Dr. Eric J. Murawski, M.D., D.D.S. – 33 – formerly of Hornell, died unexpectedly in Cleveland, OH where he had resided for the past six months.

Born in Hornell on October 15, 1987, he was the son of John & Susan (Neiser) Murawski.

Eric grew up in Hornell and was a graduate of Hornell High School (class of 2006). In 2010, he received his Bachelor of Science Degree in Chemistry from Binghamton University. Eric graduated from the University at Buffalo where, in 2014, he received his Doctor of Dental Medicine degree. He also completed medical school at the University at Buffalo and pursued postgraduate studies in oral surgery. For the past six months, he resided in Cleveland where he was completing a dental residency program.

Eric was a skilled woodworker, had a deep love for his two dogs and two cats, and enjoyed caring for his many bonsai trees. He enjoyed rooting for his favorite sports teams, the Buffalo Bills (NFL) and the Buffalo Sabres (NHL).

He was preceded in death by his maternal grandparents, Donald & Helen Neiser, and his paternal grandfather, John G. Murawski.

Surviving are his parents, John and Susan Murawski of Hornell; two sisters, Alison (Gabe) DiBerardinis of Jenkintown, PA, and Ashley (Peter) Berkes of Rochester, NY; his devoted partner of many years, Dr. Gretchen Galvin of Amherst, NY; paternal grandmother, Adeline Murawski of Exeter, PA; one nephew, Graham DiBerardinis; four nieces, Lauren and Charlotte DiBerardinis, and Caroline and Emma Berkes; several aunts, uncles, and cousins.

Due to the Covid-19 pandemic, there will be no calling hours. Private services will be held at a later date at the convenience of the family.

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

Eric’s family requests that in lieu of flowers, memorial contributions be made to an endowed scholarship in his name at the University at Buffalo, which will be awarded yearly to a promising oral surgery student. Donations can be made at http://www.EricJMurawskiMemorialFund.com.

Betty Lucille (Nye) Allen – 88 – of 6501 Whitford Road, Alfred Station, passed away Sunday morning (December 13, 2020) on her 88^th birthday, at Highlands Regional Medical Center in Sebring Florida.

Born in Stannards, NY on December 13, 1932 she was the first born to Russell and Genevieve (Bacon) Nye.

Betty grew up in Whitesville, NY and graduated at the former Canisteo Central School.

On March 20, 1949 Betty Nye Married Ralph Allen and they began their life of 70 years together.

Betty was employed at Westinghouse in Bath, NY.  She later became a baker at ACES (Alfred State College) where she retired following 40 years of service.

She was an avid bowler for years and bowled in several mixed leagues with her husband, Ralph. Betty enjoyed crocheting and had a skill for quilting, making it her goal to touch as many people’s hearts as she could with quilts, throws, table runners and even Christmas decorations.

Betty had a passion for baking and has made numerous wedding cakes for family and friends. She also made up to 26 pies just for her immediate family for Thanksgiving Dinners.  Baking for Christmas was a delight with the dozens of different kinds of cookies, chex mix, peanut brittle and more.

She was a 50 plus member of the Eastern Star for many years and was a member of the Andover First Baptist Church.

Betty was a kind hearted woman, whose smile was contagious. She was very hard working and always seemed to be taking care of someone.

For the past 23 years during the winter months, Betty and Ralph went to Sebring, Florida to spend times with their extended family and friends.  While there she enjoyed playing cards, dominos, crafts and quilting.

Betty and Ralph enjoyed being outdoors and spent many years camping at Sun Valley Campground in Canaseraga NY. For over 40 years they enjoyed going to their camp in the Adirondacks, where many memories were made.

Betty was preceded in death by her son, Dennis “Lumpy” Allen, her loving Husband of 70 years Ralph Allen; 3 brothers, Benjamin Nye, William Nye, Dale Nye; and 2 sisters, Joann Burdick and Janice Burdick.

