Kenneth DeSilva – (79) – of 7323 County Route 70A (Big Creek Road), Hornell, died early Sunday morning (September 15, 2019) at The Homestead at Soldiers & Sailors Hospital in Penn Yan, NY following a long illness.

Born in Margaretville, NY on September 19, 1939, he was the son of Frank & Eleanor (Cole) DeSilva.

Ken grew up in Margaretville, NY (located in the Catskills) and attended Margaretville Central School.  He later earned his General Education Diploma (GED) by taking classes in Binghamton, NY.

For many years, Ken resided in Walton, NY and on September 13, 1958 married the former Joan LaPorte.  Together they raised their four children, David, Karson, Gordon & Dean.  While living in Walton, Ken was employed at Del-Met Corporation and also owned & operated Montgomery-Ward Store.

Throughout the years, Ken also resided in Binghamton where he was employed at Stowe Manufacturing and also lived in Elmira Heights where he worked at Upstate Tool Company.  He later resided in Corning where he owned & operated a Woodmizer Saw business.  He has resided in the Hornell area since 2015.

He was baptized and attended Buena Vista Wesleyan Church.

Ken was a true outdoorsman and an avid hunter.  He enjoyed fishing and hunting big game, such as elk, moose, deer, bear and caribou.  He has hunted in many locations, including Montana & Quebec Canada.  Throughout the years, Ken took great pride working on & maintaining his properties and had even built his own pond on Brown Hollow Road in Corning.  In his “spare time”, Ken enjoyed watching football.

He was preceded in death by 2 brothers, Donald DeSilva and Robert DeSilva; 1 sister, Marilyn DeSilva.

Ken was married on September 19, 2009 to the former Denise Collins who survives. Also surviving are 3 sons, David (Mary Kaye) DeSilva of Howard, NY, Gordon (Kelly) DeSilva of Vallejo, CA and Dean (Jill) DeSilva of Deer Lodge, MT; 1 daughter, Karson James of Walton, NY; 1 brother, Ronald DeSilva of Margaretville, NY; 2 step-sons, Jared (Shannon) Billings of Wellsville and Tyler Billings of Hornell; 16 grandchildren, Matthew (Tanya) DeSilva, Zach DeSilva, Steven DeSilva, Mannon (Jordi) Loucks, Rachel James, Orrin James, Tyrell (Dacy) Deserve, Levi DeSilva, Joshua DeSilva, Logan DeSilva, Hannah DeSilva, Allison DeSilva, Lindsey (Jerell) Andall, Jamie Morgan, Jackie Morgan and Lonie Morgan; 8 great-grandchildren; several nieces & nephews.

At Ken’s request there will be no calling hours.  Family & friends are invited to attend a Memorial Service at the Buena Vista Wesleyan Church on Thursday, October 3, 2019 at 11:30 AM with a luncheon to follow.  Pastor Dan Pickering will officiate. Final interment will be on the family plot in Margaretville Cemetery in Margaretville, NY.

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

Ken’s family request that in lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in his name be made to the Alzheimer’s  Association, 435 East Henrietta Road, Rochester, NY  14620.

Max D. Sanford – 83 – of 7563 Airport Road, Hornell, died early Saturday morning (September 7, 2019) at Hornell Gardens, following a brief illness.

Born in Hornell on October 18, 1935, he was the son of Bert & Fannie (Connor) Sanford.

Max grew up in Adrian, NY and attended Canisteo Central School.  He was a veteran of the US Army, serving his country during the Korean Conflict.

He resided in Florida for about 10 years, returning to the Adrian area nearly 40 years ago.  He lived in Canisteo for about 4 years before moving to Hornell eight months ago.

For most of his life, Max was employed as a carpenter, working for the local Carpenter’s Union.  He was an avid outdoorsman who enjoyed deer hunting and trout fishing,  He also enjoyed collecting & working on antique tractors and, throughout the years, owned several tractors.

In addition to his parents, Max was preceded in death by his son, Timothy Sanford along with several brothers & sisters.

Surviving are 2 sons, Mickey Sanford of Florida and David (Nickie Woodard) Sanford of Hornell; his daughter, Gail Peters of Rochester; several grandchildren, brothers & sisters.

At Max’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, Bath, NY.

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

Max’s family request that in lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in his name be made to the Bath VA Medical Center Activities Fund, 76 Veterans Ave., Bath, NY 14810.

