Hornell, New York
Mary Ann Argentieri – 93 – formerly of 44 Spruce St., Hornell, died Friday morning (April 10, 2026) at Elderwood at Hornell Nursing Facility where she had resided for the past 15 months.
Funeral arrangements are incomplete and will be announced by the Dagon Funeral Home, 38 Church St., Hornell, NY.
Hornell, NY
Phyllis (Volk) Swackhamer of Cleveland Avenue, Hornell, passed away Wednesday morning (April 8, 2026) following a brief illness.
Funeral arrangements are incomplete and will be announced by the Dagon Funeral Home, 38 Church St., Hornell, NY
Arkport, New York
Matthew J. “Matt” Cady – 32 – of North Almond Valley Road, Arkport, died unexpectedly Friday evening (April 3, 2026) in a one car motor vehicle accident.
Born in Hornell on April 24, 1993, Matt was the son of Timothy Cady and Kelly Sanford.
Matt grew up in Hornell where he attended School and built a foundation of the man he would become – hardworking, resilient, and deeply loyal. He spent most of his adult life working in construction as a foreman at Universal Builders of Canisteo NY. Though roofing was his primary trade, those who knew him best knew he could do just about anything. He was the kind of person who figured things out, fixed what was broken, and never hesitated to lend a hand.
A true “outdoorsman,” Matt found peace and purpose in the woods. He had a deep passion for hunting, often rising before dawn and spending long days surrounded by nature. It wasn’t just about the hunt, it was about the connection. Time with family, shared traditions, and quiet moments grounded him. Above all, he loved the chase, and he carried that drive into every part of his life.
When he wasn’t in the woods you could find Matt surrounded by the things he loved – his “toys”: tractor, side-by-side, dirt bike, snowmobile, and motorcycle. He took pride in his garage, a space he built himself, where he spent countless hours working, laughing, and kicking back a few Bud Lights – while fixing whatever needed fixing for friends and family. Those moments weren’t just hobbies: they were memories in the making.
At his core, Matt was a deeply loving and protective husband and father. He was incredibly proud of his wife and girls and that love showed in everything he did. He was generous to a fault – the kind of man who would give you his last dollar, show up without being asked, and stand by you no matter what. If you needed him he was there. No hesitation. No questions.
He will be remembered for his loyalty, his grit, his big heart, and the way he showed up for others. He leaves behind a legacy not of perfection, but of love, perseverance, and unwavering devotion to his family.
He was preceded in death by his daughter, Maci Lynn Cady who died March 12, 2013; his nephew, Leo Macen Quinlan who died September 14, 2022; and cousin, David Cady who died September 29, 2007.
On June 17, 2017, Matt was married to the former Kayla Mack (Cady) who survives. Also surviving are 2 daughters, Jemma Burrell Cady of Arkport and Harper Cady of Arkport; his parents, Timothy Cady & Kelly Sanford of Hornell; 2 sisters, Brandy (Bryan) Vandermallie of Arkport & Katie (Mikel) Quinlan of Canisteo; maternal grandparents, Philip & Eloise Sanford of Hornell; paternal grandparents, Milton Cady JR of Woodhull NY, and Carolyn Cady of Troupsburg NY; nieces & nephews, including Cole Stage, Alivia Vandermallie, Jeffery Vandermallie, and Kylan Quinlan; as well as aunts uncles and many cousins who will miss him dearly.
The family of Matthew J. “Matt” Cady will receive friends on Sunday (April 12, 2026) from 2:00 PM until 5:00 PM at the Dagon Funeral Home, 38 Church Street, Hornell, NY. Funeral services will be held on Monday at 12:00 (Noon) with Pastor Shannon Brumfield of the Canisteo Wesleyan Church officiating. A private graveside service will be held at Woodlawn Cemetery, Almond.
Matt’s family requests that, in lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in his name be made to the Organization for Autism Research (OAR), 2111 Wilson Boulevard, Suite 401, Arlington, VA 22201 or by visiting www.researchautism.org. Memorial forms will be available at the Dagon Funeral Home.
To leave an online condolence or share a memory, please visit www.dagonfuneralhome.com or www.facebook.com/dagonfuneralhome.
Hornell, New York
Shana S.S. Murphy – 54 – of East Main St., Hornell, died Monday evening (March 30, 2026) at her home, following a long illness.
Born in Key West, FL on April 13, 1971, she was the daughter of Roger & Judy (Sawyer) Johnson.
Shana grew up in Key West where she graduated from high school. As a young adult she resided in New Hampshire for a time and had lived in the Hornell area for the past 20 years.
She had been employed at Gunlock Corporation for about five years and served as a homemaker in recent years.
