Paul Michael Nardecchia –  formerly of Hornell, NY, passed away on December 19, 2018 at his home in Fort Bragg, CA.

Born in Hornell on January 21, 1947 at Saint James Mercy Hospital, he was the son of the late Rose (Miele) & Elvidio Nardecchia.

Paul grew up in Hornell and was a graduate of St. Ann’s School (class of 1960) and was a 1964 graduate of the new Hornell High School. He played varsity football for all four years in High School. Paul proudly served in the United States Marine Corp from 1967 through 1972. He was stationed in Camp Pendleton after basic training and received an Honorable Discharge on February 23, 1972

After his discharge from the Marine Corp, Paul worked for United Airlines in Rochester, NY until transferring to Los Angeles, CA and then onto San Francisco, CA. He also worked for TAP Air Portugal while in San Francisco.

Paul received his Bachelor’s and Master’s Degrees in Business Administration and Computer Science from the University of San Francisco. He started his own computer consulting business and achieved several awards from pharmaceutical companies for his excellent work.

He loved to travel, was an avid reader and collector of first edition books. Paul loved animals, especially his pure bred beagles, Zach and Zina. He was a very generous and caring person. He loved to take his parents and aunts and uncles on vacation trips to various parts of the world.

After he retired, Paul lived in several Northern California cities until he found his dream retirement location in Fort Bragg, CA., which is a beautiful Pacific coastal community of approximately 7000 people. He absolutely loved it there and they loved him back. He became an integral part of, and a big supporter of that community.  He volunteered at the library, peeled potatoes for 1000 homeless people for their Thanksgiving dinner, helped his neighbors caring for their home and pets, fed wild homeless cats and grew tomatoes like his dad.

In addition to his parents, Paul was preceded in death by two infant brothers, John and Joseph Nardecchia; and one infant nephew, Thomas James Kelsey.

He is survived by one brother, Sebastian (Diane) Nardecchia of Danville, CA; one sister, Dorina (Dennis) Kelsey of Euclid, OH; two nephews, Michael (Michelle) Nardecchia of Rochester, NY, Steven (Jennifer) Kelsey of Wickliffe, OH; three nieces, Marisa (John) Looney of Danville, CA, Kristina (John Moroney) Nardecchia of Pleasanton, CA and Rosemarie (Kevin) Aubin of Lindley, NY; nine great nieces and nephews, Mara (Jason) Caccamise of Syracuse, NY, Maria (Brian Cameron) Nardecchia of Rochester, NY, Marianna and Michael Sebastian Nardecchia of Rochester, NY, Kyle (Breann Danielson) Looney of Fullerton, CA, Katelyn Looney of Charlotte, NC, Ella Looney of Danville, CA and Thomas G. and Zoe Rose Kelsey of Wickliffe, OH; two great-great nieces, Brooklyn Diane Looney and Stella Rose Caccamise; one great-great nephew; Santino Joseph Caccamise;  one aunt, Barbara Nardecchia, of Tonawanda, NY; his Godson, Joseph (Laurie) Nardecchia of Buffalo, NY and several cousins!

At Paul’s request there will be no prior calling hours.  A private Graveside Service will be held at the convenience of the family.

Family & friends are invited to a “Celebration of Life” to be held on Sunday, August 22, 2021 at The Main Place, 251 Main St., Hornell, NY beginning at 1:00 PM.

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

Donations in Paul’s memory may be made to:  Camp Rainbow Gold; A charity that provides year round camps, services and college scholarships for children battling cancer. This is a nonprofit that his niece Kristina founded and has helped nurture for two decades. It assures every penny will go toward the children.

216 W. Jefferson St. Boise ID 83702  www.shareyourheartball.org

Roberta A. “Bert” Margeson – (101) – of 1295 Bearlick Hollow Road, Hornell (Town of Hartsville) passed away early Wednesday morning (August 11, 2021) at Elderwood Nursing Facility in Hornell where she had resided for the past 3 months.

