Hornell, New York

Anthony L. “Tony” Caruso – 73 – of 101 Buffalo St., Hornell, died Tuesday afternoon (January 23, 2024) at the Steuben Center in Bath, following a long illness.

Born in Hornell on January 22, 1951, he was the son of Angelo Caruso & Elinor (Burr) Caruso.

Tony grew up in Hornell and attended St. Ann School and later graduated from Hornell High School (class of 1970) and was a member of the HHS Red Raider Football Team. He later attended Hudson Valley Community College where he was a member of their football team.

He was employed for several years as a bartender / bouncer at Down by the Station, a popular Pizza Pub in Hornell. While working at “The Station,” Tony was not only well liked as a bartender but extremely well respected as a bouncer. Everyone knew not to start any trouble while Tony was on duty!!!

A mason by trade, Tony owned & operated Caruso’s roofing and was experienced in every aspect of the construction business. Throughout the years worked for several area construction companies and was proud to have obtained his Commercial Driver’s License (CDL). He was later employed by the City of Hornell working for nearly 20 years. He was a member of the Bricklayers Union in Rochester.

Tony was a gentle giant with a heart as big as he was. Throughout his life he was generous and helped others, often doing so in a quiet manner, never wanting recognition for his good deeds.

Tony had a deep love and connection to nature and New York State. He most enjoyed taking nature walks with his grandson and spending time at his Camp on Tobes Hill. “It’s God’s Country” as he would often say. Being a grandfather was the best part of his life. He often enjoyed a country drive taking in all the beauty of Western New York.

He was a former member of Our Lady of the Valley Parish and a former communicant of St. Ann’s Church.

Tony was preceded in death by his parents, Angelo & Elinor; his step-mother, Ethel Caruso; his brothers, Larry Caruso, Joe Caruso & Angelo Caruso; his nephew, Jimmy Hess; and his “sister,” Pat Markel.

He will be greatly missed by his surviving daughters, Andrea Caruso of Carmel, CA and Julee (Mike) Kilsdonk of Hornell; his grandsons, Jericho Govea Caruso, Ethan Kilsdonk & Emmet Kilsdonk. Tony was also blessed with a big Italian Family who loved him that include Sandra Donlon, Nancy Beach, Angela Caruso, Michael Caruso, Richie Caruso, Vicky Southward, Kathy Wilbur, Linda Salyerds and Jeff Teeter along with several nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews and cousins.

At Tony’s request there will be no calling hours. A Memorial Mass will be held on Friday, April 12, 2024 at 10:00 AM St. Ann’s Church, Hornell, NY. Final interment will be in St. Mary’s Cemetery.

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

Tony’s family request that in lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in his name be made to the Sierra Club by visiting www.sierraclub.org.

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

Hornell, New York

Thomas P. “Tom” Aures – 61 – of 11 Marshall Ave., Hornell, died unexpectedly Monday (April 1, 2024) shortly after being admitted to Strong Memorial Hospital in Rochester, NY.

Born in Syracuse, NY on July 14, 1962, he was the son of Donald & Nancy (Gee) Aures.

Tom grew up in Dansville and was a graduate of Dansville High School. He attended Delhi State College (SUNY Delhi) in Delhi, NY and later graduated from Morrisville College with a Degree in Hospitality.

He was employed for a time at as manager at the Dansville Truck Stop and later served as head manager at Burger King in Clarence, NY. He also had been employed at Auto Auction of Dansville and for over 25 years was employed at Gunlock Corporation in Dansville, working in many capacities including the boiler room and Veneer Department.

Tom enjoyed watching football (NFL) on TV and especially loved rooting for the Miami Dolphins. He was an avid NASCAR fan whose favorite drivers were Bobby Labonte and Morgan Shephard. Tom enjoyed traveling and taking “cruise vacations” (his favorite vacation spot was Costa Rica). He also enjoyed visiting the casinos, especially in Salamanca. His greatest joy, however, was simply being with his family — especially his grandchildren and fishing with his dad.

He was preceded in death by his brother, Timothy Aures; his brothers-in-law, Bob Stillman and Johnny Griffith

Surviving are his fiancé & best friend, Sue Brewster of Hornell; his step-daughter, Crystal Brewster of Livonia; his parents, Donald & Nancy Aures of Scottsburg, NY; 2 sisters, Jacki (Richard) Bates of Scottsburg and Rachael Barnes of Scottsburg, NY; his brother, Dan Knights of Dansville; his
in-laws, Jim Stillman, Kathy (Joe) DeKay, Tim (Diane) Griffith and Sharon Stillman; 4 grandchildren, Arianna Dent, Jaykez Dent, Sacred Dent and Kastiella Dent; along with aunts, uncles & cousins, nieces, nephews, great-nieces & great-nephews. Tom will also be sadly missed by his many friends including his longtime “Best Bud,” Greg Burr.

