George E. Wellington – 76 – of 42 Fulton St., Hornell, died early Friday morning (April 1, 2016) at Jones Memorial Hospital in Wellsville, NY, following a brief illness.

Born in Hornell on July 5, 1939, he was the son of Frank & Geraldine (Partridge) Wellington.

George grew up in Arkport and was a graduate of Arkport Central School (class of 1957). From 1960-1969 he was employed as a mechanic at the former Russ Davis Ford Garage in Hornell. In 1969 he began working as a mechanic at the New York State Department of Transportation (NYSDOT), retiring in 2001. Throughout the years, George continued his education by taking classes at the Wellsville Campus of Alfred State College. For many years, he served as a part time bartender at the former Big Elms Restaurant.

He was a member and Past Exalted Ruler of the Hornell Elks Lodge and also a member of the Hornell Sportsman’s Club. He was an avid outdoorsman who enjoyed hunting — especially deer hunting. One of his fondest memories was taking a trip to Montana where he went Big Game Hunting.

George enjoyed watching sporting events especially NFL Football. He also loved rooting for his beloved Hornell Red Raiders. Another fond memory was working as a mechanic for two weeks at the 1980 Winter Olympics at Lake Placid.

He was married on October 13, 1962 to the former Carol Fawcett who died September 10, 2011. He was also preceded in death by his brother, Francis Wellington who was killed in action during WWII; 2 sisters, Lois Lisi and Ruthie Stewart.

Surviving are his daughter, Kim (Will) Schmitt of Hornell; 1 brother, Leon Wellington of Arkport; 3 grandsons, Andrew (Sally) Schmitt of Arkport, Brian (Kate) Schmitt of Canisteo and Kyle (Christy Dodd) Schmitt of Hornell; 1 great-granddaughter, Cora Schmitt; his “cousin”, Margie (Mark Van Durme) Terry along with Ryan & Sean Terry; several nieces, nephews and in-laws.

The family of George E. Wellington will receive friends on Monday from 4:00 PM – 7:00 PM at the Dagon Funeral Home, 38 Church St., Hornell, NY where funeral services will be held on Tuesday at 11:00 AM with Deacon Robert McCormick officiating. Burial will be in St. Mary’s Cemetery, Fremont, NY.

George’s family request that in lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in his name be made to the Hornell Sportsman’s Club, PO Box 301, Hornell, NY 14843. Memorial forms will be available at the Dagon Funeral Home or click here to print a form.

Francis L.”Fran” Odell – 81 – formerly of Arkport, died Sunday evening (March 20, 2016) at Strong Memorial Hospital in Rochester, following a long illness.

Born in Hornell on October 29, 1934, he was the son of Everett & Eileen (O’Laughlin) Odell.

Fran grew up in Arkport and was a graduate of Arkport Central School. He was a veteran of the US Navy, serving his country for four years during the Korean Conflict.

Following his honorable discharge from the Navy, Fran returned to Arkport and was employed at the former Erie Lackawanna Railroad for several years. He moved to Kansas City, MO to attend trade school where he became a licensed electrician.

Fran resided for a time in Plattsburg, NY and later moved to the Rochester, NY area. He was employed for over 30 years at Bausch & Lomb in Rochester, retiring about 16 years ago as an Electronic Technician. Following his retirement, he moved back to the Arkport where he lived for about 9 years, returning to Rochester in 2009.

He was a member of the Arkport American Legion and throughout his lifetime enjoyed hunting and fishing. He also loved to travel and “search for treasure” by walking the beaches & parks with his metal detector. His greatest joy was simply being with his family!

Fran was married on April 5, 1958 to the former Marie Rechichi who died in 2009.

Surviving are his daughter, Stacey (Todd) Greanier of Rochester; 3 sisters, Connie Leyman of South Carolina, Doris Stewart of Hornell and Norma Michaels of Canandaigua; 2 grandsons, Maximilian Greanier and Tiberius Greanier; many nieces & nephews.

The family of Francis L. “Fran” Odell will receive friends on Tuesday (March 29, 2016) from 11:00 AM until 12:00 PM (noon) at the Dagon Funeral Home, 38 Church St., Hornell, NY where a Memorial Service will be held at the conclusion of calling hours at 12:00 PM (Noon) with Deacon Robert McCormick officiating.

Fran’s family request that in lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in his name be made to the Palliative Care Unit at Strong Memorial Hospital, C/O Stacey Greanier, 47 sunrise Crescent, Rochester, NY 14622. Memorial forms will be available at the Dagon Funeral Home.

