Thomas Paul “Tom” Taylor – 94 – of North Hornell, NY, formerly of Westfield, PA, passed away Wednesday  (December 1^st, 2021) with his loving wife & partner of over 30 years, Eleanor, by his side.

Tom was born at home on June 3^rd, 1927 in Pughtown, PA to the late Paul and Sadie (Elliott) Taylor.

He was a 1945 graduate of Spring City High School where he was a member of the football team.  Following high school graduation, Tom was accepted into the Maritime Academy in New York City.  After graduating from the academy he was hired as a third mate by the Isthmian Steamship Company and served aboard the S.S. Aram J. Pothier.

In 1950, after hearing news that North Korea had invaded South Korea, Tom signed up for the U.S. Navy and served as an officer on board the USS Montague.

Following his honorable discharge from the Navy, he, along with his parents, moved to Tioga County, PA and established Purple Brook family farm.  At this time Tom became a member of the Masonic Lodge and eventually rose to a 32nd degree level.

In 1965 he graduated from Mansfield State Teachers college with a teaching degree.  Tom served as a history and English teacher at Jasper Central School for 3 years before moving to Milwaukee, WI to pursue his Master’s degree and PhD.

Following the death of his father in 1971, Tom moved back to Pennsylvania to take over the family farm which he ran until 1983. During this time he served as the President of the Pennsylvania Grange Mutual Insurance Company.

His hobbies included boating, dancing, flying, target shooting and “inventing”.  Over the years he owned 2 planes, 10 boats, (5 of which he built himself), and held one U.S. patent.  He was most at home “tinkering” in the garage trying to modify or make things just a little better.

Retirement found Tom and Eleanor wintering in North Fort Myers, FL and traveling the country in a motorhome (sometimes trailing one of his many boats).  He also looked forward to his annual reunions with his mates from the USS Montague.

He is preceded in death by his parents, Paul and Sadie Taylor; 2 sisters, Mary (James) Thompson and Mildred (John) Wampler; and his brother, James Taylor.

He is survived by his wife Eleanor (Giglio) Taylor; his son, T. Quinton (Michelle) Taylor; his grandchildren, Catherine Taylor, Adam Taylor; stepchildren, Harold (Sue) Polmanteer, Michael Polmanteer, Christopher Polmanteer and Susan Cappadonia; step grandchildren, Julee Kilsdonk, Andrew Cappadonia and Anna Cappadonia; his sister-in-law, Ruth Taylor; along with several nieces and nephews.

The family of Thomas P. “Tom” Taylor will receive friends on Friday from 1:00 PM – 2:00 PM at the Dagon Funeral Home, 38 Church St., Hornell, NY.  A Memorial Service with Military Honors will be held at the conclusion of calling hours at 2:00 PM with Deacon Robert McCormick officiating.  Final interment will be in the Bath National Cemetery, Bath, NY.

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

In recognition of Tom’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.

Joyce A Larson – 86 – passed away peacefully on Thursday (December 2, 2021) at the Wellsville nursing home.

The late James E Young and Erma L. (Smith) Young welcomed their bundle of joy on August 25, 1935.

Joyce was the elder of her siblings which consisted of 3 sisters, Paula, Donna and Marsha and 1 brother, David.  She was raised by her grandparents on an old family farm in Fillmore, NY until the age of 10.  At that time she moved to Castile, NY where she attended a one room school house.

Upon completion of school, Joyce worked for several area restaurants as a manager.  Her favorite was the Glenn Iris Inn at the Letchworth State Park.  She was able to establish a restaurant of her own which she owned & operated for several years.  She was the “Best Cook That Allegany County Would Ever See.”

In 1974 Joyce married Curtis H. “Red” Larson who died in 2008.  She quit the industry and became a mother and housewife to her new family that consisted of Jim Young, Mark Larson, Larry Larson, Curtis Larson, Shannon Larson and Heidi (Beecher) Larson.