Born in Hornell on January 19, 1920, she was the daughter of Ira & Elsie (Amidon) VanCampen.

Roberta grew up in Hornell and resided in the Hornell – Hartsville area for most of her life.  She had been employed as a Press Machine Operator at Loohn’s Cleaners.  For many years, she, along with her husband, owned & operated the Margeson Dairy Farm on VanCampen Road in Hornell.

An avid reader, Roberta enjoyed working on crossword puzzles and playing cards with her grandchildren & great-grandchildren.

She was married for over 50 years to William J. Margeson who died in 1998.  She was also preceded in death by her daughter, Carol Margeson (died 1961); her twin sister, Ruth Mattice; and her daughter-in-law, Barbara Lee Margeson; her great-great-granddaughter, Hailey Reilly.

Surviving are her son, William I. Margeson of Hornell; 1 granddaughter, Stephanie (Raymond) France of Hartsville; 3 grandsons, William (Michelle) Margeson JR of Hornell, Kevin (Heidi) Margeson of Hartsville and Kelly (Kim) Margeson of Hornell; 7 great-grandchildren; 6 great-great-grandchildren; several nieces & nephews.

At Roberta’s request there will be no calling hours.  A private graveside service will be held at Rural Cemetery at the convenience of the family.

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

James A. Baker – 36 – of 27 Crosby St., Hornell, died unexpectedly on Saturday (July 31, 2021) at his home.

Born in McKinney, TX on July 22, 1985, he was the son of Rose Daniels.

A resident of New York State for most of his adult life, James was a graduate of Marcus Whitman High School in Rushville, NY.  He had also resided in Canandaigua, Penn Yan, Crystle Beach, Wallace and has lived in Hornell for the past 6 years.  Throughout the years he worked many jobs and most recently began working for Janitronics Janitorial Service of Western, NY.

James had a deep appreciation of music and enjoyed going live concerts, especially “Jelly Roll” and “DMX”.  He was extremely proud of his “Body Art” (tattoos) and was a Dallas Cowboy Football fan.

He also loved spending time browsing the internet and keeping in touch with family & friends on Facebook.  He especially enjoyed spending time with his fiancé and his children.

Surviving are his fiancé, Jenna Pierson with whom he resided; 4 children, Izzy Baker, Hayden Baker, Remeigh Daniels & Lyric Daniels; 2 step-children, Bella Orellana & Karson Pierson; his mother, Rose Daniels of Oklahoma City, OK; 1 sister, Sherry Pennington of Texas; aunts, uncle, cousins, nieces & nephews.

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.

James’ family request that in lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in his name may be made to Casa-Trinity, 86 River St., Hornell, NY 14843

Kathleen C. “Kathy” Jones – 75 – of 71 Church Street Court, Hornell, died early Thursday morning (July 29, 2021) at F.F. Thompson Hospital in Canandaigua, following a brief illness.

Born in Hornell on February 21, 1946, she was the daughter of Calvin & Jeanette (McKibben) Covell.

Kathy grew up in Hornell and was a graduate of Hornell High School (class of 1964).  Throughout the years she resided in several locations, including Bliss, Castile, Rochester, Corning and Georgia.  Although she lived in many places, she always considered Hornell her home!

She had been employed for a time in the Medical Records Department at St. James Mercy Hospital; Champions Athletic Clothing Store and Wegmans Grocery in both Corning & Rochester.  Kathy was most proud of her time working as a caregiver for Sally Nowells.

Kathy was an avid New York Giants Football fan and New York Yankee Baseball fan.  She also enjoyed crocheting & sewing and will be remembered for making beautiful baby sweaters, baby blankets, and lap blankets for family, friends, and military families that she met through several military family Facebook groups.

She was married on August 26, 1977 to Loren Jones who died April 12, 2013.  She was also preceded in death by her brother, Dean Covell.