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

Mark J. Loree – (88) – of 25 Twin Dr., Dansville, formerly of North Almond Valley died Wednesday afternoon (March 16, 2016) at the Livingston County Center for Nursing & Rehabilitation in Mt. Morris, NY, following a long illness.

Born in Hornell on January 30, 1928, he was the son of Mark B. & Anna (Joyce) Loree.

Mark grew up in North Almond Valley and attended Arkport Central School.  In 1942 at the age of 14 he took over the family farm when his father died.  Mark married Emma Emo on May 12, 1951.  Together they established the Loree Homestead where they had 6 children and raised dairy and beef cattle.  In 2004 they retired from farming and moved to Dansville.  Along with farming, Mark was also employed at the Crowley Dairy, formerly Grandview Dairy from 1965 to 1990.  Mark’s greatest joys were his family and his life on the farm.

He was a member of Our Lady of the Valley Parish and a communicant of St. Ann’s Church.  He enjoyed singing in the St. Ann’s Choir, the St. Ann’s Resurrection Choir and the annual Christmas Cantata.

Mark enjoyed playing sports and watching sports, especially softball, baseball & basketball.  He especially loved playing with and watching his kids and grandkids in their athletic endeavors.  Mark had a deep love & appreciation of music and he enjoyed square dancing with his beloved Emma.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Anna & Mark B. Loree and his brother, Paul Loree.

Mark is survived by his wife of 64 years, Emma Emo Loree.  Also surviving are 4 daughters, Linda (Edith Findeis) Loree of Clifton Springs, Patricia (Thomas) McDonald of Wayland, Erma (George) Kobosko of Melbourne, FL and Mary Loree of Bellefontaine, OH; 2 sons, Mark (Gina-Marie) Loree of Wellington, FL and Donald (Michelle) Loree of Surprise, AZ;  sister, Mary Patti of Arkport;  brother, Thomas (Hazel) Loree of Dansville; 7 grandchildren; 6 great-grandchildren; 5 step grandchildren, 14 step-great-grandchildren and 6 step great-great grandchildren; nieces,  nephews, cousins and many friends.

The family of Mark J. Loree will receive friends on Thursday (March 31, 2016) from 9:00 AM to 10:00 AM at St. Ann’s Church where a Funeral Mass will be celebrated at 10 AM.

Marks’ family request that in lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in his name be made to St. Ann’s Church, 27 Erie Ave., Hornell, NY 14843; or to Livingston County Center for Nursing & Rehabilitation (TCU), 11 Murray Hill Dr., Mt Morris, NY 14510.

The Loree family wishes to thank Mark’s Doctors, nurses, aides and staff for their care and compassion during his illness, especially the TCU section of the Livingston County Center for Nursing & Rehabilitation, and the staff at Nicholas H. Noyes Hospital.

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

Gladys M. Lorow – (90) – formerly of 2280 Big Creek Road, Hornell, died Saturday afternoon (March12, 2016) at Steuben County Health Center in Bath, NY, where she had resided since 2002.

A native & life resident of Hornell, she was born December 24, 1925, and was the daughter of Herbert & Deniza (Cobb) Dennis.

Gladys was a graduate of Hornell High School (class of 1944). She was employed for many years as a sales clerk for several area businesses, including Loblaws Grocery, Richtmyers Grocery, Cy’s Grocery, Fay’s Drug Store and Eckards Drug Store.

She was a member of the Buena Vista Wesleyan Methodist Church. She enjoyed traveling, and especially enjoyed taking bus tours and visiting various parts of the country.

Gladys was married on June 23, 1944 to Harry Lorow who died December 25, 1978. She was also preceded in death by her son, Harry Lorow, JR who died in 2012; her son-in-law, Richard Bergh who died in 2006; 3 infant sisters, Leona & Cleo Dennis (twins) and Ada Dennis; 5 adult sisters, Clarabelle Margeson, Florence Guthrie, Rose Rathbun, Betty Lorow and Laura McGinnis; 1 brother, Victor Dennis.

Surviving are son, David Lorow of Hornell; 2 daughters, Mary Bergh of Canisteo and JoAnn (Michael) Knopka of Ilion, NY; her daughter-in-law, Patricia Lorow of Bath, NY;10 grandchildren, Deborah Murray, Thomas Lorow, Susan Lorow, Hanns Birch, Stephen Birch, Carrie Bass, Michael Knopka, Jay Knopka, James Lorow and Kristi Lorow; 17 great-grandchildren, Nathan Birch, Trent Birch, Timber Birch, Stephanie Ward, Joey Bass, Riley Knopka, Stella Knopka, Shaylyn Knopka, Alyssa Knopka, Lucas Knopka, Nick Recktenwald, Sam Recktenwald, Lucas Murray, Matt Lorow, Brian Lorow, Quinn Lorow and Mason Lorow; 2 great-great grandchildren, Thomas Lorow and Michael Lorow; nieces & nephews including her special niece, Nancy Harding.

