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.

Avoca, New York

Alan A. “Al” Winchell – 76 – of State Route 415, Avoca, died Tuesday morning (March 12, 2026) at his home, following a long illness.

Born in Cuba, NY on May 12, 1949, he was the son of Kenneth & Dorothy (Gunsolus) Winchell.

Al grew up in Newark, NY where he attended high school.  He later earned his General Education Development (GED) Degree in Bath, NY.  He resided in Bath for several years and has lived in Avoca for the past 40 years.

In his younger years, Al served as a machinist for Mobil Chemical Corporation in Macedon, NY, a company that produced plastic bags along with other plastic products.  He later was employed at Morrison-Knudson (MK) in Hornell and for many years served as a field agent for Deery’s Construction of Prattsburg, NY.

Al was a former member of the Hammondsport Moose Lodge.  He enjoyed the outdoors and spending time camping, fishing & hunting.  At a young age he worked on his dad’s racecar.  That led him to become interested in racing and he became a fanatic going to local dirt tracks such as Dundee, Woodhull and Canandaigua.  He followed Dale Earnhardt and the NASCAR circuit for many years, attending when he could.

A self-proclaimed “jack-of-all-trades,” Al could fix just about anything.  He also made furniture such as chairs & tables along with children’s toys.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by 3 brothers, Philip Winchell, Douglas Winchell and Mark Winchell.

On February 14, 1981, Al married the former Bambi Koerner who survives.  Also surviving are his children, Alan M. (Heidi) Winchell of Sanford, NC, Brandon (Theresa) Winchell of Avoca, Ron (Meghan) Banach of Pine City, NY, Tanya (James) Fletcher of Avoca and Nunziato (Nadene) Nirelli of Bath; his sister, Cynthia Wolfe of Florida; 7 grandchildren; 1 great-grandson; along with nieces & nephews.

At Al’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.

Al’s family request that in lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in his name be made to the Parkinson Foundation of Rochester, 1000 Elmwood Ave., Rochester, NY  14620.

To leave an online condolence or share a memory, visit www.dagonfuneralhome.com.

Hornell, New York

Harriet B. Hollister – 91 – of East Main St., Hornell, died Monday morning (March 9, 2026) at Highland Hospital in Rochester, following a long illness.

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

Arkport, New York

Paul A. Rice – 77 – of Arkport, died Saturday morning (March 7, 2026) at Strong Memorial Hospital in Rochester, following a long illness.

Born on August 28, 1948, in Harmony, PA, to the late Arthur and Ethel Rice.  Paul lived a life marked by quiet kindness, genuine thoughtfulness, and a deep appreciation for the simple things that make life rich.

Paul grew up in Harmony and was a graduate of Seneca Valley High School (class of 1966).  He went on to attend the Culinary Institute of New York, completing his studies in 1969.  That training became the foundation for one of his greatest joys in life as Paul loved cooking, baking, and, perhaps most of all, eating.  Whether he was preparing a meal for those he cared about or savoring something delicious, food was always at the heart of how he showed love and brought people together.

He was employed as a chef & kitchen manager for Marriot Hotels, serving throughout the United States in several locations including Dallas, TX, San Jose, CA and Florida.  More recently he served as kitchen manager at the former Friendly’s Restaurant in Hornell.

Having a tender heart for all living things, Paul was known for his love of plants and animals, including a beloved old horse that held a special place in his life.  His gentle nature extended to everyone around him, and those who knew him understood that his kindness was never just a gesture but something deeply felt.

Paul was an active member of St. Mary’s Church in Canaseraga, NY, where his faith provided comfort and community throughout his years in Arkport.  May he now rest peacefully in the arms of the Lord he faithfully served.

In addition to his parents, Paul was preceded in death by his wife, Jane Rice who died August 19, 2024.

He is survived by his step-children, Dawn and Rusty Taylor; his sisters, Patricia Rice and Priscilla Bhame; his brother, Philip Rice; his niece & her husband, Alexis Tatro; his nephews, Ronald Bhame, Robert Bhame, Richard Bhame; as well as sister-in-law Susan Rice and many other friends and loved ones.

At Paul’s request there will be no calling hours.  A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Wednesday at 11:00 AM at St. Mary’s Church in Canaseraga, NY.  Burial will be in St. Mary’s Cemetery, Canaseraga, NY.

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

Paul’s family requests that in lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in his name be made to St. Mary’s Cemetery of Canaseraga, C/O St Patrick’s Family of Churches, 18 East Hughes St., PO Box 366, Belfast, NY 14711.  Memorial forms will be available at St. Mary’s Church.

To leave an online condolence or share a memory, visit www.dagonfuneralhome.com.

Bath, NY

Grace Mae Brown – 82 – of State Route 415, Bath, NY died Thursday (March 5, 2026) at her home.

