Arkport, NY  /  Ocala, FL

Morton A. “Mort” Payne – 87 – of  Arkport, NY and Ocala, FL, was called home to the Lord on October 27, 2025.

He was born in Avoca on April 22, 1938, and was the son of John and Grace (Haley) Payne.

Mort was the youngest of 4 children — Norman, Nelson, Marcia & Mort.   He lived most of his life in Avoca where he graduated Avoca Central School.

He was a Veteran of the United States Air Force, serving his country from 1956 -1960.  He later served in the United States Army National Guard from 1976 until 1996.

In May, 1963, he was married to Grace “Anne” Towner who died October 25, 2004.  Together they raised 5 children, Richard, Mildred, Stephen, Michael and Donald.

After Anne’s passing, Mort met Barbara (Hilt) Payne.  They where married on November 14, 2015 and would spend their time between Ocala and Arkport.  Mort & Barbara enjoyed traveling and staying on the go.  Mort was an active member of many fraternal and civic organizations, including the Avoca Fire & Ambulance, Arkport Fire & Ambulance, Hornell Elks Lodge, Arkport American Legion, Avoca American Legion, AMVETS Post in Ocala & Hornell, Hornell Association, Hornell Moose Lodge and Hornell Eagles.

In his younger years, Mort worked part time at Hunts Market in Avoca and for 30 years served as a driver for United Parcel Service (UPS) until his retirement in 1995.

In addition to his wife, Grace “Anne” Payne, Mort was preceded in death by his parents, John & Grace Payne;  his brothers, Norman Payne, Nelson Payne & Marcia Grover; his daughter, Mildred Byron.

Surviving are his wife, Barbara; his children, Richard Fox, Stephen Payne, Michael Payne and Donald Payne; 14 grandchildren, many great-grandchildren; several great-great-grandchildren; along with nieces and nephews.

The family of Morton A. Payne will receive friends on Wednesday (Nov. 12, 2025) from 4:00 PM – 6:00 PM at the Dagon Funeral Home, 38 Church St., Hornell, NY.  A Funeral Service with Military Honors will be held at the conclusion of calling hours at 6:00 PM. Burial will be in Valley View Cemetery, Avoca, NY.

Mort’s family request that in lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in his name be made to The Tunnel to Towers Foundation (T2T), 2361 Hylan Boulevard, Staten Island, NY 10306.  Online donations may be made by visiting donationsupport@t2t.org. Memorial forms will be available at the Dagon Funeral Home.

In honor of Mort’s service to his country as a member of the United States Air Force and United States Army National Guard, the American Flag at the Dagon Funeral Home will be flown at half-staff.

Cohocton, New York

Robert J. “Bob” Bligh – 92 – of Cohocton, NY died Wednesday afternoon (October 29, 2025) at The Vincent House in Wayland after a long illness.

Bob was born in his maternal grandparents’ home in College Point, NY and was the son of Francis and Catherine (Schag) Bligh.

He grew up in College Point and was a graduate of College Point High School (class of 1950).  He was a veteran of the US Navy, serving his country during the Korean Conflict.

Following his honorable discharge from the US Navy, Bob decided to take full advantage of the GI Bill and enrolled in the New York University (NYU) where he received his Bachelor’s Degree (BS) in Business.  He later attended Cornell University in Ithaca, NY.

Throughout the years, Bob resided in several locations including College Point, NY, Fresh Meadows in Queens, NY, Greenlawn, NY (Long Island), Patterson, NY and has resided in Cohocton, NY since 1994.

An avid reader, Bob especially enjoyed spy novels along with many great classic novels.  He appreciated philosophy and especially loved Marcus Aurelius. Bob enjoyed deep philosophical conversations and telling stories about his time in the navy.

He loved spending time with his children as they were growing up, taking them to interesting and fun places such as museums, parks, and zoos, exploring the Adirondacks, and spending time in pumpkin patches or apple picking.  He also loved passing knowledge of things he had learned about onto his children and would often do this while enjoying clementines!

Bob had a deep love of animals (with dogs being his favorite) and was never without a dog.  His last dog, “Ivy” a black German Shepherd who he rescued, was his favorite and was his devoted companion in the last years of his life.  He missed her greatly when she passed.

Bob had a long career in business related positions, working in New York City for many years but his most beloved career was as a marketing representative for the Caron Foundation and Addiction Treatment Center.  He brought many people into the program and into a life of recovery.

Bob had over 49 years of sobriety at the time of his passing of which he was very proud.