Shana had a deep love of animals (both pets and wild animals) and also enjoyed spending time tending to her flower garden. In her younger years, she enjoyed traveling and loved collecting spoons from the various places that she visited throughout the world. Her collection included spoons from all over the United States and also from countries around the world such as Germany, Spain and Japan just to mention a few.
She was a “die-hard” Elvis Presley fan and throughout the years collected so much Elvis memorabilia that it could have been considered an actual “Shrine to the King”. Shana enjoyed spending time in the kitchen cooking & baking and she always looked forward to holiday family dinners. She was also an avid Miami Dolphins fan who loved watching games with her husband, David.
Shana was married to David J. Murphy who died June 23, 2025. She was also preceded in death by her brother, Chance Johnson.
Surviving are 2 sons, Tyler Johnson of Hornell and Brody (Cindy) Murphy of Hornell; 2 step-daughters, Dr. Erin (Oliver) Masaba of Pittsford and Kristen (Andrew) Sweezy of Wellsville; her parents, Roger & Judy Johnson of Troupsburg, NY; her brother, Terry Johnson of Las Vegas, NV; along with several grandchildren, nieces & nephews.
At Shana’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.
Shana’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.
To leave an online condolence or share a memory, visit www.dagonfuneralhome.com.
Hornell, New York
Larry R. Sell – 82 – of Hornell died late Friday evening (March 27, 2026) at his home, following a brief illness.
Born in Allentown, Pa on January 28, 1944, he was the son of Warren & Joyce (Frederick) Sell.
Larry grew up in Allentown and was a graduate of William Allen High School (class of 1961). He received his Bachelor’s Degree in Art Education from Kutztown State College (now Kutztown University) and later earned his Master’s Degree in Ceramics from Alfred University.
While living in Allentown, he was a member of St. Matthews Lutheran Church. He has resided in Hornell for the past 30 years.
For most of his adult life, Larry was a self-employed dealer of fine collectables, buying & selling all kinds of collectables throughout the country. He was an avid reader and especially enjoyed books & articles on history.
Surviving are his longtime companion, Melissa Horn of Hornell; 1 sister, Sandra Huzar of Allentown; 1 brother, Timothy (Patricia) Sell of Shoemakersville, PA; along with nieces, nephews, great-nieces & great-nephews. He will also be missed by his dear friends, Leroy & Pam Teator of Hornell.
At Larry’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.
Larry’s family request that in lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in his name be made to the Alfred University Food Pantry, 1 Saxton Dr., Alfred, NY 14802.
To leave an online condolence or share a memory, visit www.dagonfuneralhome.com.
Addison, New York
Nunziato N. “Nick” Nirelli – 66 – of William St., Addison, died early Friday morning (March 27, 2026) at Robert Packer Hospital in Sayre, PA, following a brief illness.
Born in Buffalo, NY on May 6, 1959, he was the son of Richard Nirelli & Joyce (Radice) Messina.
A self-employed contractor and “Jack-of-All-Trades,” Nick owned & operated Nunziato Home Improvement Company for many years, serving the Buffalo area. He also worked at Nirelli’s Auto Collision, a family-run business. He had resided in Addison for the past 2 years.
Nick was an avid wrestling fan who enjoyed spending time watching his favorite wrestlers on TV. He also enjoyed gardening (both vegetables & flowers) and was a self-proclaimed “Un-Patient Fisherman.”
Nick was preceded in death by his father, Richard; his sister, Kim Marie Hebert; and his step-father, Anthony Messina.
Surviving are his son, Nunziato “Nunzio” (Nadene) Nirelli of Bath, NY; 2 daughters, Lindsey Nirelli of Buffalo and Tiffany Nirelli of Buffalo; his mother, Joyce Messina of Buffalo; 3 sisters, Nancianne (Richard) Hawker of Florida, Joyce (Richard) Dudziak of Boston, NY and Venus (Bob) Bortz of Gasport, NY; along with grandchildren, nieces & nephews.
At Nick’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.
Nick’s family request that in lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in his name be made to a charity of the donor’s choice.
To leave an online condolence or share a memory, visit www.dagonfuneralhome.com.
Hornell, New York
Leona L. Law – 54 – of 38 Davenport St., Hornell, died unexpectedly Sunday evening (March 22, 2026) at St. James Hospital, following a brief illness.
Born in Hornell on September 30, 1971, she was the daughter of Leon Law & Marlene (Stephens) Law Herbert and the step-daughter of Ralph Herbert.
Leona grew up in Hornell and was a graduate of Hornell High School (class of 1989). She had been employed as a waitress at Muhleisen’s Restaurant in Almond for many years.
A self-proclaimed “Home-Body,” Leona enjoyed spending time in the kitchen cooking & baking. She had a deep love of her family and especially loved watching her grandchildren grow up & blossom.
She was preceded in death by her father, Leon Law; her mother, Marlene Law Herbert; and her twin brother, Leon who died at birth.