From this family of children, Joyce was blessed with several grandchildren: Jenny Yacuzzo (Randy Wilber) of Newark Valley, NY, Joshua Beecher of Corning NY, Shelby Beecher of Arkport NY, Kristina Bale (Ryan Bale) of Hornell, NY, Markus Larson (Tara Chapman) of Plattsburg NY.  She adored them all and made it her life’s mission to watch them grow and participate in their lives.

She also boasted often about her great-grandchildren, Jessica Yacuzzo, Bobby Yacuzzo, Quentin, Bale, Elliot Bale, Miles Bale, Abigail Larson and Eddy Larson.  She was proud of each and every one.

She also leaves behind her best friend Colleen Morrison who provided extra special care for her in her final years.

In her later years, Joyce was involved in several local organizations which she held true to her heart. She was a part of the WNY Home Bureau where she served as Vice-President.  She was also a part of the organizations of the Hornell VFW, Hornell Moose Lodge, and the Red Hats Society.

Joyce was a very social woman who loved all her family and her many friends.  She was a huge advocate as a Christian and enjoyed spreading the Lord’s message to others.  Everyone that came into her life was greeted with kindness and left with a heart full of joy.

As the matriarch of her family, Joyce kept everyone close and instilled the meaning in “family” to those left behind so that they may carry on those traditions.

She also enjoyed several outings and camping with her husband. The Larsons enjoyed a beautiful permanent sight at Lake Lodge in Alfred. They spent many summers there as a get-away.  Joyce and Curt enjoyed traveling around the countryside exploring different Indian cultures such as “Pow-Wows” and dances.  She also enjoyed making Indian costumes to wear at these events.

At Joyce’s request there will be no calling hours.  Interment will be in the Bath National Cemetery, Bath, NY. A private “Celebration of Life” will be held at a later date.

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

Special gratitude to the Wellsville Manor nursing home Staff that took care of Joyce during our Covid pandemic.

Canisteo, New York

Jack D. Gardner, JR – 60 – of 6400 Cunningham Creek Rd., Canisteo, died suddenly Friday, November 26, 2021 at his home.

Born in Rochester, NY on December 2, 1960, he was the son of Jack Gardner, SR and his mother Frances Castner Gardner.

Jack grew up in the Hornell – Canisteo area and was a graduate of Hornell High School (class of 1979).  Following high school graduation, he enlisted in the US Army and spent time stationed in Korea and Colorado. He then transferred to the New York Army National Guard in 1982 and returned to Hornell. Throughout his military career of 34 years, and prior to retiring as a Sergeant Major in 2014, Jack deployed multiple times in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation Enduring Freedom.

He worked for many years for his father as a mechanic at Gardner Used Auto Parts. For 27 years, Jack was employed at the New York State Department of Transportation, working in many capacities.  He retired in 2020 as the Region 6 fleet supervisor. He was a member of New Hope Wesleyan Church of Hornell for many years and served as a volunteer fire fighter for South Hornell Fire Department.

Along with his military service, Jack was most proud of his loving family and will be remembered as a wonderful husband, father, grandfather, and brother. He was married on March 14, 1981 to the former Teresa Burch, who survives. Also surviving are his children, Jason (Kristen Collison) Gardner of Cameron, NC, Sarah (Jordan) Conklin of Corning, Luke (Rachel) Gardner of North Hornell, Zachary Gardner of Canisteo and Uriah Gardner of Canisteo; 7 beloved grandchildren, Elijah, Jack, Molly, Evan, Maggie, William, Charlie and Luke; 1 brother, Alan Gardner of Hornell; 1 sister, Traci (Mike) Porter of Canisteo; his step-mother Karen Gardner of Canisteo; several nieces & nephews.

Jack dedicated his life to serving God, his family and his country. He never considered his service as a burden or sacrifice, but rather counted this as a privilege, and it brought him his greatest joy in life.

A time of remembrance will be held from 4:00 PM – 7:00 PM on Friday, December 10, 2021 at Buena Vista Wesleyan Church, 6034 County Route #69, Canisteo, NY 14823. Family and friends are invited to come and visit with the family and share stories.