In 1991, Bob married the former Laura Lince, who survives.  Also surviving are his seven children, James Bligh of Cohocton, NY, Katie Bligh of Avon, NY, Joseph (Donna) Hosking of Wise, VA, Matthew (Judy) Bligh of Dansville, NY, Susan (Mark) Congdon of Geneseo, NY, Thomas (Maureen) Bligh of Lockport, NY, and Leslie (Timothy) Nieves of Geneseo, NY. Bob also has 21 grandchildren and several great- grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his former wife, Patricia Walsh.

At Bob’s request, there will be no calling hours.  A Memorial Mass will be held on Friday, November 7th, at 10 am at St. Mary’s Church in Bath, NY.

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

Bob’s family request that, in lieu of flowers, donations be made to The Vincent House, PO Box 566, 310 2nd Ave., Wayland, NY  14572.

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

Middlesex, New York

Anna B. Nichols – 86 – of Sky View Dr., Middlesex, NY died Saturday (October 25, 2025) at Maple City Rehabilitation and Nursing (Hornell Gardens) following a brief illness.

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

To all of Steve’s friends,

A short time ago, Steve contacted me (Jimmy Dagon) regarding his funeral arrangements. We have been dear, dear friends for nearly 50 years and for many years lived right next door to each other in Hornell, NY. For about 25 years (until Steve retired and moved to Rochester) we got together every Wednesday evening to have a beer or two. I want to share with all of you the following message (in part) that I received from Steve:

Hi Jimmy,

Let me start by telling you that you are one of the dearest friends I have ever had. Thank you for everything you have ever done for me and especially for your unwavering love.

I am now in the process of entering Hospice. I’m comfortable, relatively pain free, in excellent spirits and ready for what the future holds.

Since you will be writing my obituary, I want to give you some information. You may use it any way you wish. You are the only person who will be writing my obituary.

First, just like Pati’s obituary — PLEASE KEEP IT SHORT! Pati & I both felt that anyone who knew us is aware of what we have done. If they didn’t know us they wouldn’t be reading the obituary in the first place.

The following was written by Steve:

Hornell — Chautauqua — Rochester

W. Stephen “Steve” Piper, 80, died peacefully early Monday morning (October 20, 2025) after a yearlong skirmish with esophageal cancer.

He was born on June 4, 1945 in Uniontown, PA to Warren and Rhoda (Nixon) Piper. On August 16, 1974 he was married to Patricia “Pati” (Lewis) Piper who predeceased him in 2022.

Pati & Steve were teachers at Hornell High school for over 35 years.

Steve was raised by amazing parents, married an amazing woman, taught amazing students, had amazing friends and relatives, spent 80 amazing summers at Chautauqua Institution, and, quite simply, lived an amazing life.

Always considering himself an overachiever, he cites his unwritten epitaph as:
“The average male life expectancy is 75.4 years. I made it to 80. I WIN!”

At Steve’s request there will be no calling hours or services.

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

Steve requests that in lieu of flowers or memorial contributions, you spend an hour or so listening to classical music. Steve recommends the Mozart Requiem in D minor or Beethoven’s Symphony No. 9 in D minor.

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

John “Jack” B. Schumann, PhD, age 73, of Pittsburgh, passed away on Thursday, October 9, 2025, at UPMC Shadyside Hospital.

Jack was born on February 19, 1952 in Atlantic City, New Jersey, the son of the late John R. Schumann and Alice (Fewer) Schumann-Conway. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his stepfather, John J. Conway; his biological mother, Elinore M. Tramontana; and his brother, Jim Schumann. Jack is survived by his beloved wife, Maria J. Pimentel-Schumann; four children, John R. Schumann, James D. Schumann, Jenna M. Schumann, and Joen A. (wife Jennifer) Vasquez; cherished grandsons, Dominic and Lucas Vasquez; former wife, Ellen Dagon; three siblings, Diane M. (late Michael) Buckley, Linda A Tramontana, and Perry V. Tramontana; several cousins, nieces, nephews, and numerous friends and colleagues.

Jack grew up in Audubon, New Jersey, and after high school graduation, he attended Rutgers University in New Jersey receiving a bachelor’s degree in biology and a master’s degree in cell biology. He started his academic career at Gannon University in Erie, Pennsylvania and later received two PhDs from the University of Pittsburgh, one in histology and the other one in gross anatomy. He continued his teaching career for more than twenty years as Director of Medical Anatomy at Pitt Medical School. He was also the Director of Head and Neck Anatomy at the Dental School of the University of Pittsburgh. Dr. Schumann, as his students called him, taught thousands of students during those years. They loved him, admired him, and honored him with hundreds of awards and recognition. Among his many cherished awards are: Pre Clinical Golden Apple Award for Excellence in Teaching (2019), Dean’s Award for Master Education for Outstanding Achievements in Educating Future Physicians (2020), University of Pittsburgh Distinguished Service in Medical Education (2021), and Best Course Director (Medical Anatomy) as an Emeritus Professor (2023).