Betty is survived by her son, Larry (Robin Adkins) Allen of Delmar, DE; 2 daughters, Sherry (Lloyd) Winans of Andover and Susan (Mike) Snyder of Alfred Station; 15 Grand children; 28 great-grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews.  Also surviving are 5 sisters, Shirley (Duane) Green, Linda (Steve) Trescott, Ruth (Dave) Kimble, Claudine (Kirk) Munsell and Debra (Joe) Price; 2 brothers Virgil (Pat) Nye and Jim (Pam) Nye along with many nieces & nephews.

There will be no prior calling hours.  A private Memorial Service will be held at the Dagon Funeral Home, 38 Church  St., Hornell, NY at the convenience of the family with Rev. Cal Densmore officiating.  Burial will be in Maplewood Cemetery in Alfred Station.  A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date.

The Memorial Service for Betty Lucille Allen will be streamed via Facebook Live and can be viewed on the Dagon Funeral Home Facebook page on Tuesday at 11:00 AM by visiting www.facebook.com/dagonfuneralhome.  The video will remain available for viewing on our Facebook page for 30 days.

Betty’s family request that in lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in her name be made to the Alfred Station Fire Department, PO Box 282, Alfred Station, NY 14803 or to The Hart Comfort House, 141 East State St., Wellsville, NY 14895.

Michael A. “Mike” Parks – 72 – of 106 Front St., Hornell, died Saturday morning (December 12, 2020) at Strong Memorial Hospital in Rochester, following a long illness.

Born in Hornell on January 23, 1948, he was the son of Maurice & Armella (Klos) Parks.

Mike grew up in Hornell and attended Hornell High School.  He was a veteran of the US Marine Corp, serving two tours of duty during the Vietnam Conflict.  On the day before he was to be discharged from the Marines, Mike was wounded having been shot in the leg during combat.  He received the Purple Heart Medal and was later honorably discharged from the military.  His injury would prove to be somewhat “disabling” for the remainder of his life and a painful reminder of the tragedies of war!

Following his discharge from the Marines, Mike returned to the Hornell area and for many years had been a member of the Hornell VFW and the Hornell American Legion.  In his younger years he enjoyed hunting and throughout the years was a Buffalo Bills Football Fan — especially during the Super Bowl years.

Mike would spend countless hours exercising his leg by walking the stores of Wal-Mart, Lowes and Wegmans, visiting with family & friends.  In recent years he became a “bird watcher” and enjoyed feeding the birds and squirrels in his yard.  His greatest joy in life, however, was simply loving and taking care of his family, especially his daughters, grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

He was married on November 23, 1968 to the former Rose M. “Rosie” Wyant who died in 2015.  He was also preceded in death by his brother, Tim “Dump” Parks who died in 2005.

Surviving are 2 daughters, Marcy Parks of Rochester and Michelle (Scott) Eason of Hornell; 4 sisters, Rosie (Charles) Rees of Hornell, Maureen (Daniel) Haynes of Almond, Suzanne Flaitz of Dansville and Christine Gardner of Rochester; 3 grandchildren, Kristi Parks, Michael Fisk and Colbie Eason; 2 great-grandchildren, Rilee Parks and Octavia Vancise; several nieces & nephews.

At Mike’s request there will be no calling hours.  A private Memorial Service with full military honors will be held at the Dagon Funeral Home, 38 Church St., Hornell, NY at the convenience of the family with Deacon Robert McCormick officiating.   Final interment will be in the Bath National Cemetery, Bath, NY.

The Memorial Service for Michael A. “Mike” Parks will be streamed via Facebook Live and can be viewed on the Dagon Funeral Home Facebook page on Saturday at 1:00 PM by visiting www.facebook.com/dagonfuneralhome.  The video will remain available for viewing on our Facebook page for 30 days.

Mike’s family request that in lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in his name be made to the Bath VA Activities Fund, 76 Veterans Ave., Bath, NY 14810.

David L. “DJ” Bliss, Jr. – 24 – of 112 ½ Second St., Olean, NY, formerly of Hornell, died Friday morning (December 11, 2020) at Olean General Hospital, following a brief illness.