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

Williamsville / Hornell / Canisteo

Jane M. (Cropp) Jamison – 95 – of Williamsville, NY, formerly of Hornell & Canisteo, died early Sunday morning (March 1, 2026) at Millard Fillmore Suburban Hospital in Williamsville, following a brief illness.

Born in New York City on September 20, 1930, she was the daughter of Sidney & Gladys (Smith) Bette.

Jane grew up in New York City and was a graduate of Julia Richmond High School (class of 1946).  She later received her Bachelor’s and Master’s degree in Education from Alfred University.

While living in Alfred, Jane met her future husband, Irwin Cropp.  They were married on June 16, 1951 and he died July 31, 1974.  In April, 1975 Jane married Lloyd Jamison who died in 1998.

Jane was employed as a math teacher at the Hornell High School and later was instrumental in introducing computer technology into the Hornell High School curriculum, far ahead of the rest of New York State.  She also founded the NYS Association of Computers & Teaching in Education.  For a total of 31 years she taught math and computer courses at HHS, retiring in 1992.

A lifelong member of the Jewish Community, Jane was a member of Temple Beth-El in Hornell.  She was an avid reader and enjoyed crafting such as needlework, sewing, “beading” and jewelry making.  Jane loved to travel and was an avid New York Yankee fan (MLB) and Chicago Blackhawk fan (NHL).  She especially loved spending time with her family — and had a special place in her heart for her grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her husbands, Irwin Cropp and Lloyd Jamison.

Surviving are 2 sons, Harold (Adrienne) Cropp of Lanesboro, MN and Michael Cropp (Christine Bingham) of Williamsville; 1 daughter, Ellen (Yehuda) Cohen of Chicago; her step-children, Keith (Kathy) Jamison, Kay (Robert) Peters and Alan Jamison; 5 grandsons, Simon Cropp, Ian (Alana) Cropp, Joel Cropp, Brett (Erin McDonald) Cropp and Joe (Amy) Cohen; several step-grandchildren; several step-great-grandchildren.

In keeping with the Jewish faith and the Jewish tradition of burying their dead as soon as possible, the family of Jane M. (Cropp) Jamison will receive friends on Tuesday (March 3rd, 2026) from 3:00 PM until 5:00 PM at the Dagon Funeral Home, 38 Church St., Hornell, NY.  Private services will be held at the convenience of the family with burial in Beth-El Cemetery, Hornell, NY.

Jane’s family request that in lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in her name be made to the Jane (Cropp) Jamison Scholarship Fund, C/O the Hornell Alumni Association, PO Box 135, Hornell, NY  14843.  Memorial forms will be available at the Dagon Funeral Home.

To leave an online condolence or share a memory, visit www.dagonfuneralhome.com.

Hornell, New York

Linda K. Panter – 75 – of 46 Pine St., Hornell, died Thursday morning (February 19, 2026) at her home, following a long illness.

Born in Hornell on October 26, 1950, she was the daughter of John & Marguerite (Furlong) Cullen.

Linda grew up in Hornell and was a graduate of Hornell High School (class of 1968).  She earned her Licensed Practical Nursing (LPN) Degree  in 1969 from Steuben BOCES and for many years was employed as an LPN at St. James Mercy Hospital.  Later in life she enrolled at Alfred State College and graduated in 1991 with an Associate’s Degree in Nursing.  In 1993, Linda received her Bachelor of Science (BS) Degree from SUNY Brockport.

While working at St. James Hospital as a Registered Nurse, Linda also served as Clinical Instructor at SUNY Alfred, teaching nursing students.  She eventually received her Master’s Degree in Nursing from SUNY Binghamton and retired from SUNY Alfred with the title of Professor Emeritus.  Linda spent most of her life (over 55 years) working in healthcare at St. James Mercy Hospital and Alfred State College.  She enjoyed working with students and watching them grow in their profession.

Linda had been a member of Our Lady of the Valley Parish and a member of St. Ignatius Loyola Church.  For many years she was a member and also served as vice president of the United University Professional (UUP) Union and statewide level committees.  She served as a board member of the Bethesda Foundation and was a member of the Hornell Association and the AMVETS.  She also enjoyed spending time at the family’s cottage at Rushford Lake.  She loved being active with walking, gardening, playing pool and with her favorite hobby — visiting casinos.

Her high school classmates were very important to her and she enjoyed attending luncheons, meetings and reunions.

In addition to her parents, Linda was preceded in death by her brother, John Cullen; along with many other relatives, including Uncle Joe and Aunt Carolyn.