He had a brilliant, curious mind and a warm, generous heart. He was very knowledgeable of ancient Greek and Roman history, mythology, World War II, the Civil War, and the Italian Mafia! Always with a spark in his eye and a depth that made every conversation feel meaningful. He loved classical music, going to symphony concerts, opera, classical films, and fishing with his children and grandchildren. Jack also loved traveling, which he did quite a lot in his life. Being a lover of Mediterranean culture, his favorite countries were Italy, France and Spain. He also loved the Caribbean. Nothing brought him more joy than entertaining at his home for friends and family. He was a wonderful host – thoughtful, welcoming, and full of life – especially during the holidays, when his table was filled with laughter, music, and the smells of his favorite gourmet international dishes. His love of history and culture was matched only by his love of sharing it, and every gathering reflected how much he cared.

Family and friends are invited to a memorial service on Saturday, November 15, 2025 (times to be announced) in Heinz Memorial Chapel located on the campus of the University of Pittsburgh, South Bellefield Ave., Pittsburgh, PA 15213. In lieu of flowers, his family would like you to consider memorial contributions to the UPMC Hillman Cancer Center to benefit cancer research by visiting www.hillman.upmc.com/difference/supporting/make-a-gift or UPMC Hillman Cancer Center, c/o UPMC Cancer Pavilion, Suite 1B, 5150 Center Ave., Pittsburgh, PA 15232. Arrangements entrusted to Jobe Funeral Home & Crematory, Inc., 445 Beatty Road, Monroeville, PA 412-856-4747. www.jobefuneralhome.com.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of John “Jack” B. Schumann, PhD, please visit our floral store.

Hornell, New York

Harold C. Wilkins – 88 – of State Route 21 Hornell, passed away unexpectedly but peacefully in his sleep early Sunday morning (October 12, 2025) at his home.

He was born in North Hornell on October 21, 1936 and was the son of Raymond & Margaret (LaMonte) Wilkins.

Harold, affectionately known as “Hook,” grew up in Burns, NY and attended Arkport Central School.  He enlisted in the United States Air Force at the age of 18 and served his country from 1954 – 1958.  While in the Air Force he was stationed in Germany and worked in the Artillery & Weapons Division.

Following his honorable discharge from the military, Harold returned to Arkport where he was employed at Max Wilkins Service Station in Hornell for eight years.  It was there that he met the love of his life and future wife, Christine, when she walked in to have a spare key made.  After meeting her he turned to his friend and said “I’m going to marry that girl.”  They were married on September 30, 1961 and were inseparable for 64 years.  He was employed for 20 years as a crane operator at Foster Wheeler Corporation in Dansville, NY.  From 1968 to 2023 Harold owned & operated Harold Wilkins Used Cars in Hornell, serving the automobile needs of countless families in the area.  After retiring from Foster Wheeler, Harold & Christine spent over 20 wonderful winters at their home in Hudson, FL.

Harold had a gift for storytelling.  His tales of childhood, life experiences and humorous moments brought laughter and joy to all family gatherings.  As a lifelong car enthusiast, he had a deep love & respect for antique automobiles and, throughout the years, owned and displayed many antique cars in parades & car shows throughout the country.  In Flint, Michigan he drove his 1960 Chevy Impala in a parade of 100 cars celebrating the 100th Anniversary of the automobile.  He also showcased his 1990 Buick Reatta at the 100th Anniversary of the Buick.  Over the years, Harold and Christine participated in many “Founders Tours” displaying their antique cars throughout the country.  He was a member of the Antique Automobile Car Association (AACA) and also the Chemung Valley Region Car Club where he was as an active member and served a term as President.  He also had a deep fondness for bicycles, getting his first tricycle at the tender age of three.  At 80 years old and at his family’s dismay, he was still found entertaining his grandchildren and great grandchildren by riding his bicycle backwards down the driveway.  In his younger years, he spent countless hours on motorcycles, both road & dirt bikes.  Harold also enjoyed car auctions, kayaking, the sunshine, gardening, picnics, playing cards and life in general.  His smile will be remembered by all who knew and loved him.