The family of Gladys M. Lorow will receive friends on Tuesday from 11:00 AM – 1:00 PM at the Dagon Funeral Home, 38 Church St., Hornell, NY, where funeral services will be held at the conclusion of calling hours at 1:00 PM with Rev. Don Maynard officiating. Burial will be in Rural Cemetery.

Gladys’ 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.

Sue Ann Fenti – 69 – of 6392 County Route 68 (Crosby Creek Road), Hornell died unexpectedly Monday morning (March 7, 2016) at her home.

Born in Hornell on September 12, 1946, she was the daughter of William “Duke” & Lois (Cline) Furlong.

Sue grew up in Hornell and was a graduate of Canisteo Central School (class of 1964). She was employed for a time at the former Richmyer’s Grocery and also as a secretary at the former Hollands Lumber in Hornell.

She had been a member of the Faithful Followers of Christ Bible Church in Howard. Sue enjoyed sewing and making quilts and also liked working with ceramics. She liked to watch TV and especially enjoyed watching her favorite soap operas.

Sue was married in 1966 to Frank J. Fenti who died in 2003. She was also preceded in death by her brother, Steve Furlong.

Surviving are 2 sons, Frank (Nancy) Fenti of Livonia and Christopher (Sherry) Fenti of Hornell; 2 brothers, William Furlong of Louisville, KY and David Furlong of Atlanta, GA; 4 grandchildren, Deborah (Shawn) Hertzog, Hallie Fenti, Maria Fenti and Sydney White; several nieces & nephews.

At Sue’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.

Loretta A. Markham – 67 – of 83 Platt St., Hornell, died unexpectedly on Friday (February 26, 2016) at her home.

Born in Hornell on March 26, 1948, she was the daughter of Francis & Dorothy (Roe) Markham.

Loretta grew up in Hornell and was a graduate of Hornell High School. Having battled Cerebral Palsy throughout her lifetime, she overcame many obstacles to lead a rich and rewarding life.

Every year, Loretta raised thousands of dollars for charity by putting on small bazaars and donating all profits to various charities. Some of these charities include Muscular Dystrophy, Special Olympics, ARC of Steuben, The Miracle Network, St. Ann’s Church, Wounded Warriors, St. Jude Children’s Hospital and any person or persons who were suffering with disease and/or disabilities.

Helen P. Weyand – 83 – of 61 Kansas Ave., Hornell, died unexpectedly on Thursday (February 25, 2016) at her home.

A native & life resident of Hornell, she was born May 23, 1932 and was the daughter of Howard & Marion (Peck) Pascoe.

Helen grew up in Hornell and was a graduate of Hornell High School (class of 1950). After graduating from high school, she enlisted in the US Air Force, serving her country from 1951 – 1953 during the Korean Conflict. Helen was a Staff Sergeant and a member of the WAF (Women in the Air Force).

Following her honorable discharge from the US Air Force, Helen spent seven years as a bookkeeper at the Hornell YMCA. In 1977, she began working at the New York State Department of Labor as a stenographer after spending several years at home raising her family. She eventually became office manager of the Grounds Crew and Road Maintenance Department of the New York State Department of Transportation. Helen retired in 1995.

Geraldine Deninger – 85 – formerly of Brooklyn, NY, died Thursday (February 18, 2016) at Hornell Gardens, where she had resided for the past two months.

Born in Hornell on January 3, 1931, Geraldine was the daughter of Jack and Helen Kerr.

Geraldine spent her early years in Hornell and graduated from Hornell High School. She moved to Brooklyn a few years after high school and lived there her entire adult life. Geraldine was a Teacher Aide at PS 34 in Brooklyn.

On June 13, 1956, Geraldine married William Deninger, and together they raised six children. Always playing an active role in her children’s activities, Geraldine was the first woman Little League coach in her neighborhood of Greenpoint.

Charles K. “Chuck” Purce – (86) – formerly of 414 Seneca Rd., North Hornell, died Wednesday morning (February 17, 2016) in Jarrettsville, MD, where he had resided since 2014.

Born in Utica, NY on February 9, 1930, he was the son of Kenneth & Meade (Witt) Purce.