The family of Thomas P. “Tom” Aures will receive friends on Saturday from 1:00 PM until 3:00 PM at the Dagon Funeral Home, 38 Church St., Hornell, NY. A Celebration of Life will be held on a date and at a time to be announced.

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

Bath, New York

Danny M. Powell – 66 – of West Washington St., Bath, died unexpectedly on Friday (March 29, 2024) at his home.

Born in Baltimore, MD on March 15, 1958, he had been employed as a laborer for various construction companies throughout New York State.

Surviving are his daughter, Angela Powell of Schenectady, NY along with several siblings.

At Danny’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.

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

Ronald James Arnault
May 13, 1943 – March 5, 2024

Ronald J. “Ron” Arnault passed away peacefully on March 5th, 2024 in Pasadena, CA at the age of 80. He was predeceased by his parents, Ronald W. Arnault and Margaret M. Arnault.

He was born and raised in Hornell, NY where his beloved mother was a nurse and his father ran the local hardware store. Ron attended St. Ann’s School and Hornell High School. After leaving Hornell, he attended Amherst College graduating in 1965 and received his M.B.A from the Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania in 1969. Following Wharton, he began working at Atlantic Richfield Company (ARCO) ultimately serving as ARCO’s Chief Financial Officer until his retirement.

In addition to his time with ARCO, Ron was a huge contributor to the Los Angeles civic community. As a former Chairman of the Music Center, he made significant contributions to the Joffrey Ballet and was an important figure in the completion of the Walt Disney Concert Hall in downtown Los Angeles. Additionally, he was heavily involved with the Center Theatre Group as a member of its Board of Directors and worked tirelessly on the Kirk Douglas Theatre project which opened in 2004. He remains as an Emeritus member of the Center Theatre Group’s Board of Directors.

He also devoted significant time to Occidental College as a member of its Board of Directors and was named as a Trustee Emeriti. Ron was instrumental to numerous other boards as well including the Wharton School, SunAmerica Inc. and the Brookings Institution. He had the unique ability to cut to the heart of institutional problems and effectuate change. His impact could be seen throughout the community.

Ron was a devoted father to his daughters, Ami and Lauren, and provided a never ending source of love and support. Despite his busy career, Ron could always be found on the sidelines of soccer games, driving carpool, and helping with homework no matter where he was in the world.

He offered wisdom and humor to the numerous friends and family that often gathered at his home. A natural father figure to so many, Ron influenced lives through his generosity, kindness, and deep caring for others.

Ron had been in declining health for the last decade, but prior to his decline he adored spending time at his home in Tahoe, traveling, reading and being with his family. He particularly loved to fish and be outdoors saying the most peaceful sound to him was the lapping of waves on a lake.

Ron is survived by his wife, Terez Kreisz, his daughters Ami Arnault and Lauren Arnault (with son-in-law David Fleck), his three grandchildren, Eloise Fleck, Leo Fleck and Fiona Fleck, his brother John Arnault (with sister-in-law Barbara Arnault) and nephews Bryan Arnault (with Kathleen Arnault), Eric Arnault (with Terri Arnault) and Brendan Arnault.

A service will be held for Ron later this year in Hornell, New York. If you would like information regarding the service or care to be in touch with his family, please email: lauren.arnault@gmail.com.

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

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

Hornell, NY

Akhtar M. Al-Sinjari – 82 – formerly of Seneca Road, Hornell died peacefully Tuesday evening (April 2, 2024) at Elderwood Nursing Facility.

Funeral arrangements are incomplete at Dagon Funeral Home.

Hornell, New York

Martin Carl “Marty” Christensen – 89 – of 119 Thacher Street, Hornell, passed away Sunday afternoon (March 31, 2024) at his home, surrounded by his loving family, following a long illness.

Born in Hornell on May 31, 1934, he was the son of the late Carl Martin & Catherine (Campfield) Christensen.

Marty was a lifelong Hornell resident and graduated from Hornell High School (class of 1953).

After graduation, he enlisted in the United States Navy and served his country from 1953 to 1957 during the Korean Conflict. Upon his honorable discharge from the US Navy, Marty attended Alfred University. In 1958 he was employed by the New York State DOT and retired in 1991 as a Civil Engineer I in the Traffic & Safety Group. Upon retirement Marty enjoyed volunteering for Habitat for Humanity.