A memorial service will be held at 11:00 AM on Saturday, December 11, 2021, also at Buena Vista Wesleyan Church of Canisteo. Presiding over the service will be Pastor Doug Jones.

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

Jack’s family requests that in lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in his name be made to South Hornell Fire Department.

Josephine “Josie” Ciancaglini – 87 – of Rural Ave., North Hornell, passed away Saturday morning (November 20, 2021) at St. James Hospital following a long illness.

Born in Hornell on June 24, 1934, she was the daughter of John & Gilda (Silvino) Ciancaglini.

Josie grew up in Hornell and was a graduate of St. Ann’s School and later graduated from Hornell High School (class of 1952).  She was a 1956 graduate of Mercyhurst University in Erie, PA where she majored in English Literature and French.  She later received her Master’s Degree in Education from St. Bonaventure University.

For 33 years, Josie served as 9^th grade English Teacher at the former Hornell Junior High School and later at the Hornell High School.  For many years she was active in and served as director of the Hornell High School plays and musical productions and was a mentor to Hornell’s own, Bill Pullman.

Josie was a member of Our Lady of the Valley Parish and a communicant of St. Ann’s Church.  Throughout the years, she had been a member of several organizations such as Catholic Daughters of America, Ladies of Columbus, the Fortnightly Book Club, and was a life member of the Woman’s Auxiliary of the Carducci Lodge Son’s of Italy.  Josie served as president of the St. Ann’s Parish Council and for many years was a Religious Education Instructor.  She had also been a Board Member of the Hornell Library, the Steuben Senior Services Fund (SSSF), a member of the Hornell City Planning board and received numerous awards for her leadership on Hornell High School Building Teams.

She was a member and past Co-President of the Beato Angelo Society and was very passionate about him becoming a saint.  Josie had a deep devotion to Beato Angelo who was from Furci, Italy where she and a large group of Hornellians had descendants who immigrated to Hornell.

An extremely charitable woman, Josie gave of  herself and donated to many charities throughout the years.   She devoted countless hours of her time as a volunteer at the Aquinas Gift Shop of St. James Mercy Hospital, the Hornell American Red Cross, the American Cancer Society, Faith in Action, driving people to their medical appointments.

She loved to travel and on two occasions, visited Rome, Italy.  Josie also enjoyed traveling to professional shows and musical productions in New York City (Broadway), Chautauqua Institute, the Stratford Ontario Theater.  Because of her “Love of the Arts”, Josie served as President of the Hornell Arts Council and actually received the “Key to the City” of Hornell from then Mayor Shawn Hogan in recognition of her exceptional service to the Arts.

A true “Sports Fan”, Josie enjoyed rooting for her favorite sports teams such as the Buffalo Bills and the Notre Dame Fighting Irish.  She especially loved attending and cheering for her great-nephews, Adam & Austin; great-nieces, Andrea & Jessica.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her brother, Augie Ciancaglini.

Surviving are 2 nieces, Mary K. (Joe) Dwyer of Arkport and JoAnn (Shane) McMahon of Almond; 2 nephews, James “Jim” Ciancaglini of Hornell and Michael Ciancaglini of Hornell;  2 great-nephews, Adam Dwyer of Arkport and Austin Dwyer of Rochester; 2 great-nieces, Andrea McMahon & Jessica McMahon, both of Almond; her cousin, Mary Jo Colomarino (Dave) Jacobs and their daughter, Linda (Mike) DeCocq & son, David, all of Rochester; her childhood friend, Mary Theresa Moretti Purtell; along with countless friends throughout the Hornell Community and several relatives in Furci, Italy.  Josie will especially be missed by the Doran family (Mary Margaret, Brendan, Brian, Fr. James OSB, Maura & Andrew) and the Mickey & Bill Smith family (Neale, Hildreth, Bobby & Mark) who she considered her “Surrogate Families”.

The family of Josephine “Josie” Ciancaglini will receive friends on Monday from 1:00 PM – 2:00 PM at St. Ann’s Church where a Mass of Christian Burial will be held at the conclusion of calling hours at 2:00 PM.  Burial will be in St. Ann’s Cemetery.