Born in Hornell on July 19, 1996, he was the son of David & Stephanie (Culley) Bliss, Sr.

DJ grew up in Hornell and attended Hornell Schools.  He enjoyed listening to music (especially hip-hop) and hanging out with family & friends.  He also enjoyed watching sporting events on TV and especially loved rooting for the Chicago Bulls (NBA).

He was preceded in death by his mother, Stephanie who died in 2011.

Surviving are his daughter, Leona Martin of Hornell; his son, Kingsley Bliss of Olean, NY; father, David Bliss Sr. of Florida; 2 brothers, Angelo Kulyeshie of Hornell and Jonathan Kulyeshie of Leroy; 3 sisters, Cenyetta (Tony) Burke of Texas, Jodi (Derek) Dinsmore of Leroy and Ashley Hulbert of Rochester; his half-sister, Brittany Brace of Hornell; aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces & nephews.

At DJ’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 his name may be made to a charity of the donor’s choice.

Karl T. “Tim” Kerr – 66 – of Old Hammondsport Rd., Bath, NY died Friday afternoon (December 11, 2020) at Arnot Health Medical Center in Elmira, from complications following surgery.

Born in Hornell, NY on July 14, 1954, he was the son of Jack and Helen (Weaver) Kerr.

Karl was a graduate of Hornell High School (class of 1973). He lived & worked in Savannah, GA for 6 years, moving to Bath, NY in 1979.  He had been employed at Mercury Aircraft in Hammondsport for over 32 years, retiring in 2013.

For several years, Karl volunteered his time at the Bath Ambulance Corp.  He was a member of the Hornell Moose Lodge & was a member of Bath VFW War Dads where he served as treasurer.  He enjoyed traveling, auctions, yard sales, playing dice & cards.

Karl was preceded in death by his parents, Jack & Helen Kerr; his brother, Jack Kerr JR; his brothers-in-law, Dick Flanagan, Bob Allaway, George Menger and Albert Mennito, SR; his sisters-in-law, Judy Lewis, Betsy Mennito and Linda Kerr; and special uncle, Ron Weaver.

Surviving are his wife, Fran May of Bath; his daughter, Tina (Ray) Wilson of Savannah, GA; his sisters, Cindy Flanagan of Bath, Beth Allaway of Bath, Susan (Marc Bell) Potter of Foley, AL; his brothers Greg Kerr of Hornell, Dan (Deb Stanford) Kerr of Hornell, Steve Kerr of Bradford, NY and Jim Kerr of Bath, his estranged brother, Dave (Kelly Stedman) Kerr of Bath;  his sister-in-law Jean Menger of Hudson, FL; his grandson, James Zapeline of Savannah GA, 2 great-grandsons; many nieces & nephews; his special aunt, Martha Weaver of  Savannah GA, former wife & friend, Beverly Kerr & family of Florida.

At Karl’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 14843.

Karl’s family request that in lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in his name be made to Care First Hospice, 3805 Meads Creek Rd., Painted Post, NY  14870 or to a charity of the donor’s choice.

Vivian M. Brown – 89 – formerly of Pine St. Terrace Apartments, Painted Post, NY, died Saturday evening (December 5, 2020) at Three Rivers Nursing Facility in Painted Post, following a long illness.

Born in Painted Post, NY on July 27, 1931, she was the daughter of Ellsworth & Elizabeth (Shea) Wright.

Vivian grew up in Addison, NY and throughout the years resided in several locations, including Addison, Woodhull, Hammondsport, Corning and Painted Post.

While living in Corning, she was employed as a nurse’s assistant and health care worker for Homemakers Service.  She also served as a private duty “live-in-aid” and health care worker in the Hammondsport area.

Vivian had a deep love of music (especially bluegrass) and enjoyed playing guitar and mandolin.  She also enjoyed spending countless hours crocheting.

She was preceded in death by three husbands, Leon Sullivan, Dick Guiles and Merritt Brown; also her daughter, Doris Sullivan; along with several brothers & sisters.