She was married on June 12, 1971 to Thomas Panter who survives.  Also surviving are 2 daughters, Kelly (Todd) Mullen of North Hornell and Kristy Panter of Hornell; 2 sons, William (Erin) Panter of Rochester and Thomas (Angela) Panter of Stuarts Draft, VA; 2 brothers, Joseph Cullen of Bath and Robert “Bob” Cullen of Hornell; 2 sisters, Patricia Kelleher of Hornell and Mary Margaret Cullen of Erwin, NY (with whom she had a special bond as she served as her caretaker; 13 grandchildren, Xavier, Garrett, Katerina, Jaiden, Kylie, Isabella, Elison, Noah, Ethan, Jaxson, Evan, Kendal and Zachary; 1 great-granddaughter, Ethilea Jo; nieces & nephews.  Linda is also survived by many childhood friends, including Sheila, Jay, Joe, Joanne, Donna & Tom just to mention a few.

The family of Linda K. Panter will receive friends on Thursday 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 Friday at 1:30 PM at St. Ann’s Church with burial in St. Mary’s Cemetery.

Linda’s family request that in lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in her name be made to HHS Class of ‘68 c/o Rosalie Mulhollen, 5163 Purdy Creek Road., Hornell, NY  14843-9722.  Memorial forms will be available at the Dagon Funeral Home.

To leave an online condolence or share a memory, visit www.dagonfuneralhome.com.

Hornell, NY

Barbara J. Miller – 77 – a resident of Maple City Rehab Nursing Facility, Hornell, died Tuesday evening (February 17, 2026) at St. James Hospital, following a long illness.

She was born in Buffalo on October 29, 1948 and grew up in Canaseraga in the home of Edward & Ina Dieter.  Barb attended Canaseraga Central School before moving to Hornell with her foster parents, Don & Sharon Rollins.  She was a graduate of Hornell High School (Class of 1970).

Barb was employed as a nurse’s aide at St. James Hospital for a number of years.  She also served as a housekeeper in many capacities in Hornell and Arizona.

A football and hockey fan, Barb enjoyed watching and cheering for the Buffalo Bills and Kansas City Chiefs, and she loved watching the hockey fights!  She was a member of New Hope Wesleyan Church in Hornell.

Barbara was preceded in death by her son, Donald Rice, Jr.; foster parents, Edward & Ina Dieter and Don Rollins.

Surviving are her children, Raquel “Rae” (John Mulligan) Rice of Hornell, Damion Rice of Hornell, & Angie Jackson of Hornell; foster mother, Sharon (Rollins) McGraff; foster siblings, Greg Rollins, Doug Rollins, Dona Rollins, Francis Raymond, Faye Sarvis, Diane Roosa, Joyce Sarvis, David Mastin, and Jeff Mastin; many grandchildren, nieces, & nephews, and her dear friend, Mary.

To honor Barb’s wishes, there will be no calling hours or services.  Funeral arrangements are in care of the Dagon Funeral Home, 38 Church St., Hornell, NY.

Memorial contributions in Barb’s name may be made to the Hornell Area Humane Society, 7649 Industrial Park Road, Hornell, NY 14843.

To leave an online condolence or share a memory, please visit www.dagonfuneralhome.com or www.facebook.com/dagonfuneralhome.

North Hornell, NY

Paula A. Zierak – 81 – formerly of Manor Hills Nursing Home in Wellsville, died Monday afternoon (February 2, 2026) at Elderwood at Hornell Nursing Facility, where she had resided for the past year.

Born in Mechanicville, NY on August 13, 1944, she was the daughter of Nicholas & Shirley (Neaton) Valigorsky and the step-daughter of Raymond Heslin.

Paula grew up in Mechanicville and was a graduate of Mechanicville High School (class of 1962).

She was married to Edward J. Zierak who was a member of the US Navy for 20 years. Due to Edward’s career, they moved frequently and throughout the years resided in many locations around the world including Japan, Spain, Virginia, Long Island, Florida and California.

After serving as a homemaker and stay-at-home mom for many years, Paula decided to pursue her dream of becoming a nurse and enrolled in Nursing School in Albany, NY. After earning her Licensed Practical Nursing Degree, she was employed as an LPN in several hospitals and also served
as a Private Duty Nurse.

Paula enjoyed spending her time watching TV and working on crossword puzzles and other brain teaser books. She was a true dog lover and owned & cared for several “canine companions” throughout the years.

She was preceded in death by her former husband, Edward John Zierak (died 2025); her son, James Edward Zierak (died 2001); her brother, James “Jim” Heslin; her sister, Dorothy “Dottie” Heslin.

Surviving are her son, Michael (Stacey) Zierak of Colchester, VT; 4 grandchildren, Andrew Michael Zierak, Larissa Alexandra Zierak, Kaitlyn Elizabeth Zierak and Cecelia Katherine Zierak; several nieces & nephews.

At Paula’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.

Paula’s family request that in lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in her name be made to St. Francis Xavier School, 5 Saint Peter St, Winooski, VT 05404 or https://www.sfxvt.org.

To leave an online condolence or share a memory, visit www.dagonfuneralhome.com.