Harold was preceded in death by brother, Monte Wilkins; brother & sister-in-law, Richard (Ella May) Wilkins; sister and brother-in-law, Barbara (Fay) Bennett; sister,  Miriam Carroll; infant great-grandson Cruze Henry and nephew Larry Bennett.

Harold is survived by his wife, Christine; 2 daughters, Debra Smith of Springhill, FL and Cynthia Wilkins of Springhill, FL; 1 son, Daniel Wilkins of Hudson, FL; 6 grandchildren – Ryan (Jenna Martinez) Flaitz, Curtis (Dominica) Flaitz, Makenzie Smith, Tyler Hoskins, Caden (Linsey) Hoskins & Kyleigh (Tyler) Henry; 10 great-grandchildren – Rowdy Flaitz, Rebelle Flaitz, Rayder Flaitz, Raddix Flaitz, Rookie Flaitz, Bowen Hoskins, Bradley Hoskins, Bronsen Hoskins, Haven Henry & Hartley Henry; sister-in-law, Jean Wilkins and many nieces and nephews.

At Harold’s request there will be no calling hours.  Graveside service will be held at a later date.

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

Harold’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.

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

Andover, NY  /  Hornell, NY

Olga M. Brutsman – 97 – of Water St., Andover, NY died late Sunday evening (October 5, 2025) at Updyke’s Willow Ridge Quality Care Facility in Hornell where she had resided for the past 10 months.

Born in Almond, NY on April 7, 1928, she was the daughter of John & Mary (Mazur) Bay.

Olga grew up in Almond, and her family moved to Hornell when she was 16 years old.  She was a graduate of Hornell High School (class of 1945) where she was 9th in her class of nearly 300 students.

Following high school graduation, Olga was employed for about four years as a key punch operator for the Erie Accounting Bureau of Hornell.  She was married on October 1, 1949 to Gordon Burd and later resumed working at the Erie Accounting Bureau for two more years.

From 1971-1997 Olga resided in Florida, primarily in the St. Petersburg and Englewood areas.  On April 25, 1987 she was married to Raymond Brutsman who died in 2007.  She has been a resident of Andover since 1997.

Olga was a former communicant of St. Brendan’s Church of Almond and in recent years was a member of Our Lady of the Valley Parish and a communicant of St. Ann’s Church.  She was a self-proclaimed “Home Body” who loved spending time in the kitchen and was an excellent cook and baker.  Right up to the age of 96, Olga was trying out new receipts.

In addition to her parents and husbands, Olga was preceded in death by her brothers, Peter Bay, Joseph Bay and Michael Bay; 2 sisters, Anna Puvel and Katherine Giles.

Surviving are her son, James Burd of Andover; her daughter, Judy (Ross) Pfingsten of Blue Ridge, GA; several nieces & nephews including her “Special Niece,” Mary Ellen Ward of Pittsford, NY; Mary Ellen’s children, Bill Ward, Alex Ward and Leah Ward; Mary Ellen’s grandchildren, Jason Ward & Michael Ward.  Olga will also be sadly missed by her dear friend, Rosemary Dean Hajnos; along with the rest of the Dean Family.

At Olga’s request there will be no calling hours.  A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Friday, October 10, 2025 at 10:00 AM at St. Ann’s Church with burial in St. Mary’s Cemetery.

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

Olga’s family request that in lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in her name be made to Our Lady of the Valley Parish, 27 Erie Ave., Hornell, NY  14843.

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

Hornell, New York

June D. Caslick – 79 – died Monday morning (September 29, 2025) at Maple City Rehab (formerly Hornell Gardens) where she had resided for the past 2 years.

Born in Nashville, TN on September 14, 1946, she was the daughter of Richard & Vida (Uselton) Caslick.

June grew up in Newfield, NY and was a graduate of Ithaca High School.  She later graduated from Cortland State College Majoring in Education.  She was a veteran of the US Women’s Army Corp (WAC) earning the rank of Captain.  While serving in the military, June was stationed in many locations including New York City and Aniston, AL.

Following her honorable discharge from the WAC’s, she began her teaching career and eventually serving as Director of Human Resources at Cornell University.  Throughout the years, June resided in many locations, including Ithaca, NY, Etna, NY Enfield, NY, Orlando, FL and had resided in Hornell for the past 2 years.

A very spiritual person, June enjoyed growing flowers, watching birds at her feeder and reading.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Richard & Vida Caslick.

Surviving are 2 brothers, James “Fred” (Susan) Caslick of Portland, OR and David Caslick of Rodeo, NM; 1 sister, Susan (Joel) Schell of Ithaca, NY; along with several nieces & nephews.