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

Josie’s family request that in lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in her name be made to either the National Parkinson Foundation, PO Box 23204, Rochester, NY  14692 or the Hornell Alumni Association, PO Box 135, Hornell, NY 14843 or toSt. Ann’s Academy, 41 Genesee St., Hornell, NY 14843.

Darrell S. Brown – 85 – formerly of 373 Canisteo St. (Lincoln Gardens), Hornell, died Tuesday evening (November 16, 2021) at Elderwood at Hornell Nursing Facility where he resided for the past 8 months.

Born in Belfast, NY on November 25, 1935, he was the son of Gladys Conrad Brown & Ivan Brown.

Darrell grew up in Belfast and was a graduate of Belfast High School (class of 1954).   Following high school graduation, he was determined to join the United States Air Force, although being denied enlistment numerous times for being underweight.  Darrell was finally accepted into the Air Force, after “tipping the scales” at the required weight.  The local newspaper ran an article titled “Airman Darrell Brown Eats His Way Into the United States Air Force.”  Throughout his lifetime, Darrell remained a proud veteran who served his county during the Korean Conflict.

Following his honorable discharge from the Air Force, Darrell moved to the Hornell Area and for several years had been employed at the US Post Office where he served in many capacities.  He also served as office manager at the former Bethesda Hospital and inventory clerk at Crowley Foods in Arkport.  Throughout the years, Darrell worked at Southside Tavern and for about 20 years served as a security guard at the State Office Building in Hornell until his health forced him, sadly, to retire in January, 2020.

Darrell had been a member of Our Lady of the Valley Parish and a communicant of St. Ann’s Church.  In his younger years, he enjoyed bowling & hunting and had been a member of the National Rifle Association (NRA).  Darrell also enjoyed rooting for the Buffalo Bills (NFL) especially during the Super Bowl years.

Extremely proud of his Irish-German heritage, St. Patrick’s Day (March 17^th) was special to him and he was not afraid to let the world know (as all good Irish do)!  Darrell loved music, ranging from Frank Sinatra to Marty Robbins.  He was a vintage car enthusiast, especially Chryslers and never wanted to own a newer car.  That’s just the way he was!!

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by 3 brothers, Richton “Curly” Brown, James Brown & Theodore Conrad “Ted” Brown; 2 sisters, Veronica Piano and Sharon Perkins; his “special cousin”, Monica Arnold; his good friends, Carl Perry & Dick Curran.

Surviving are his son, Todd (Karen) Brown of Hartsville; 3 sisters, Patricia Benjamin of Oswego, Virginia Pearson of  Florida and Kathleen “Kathy” Updyke of Arkport; his sister-in-law, Norberta Brown; his dear friend, Tonia Flaitz; several nieces & nephews.

At Darrell’s request there will be no calling hours.  A private graveside service will be held at St. Mary’s Cemetery at the convenience of the family with Deacon Robert McCormick officiating.

Darrell’s family request that in lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in his name be made the charity of the donor’s choice.

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

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

Thomas R. “Tom” Eason – 66 – of Montour Falls, formally of Greenwood, NY died Tuesday (November 16, 2021) at home in the arms of his beloved daughter.   A 46 year battle with diabetes, dialysis and dementia finally became too much for him.

Born in Long Branch, NJ on March 18, 1955, he was the son of Raymond Mardo and the former Marilyn Birchard.  He was the step-son of Roy “Blackie” McDaniel.

Tom grew up in the Jasper – Canisteo area and attended Canisteo High School.  He was a veteran of the US Army, serving his country from 1973-1974 (Vietnam era).

An avid motorcycle enthusiast, Tom enjoyed both riding and building motorcycles — especially Harley-Davidsons and Triumphs.  He was a proud member of the Vietnam Vets / Legacy Vets Motorcycle Club holding the title of Chapter Treasurer for many years.  Tom was an avid hunter (both small game and big game) and gun collector. He especially enjoyed collecting and shooting Black Powder Firearms used during the Mountain Man era following the Civil War.  He not only collected antique firearms, he re-loaded all of his ammunition.  He was proud of the fact that he hadn’t purchased any ammo in many years.  He simply re-loaded his own ammo.