Ruth Marie Kurtz – 92 – of 105 Geneva St., Bath, NY, formerly of Hammondsport, NY died Tuesday evening (August 27, 2019) at Ira Davenport Hospital in Bath following a brief illness.

Born I n Magadore, OH on June 13, 1927, she was the daughter of Leroy & Vera (Hoskins) Walters.

Ruth grew up in Berlin Center, OH where she attended Berlin Center High School through her junior year.  Years later she returned to school and received her high school diploma in 1960.

Residing in the Bath/Hammondsport area for over 30 years, Ruth was a member of the Bethel Assembly of God Church where she and her husband were active in the pre-school program.  She had a deep love of her family and especially adored her grandchildren & great-grandchildren.

Ruth was married to James W. Kurtz who died July 10, 2015.  She was also preceded in death by her son, Ron Kurtz; along with 2 sisters, Doris & Wilma.

Surviving are 2 sons, Danny (Mary) Kurtz of Lake Havasu City, AZ and David (Karen) Kurtz of Medford, OR; 7 grandchildren; 13 great-grandchildren; nieces & nephews.

A Memorial Service will be held at the Bethel Assembly of God Church in Bath, NY at a date & time to be announced.  Burial will be in McDowell Cemetery, Wayne, NY.

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

Ruth’s  family request that memorial contributions in her name be made to a charity of the donor’s choice.

Bath, New York

Suzanne “Sue” Fitzgerald – 70 – of 105 Geneva St., Bath, NY, died Tuesday morning (August 20, 2019) at Ira Davenport Hospital in Bath.

Born in Corning, NY on October 28, 1948, she was the daughter of William & Florence (Flood) Fitzgerald.

Sue grew up in Corning and was a graduate of East Corning High School (class of 1966).  She later graduated from Nursing School in Pennsylvania, obtaining her Registered Nurse’s License.

For many years, Sue had been employed as a registered nurse at Corning Hospital, primarily working in the Respiratory Unit.

She served as a dispatcher for the Campbell Fire Department and also volunteered her time by working on their fundraising projects.  She also enjoyed making jewelry.

In addition to her parents, Sue was preceded in death by her brother, William “Pat” Fitzgerald.

Survivors include her nephew, Timothy Fitzgerald and her niece, Michelle Fitzgerald.

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. 

Sue’s family request that memorial contributions in her name be made to the charity of the donor’s choice.

Frederick W. “Fred” Coogan – 63 – of 6608 Beecher Road, Hornell, died unexpectedly Wednesday morning (August 21, 2019) at his home.

Born in Hornell on September 28, 1955, he was the son of Ralph & Pearl (Clark) Coogan.

Fred grew up in Hornell and was a graduate of Hornell High School (class of 1973).

A resident of the Hornell area for most of his life, he owned and operated Fred Coogan Demolition & Construction.  He was an expert in explosives and was licensed to demolish buildings with the use of dynamite.  During his career, Fred was responsible for demolishing the Hornell Universalist Church on Church Street along with demolishing many homes and buildings, clearing the way for the St. James Mercy Hospital Expansion Project in the early 1990’s.  He was also a talented carpenter who built and remodeled many homes in the area.

Fred was raised Catholic and had been a member of St. Ann’s Church.  He loved the outdoors and truly enjoyed spending time with friends boating & skiing on Conesus Lake.

Surviving are his fiancé, Diane Edwards; his brother, Ralph James “Jim” (Judy) Coogan of Conesus Lake; his sister, Teresa Jaycox of Almond; his nieces & nephews, Andrea Carty, Jamie Scalise, Tammy Hurlburt, Toni Boglev & Justin Jaycox; Diane’s children, Elaine Melkioty, Kristina Rischar, Megan Melkioty, Daniel Edwards & David Edwards; along with several cousins.

A special “Thank You” to his cousins Joseph, Brenda, Sherri, and Jacqueline who meant so much to him.

At Fred’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. 

Fred’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 in honor of his mother Pearl Coogan.

Gerald T. “Jerry” McCarthy – 60 – of Nashua, NH, formerly of Hornell, died unexpectedly on Tuesday, July 2, 2019 in Las Vegas, NV.

Born in Hornell on March 23, 1959, he was the son of Robert “Bob” & Joann (Oriheul) McCarthy.

Jerry grew up in Hornell and was a graduate of Hornell High School (class of 1978).  He later attended Brockport State College.