At June’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.

June’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.

Arkport, New York

Donald G. “Don” Egle – (85) – of Eisman Rd., Arkport (Town of Fremont), died unexpectedly Sunday (September 28), at his home.

Born in Syracuse, NY on September 21, 1940, he was the son of Gifford & Rose (Lynch) Egle.

Don grew up in Syracuse and was a graduate of St. John the Baptist High School (class of 1959).  During his senior year in high school, Don was a member of the US Naval Reserves.  Following graduation he served two years as an active duty member of the US Navy and was stationed aboard the USS Boston.  Following his honorable discharge from the US Navy, Don served another two years as a member of the US Navy Active Reserves and later served one year as a member of the US Navy In-Active Reserves.

He was married in Cazenovia, N.Y. on Sept. 19, 1964, to the former Arlene Church who died September 20, 2013.

Following a year of working construction, Don began a 37 year career with the New York Telephone Company.  Throughout the years, he worked in many capacities, retiring in 2000 as an Outside Plant technician.  For 35 years, he and his wife raised beef & dairy cattle along with pigs & chickens.

Don was a member of Our Lady of the Valley Parish and for many years was a communicant of St. Ignatius Loyola Church.  In recent years, he was a member of St. Ann’s Church.  He was a former member of the Arkport American Legion.  Don was an avid hunter & fisherman who loved hunting with a rifle as well as bow hunting.  He loved the outdoors especially when hunting deer, rabbit, partridge & turkey or when he was lake fishing or stream fishing.  Although not a fanatic, Don enjoyed rooting for the New York Yankees and the Buffalo Bills.

In addition to his wife, Arlene, Don was preceded in death by his brother, Dennis Egle.

He is survived by 2 sons, Jeffrey (Machelle) Egle of Loveland, CO and Thomas (Kim) Egle of Hornell; 1 brother, Tony (Ellie) Egle of Kirkville, NY; 3 sisters, Susan (Mike) Murphy of East Syracuse, Joyce (Bob) Taggart of Canastota, NY and Mary (Tom) O’Neil of Watertown, NY; 4 grandchildren, Josh Egle, Abby (Miles) Beam, Mercedes Erskine and Zacharie Erskine; 1 great-granddaughter, Gabrielle Erskine; several nieces & nephews.

The family of Donald G. “Don” Egle will receive friends on Friday (October 3, 2025) from 9:00 AM until 9:45 AM at St. Ann’s Church, 31 Erie Ave., Hornell, NY.  A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated immediately following calling hours at 10:00 AM at St. Ann’s Church with burial in St. Mary’s Cemetery.

Don’s family requests that in lieu of flowers, memorial donations in his name be made to Fremont Volunteer Fire Department, PO Box 462, Arkport, NY 14807

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

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

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

Hornell, New York

Robert M. “Bob” Dennis – 76 – of Tobes Hill Road, Hornell (Town of Hornellsville) died unexpectedly on Friday (September 26, 2025) at his home which was the same home in which he was raised.

Affectionately known as “Bobby-D,” he was born in Hornell on April 16, 1949, and was the son of Melvin & Ruth (Connors) Dennis.

Growing up, Bob and his family lived a very primitive lifestyle.  They owned & operated a horse farm (which Bob worked) and had no running water or indoor plumbing until the late 1970s.

Bob was a graduate of Hornell High School (class of 1968).   He was a veteran of the US Navy, serving his country from 1969 – 1971.  While serving in the Navy, he was stationed on an “Oiler” (a re-supplying vessel).

Following his honorable discharge from the Navy, Bob was employed for a time as a machine operator at the former Corbin Wood Products in Hornell.  For over 30 years he worked on the road crew for the City of Hornell Department of Public Works (DPW), retiring in 2004.

A self-proclaimed “loner,” Bob was an avid outdoorsman who loved nature and simply being outdoors and working with his various trees & gardens around his farm.  He enjoyed hunting (both deer and small game) and did not like modern conveniences such as cell phones.  He had a deep affection for all animals would “adopt” any stray cat rather than see it go hungry.

He was preceded in death by his father, Melvin Dennis; his mother, Ruth Dennis; and his sister, Barbara Knapp.

Surviving are his son, Charlie (Colleen) Harrison of Hornell; his sister, Jean (Robert) Starace of Canisteo, several grandchildren, including Ryan (Kelly) Harrison, Jordan (Tiffany) Harrison, Gage (Katie) Harrison, Dawson Harrison and Ireland Harrison; along with several great-grandchildren,

At Bob’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.

Bob’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.

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