Chuck grew up in Oswego and was a graduate of Oswego High School. He later graduated from Oswego State College where he majored in History. Years later, he earned his Master’s Degree in Education from Alfred University.

He moved to Hornell in 1956 and began teaching history at Hornell Junior High School. After serving as a history teacher for several years, Chuck became Director of Financial Aid at Alfred University, a position he held for about 8 years. He returned to Hornell and became a guidance counselor at Hornell High School, retiring in 1992.

Chuck was a member of Our Lady of the Valley Parish and a communicant of St. Ann’s Church. He was a member of the NYS Retired Teachers Association. From 1947 – 1952, Chuck served as a member of the US Navy Reserves and received an Honorable Discharge. He enjoyed rooting for the New York Mets and also loved watching his kids play sports from grade school thru high school.

Chuck enjoyed going to Fair Haven, NY and renting a cottage every summer where he would fish and just be with his family. Billy Schu’s was one of his favorite places to go and have his morning coffee. He enjoyed simply sitting on his front porch where people walking by would stop & talk…. Dad did like to talk!

He was married on August 13, 1949 to the former Nancy Struallo who died June 4, 2009. He was also preceded in death by his son, Daniel J. Purce who died May 29, 1990; and his brother, Lyle Purce.

Surviving are 5 sons, Don (Doreen) Purce of Miami, FL, Tom (Mame) Purce of West Chester, PA, Dave (Gloria) Purce of Prescott, AZ, Chuck (Mary Beth) Purce of Binghamton, and Ken (Pam) Purce of Forest Hill, MD; 1 daughter, Carole (Gary) Luckenbach of Cohocton; 1 brother, Keith Purce of Oswego; 1 sister, Shirley Davenport of Oswego; 12 grandchildren; 2 great-grandchildren; 5 step-grandchildren; 3 step-great-grandchildren; several nieces & nephews.

The family of Charles K. “Chuck” Purce will receive friends on Sunday from 4:00 PM until 7:00 PM at the Dagon Funeral Home, 38 Church St., Hornell, NY. Private funeral services will be held at the convenience of the family with Deacon Robert McCormick officiating. Burial will be in St. Mary’s Cemetery.

Chuck’s family request that in lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in his name be made to Faith in Action, 20 Broadway Mall, Hornell, NY 14843. Memorial forms will be available at the Dagon Funeral Home or CLICK HERE to print a memorial form.

Julia J. Bellanca – 93 – formerly of 16 Pardee St., Hornell, died early Thursday morning (February 4, 2016) at the home of her daughter & son-in-law, Carol and Jim Egan in East Fallowfield, PA where she had resided for the past 4 years.

A native & life resident of Hornell, she was born March 9, 1922 and was the daughter of Arundo & Angeline (Solitario) Mazzella.

Julia attended St. Ann’s School and later graduated from Hornell High School (class of 1940).

During World War II, Julia worked in a munitions factory setting firing pins in bombs.  Locally, she had been employed at several places, including the former JC Penney Store of Hornell and the former Dunn’s Drug Store of Hornell.  Later, she served as a secretary at Alfred State College and also as a receptionist/secretary for Dr. Bijon Chaudhuri of Hornell.

She was a member of Our Lady of the Valley Parish and a communicant of St. Ann’s Church.  Julia had been a member of the Catholic Daughters of America, the Ladies of Columbus and also the St. James Women’s Board.

Julia was married for 69 years to Louis L. Bellanca who died September 22, 2011.  She was also preceded in death by 4 brothers, Frank Mazzella, Angelo Mazzella, Guido Mazzella and Albert Mazzella; her sister, Mildred Johnson.

Surviving are her daughters, Carol (Jim) Egan with whom she made her home in East Fallowfield, PA and Mary Angela (Peter) Winter of Northville, MI; 2 granddaughters, Tracy Winter and Kristen (Matthew) Machczynski; 1 great-grandson, Miles Machczynski; 1 sister, Olga (Frank) Dwyer; 1 brother, Andrew (Sharon) Mazzella; several nieces & nephews.

The family of Julia J. Bellanca will receive friends on Sunday from 2:00 PM – 5:00 PM at the Dagon Funeral Home, 38 Church St., Hornell, NY.  A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Monday at 2:00 PM at St. Ann’s Church with burial in St. Mary’s Cemetery.

Julia’s family request that in lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in her name be made to Catholic Charities of Steuben County, 23 Liberty St., Bath, NY 14810.  Memorial forms will be available at the Dagon Funeral Home or CLICK HERE to print a memorial form.