Surviving are six children, Leon Sullivan JR of Addison, Diane Cornwell of Nichols, PA, Carol Decker of Painted Post, Cathy Mayer of Bradford, PA, Jerry Sullivan of Villa Rico, GA and Patty Sullivan of Savona, NY; her brother, Bob Wright of Savona; many grandchildren, great-grandchildren; nieces & nephews.

At Vivian’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. 

Vivian’s family request that in lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in her name be made to CareFirst Hospice, 3805 Meads Creek Rd.   , Painted Post, NY  14870.

Linda S. Youngs – 73 – of 6649 State Route 415, Bath, NY, died Thursday morning (December 3, 2020) at Arnot Ogden Hospital following a brief illness.

Born in Corning on September 14, 1947, she was the daughter of John & Ann (Briensiky) Petrowsky.

Linda grew up in Prattsburgh, NY and was a graduate of Prattsburgh High School (class of 1965).  She later attended Corning Community College, Majoring in Accounting.

She was employed for a time at H&R Block, preparing taxes and for over 20 years served as a Taxi Driver in Corning, NY.

Linda was an avid Bingo player and also loved watching both NBA and WNBA games on TV.   She enjoyed crocheting; talking & texting with her friends on the phone and was active on Facebook.

She was preceded in death by her first husband, Gary Whible and her second husband, Leonard Youngs Sr.

Surviving are her daughter, Julie (Gary) Goodrich of Ohio; her son, John Youngs of Bath; 3 grandchildren; many step-children & grand-stepchildren.

At Linda’s request there will be no calling hours.  Private services will be held at the convenience of the family with a “Celebration of Life” to be held at a later date.

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

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

Denise M. Brierton – 62 – of 16 Colonial Lawns St., Bath, died unexpectedly Tuesday afternoon (December 1, 2020) at her home.

Born in Watertown, NY on September 28, 1958, she was the daughter of Peter & Ruth Brierton.

Denise grew up in Black River, NY and was a graduate of Carthage Central High School (class of 1976).  She later received her Registered Nursing License from Farmingdale College on Long Island, NY.

Denise compassionately worked as a nurse at various area hospitals over the years. She also served as a school nurse at Bradford Central School in Bradford, NY.

In her younger years, Denise enjoyed camping with her family & friends.  Throughout the years she loved riding motorcycles and also riding horses.  She also enjoyed spending much time gardening, quilting, sewing and crafting.

She was preceded in death by her mother, Ruth and her sister, Anne Brierton.

Surviving are her children, Lucas Kanik of Corning, Sarah Kanik of San Francisco, CA and Jerred Higbie of Campbell; her father, Peter (Karen) Brierton of Watertown, NY; 2 brothers, Michael (Laura) Brierton of Chittenango, NY and Robert Brierton of Calcium, NY; her sister, Cindy (T.J.) Johnson of Geneseo; 1 granddaughter, Evelyn Higbie; several nieces & nephews.

At Denise’s request there will be no calling hours.  Private services will be held at the convenience of the family.  A “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.

Denise’s family request that in lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in her name be made to the American Cancer Society, 13 Beech St.,  Johnson City, NY  13790

Charles B. Slaght – 90 – formerly of Hornell, died Sunday afternoon (November 29, 2020) at the Hill Haven Nursing Home in Penfield, NY, following a long illness.

Born in Hornell on November 15, 1930, he was the son of Charles & Ida (Lounsberry) Slaght.

Charles grew up in Hornell and was a graduate of Hornell High School (class of 1949).  Following high school graduation, he was employed for about a year as a clerk at the Erie Railroad Accounting Bureau.

He was a four year Veteran of the US Air Force, serving his country during the Korean Conflict having been stationed in Japan.

For most of his adult life, Charles lived in the Rochester area.  For several years he served as an orderly at Genesee Hospital and for many years had been employed as a “Purchasing Agent” or “Buyer” for the former Sibley’s Department Store Book Department in Rochester.