Surviving are 3 daughters, Karen (John Goff) Amidon of Cairo, GA, Beckie Austin of Andover and Kari (Jason) Ide of Knoxville, TN; 2 sons, Jim Amidon of Hornell and Jason Jones of Hornell; 2 brothers, Steven (Jana) Covell of Goshen, KY and Bob (Dolly) Llewellyn of Hornell; Hornell; 9 Grandchildren, Raymond and Katie Rahmlow, Heather (Travis) Gill, Patrick Austin, Matt (Stephanie) Amidon, Jackson Wilson, Alexander Amidon, Anna Ide, Ayden Jones, Skylar Jones; 4 great-grandchildren, Laci, Silas, Madeline, Penelope; several nieces and nephews, including her niece Kelley (Mike) LaCross.

A Memorial Service will be held on Saturday, August 7^th at 11:00 AM at the United Methodist Church of Hornell with Pastor Lenny Fuller officiating.  A “Celebration of Life” will follow the service at the home of Jim Amidon, 13 Glen Court in Hornell.

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

Kathy’s family request that in lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in her name be made to Military Mama Network, 2405 Essington Rd, Ste B-142, Joliet, IL 60435 or by visiting www.militarymamanetwork.org.

Audrey M. Ahearn – 93 – of Redlands, CA, formerly of Hornell died May 29, 2020 at her home, following a long illness.

Born in Hornell on February 20, 1927, she was the daughter of John & Bernice (Leahy) Waight.

Audrey grew up in Hornell and was a graduate of Hornell high School (class of 1945).  While living in Hornell, she was a communicant of St. Ann’s Church and also served as a leader for the Camp Fire Girls.  She was a skilled seamstress and fashioned a variety of outfits for her family.

She was married on January 23, 1947 to James “Jim” Ahearn.  They resided in Hornell until 1969 and then moved to California.  They later moved to Japan where the lived for three years.

On her return to California, Audrey furthered her education and graduated from Los Angeles City College in Los Angeles, CA.  She was employed as a Central Supply Supervisor at Ingleside Hospital in Rosemead, CA for many years.  After her retirement, she served as a school crossing guard and was beloved as “grandma” to the children in her neighborhood.  Audrey was a prolific reader and a huge fan of Country music.  She loved to travel, and Hawaii & Mainland China were two of her favorite destinations.

Audrey was preceded in death by her former husband, James “Jim” Ahearn; her son, James “Dan” Ahearn; and her brother, Johnny Waight.

Surviving are 2 daughters, Kathleen Ahearn of Bakersfield, CA and Diane Ahearn of Redlands, CA; her daughter-in-law, Violet Ahearn of Mesa, AZ; 8 grandchildren; 17 great-grandchildren; 2 great-great-grandchildren; nieces & nephews.

The family of Audrey M Ahearn will receive friends on Friday, August 6, 2021from 10:00 AM  –  11:00 AM at the Dagon Funeral Home, 38 Church St., Hornell, NY.  A Memorial Service will be held at the conclusion of calling hours at 11:00 AM with Deacon Robert McCormick officiating.

Audrey’s son, James “Dan” Ahearn who died March 24, 2020 will also be remembered and honored at the Memorial Service.

Audrey’s family request that in lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in her name be made to the Alzheimer’s Association, 435 East Henrietta Road, Rochester, NY 14620.  Memorial forms will be available at the Dagon Funeral Home.

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

Houghton / Hornell

James D. “Dan” Ahearn – (70) –formerly of Houghton, NY, and Hornell, died Tuesday, March 24, 2020 at his home in Mesa, AZ where he had resided since 2015.

Born in Hornell on June 18, 1949, he was the son of James & Audrey (Waight) Ahearn.

Dan grew up in Hornell and was a graduate of Hornell High School (class of 1968).  He later attended Alfred State College.

He was retired from US Navy, serving his country from 1968-1972 as a Navy SEABEE and also from 1976-1991 as a Chief Hull Maintenance Technician.  He also saw two “Tours of Duty” in Viet Nam.

