John A. Thompson – 54 – of 5 Maple Ridge, Almond, NY, died Tuesday evening (January 7, 2020) at Strong Memorial Hospital in Rochester, as a result of injuries sustained in a one-car accident on December 13, 2019.

Born in Hornell on January 5, 1966, he was the son of Dale & Cora (Mills) Thompson.

John grew up in Almond where he attended Alfred-Almond Central School.  He resided in Shallotte, NC for about 2 years where he attended Shallotte High School during his freshman & sophomore years.   He returned to Almond where he graduated from Alfred-Almond Central School (class of 1985).  He later received his Associate’s Degree in Land Surveying from Alfred State College (SUNY Alfred).

For several years he was employed as a land surveyor for Passero Surveying Company of Rochester.  More recently, he worked as a surveyor for Ravi Engineering & Surveying of Rochester.

John had been a member of Alfred Station 7^th Day Baptist Church.  He was a “die hard” Buffalo Bills fan and in his younger years enjoyed hunting.  John had a love of music and especially enjoyed playing classic rock and country music REALLY LOUD!!!  One of John’s favorite pastimes was simply watching vintage TV shows such as Hogan’s Heroes, MASH, Star Trek & Bonanza.  He also loved watching old western movies, especially John Wayne movies.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his brother, Sam Thompson.

John was married on July 22, 1989 to the former Martha Biehl who survives.  Also surviving are 3 daughters, Cora (Josh Ritenburg) Thompson of Dansville, Tamara (Michael) Chaffee of Wellsville and Patricia (Chris) Patterson of Hornell; 3 sisters, Lisa (Robert) Prisco of Bath, ME, Debbie Thompson of Hornell and Amy (Dan) Mack of Cuba, NY; 1 brother, George (Michelle) Thompson of Clarksville, TN; 6 grandchildren; 2 step-grandchildren; several nieces & nephews.

The family of John A. Thompson will receive friends on Monday from 4:00 PM – 7:00 PM at the Dagon Funeral Home, 38 Church St., Hornell, NY where a Funeral Service will be held on Tuesday at 12:00 Noon with Pastor Ken Chroniger officiating.  Burial will be in Woodlawn Cemetery, Almond, NY.

John’s family request that in lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in his name be made to the Alfred Station 7^th Day Baptist Church, PO Box 7777, Alfred Station, NY 14803.  Memorial forms will be available at the Dagon Funeral Home.

Eric C. Ford – 51 of 3997 Fenton Ave., Greenwood, died unexpectedly Monday evening (January 6, 2020) at St. James Mercy Hospital, where he had been taken after being stricken at home.

Born in Fayetteville, NC on April 12, 1968, he was the son of Robert & Sharon (Springer) Ford.

Eric grew up and resided in several places in California, primarily living in Riverside, CA, where he attended Riverside High School.

Moving to New York State in 1998, he lived for a time in Avoca, Bath, South Corning, Canisteo and for the past two years has resided in Greenwood.

While living in Bath, Eric served as a bouncer for several local bars.  He served as a driver for Rensenbeger Transport in New York State and also worked as a welder for Mercury Aircraft in Bath.

Throughout his adult life, Eric enjoyed riding motorcycles and had traveled by motorcycle throughout the United States.  He was an avid outdoorsman who enjoyed hunting & fishing.  He also enjoyed classic cars and watching TV shows about building & restoring classic cars.  Eric loved listening to music and especially enjoyed classic rock and country music.

He was preceded in death by his mother & sister.

Eric was married October 8, 2011to the former Tammy Davis who survives.  Also surviving are his son, Micheal Ford of Greenwood; his daughter, Cassandra Losaw of Canisteo; his step-sons, Shane Davis of Greenwood; Andrew Webster, Joshua Webster & Dylan Webster; 2 brothers, Robert Ford of California and John Youngs of Bath; and his half-brother, David of New Mexico; several nieces & nephews.

At Eric’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. 

