David A. “Dave” Markel – (75) – of 6202 Gypsy Hill Road, Hornell, died Monday afternoon (November 14, 2022) at Strong Memorial Hospital in Rochester, NY, following a brief illness.
Born in Hornell on May 17, 1947, he was the son of Andrew & Margaret (Snowden) Markel.
David grew up in Hornell and was a graduate of Hornell High School (class of 1966). Following high school graduation, he attended Wanakena Ranger School (College of Environmental Science and Forestry) in Wanakena, NY.
For about 4 years, Dave was employed as an “Electrical Apprentice” for the former Erie Railroad. In 1968 he was drafted into the US Army during the Vietnam Conflict and served his country for 2 years before re-enlisting and fulfilling his dream of becoming a Green Beret. He was honorably discharged in 1971.
Following his honorable discharge from the military, Dave returned to the Hornell area and resumed his employment with the railroad. For about 5 years, he served as a Journeyman Electrician for the former Erie Railroad, Erie-Lackawanna Railroad and Conrail. He later worked as a Maintenance Electrician for the Groveland Correctional Facility in Sonya, NY. He retired in 2009.
David was an outdoorsman who truly loved and appreciated and the beauty of nature. He was an avid hunter (deer & small game) and also enjoyed fishing. He was an avid New York Yankee fan and also loved visiting the casinos, especially in Salamanca and Finger Lakes. Dave was a longtime member of the Hornell American Legion, the Carducci Lodge (Sons of Italy) and the National Rifle Association (NRA).
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his brother, Robert Markel; sister-in-law, Patricia “Pat” Raynor) Markel.
David was married on May 5, 1973 to the former Angela Daniels who survives. Also surviving are his daughter, Pam (Craig Button) Markel of Hornell; 2 sons, Greg (Jenn Close) Markel of Portmouth, NH and Tim Markel of Painted Post; 3 brothers, John (Betty) Markel of Hornell, Steve Markel of Hornell and Tom (Kathy) Markel of Arkport; 1 sister, Ruth Watier of Lockport; his half-sister, Barbara (Richard) Mazzerese of Endicott; sister-in-law, Mary Markel of California; several nieces & nephews.
The family of David A. “Dave” Markel will receive friends on Thursday from 4:00 PM – 7:00 PM at the Dagon Funeral Home, 38 Church St., Hornell, NY. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Friday at 10:00 AM at St. Ann’s Church. Burial with Military Honors will follow at St. Mary’s Cemetery.
Dave’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. Memorial forms will be available at the Dagon Funeral Home.
In recognition to David’s service to his country as a member of the US Army, 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.

Michael McDonald Holbrook, age 57, of 11 W. VanScoter Street, Hornell NY, died unexpectedly Saturday afternoon, November 5, 2022, at his home.
Angela Rose “Angie” Ninos – (97) – of 34 Hillcrest Dr., Alfred, NY died Monday afternoon (October 31, 2022) at Jones Memorial Hospital, following a brief illness.
James R. “Frosty” Frost – 60 – of 48 Bemis Ave., Hornell, died unexpectedly April 6, 2020 at St. James Hospital.
Rebecca “Becky” D. Smith – (50) – of 381 Seneca Rd., North Hornell passed away unexpectedly Saturday afternoon (October 29, 2022) following a lengthy illness.
Gilbert “Gil” W. Yates (“Coach”) – 94 – of 8232 Cream Hill Rd., Arkport, died Sunday morning (October 30, 2022) at his home.
Patricia L. “Pati” Piper – 74 – of 947 East Avenue, Rochester, NY 14607, formerly of Hornell, NY, died Friday evening (October 28, 2022) at St. John’s Nursing Facility in Rochester, NY following a long illness.
Nathan A. Randall “Nate” Smith – 37 – formerly of Cass St., Hornell, died unexpectedly on Monday (October 24, 2022) in Hornell.
Betty Lou Haywood – 52 – of 60483 State Route 415, (The Caboose), Avoca, NY, died unexpectedly early Thursday morning (October 20, 2022) at her home.
Dorothy A. “Dotty” Argay – (80) – of 14 Elm St., Canisteo, NY died Thursday evening (October 13, 2022) at St. James Hospital, following an extended illness. She was a loving wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother and friend to all.