In 1980, Jerry moved to Newport Beach, CA and later lived in West Hollywood, CA where he owned & operated The Mother Lode Tavern for over 20 years.  After selling his share of the business, he moved to Las Vegas, NV where he resided for about 10 years.  While in Las Vegas, he worked several jobs, including truck driver.  He returned to New York State and lived in Rochester for several years before moving to New Hampshire about a year ago.

While living in Hornell, Jerry had been a member of St. Ann’s Church.  He was an avid sports fan and especially enjoyed rooting for Oakland Raiders.  He had a deep love of music and was proud to be called a “Dead Head” and throughout the years had attended over 100 Grateful Dead Shows.

Jerry is survived by his mother, Joann McCarthy of Nashua, NH; his sister, Kim (Sean) Fitzpatrick of Nashua, NH; his brother, Mike (Joann Tong) McCarthy of Charlottesville, VA; several aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces & nephews.

The family of Gerald T. McCarthy will receive friends on Friday from 1:00 PM – 2:00 PM at the Dagon Funeral Home, 38 Church St., Hornell, NY where a Memorial Service will be held at the conclusion of calling hours at 2:00 PM with Deacon Bob McCormick officiating.

A “Celebration of Life” will be held on Friday from 4:00 PM – 8:00 PM at The Main Place, 251 Main St., Hornell, NY where family & friends will be encouraged to share stories and“Tip a Glass” in Jerry’s honor.  Final interment will be in St. Mary’s Cemetery.

Michelle J. “Mikki” Remchuk – 61 – of 191Madison Ave., Hornell, died Wednesday morning (August 14, 2019) at her home, following a long illness.

Born in Jonestown, PA on July 24, 1958, she was the daughter of Clarence “Sonny” McDonald.

Mikki grew up in Hornell and was a graduate of Hornell High School (class of 1976).  Years later she earned her Associate’s Degree in Business Administration from Alfred State College.

For about 10 years, Mikki operated a Home Day-Care Service and for about 5 years was employed at Gunlocke Corporation in Wayland assembling furniture.  She later served as a department head at Wal-Mart in Hornell.

In her younger years, Mikki enjoyed going to the Hornell VFW with her father.  She was an avid reader, but more than anything else, she simply loved her family, especially her grandchildren.

She was married on September 10, 1977 to William “Bill” Remchuk who survives.  Also surviving are her son, William “Bill” (Tanya) Remchuk JR of Corning; her daughter, Tabitha Remchuk of Albion, NY; 4 grandchildren, Logan Remchuk, Brenna Remchuk, Evan Morse & Lexi Remchuk; several step-brothers & step-sisters.

At Mikki’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. 

Mikki’s family request that in lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in her name be made to the St. Jude Children’s Hospital, PO Box 1000 – Dept. 300, Memphis, TN  38148.

Dana M. Sawczyszyn – 60 – of 28 Green St., Canisteo, died unexpectedly Friday, August 9, 2019 at his home.

Born in Blossburg, PA on August 19, 1958, he was the son of Michael & Ola (Simons) Sawczyszyn.

Dana grew up in the Hornell-Arkport area and attended Arkport Central School.  He later earned his General Education Degree (GED) from the University of Albany.

For many years, Dana served as office manager for Ed Degnan, Attorney-at-Law in Canisteo.  Along with his duties as office manager, he often worked with clients, served important papers & filed legal documents.  He also owned & operated Four Season Animal Damage Control, carefully trapping & releasing wildlife that had moved their way into homes and businesses.

Dana was an avid outdoorsman and loved hunting, fishing & trapping.  He was a member of the New York State Tri-County Trappers Association for several years, holding official offices within that time.

On February 14th, 1996, Dana married Rhonda Aultman on a live segment of the Brother Wease Morning Circus radio show on WCMF-FM/AM with 26 other couples.  They were married for 23 years before Rhonda passed away on March 25th, 2019 following a long illness.

One of Dana’s hobbies was smart gambling.  He spent many hours researching gambling techniques and traveled to various casinos and cities to utilize his knowledge. Cities and casinos Dana visited with Rhonda included Atlantic City, Turning Stone Casino, Salamanca, Hamburg, Batavia, Niagara Falls, Nichols & Monticello.

Dana was a very compassionate man who enjoyed simply spending time talking & laughing with his many friends.  He will be missed by them, as well as by the many “feline friends” he provided care for.

Surviving Dana is his daughter, Sarah (Jason) Platt of Suffern, NY.  Also surviving are Brenda Lee

(Danielle) Miller and Michael Mosher; and from the Rauber, McDaniel and Sawczyszyn families–multiple siblings, several cousins, and many beloved nieces and nephews.