Throughout the years, Charles enjoyed traveling throughout the United States and abroad.  While traveling, he purchased countless antiques which he proudly collected and displayed at his home.  He also loved working and tending his beautiful flower garden and vegetable garden.

In addition to his parents, Charles was preceded in death by his longtime friend, Rosaire “Frenchy” Morneault; his brothers, Dewey Slaght and Robert Slaght; his sister, Evalena Mae Slaght.

Surviving are his brother, Thomas (Sandy) Slaght of Elmira; several nieces & nephews.  Charles will also be sadly missed by his dear friend & caregiver, Tonia Puccio of Webster, NY.

At Charle’s request there will be no calling hours.  Private services will be held at the Dagon Funeral Home, 38 Church St., Hornell, NY at the convenience of the family with Deacon Robert McCormick officiating.  Burial will be in Hope Cemetery, Hornell, NY.

The Funeral Service for Charles B. Slaght  will be streamed via Facebook Live and can be viewed on the Dagon Funeral Home Facebook  page on Thursday at 1:00 PM by visiting www.facebook.com/dagonfuneralhome.  The video will remain available for viewing on our Facebook page for 30 days. 

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

William R. “Billy” Valentine, Jr. – 66 of 44 Reynolds Ave. Hornell passed away on November 29, 2020 at St James hospital following a long and courageous battle with cancer.

Born in Hornell on February 9, 1954, he was the 5th son of William & Ruth (Sheedy) Valentine.

Billy grew up in Hornell, graduating from Hornell High School in 1972.  He served in Korea for 3 years as an MP for the US Army prior to his honorable discharge in 1975.  Bill then continued to serve his country as a member of the US Army Reserves for 16 years, where he achieved the rank of Sergeant 1^st Class.

He was employed as a mechanic/supervisor for many years at Morrison-Knudson (M-K) Corporation.  As a contractor, he often traveled throughout the United States working on buses and rail cars, especially Maryland & California.  He retired about 10 years ago.

Bill had been a member of Our Lady of the Valley Parish and a communicant of St. Ignatius Loyola Church and later St. Ann’s Church. He was a member of the Hornell American Legion, the Hornell Association and the Hornell VFW where he served as a bartender.

He was a longtime fan of the Buffalo Bills (especially during the Super Bowl years) and loved watching the New York Yankees play. He enjoyed camping with his family, fishing with his boys, spending time with son in law, signing the books and hosting a few with his many friends at the American Legion, VFW and Association.

Billy was preceded in death by his father, William R. Valentine who died in 2009; his brother, Robert G. Valentine who died in 2017.

He is survived by his loving wife of 34 years, the former Mary Ann Carella.  Also surviving by his 3 sons, Jason Valentine of Gainsville, NY, William R. (Kenzie Mess) Valentine III of Gainsville, NY and Adam Valentine of Perry, NY; his daughter, Brittany (Bradley) Davis of Canisteo; his mother, Ruth Valentine of Hornell; his brothers, Tom (Theresa)Valentine of Hornell, Larry (Chrissey) Valentine of Hornell, Mike Valentine of Hornell, Tim (Bonnie Ross) Valentine of Canisteo, Jim (Judy) Valentine of Hornell, Mark (Sara) Valentine of Hornell, Rick Valentine of Hornell and Gary (Candi) Valentine of Elmira; his sister, Laurie (Mike) Adams of Hornell; 17 grandchildren; many nieces, nephews & cousins.

At Billy’s request there will be no calling hours. Private services will be held at the convenience of the family with burial in the Bath National Cemetery, Bath, NY. A “Celebration of Life” will be held at a later date.

The Graveside Service for William R. “Billy” Valentine will be streamed via Facebook Live and can be viewed on the Dagon Funeral Home Facebook page on Friday at 10:00 AM by visiting www.facebook.com/dagonfuneralhome.  The video will remain available for viewing on our Facebook page for 30 days.

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

Bill’s family request that in lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in his name be made to CareFirst Hospice, 3805 Meads Creek Road, Painted Post, NY 14870.