Tom was an accomplished photographer who thoroughly enjoyed taking “nature photos” of animals and other outdoor photos using his 35 mm camera.  He loved music and throughout the years enjoyed playing guitar and, in his younger years, played in several local bands.  He also enjoyed collecting vintage guitars.

He was married on July 22, 1991 to the former Carolyn Stevens who died December 11, 1999.  He was also preceded in death by his parents; along with 4 step-brothers, Danny, Lyle, Dick & Larry McDaniel.

Surviving are his son, Casey Eason of Oaks Bluff, MA; his daughter, Chelsea Eason of Montour Falls, NY; his sister, Ruth (Mike) Harrington of Elizabethtown, NC; half-brother, Everett (Kathy) McDaniel of Utica, NY; 4 step-brothers and 2 step sisters; 3 grandchildren, Jacqueline, Thomas & Lilly Mace; several nieces, nephews & cousins

At Tom’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

Ellen Temp – 96 – formerly of Rochester, died early Saturday morning (November 13, 2021) at Elderwood at Hornell Nursing Facility, where she had resided for the past four years.

Born in Rochester on December 30, 1924, she was the daughter of Michael & Theodora (Chmielewski) Wojciechowski.

Ellen grew up in Rochester and was a graduate of Benjamin Franklin High School (class of 1942).  She had been employed for a time as an operator for Rochester Telephone and later served as a Corporate Personal Assistant for Robert Korpek.

For many years Ellen served as bookkeeper for Better Living Homes of Rochester, a business owned & operated by her husband.

She was married to Irving L. Temp who preceded her in death.  Ellen was also preceded in death by her half-sister, Violet Warren.

Surviving are her sister, Elizabeth Hayes of Dover, PA; 2 nephews, Michael Born and Stephen Born; her niece, Kathleen Sloan.

At Ellen’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.

Memorial contributions in Ellen’s name may be made to a charity of the donor’s choice.

Robert J. “Bob” Ward – 97 – of Canandaigua, NY, formerly of Hornell, died Monday morning (November 8, 2021) at Thompson Hospital in Canandaigua, following a brief illness.

Born in Hornell on October 1, 1924, he was the son of James & Margaret (Callahan) Ward.

Bob grew up in Hornell and was a graduate of Hornell High School (class of 1942).  Following high school graduation, he enlisted in the US Navy serving his country as a Radio Operator on a Liberty Ship during WWII.

Following his honorable discharge from the US Navy, Bob returned to the Hornell area and began a career working in the bookkeeping department of the former Erie Railroad, Erie Lackawanna Railroad and Conrail.  While working for the railroads, he resided in several locations including Hornell, Cleveland, OH and Philadelphia, PA.  He retired in 1997 and has resided in Canandaigua since 2009.

While living in Hornell, Bob served as an Elder at the First Presbyterian Church and was a life member of the Hornell American Legion.  Throughout his lifetime, he enjoyed playing golf, hunting and spending time at his hunting camp in Hartsville, NY.  In recent years Bob enjoyed woodworking and making beautiful furniture.

He was married in 1949 to the former Jeanne Geary who died in 2000.  He was also preceded in death by his son, James J. Ward who died in 1957; along with 5 sisters and his dear friend, Dorothy Reitnauer.

Surviving are 2 daughters, Bonnie (David Blanding) Salter of Canandaigua and Roberta “Bobbi” Ward of Hornell; 4 grandchildren, Marianne Dineen, Melissa McCarthy, Kyle Wengren and Erik Wengren; 3 great-granddaughters, Lavery dineen, Addison McCarthy and Robin Boyd; several nieces & nephews.

At Bob’s request there were no calling hours.  Private services were held at the Dagon Funeral Home, 38 Church St., Hornell, NY with Deacon Robert McCormick officiating.  Burial was in Rural Cemetery, Hornell.

Bob’s family request that in lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in his name be made to the Hornell Alumni Association, PO Box 135, Hornell, NY 14843.