At Dana’s request there will be no calling hours, but family & friends are invited to a “Farewell Toast” on Sunday, August 18th at 2:00 pm at Kanakadea Park, where stories of Dana will be shared in honor of his memory.

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

Dana’s family request that in lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in his and Rhonda’s name be made to: The Wilmont Cancer Center, 601 Elmwood Ave, Rochester, NY 146422.

On August 5, 2019 in the year of our Lord, Mary Lois Hedges Grimm, a dedicated and loving wife to Jim Grimm joined him and her mother “Hedgie” at Heaven’s Gate.

Mary Lois was born at St. James Hospital on July 15, 1925 and was the daughter of Artimus & Ester (Wilkins) Hedges and the step-daughter of Thomas Dean.

She will be remembered as a life-long member of Park United Methodist Church where she taught Sunday school.  She also mentored teachers along with her four children, Carol Marie, Paul James, Mary Beth and Rebecca Sue, in the ways of the Lord.

Mary Lois was a graduate of Hornell High School, class of 1943 and spent several years active in her alumni class projects. To honor her in lieu of flowers donations may be sent to Hornell High School Memorial Scholarship Fund.

She was a dedicated partner in several family businesses, most notably Memory Studio and Tree Barn.

Mary Lois was president of the local chapter of the American Field Service through which she gained another son, Ronnie Ball and allowed her daughter, Mary Beth, to spend a summer in Uganda (Africa).

Mary Lois was preceded in death by her husband, James Grimm; mother, Ester Wilkens Hedges Dean; father Artimus Hedges; stepfather Thomas Dean; uncles Raymond, Charles, Lymon, and Harold Wilkins.

Left to honor her are her children, Carol Marie (John) LaSalle of Jupiter, FL, Paul James (Brenda) Grimm of Marshall, TX, Mary Beth (Carl) Lindquist of Greensboro, NC and Rebecca Sue (Ralph) Bailey of Bradford, PA; her brothers, David (Barbara) Hedges of Hornell, NY, Phillip (Nancy) Hedges of North Augusta, SC.  Also left to honor her are 10 grandchildren and 8 great grandchildren.

Funeral services will be held at The First United Methodist Church of Hornell, Webbs Crossing Road, Hornell, NY on Saturday, August 10, 2019 at 2:00 PM.  Final interment will follow at the Arkport Cemetery.

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

Hornell High School Memorial Scholarship Fund donations should be sent to HHS Alumni Association, PO Box 135, Hornell, NY 14843.

Kelly D. Beckstrom – 57 – of Hornell, formerly of Arkport, died early Sunday morning (August 4, 2019) at Strong Memorial Hospital in Rochester following a brief illness.

Born in Wellsville, NY on May 25, 1962, she was the daughter of Robert & Sandra (Dickerson) Boyd.

Kelly grew up in the Wellsville / Scio areas and was a graduate of Scio High School (class of 1980).  She later attended Alfred State College.

For many years, Kelly was a “Stay At Home Mom” and more recently was employed as a cashier at Cy’s Shurfine, now Arkport Shurfine, in Arkport, NY.  She had been a member of the Arkport Presbyterian Church.  Kelly’s main enjoyment in life was simply spending time with her family and especially loved the time she spent with her grandson, Colton.

She was preceded in death by her daughter, Dakota Beckstrom and also her brother, Jason Boyd.

Surviving are 4 daughters, Taylor Richardson of Hornell, Bailey (Douglas Smith) Richardson of Concord, NC, Kelcy Beckstrom of Almond and Victoria Beckstrom of Cohocton; her mother, Sandra Rowley of Wellsville; her father, Robert (Lorraine) Boyd of Cincinnati, OH; her grandson, Colton Smith; 2 brothers, Brian Boyd of Buffalo, NY and Jamie Boyd of Sparks, NV; several nieces & nephews.

The family of Kelly D. Beckstrom will receive friends on Thursday from 4:00 PM – 7:00 PM at the Dagon Funeral Home, 38 Church St., Hornell, NY where a Memorial Service will be held on Friday at 11:00 AM with Deacon Robert McCormick officiating.  Final interment will be in Woodlawn Cemetery, Wellsville, NY.

Kelly’s family request that in lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in her name be made to Golisano Children’s Hospital, 601 Elmwood Ave # 655, Rochester, New York 14642.  Memorial forms will be available at the Dagon Funeral Home.