While still serving in the US Navy, Dan resided several years in Connecticut and following his retirement he lived there for another 13 years working in the plumbing, heating and air-conditioning field.  Dan returned to Hornell NY in 2004 and lived in Houghton NY since 2012 and Mesa Arizona since 2015.

He was a member and past commander of the Hornell VFW and a member of the AMVETS.  He was also a former member of the Hornell Elks Lodge, Hornell Association, Hornell Moose, Hornell American Legion and the Knights of Columbus.

Dan was a former member of St. Ignatius Loyola Church. He enjoyed motorcycle riding, photography and pistol shooting.

He was married on February 29, 2012 to the former Violet Thompson who survives.  Also surviving are his son, Brandon (Lydia) Ahearn of Waterford, CT; 4 daughters, Samantha Ahearn of Clearfield, PA, Rebecca (Jerry) Fethers of Ruskin, FL, Shannon Ahearn of Waterford, CT and Erin (Mike) MacDonald of Waterford, CT; his nephew whom he raised, Thomas Ahearn of Waterford, CT; 2 sisters, Kathleen Ahearn of Bakersfield, CA and Diane Ahearn of Redlands, CA; 2 step-children, Catherine Doughty of CT and Jack Caine of AZ; 16 grandchildren; 2 great-grandchildren and nieces & nephews.

The family will receive friends on Friday, August 6, 2021 from 10:00 – 11:00 AM at the Dagon Funeral Home, 38 Church St., Hornell, NY.  A Memorial Service with full military honors will be held at the conclusion of calling hours at 11AM with Deacon Robert McCormick officiating. Final interment will be in the Bath National Cemetery, Bath, NY.

Dan’s mother, Audrey, who died May 29, 2020 will also be remembered and honored at the Memorial Service.

Dan’s family requests that in lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in his name be made to: St Jude Children’s Hospital as he was a long time contributor.  Memorial forms will be available at the Dagon Funeral Home.

In recognition of Dan’s service to his country, the American Flag at the Dagon Funeral Home will be flown at half-staff.

John M. Graves died July 25, 2021 at the Bath VA Medical Center Hospice, following a stroke several weeks earlier and after battling with dementia and mobility problems for over 5 years. John was born in Oneonta, NY on August 25, 1944, he grew up in Oneonta and was a 1963 graduate of Oneonta High School. Following high school, he worked several small jobs and stayed involved with his local Boy Scout Troop. He loved hunting and trapping and being outdoors. In 1965 he was drafted into the U.S. Army, where he trained to be a Radio Operator and as a Special Forces “Green Beret” Ranger. He proudly served his country for two years during the VietNam era. Following his honorable discharge from the US Army in 1967, John enrolled in the Wanakena Ranger School, in Wanakena, NY, graduating in 1969.

John drove out west after graduation to work as a Surveyor in Washington’s Olympic Range, also driving the Alaskan Highway stopping to fight forest fires in British Columbia and working in a factory in Fairbanks. One of his proudest moments was summiting Mt. Rainier with Mike Banner in 1970 in his Coonskin Cap. He was offered a job by phone while still out west as a Forest Ranger back in NYS in 1970 and came back East to begin a career with NYS as a Forest Ranger.

John was a NYS Forest Ranger for 7 years, even donning the Smokey the Bear costume with fellow Ranger Peter Rossi educating school children about the importance of Fire Safety. John accepted a position 7/7/1977 as NYS EnCon officer and then completed his NYS  Environmental Conservation Officer Academy in Albany, NY graduating in Dec 1977. That is also the year he joined the U.S. Army Reserves. John continued his service with the US Army Reserves from June 10, 1977 through June 7, 1990, even after a para jump accident in Germany during a Reserves Training Mission in 1984 that left him with a broken back and many other serious injuries.