Eric’s family request that in lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in his name be made to the Greenwood Volunteer Fire Department & Ambulance Fund, Greenwood, NY.

Joan E. Youngdale – 91 – of 66 Platt St., Hornell, passed away peacefully at her home, following a lengthy illness.

Born in Utica, NY on September 24, 1928, she was the daughter of William & Dorothy (Colmus) Carroll.

Joan grew up in Utica where she attended Blessed Sacrament Catholic School and was a graduate of Utica Free Academy High School with High Honors in 1943.   Following High School graduation, she was employed for several years at a New York State Dairy Lab, testing milk and milk products from farms and milk processing companies.   She held a NYS certification and license as a Dairy Lab Technician.

For over 10 years, Joan worked as an insurance code inspector for Utica Mutual Insurance Company.  After getting married she accepted a position from 1972 to 1979 as a reading aide for special needs students attending the Utica School System.  After moving to Hornell in the summer of 1979, she began working for the  Hornell City School System as a library clerk at Columbian School and then for Hornell High School retiring in 2001 having provided 22 years of service.  Joan enjoyed talking with children that she had directly worked with as kindergarteners now seeing them as high school students.

Joan was a member of Our Lady of the Valley Parish and a communicant of St. Ann’s Church.  While living in Utica, she was a member of Gamma Chi Sorority of Utica, an organization which gave nursing scholarships and other opportunities to well deserving, underprivileged young ladies in the 1950’s.

Joan enjoyed many outdoor activities throughout the years.  She especially enjoyed camping.  Whether in a tent or a tent camper she didn’t care.  She loved the Adirondacks and New York State Parks camping in most but finally settling on Sacandaga Lake at Moffitt’s Beach as her favorite camping spot.  In her earlier years you would find Joan on a Saturday night at one of the many square or round dances in the Utica area.  She also loved being at hockey games where you could “yell as loud as you wanted to and no one around you cared”.  She regularly visited dude ranches in the Adirondacks horseback riding, hiking and swimming.  She traveled the United States extensively in her youth, traveling with the Young Women’s Christian Association.  Several favorite trips were Yosemite, Grand Canyon, San Francisco, Boston, Washington D.C., and New York City.  Joan was an avid reader who preferred non-fiction historical books.   She enjoyed gardening, picnicking and held a special fondness for really good food.

Joan was married to her one and only love, Charles “Charlie” Youngdale on January 23, 1960 at Our Lady of Lourdes in Utica, N.Y.  Charlie died March 9, 2005.  She was also preceded in death by her sister Norma Clarke, her brother William “Bill” Carroll, Jr.

Surviving are 2 daughters, Joanne (Glenn) Schrager of Oakland Park, FL and Carroll Clark of Hornell; her son-in-law, Gary Clark of West Almond; 1 sister, Nancy Burns of Utica, NY; several nieces & nephews.

The family of Joan E. Youngdale will receive friends on Wednesday from 4:00 PM – 6:00 PM at the Dagon Funeral Home, 38 Church St., Hornell, NY.  A Memorial Service will be celebrated at the conclusion of calling hours at 6:00 p.m. Deacon Robert McCormick officiating.  Final interment in Woodlawn Cemetery, Canisteo, NY.

Joan’s family request that in lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in her name be made to St. Jude Children’s Hospital, PO Box 1000 – Dept. 300, Memphis, TN   38148.  Memorial forms will be available at the Dagon Funeral Home.

Mary Eileen Connors – 81 – of Hornell, NY passed away peacefully at home on December 31, 2019 surrounded by her family.

Born in Hornell on May 7, 1938, she was the daughter of Francis and Annabell (Hyland) Gleason.

Eileen was a graduate of Hornell High School Class of 1956 and later graduated from Mercy Hospital School of Nursing (Class of 1959). She had been a communicant of St Ignatius Loyola Church and more recently was a member of  Our Lady of the Valley Parish and a communicant of St. Ann’s Church.  She was a life member of the Hornell Alumni Association and also a member of the Ladies Ancient Order of Hiberians.