Marty was a member of the Chemung Valley Region Antique Car Club for more than 30 years. He was also a member of the American Legion Post 440 in Hornell. Marty always enjoyed working with wood, often building furniture, carving figures and completing countless house remodeling projects over the years. He loved to fish, build model trains and meet for coffee monthly with his retired friends. He had a special love of riding the back roads of Steuben County looking for deer and he was an avid Yankees and Bills fan.

On November 23, 1957, Marty was married at St. Ann’s Church to the former Suzanne Glynn who survives. Also surviving are his children, Joan (Dan) McAllister of Hornell, Karen (Ernest) Eichensehr of Bath, Diane (Larry) Amidon of Hartsville, and Carl (Julie) Christensen of Kendall, NY; his cousins, David (Sharon) Campfield of Lockport, NY, Arthur (Gayle) Krause of Narrowsburg, NY, Verna Krause of Narrowsburg, NY; several special sister and brother in laws; many nieces and nephews; fourteen grandchildren and ten great-grandchildren.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his uncle and aunt, Arthur and Phyllis Campfield and aunt and uncle Viola and Arthur Krause, his cousin Arthur W. Krause and infant sons Kenneth and Edward Christensen.

Marty’s family would like to thank the Tender Loving In-Home Care Agency, and especially Dani Jo Zschoche, for the outstanding care they provided for our husband/father over the last several months.

Martin’s family will receive friends on Friday from 11:00 AM until 1:00 PM at the Dagon Funeral Home, 38 Church Street, Hornell, NY. A Funeral Service will be held at the conclusion of calling hours at 1:00 PM with Deacon Robert McCormick officiating. Burial will be in St. Mary’s Cemetery. Please join the family at the Main Place for a luncheon following the service.

In lieu of flowers, Marty’s family requests that memorial contributions be made in his name to Habitat for Humanity or the Hornell Alumni Association. Memorial forms will be available at the Dagon Funeral Home.

In recognition of Marty’s service to his country as a member of the US Navy, the American Flag at the Dagon Funeral Home will be flown at half-staff.

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

Hornell, New York

Sandra K. “Sandy” Conway – (83) – of 60 Genesee St., Hornell, NY, died late Sunday evening (March 24, 2024) at St. James Hospital, following a brief illness.

Born in Hornell on April 25, 1940, she was the daughter of Neil “Doc” & Angelica “Angie” (Taylor) Conway.

Sandy grew up in Hornell and was a graduate of St. Ann School (class of 1954) and later graduated from Hornell High School (class of 1958). Following high school, Sandy worked at the former Griffin TV in Hornell and later for Koskie Music Store in Hornell.

She was employed as a secretary at Beneficial Finance Company in Hornell and Rochester. In 1968, Sandy began working for the Monroe County Library System which later became the Rochester Public Library. She retired in 1995 to return to Hornell to take care of her mother.

Sandy was a member of Our Lady of the Valley Parish and a communicant of St. Ann’s Church. While living in Rochester, she belonged to St. Mary’s Church where she volunteered at the Rectory Office.

She was a member of the St. James Hospital Auxiliary where she served as Treasurer for 2 years; a member of the Ladies of Columbus; and volunteered her time at McAuley Manor and also Faith in Action.

Sandy had a deep love & affection for music and especially enjoyed attending Broadway Theater Productions and Musicals. She also had a true appreciation of nature and enjoyed gardening, flowers, walking & hiking. She also loved to travel — especially to the sandy beaches of Florida, Myrtle Beach and her favorite of all, the beaches of Hawaii. Sandy always said that her favorite times were the time that she spent with her nieces, nephews and other children & family.

In addition to her parents, Sandy was preceded in death by her brother, Robert Conway who died in 1985.

Surviving are her brother, Peter (Stephanie) Conway of Hornell; her nieces & nephews, Andrea Conway, Stephen (Keely Olecharski) Conway, Anthony (Jill) Conway, Christa (Brandon) Kersey and Robert (Kaili Keough) Conway; 1 great-niece, Jordan Elizabeth Conway; 1 great-nephew, Coldan Conway; along with many cousins.

The family of Sandra K. “Sandy” Conway will receive friends on Wednesday (April 3, 2024) from 4:00 PM – 6:00 PM at the Dagon Funeral Home, 38 Church St., Hornell, NY. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Thursday (April 4, 2024) at 10:00 AM at St. Ann’s Church with burial in St. Mary’s Cemetery.

Sandy’s family request that memorial contributions in her name be made to Faith in Action, Broadway Mall, Hornell, NY 14843 or to St. Jude Children’s Hospital, PO Box 1000, Dep’t 300, Memphis, TN 38148. Memorial forms will be available at the Dagon Funeral Home.