Surviving are her daughter, Keirstan (Jesica Zimmer) Saltsman of Rochester; her step-father, Ralph Herbert of Hornell; 2 sisters, Audrea Sirianni of Hornell and Krystal (Justin Swiggard) Herbert of Hornell; her brother, Joe (Kaytie Hartman) Herbert of Hornell; her grandchildren, Sebastian, Alexis, Hadley and Vivian; along with several nieces, nephews & cousins.
At this time there will be no calling hours. Private services will be held at the convenience of the family with a “Celebration of Life” to be held at a later date.
Funeral arrangements are in care of the Dagon Funeral Home, 38 Church St., Hornell, NY.
Leona’s family request that in lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in her name be made to a charity of the donor’s choice.
To leave an online condolence or share a memory, visit www.dagonfuneralhome.com.
North Hornell, NY
Kay T. Hill – 87 – a resident of Elderwood at Hornell Nursing Facility, died Saturday evening (March21, 2026) at St. James Hospital, following a brief illness.
Born in Dansville, NY on March 3, 1939, she was the daughter of Ardeen & Myrtie (Losey) Hill.
Kay grew up in the Dansville area and, being the daughter of a career US Army Military Officer, resided in many locations throughout the years. For over 20 years she lived in Bath, NY and for about 9 years resided at the Maryville Home for Adults in Avoca, NY before moving to Elderwood at Hornell a year ago.
In her younger years, Kay enjoyed crocheting and more recently loved working on jig-saw puzzles.
In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her brother, Dennis Hill who died in 2018.
Surviving are her sister-in-law, Elaine Hill of Wilmington, DE; along with several cousins, nieces & nephews.
At Kay’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.
Kay’s family request that in lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in her name be made to the charity of the donor’s choice.
To leave an online condolence or share a memory, visit www.dagonfuneralhome.com.
Canisteo, New York
Pacer A. Schoonover – 49 – of 44 Russell St., Canisteo, NY, died Friday morning (March 14, 2026) at St. James Hospital, following a long illness.
Born in Corning, NY on August 5, 1976, he was the son of Joy “Cindy” (VanGorden) Schoonover and Kevin Harris.
Pacer grew up in the Corning area where he attended high school. He later received his General Educational Development (GED) Degree. He had resided in the Hornell-Canisteo area for the past 4 years and had been employed in the kitchen at Billy Schu’s Restaurant and most recently Racalto’s Restaurant in Hornell.
He enjoyed the outdoors and especially loved camping.
Surviving are his fiancé, Kristina Stevenson; 3 sons, Paige Schoonover of Michigan, Kade Schoonover of South Plymouth, NY and Lucas Schoonover of Tennessee; his sister, Candy; his brothers, Harold and Brett.
At Pacer’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.
Pacer’s family request that in lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in his name be made to a charity of the donor’s choice.
To leave an online condolence or share a memory, visit www.dagonfuneralhome.com.
Arkport, New York
Vernon Robert “Bob” Learn – age 83, of Burns Rd in Arkport, passed peacefully at home with his loved ones at his side on March 10, 2026.
Born in Corning NY on January 14, 1943, he was the son of Clayton and Ethel (Hill) Learn.
Bob grew up in the Jasper and Woodhull area. He attended the Northrup one-room schoolhouse before going to Jasper Central at 10 years old. He left home at the age of 14 to work on an area farm.
He enlisted in the US Navy at the age of 17 and proudly served his country from 1960-1964. Upon his honorable discharge from the Navy, Bob was employed at Foster Wheeler Corporation in Dansville before joining the Carpenters Union where he worked for over 30 years in the Rochester area.
In 2000, he opened Bob’s Automotive of Arkport to pursue his love of mechanics before officially retiring in 2010.
Bob enjoyed restoring and the trade of classic cars and had a love for motorcycles. He could be found tinkering in his shop, reading history books, and listening to blues. He was known for always offering a helping hand to friends and neighbors.
Bob adored his family, and leaves behind his loving wife and companion, Mitzie (Wyant) Learn of almost 50 years. Also surviving are his beloved children, daughters April of Corning and Rita of Jasper; 3 sons, Conred Learn & Jonathan, both of Altoona, PA and Kevin of Maryland; as well as his sister, Audrey Lowery of Colorado; 10 grandchildren; 7 great-grandchildren; and several nieces & nephews who all adored him!
In addition to his parents, Bob was predeceased by his siblings, Edith, Janice, Eileen, David, Richard and Gerome.
To honor Bob’s wishes, there will be no calling hours or public services. In his honor, we ask instead of donations, that you pay it forward, do a good deed, and be a good person. Tomorrow is not promised.
Arrangements are in care of the Dagon Funeral home, 38 Church St., Hornell NY.
To leave online condolences or share a memory, please visit www.dagonfuneralhome.com.