She had been employed at St. James Mercy Hospital from 1961-1963 and again in 1983-2000.  After leaving St. James, she worked for three years at Barb Todd’s Daycare where she was fondly known as Grandma Eileen.  She later served as a substitute school nurse in the Hornell City School District for many years.

Eileen battled breast cancer for nearly three decades, never complaining about her personal hardships while maintaining an unbelievably positive attitude even as the disease returned time and time again. She showed everyone around her how to handle life’s challenges with grace, dignity and a smile on her warm Irish face.

Despite the personal tragedies she endured in her life, Eileen never questioned her faith and was a regular fixture at church on Sunday. When things got tough, she prayed harder and harder.

Eileen adored her children and was happiest relishing the simple moments of sharing stories and laughing around the kitchen table or campfire. She relished the opportunity to attend her grandchildren’s upcoming sporting events, graduations, band concerts, plays and dances, always around to cheer them on or lend an encouraging word.

Having the humility to laugh at herself, she often tattling on herself for something silly she’d done or her latest misstep. She was at her brightest when flanked by sister, Annie, her “partner-in-crime.”  She enjoyed raising a glass and giving a good toast, although it was a good bet she’d leave the crowd around her roaring at her misplaced verse.

A diehard Buffalo Bills fan, she survived four Super Bowl losses, but still loved her “hometown” NFL team.

She was married February 24, 1962 at St. Ignatius Church to Gerard “Buz” Connors who died February 7, 1992.  She was also preceded in death by a son Kevin (1978); her sister and brother-in-law Ann and Chuck Smith; and three brothers-in-law, James and William Connors and John Conti; her nephew, Trooper Lawrence P. Gleason; and cousins Abbott Gabriel, Tom and Jim Gibbs.

Surviving are her daughters Colleen (Mark) Argentieri and Erin (Steve ) Reed; her sons Dan (Karen) Connors and Tom (Kathy) Connors; her “brothers” James (Linda) Gleason and Larry (Rosemary) Gleason; her nieces Susan (Brian) Butler, Bridget (Steve) Minisce, Kate (Chris) Secondo, Shannon (Jim) Kuhn and Tracy Kneer; her nephews  Scott (Laurie) Smith and Tim Gleason; and her godson, Tim Connors.  She is also survived by her grandchildren, Eric (Nicolette Tse) Argentieri,  Dan (Alyssa) Argentieri, Meaghan, Danika, Lara and Adison Connors, Connor and Callahan Reed, Nick (Rheannon) Coleman, Seanna (Jameson) Gifford and Chris Coleman; her great-grandchildren, Maveric Argentieri, Julia, Shane, Trey and Liam Simpson, Owen and Meah Starner, Raelyn and Ella Gifford and Loralai Coleman; great nieces and nephews Matthew and Luke Smith, Emily, Kayla and Tom Kuhn, Mia Butler, Anna Updyke and Scotty Minisce; her cousins Mary Margaret Doran, Mary Catherine and Kathleen Gibbs; her in-laws Katie, George and Barbara Connors and Joan Conti; many nieces and nephews.

The family of Eileen Connors will receive friends on Friday 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 Saturday at 1:00 PM at St. Ann’s Church with burial in St. Ann’s Cemetery.

Eileen’s family request that in lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in her name be made to the Hornell Alumni Association, PO Box 135, Hornell, NY 14843.  Memorial forms will be available at the Dagon Funeral Home.

Anita Marie (DeMarco) Arce – 53 – of 6255 Nicholson Road, Canisteo, died unexpectedly Friday evening (December 20, 2019) at St. James Mercy Hospital where she was taken after being stricken at home.

Born in Norristown, PA on October 8, 1966, she was the youngest daughter of John J. and Vienna Y. (Forzato) DeMarco.

Anita grew up in Norristown, PA, attended Boyertown High School and, later, obtained her General Education Diploma (GED).