To leave an online condolence or print a memorial form, visit www.dagonfuneralhome.com.

Hornell, New York

Lane H. Baggett – 73 – a resident at Elderwood at Hornell Nursing Facility, formerly of Belmont, NY, died Sunday afternoon (March 17, 2024) at
St. James Hospital following a brief illness.

A native of Tennessee, he was the son of Enloe & Tallulah (Lane) Baggett. Lane was a high school graduate and was a Veteran of the US Army. While living in Tennessee, he was employed as a laborer at a local chicken farm. More recently, he was a member of the Belmont Fire Company.

Lane enjoyed watching football on TV and also enjoyed buying & selling antiques. He also had a deep affection for his “Feline Companions” (his pet cats).

He was married to the former Karen Peasley Robins who preceded him in death.

Surviving are several nieces, nephews & cousins.

At Lane’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.

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

Lane’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.

Campbell, New York

James A. “Jim” Payne – 62 – of County Route #1, Campbell, NY, died Tuesday morning (March 19, 2024) following a long illness.

Born in Corning, NY on August 16, 1961, he was the son of Joseph & Waneta (Grist) Payne.

Jim grew up in Campbell and attended school in the Addison School District.  Throughout the years he was employed as a general farm hand, working on several area farms.  Jim had a deep love of the outdoors and nature and enjoyed hunting and fishing.  He truly loved his family and enjoyed spending as much time as possible with them.

Surviving are his daughter, Tristica (Aaron) Davis of Savona; his son, Jeremy (Michayla Orlando) Payne of Lowville, NY; 3 brothers, Danny (Donna) Payne of Campbell, Rickey Payne of Campbell and Paul (Tracy) Payne of Savona; his sister, Barb Payne of Campbell; 4 grandchildren, Wyatt Smith, Ryleigh Smith, Karsin Davis and Ledger Payne; several nieces & nephews.  Also surviving are the mother of his children with whom he remained friends, Amy (Martin) Pond of Savona.

The family of James A. “Jim” Payne will receive friends on Saturday, April 6, 2024, from 11:00 AM until 12:00 Noon at the Thurston Christian Church, 7511 County Route 333, Campbell, NY.  A Memorial Service will be held at the conclusion of calling hours at 12:00 Noon with Pastor Dave Peck officiating.

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 Pawz & Purrz Animal Rescue, PO Box 466, Painted Post, NY  14870.

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

Hammondsport, NY

Donna J. Williams – 86 – of Shorewood Drive, Hammondsport died Monday afternoon, March 18, 2024 following a long illness.

Born in Warsaw, NY on October 21, 1937, she was the daughter of Donald and Gladys (Preston) Farley.

Donna grew up in Almond and attended Alfred-Almond Central School (class of 1955).  After graduating from high school, she studied banking and was employed for a number of years at Steuben Trust Company.  In the 1960s, Donna was hired as an office assistant at Xerox Corporation in Rochester, a position she held until 1969.  Her most important and rewarding job, however, was taking care of her family as a homemaker and mother.

In her younger years, Donna was an avid bowler and was the secretary of both the Junior Major League and the Hornell Women’s Bowling Association.  She was a member of the Hornell Moose Lodge and the American Legion Ladies Auxiliary.  Donna loved the outdoors and enjoyed many hunting and fishing trips with her husband, Bob.  She would accompany Bob on hunting and fishing trips around the United States and Canada.

Donna was a former member of Our Lady of the Valley Parish and a communicant of St. Ann’s Church.  More recently, she was a parishioner at St. Stanislaus Church in Bradford, NY.

On September 20, 1969, Donna married Robert “Bob” Williams who survives.  Also surviving are her son, Darryl (Jamie) Williams of Hornell; 3 grandchildren, Krystle (Mike) Malm of Wayland, NY, Ronan Williams and Kara Williams both of Hornell; great-grandchildren, Lincoln & Payton; sister-in-law, Betsey Farley of Arkport, NY; sister- and brother-in-law, Sharon (Jim) Northup of Hammondsport, NY and sister-in-law, Linda Williams of Wayland, NY; several nieces, nephews, & cousins.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her brother, Floyd Farley; sister- and brother-in-law, Dolores (Joseph) HerrNeckar and brother-in-law, Chuck Williams.

To honor Donna’s wishes, there will be no calling hours.  A private memorial service will be held at the Dagon Funeral Home, 38 Church Street, Hornell with Deacon Bob McCormick officiating.

Donna’s family requests that memorial contributions in her name be made to the National Multiple Sclerosis Society, PO Box 91891, Washington, DC 20090-1891.

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