He proudly served as the Region #4 NYS EnCon Officer in Schoharie & Montgomery Counties until retiring in 2007 after 37 years of total service to NYS. During this service he took as many special details that he could, in particular he loved the Salmon River Fishing detail every year as well as the NYS Fair Educational Detail. In 2001, John also joined the cleanup and rescue efforts following the 9/11 terrorist attacks in NYC.

John was many things including an amateur Numestician, antique trap collector, and a true “outdoorsman” who loved nature and thoroughly enjoyed working his land, logging and later archery and fishing, always donning either lumberjack plaid or hawaiian shirts. He would walk the woods at night with his kids when they were young and call the owls with his special call and they would fly in closer to have a chat. When he was younger he competed in the General Clinton Canoe Regatta every year, just loving the competition and being out on the water racing the canoe with his different partners over the years. He also enjoyed his membership in the Wanakena Ranger School Alumni Association. He was so proud of Ranger school and took a nearly annual trip during their reunion weekend with the kids along as often as possible to camp by the seedling house, canoe, swim, hike to the Big Pine or Fire Tower, watch the stars, and sit around the campfire and tell stories of years ago.

Around 2015 he started having more significant issues with his mobility and after a year of trying, his daughter convinced him to come to North Carolina to spend the winter with her and her kids so he didn’t have to shovel the snow. He made it down in Dec. 2016 and then just became part of the family. He lived with Shannon and Ben in NC and then in Rush, NY when they moved back north to be closer to family and to make sure John had the VA care he needed for his medical concerns and advancing dementia. He loved watching the grandkids play and showing them nature documentaries and every old Western movie he could find.  They also learned all about Andy Griffith, M.A.S.H., Gomer Pyle, Hogan’s Heroes, and Blue Bloods. They loved his stories of the past and all his adventures and they miss having him guard the living room and helping him get his root beer floats at night.

Surviving are his daughter, Shannon (Ben) Ronnenberg of Rush, NY and 3 grandchildren, Heidi, Andre, and Allen Ronnenberg; daughter, Cheri F. Graves (Brooks Lastinger) of Spartanburg, SC; son, Skyler M. Graves of Seattle, WA; and daughter Savanah E. Graves of Bozeman, MT. He was predeceased by both parents, William E. Graves of Oneonta, NY and Mary E. (Buranosky) Graves of Renovo, PA. He is survived by 4 siblings: sister SueAnn Simonds of Oneonta, NY; sister Mary Catherine “Mamie” Gohde of Otego, NY; brother William “Bill” Graves of Oneonta, NY; and sister Ruth Stanley of Oneonta, NY. He is also survived by many beloved nieces and nephews and cousins and very special friends including Nicholas Plano of Harleysville, PA  and Gabrielle Plano of Middleburgh, NY.

Private services will be held by the family with final interment, by invitation, in the Bath National Cemetery with full Military Honors and brief remarks on August 25, 2021 at 2pm.

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

John’s family request that in lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in his name be made to the Wanakena Ranger School Alumni Association at https://www.nysrsaa.org/

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

Frank T. “Slats” Andolina – 95 – of 26 Meadowbrook Rd., Arkport, formerly of Wellsville, NY, died early Monday morning (March 8, 2021) at St. James Hospital, following a long illness.

Born in Mt. Morris, NY on March 7, 1926, he was the son of Nunzio & Grace (Piraino) Andolina.

Slats grew up in Mt. Morris and was a graduate of Mt. Morris High School (class of 1944).  Immediately following high school graduation, he was drafted into the US Army and served his country in the European Theater during WWII as a demolition expert.

Following his honorable discharge in 1946, Frank returned to the Mt. Morris area.  He later enrolled at Niagara University where he received his Bachelor of Science Degree in Biology.

For over 65 years, Frank resided in Wellsville.  He was employed for about 15 years as the Laboratory Supervisor and Certified Medical Lab Technologist at Jones Memorial Hospital in Wellsville.  Later joining the staff at SUNY Alfred, Frank served as a Professor of hematology and medical lab technology.   He loved his students and received numerous accolades and awards from them.  He retired in 1985.  He has resided in Arkport for the past 7 years.