She resided in Hornell from 1997 – 2013 and has lived in the Canisteo area for the past six years.

She had been employed for a time at the Hornell McDonalds, Dunkin’ Donuts, Hornell 7-Eleven and the kitchens for the Hornell School District.

Since moving to New York, Anita enjoyed camping with her family and boat fishing at Honeoye Lake.  She also enjoyed rooting for her beloved Philadelphia Eagles.

She was preceded in death by her parents, John J. and Vienna Y. (Forzato) DeMarco and nephew, Kevin Bentz.

Surviving are her companion of 24 years, Steven Smith of Canisteo; 4 sons, Anthony “Tony” Arce of Allentown, PA, Nicholas “Nick” Arce of Canisteo, Joseph “Joe” Arce of Canisteo and Tyler and his wife, Hannah Smith of Scottsdale, AZ; 4 sisters, Maria Petrecz, Donna Shade, Lisa Williams and Denise DeMarco; 4 grandchildren, Aria Smith, Jace Smith, Myla Smith and Karley Arce; 3 nephews and 1 niece.

At Anita’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 

Anita’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.

Karoline J. “Kara” Carey, infant daughter of Tyler & Heather (Tobias) Carey of 6205 North Main St. Ext., Hornell, was embraced by Angels and taken to Heaven to spend eternity with Jesus Thursday evening (December 19, 2019) at Golisano Children’s Hospital in Rochester, NY.

Although Kara was only on this earth for 20 days, she was loved and cherished by her entire family.  Following complications from her birth, she proved to be quite a “fighter” and won the hearts of her entire family along with all of the doctors & nurses at the Golisano Children’s Hospital.  She will continue to be loved and will live in the hearts of  her family and all those that she touched!

Welcoming her at the “Gates of Heaven” are her maternal great-grandmother, Anna Donnelly; her paternal-grandfather, Rex Carey; her paternal great-grandfather, Glenn Carey; her paternal great-grandmother, Barbara Bliss.

Kara was loved and will be sadly missed by her parents, Tyler & Heather Carey; 2 brothers, Brently & Parker; maternal great-grandparents, Ralph Donnelly and Bo & Anne Webb; paternal great-grandparents, Betty Carey and Clyde & Barb Bliss; maternal grandparents, Anthony & Cheryl Webb; paternal grandmother, Kim Bliss; as well as many aunts, uncles & cousins.

A Memorial Service will be held on Saturday (December 28, 2019) at 2:00 PM at the Dagon Funeral Home, 38 Church St., Hornell, NY on with Deacon Robert McCormick officiating.

The Carey family would like to thank all of the doctors, nurses & staff at the Golisano’s Children’s Hospital for all of the care, love and comfort shown to Kara and for the kindness and support shown to the entire Carey family.

Kara’s family request that in lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in her name be made to the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, Golisano Children’s Hospital, 601 Elmwood Ave., PO Box 651, Rochester, NY 14642.

John J. Roselli – 57 – formerly of 238 Grand St., Hornell, died early Thursday morning (December 12, 2019) at Elderwood Nursing Facility in Hornell, following a long battle with alcoholism. John’s death from the complications of this disease is not a sign of his lack of willpower or a character flaw. Many times he fought for his sobriety, but in the end he lost, as all too many with this disease do. We will always remember John’s soft spoken nature, his great sense of humor, and his compassion for others.

Born in Hornell on November 26, 1962, he was the son of Arthur J. Roselli & Sara Harris Roselli and the step-son of Barbara Roselli.

John grew up in Hornell and attended Hornell High School.

For most of his adult life, John worked in the construction industry. From 1981 – 2004 he was a member of the Rochester Labor Union #435, working primarily in the Rochester, NY area. From 2004 – 2005 he resided in Virginia where he was employed as a forklift operator.  John returned to the Hornell area in 2006 and for the past 13 years had worked at various places including the City of Hornell DPW, Alstom, Valu Home Center, Transportation & Transit Associates (TTA) and Save-A-Lot Grocery.

