse, Secretariat, win the Triple Crown.  She was also present to see the last horse to win the Triple Crown — “Affirmed” in 1978.  She and her husband owned horses that raced at Batavia Downs, Buffalo Raceway and Roosevelt Raceway.

She was preceded in death by three brothers, Francis Moretti, Raymond Moretti and Donald Moretti; her sister, Angeline Moretti Hayes; her nieces, Lucianne Moretti and Elizabeth (Hayes) Locke; her nephews, Larry Moretti, John Moretti and Robert Moretti;  her great-great niece, Layla Rose Callahan; her brothers-in-law, James O’Connor and Walter Hayes;  sisters-in-law, Shirley Moretti, Marilyn Moretti & Marian Moretti.

Surviving are two sisters, Rose Ann O’Connor and Mary Teresa Purtell, both of Hornell; several cousins including Lucy Gallese Wiley of Hornell; and several nieces and nephews.

The family of Grace Moretti Eagan will receive friends on Wednesday from 4:00 PM  –  7:00 PM at the Dagon Funeral Home, 38 Church St., Hornell, NY.  A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Thursday at 2:00 PM at St. Ann’s Church with burial in St. Mary’s Cemetery.

Grace’s family would like to extend a special thank-you to her loving home caregivers, Ella Grimm, Diane Lisi and Bonnie MiKitra, along with the staff of CareFirst Hospice.  We are also most grateful for the dedication and comfort care given to Grace at the Vincent House in Wayland.

Grace’s family request that memorial contributions in her name be made to the Vincent House, 321 Second Ave., PO Box 566, Wayland, NY 14572.  Memorial forms will be available at the Dagon Funeral Home or click here to print a memorial form.