While living in Wellsville, Frank was a communicant of Immaculate Conception Church (ICS) and was a life-member of the Wellsville American Legion.  While in high school, Slats was an outstanding baseball player and continued to be a lifelong baseball fan and active fan of all other sports.

Frank had a deep love for his family (especially his grandchildren) and numerous friends, joining many of them over the years for early morning coffee at McDonalds.  He will be remembered for his love of country and community and for his great smile and terrific sense of humor.  He will be missed by everyone that had the pleasure of knowing him!

He was married on August 20, 1949 to the former Elsie Zanni who died in 2009.  Frank was also preceded in death by his granddaughter, Jill Andolina who died in 2013; 3 brothers, Dr. CT (Mike) Andolina, Joseph Andolina and John Andolina; 2 sisters, Frances Andolina and Rose Cipriano.

Surviving are his son, Dr. Richard (Molly) Andolina of Arkport; 2 daughters, Pamela (Tony) Favro of Henrietta and Patricia Andolina Persia of Spencerport; his brother, Anthony Andolina of Henrietta; 7 grandchildren, Dr. Richard Andolina Jr., Dr. Nicholas (Jess) Andolina, Mitchell Andolina, Marc Favro, Gianna Favro, Joseph Persia and Daniel Persia; 3 great grandchildren, Nicholas Jr., Jillian, and Remi; numerous nieces & nephews.

Frank had two desires about his time of passage.  He wanted to live to the age of 95 to match his brother Mike and he wanted his mental faculties intact.  He died early the morning after his 95^th birthday with no cognitive impairments.  God granted him his two wishes.

Family & friends are invited to attend a Memorial Mass on Friday, July 30, 2021 at 10:00 AM at St. Ann’s Church followed by a “Celebration of Life” at 11:00 AM at The Main Place in Hornell, NY.

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

Frank’s family request that in lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in his name be made to either the Hornell Area Humane Society, Jillian Andolina Memorial Dog Park, 7649 Industrial Park Road, Hornell, NY 14843 or the David A. Howe Public Library, 155 North Main St., Wellsville, NY 14895.

Miriam M. Carroll – 87 – formerly of Hornell, died early Saturday morning July 17^th, 2021 at Elderwood at Hornell Nursing Facility where she had resided for the past two years.

Born in Burns, NY on May 31, 1934, she was the daughter of Raymond & Margaret (Lamonte)    Wilkins.

Miriam grew up in Burns, NY and was a graduate of Arkport Central School.  She later received her Certificate in Nursing from Alfred State College.

She was employed for a time as a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) at the former St. James Mercy Hospital and later for Noyes Memorial Hospital in Dansville.

Miriam was a talented and gifted artist who enjoyed painting and craft-working, often selling her wooden “works of art” that she created along with her husband Bill.  She was employed for many years by the former Olin Photography in Hornell “colorizing” portraits.

She had a deep affection for all animals — especially her beloved cats.  Her favorite pastime was simply spending time with her family.

In addition to her parents, Miriam was preceded in death by her husband, William “Bill” Moss; 2 brothers, Richard Wilkins and Monte Wilkins; her sister, Barbara Bennett.

Surviving are her son, John (Eileen) Carroll of Lake Anna, VA; her brother, Harold (Christine) Wilkins of Thacherville; 1 granddaughter, Alexandra (Cory) Hall; 2 grandsons, Cameron Carroll and Gunnar (Maggie) Carroll; great granddaughter Ella Hall; many nieces & nephews.

At Miriam’s request there will be no calling hours.  A private graveside service will be held at Heritage Hill Cemetery in Arkport at the convenience of the family with Deacon Robert McCormick officiating.

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

Miriam’s family requests that in lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in her name be made to the Hornell Humane Society, 7649 Industrial Park Road, Hornell, NY 14843.