In his younger years, John enjoyed competitive weight lifting and competitive arm wrestling. He was an avid Dallas Cowboys Football Fan and enjoyed the company of his cats, Martha & Kitty, and also his tropical fish.

He was preceded in death by his father, Arthur J. Roselli and his niece, Angelina W. Eicher.

Surviving are his mother, Sara Harris Roselli of Hornell; 3 sisters, Karen (John) Dagon of Hornell, Kathy (Joe Ebert) Roselli of Almond and Anne Rovito of Harpswell, ME; 3 nephews, John Dagon Jr., Jim Dagon and Sam Dagon; his niece, Tagan Rovito; his great-nephew, Cadian Buck; his step-mother, Barbara Roselli; his step-sister, Tammy Roosa; his step-brother, Ty Forbes; his faithful friend, Frank Dieter, as well as, several cousins.

At John’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.

John’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.

John L. VanScoter – 52 – of 11 Henry St., Hornell , died Tuesday Morning (November 26, 2019) at his home, following a long illness.

A native and life resident of Hornell, he was born on February 25, 1967 and was the son of Luella A. VanScoter.

John grew up in Hornell and attended Hornell High School. He later earned his General Education Diploma (GED) and attended Corning Community College. He was a veteran of the US Army, serving his country from 1986-1990.

He had been employed in many capacities at Morrison-Knudson (MK) in Hornell for about 8 years and later worked at Wegman’s Grocery in Hornell. For the past 20 years, John served as Grounds Keeper for Our Lady of the Valley Parish and also Sexton of St. Ann’s Cemetery in Hornell, St. Mary’s Cemetery in Fremont, St. Mary’s Cemetery in Rexville and Hillside Cemetery in Rexville.

John considered himself as being an “80’s kickback”. He had a deep love of music and throughout the years he attended multiple concerts. Some of his favorite bands include Rush, Tesla, Pink Floyd, Def Leppard, Firehouse and Dream Theater.

He enjoyed watching NFL Football and especially loved rooting for his beloved San Francisco 49ers. A true “Family Man”, John’s most precious moments were simply spending time with his family and sitting in front of a campfire in his backyard listening to some “good tunes”.

He was preceded in death by his mother Luella A. VanScoter who died March 17, 2014.

On March 10, 1999, John married the former Lori Fenti who survives. Also surviving are his daughter, Joni (Chris) Potter; his son, Devlin (Danielle Stewart) VanScoter; his son, Daniel (Holly) Allen; 3 grandchildren, Alexa Allen, Mariah Allen and Kaitlyn Allen; his brothers & sisters, James (Pauline Foster) VanScoter, Richard Harrington, Corrine Maile, Katherine (Amy) Harrington, Michael (Ruth) Harrington, Gerald (Debbie) Freeland, Ronald (Linda Pierce) Freeland, David (Chris) Freeland, Steve (Carol) Freeland and Thomas (Nancy) Freeland; along with aunts, uncles, nieces & nephews.

At John’s request there will be no calling hours. A Memorial Service will be held on Friday (December 6, 2019) at 6:00 PM at the Dagon Funeral Home, 38 Church St., Hornell, NY with Deacon Robert McCormick officiating.

John’s family request that in lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in his name be made out to the Hornell Humane Society, 7649 Industrial Park Road, Hornell, NY 14843. Memorial forms will be available at the Dagon Funeral Home.

In recognition of his military service, the American Flag at the Dagon Funeral Home will be flown at half-staff.

Wendell George Beasley – 62 – of 69 Delaware Ave., Hornell, died unexpectedly Thursday afternoon (November 21, 2019) at his home.

Born in Hornell on November 19, 1957, he was the son of Wilbourn & Helen (Forish) Beasley.

Wendell grew up in Hornell and was a graduate of Alfred Almond Central School (class of 1976).  After high school, he began taking classes at Alfred State College. However “The Call of the Wild” took over and Wendell moved west. He resided in several beautiful resort locations, including Steamboat Springs, Vail, Park City, and Lake Tahoe. For several years he enjoyed life as a self-proclaimed “Ski Bum”. However, having a deep interest in the medical field, Wendell eventually became a paramedic.

In 1996, Wendell returned to the Hornell area following the death of his brother and resumed his education at Alfred State College. He received his Associate’s Degree in Nursing.  For many years he was employed as a “Travel Nurse” working primarily in Emergency Rooms throughout the country, including California, Nevada, Utah, Colorado, New York and New Jersey.

Wendell was an avid golfer and thoroughly enjoyed many rounds with friends far and wide. He had a sharp mind, quick wit, and an outstanding fund of knowledge that made him a formidable opponent at Jeopardy! He was also a talented craftsman, completing many projects for friends and family. Somewhere in his travels he learned the art of lumberjacking and entertained many of his sister’s friends and neighbors as he felled trees and chopped them into firewood piles that were a work of art.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his brother, Wilbourn “Bill” Beasley who died in 1996.

Surviving are his sister (whom he tormented for most of his life but loved dearly) Susan (Dr. Michael) Mojcik of Stone Mountain, GA; 2 nieces (that he adored) Mary Mojcik of New York City (Manhattan) and Catherine Mojcik of Atlanta, GA.

At Wendell’s request there will be no calling hours.  A gathering to remember Wendell will be held on Thursday, December 5^th, 2019 from 4:00 PM – 6:00 PM at Muhleisen’s Restaurant 60 N Main St. Almond, NY.

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

Wendell’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.

Rosemary “Rosie” George Cilano – 60 – of 6338 Shaw Road, Alfred Station, formerly of Hornell, died Monday afternoon (November 18, 2019) at Highland Hospital in Rochester, following a long illness.

Born in Hornell on December 8, 1958, she was the daughter of James “Jimmy” & Carolyn (Buono) George.

Rosie grew up in Hornell and was a graduate of Hornell High School (class of 1977).  When she was 16 years old, she began working at the Sunset Inn, a family owned Italian restaurant which was well known throughout the area for its fine Italian Cuisine.  From 1974 – 1986, Rosie served as the primary cook and pizza maker.  From 1986 – 1989, she was employed as a cook at Muhleisen’s Restaurant in Almond.

She resided in Canandaigua for about five years where she was employed as a cook at a local restaurant, returning to the Hornell area in 1994.  She has resided in the Alfred-Station for about 20 years.

Rosie had been a member of Our Lady of the Valley Parish and a communicant of St. Ann’s Church.  She also had been a member of the Hornell Elks Lodge and also the Hornell Association.  She loved socializing with her many friends and was an avid card player (she especially loved playing poker).  Rosie had a deep loved of music and especially enjoyed listening to Rock & Roll Oldies.  She had a deep love of cooking and loved sharing her delicious home cooked meals with family & friends.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Jimmy & Carolyn George and also her brother, Michael George.

Surviving are her sister, Kathy (Larry) Doty of Hornell; her sister-in-law, Patty George of Hornell; her niece, Jaime George; nephews, Brian Doty, Christopher Doty, Anthony George and Matthew George; 2 great-nieces (with whom she would spend countless hours simply playing with) Natalia Doty and Amara George; along with many aunts, uncles & cousins.

The family of Rosemary “Rosie” George Cilano will receive friends on Monday from 5:00 PM – 7:00 PM at the Dagon Funeral Home, 38 Church St., Hornell, NY.  A prayer service led by dear friend, Tom Roselli, will be held at the conclusion of calling hours at 7:00 PM at which time family & friends will be given an opportunity to tell a story or share a memory of Rosie.  Final interment will be in St. Mary’s Cemetery.

Rosie’s family request that in lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in her name be made to St. Ann’s Church, 29 Erie Ave., Hornell, NY 14943.  Memorial forms will be available at the Dagon Funeral Home.