Barbara A. “Barb” Niver – 64 – 51 Wood St., Hornell, passed away peacefully Thursday morning (October 11, 2018) at her home.

Born in Hornell on August 25, 1954, she was the daughter of Elmer & Veronica (Carey) Stocum.

Barb grew up in Hornell and was a graduate of Hornell High School (class of 1972). In 1973 she graduated from the Hornell BOCES Nursing Program with an Associate’s Degree in Nursing.

She was employed as a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) at Noyes Memorial Hospital in Dansville from 1974 – 1976. For several years, Barb served as an LPN at St. James Mercy Hospital, primarily in the Pediatrics department. While working at St. James Mercy Hospital, she also was employed as a Steuben County Home Health Care Visiting Nurse, helping families throughout the area.

Growing up Catholic, Barb had been a communicant of St. Ignatius Loyola Church. She enjoyed knitting & crocheting and loved making beautiful baby blankets & Afghans and donating them to the St. James Mercy Hospital Pediatrics Unit. Throughout the years, she enjoyed spending summers at the Stocum family cottage at Keuka Lake. Barb’s favorite pastime, however, was simply being a “Full Time Grandma”.

In addition to her parents, Barb was preceded in death by her son, Jeremy R. Niver who died September 10, 1996.

Surviving are 2 daughters, Tanarra (Ryan Davis) McDermott of Hornell and Jolene (Alan) Schlick of Hornell; 1 brother, Richard (Kimberly) Stocum of Canisteo; 1 sister, Eileen Stocum of Cameron Mills; her former husband & best friend, Raymond Niver of Canisteo; 4 grandchildren, Collin (Sarah) Ross of Hammondsport, Courtney (Peter) Flynn of Ionia, MI, Brendan McDermott of Hornell and DezaRay Burley of Hornell; 1 great-grandson, Wyatt Flynn; several nieces & nephews.

The family of Barbara A. “Barb” Niver will receive friends on Monday from 3:00 PM – 6:00 PM at the Dagon Funeral Home, 38 Church St., Hornell, NY. A Memorial Service will be held at the conclusion of calling hours at 6:00 PM with Deacon Robert McCormick officiating. Final interment will be in St. Mary’s Cemetery.

Barb’s family request that in lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in her name be made to American Diabetes Association, PO Box 13067, Alexandria, VA 22312 or to the American Heart Association, PO Box 3049, Syracuse, NY 13220. Memorial forms will be available at the Dagon Funeral Home.

William H. “Bill” Walters – 48 – of Cunningham Creek Rd., Canisteo, died early Thursday morning (October 4, 2018) at his home, following a long illness.

Born in Rochester, NY on September 14, 1970, he was the son of Charles & Catherine (McDonald) Walters.

Bill grew up in Rochester and attended Charlotte High School. While living in Rochester, he was employed by the City of Rochester Parks Department providing lawn & garden maintenance throughout the city. He had also worked at The Garden Factory of Rochester in the same capacity.

A resident of the Hornell – Canisteo area since 1992, Bill was employed at Marcus Farms of Arkport maintaining & pruning future Christmas Trees.

A true outdoorsman, Bill was an avid fisherman and enjoyed fishing at the nearby lakes and also the Thousand Islands. He also loved hunting — especially deer hunting. Bill enjoyed watching football on TV and loved rooting for his favorite team, the Buffalo Bills. Having a deep affection for all animals, Bill owned many dogs and throughout the years thoroughly enjoyed his “canine friends.”

In addition to his parents, Bill was preceded in death by his longtime companion, Vida Hughes who died several years ago.

Surviving are 2 sisters, Carol (Debbie) Hummel of Rochester and Linda Walters of Rochester; 2 brothers, Michael (Anne) Walters of Rochester and Charles (Tammy) Walters of Rochester; several nieces & nephews.

The family of William H. “Bill” Walters will receive friends on Thursday (October 11, 2018) from
4:00 PM – 6:00 PM at the First Bible Baptist Church, 990 Manitou Rd., Rochester, NY. A Memorial Service will be held at the conclusion of calling hours at 6:00 PM with Rev Kevin Summerlin officiating.

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 the Hornell Humane Society, 7649 Industrial Park Road, Hornell, NY 14843.

Patricia Marie “Pat” Quant – 77 – of 40 Geneva St., Bath, formerly of Hornell died unexpectedly Tuesday afternoon (October 2, 2018) at Arnot Ogden Hospital in Elmira, NY.

Born in North Hornell on May 23, 1941, she was the daughter of Harold & Rena (Thompson) Tuller.

Pat grew up in Buffalo, NY and attended school in the Buffalo area. She moved back to Hornell at the age of 17 and attended Hornell High School. She has resided in Bath for the past seven years.

While living in Hornell, Pat had been employed for many years as a health caregiver, first for Friendly Homes in Canisteo and later as a private duty caregiver for senior citizens in the Hornell area.

For many years Pat was a member of the East Avenue United Methodist Church where she served as Sunday School Secretary and president of the Mizpah Ladies Club. While living in Bath, she was a member of the Centenary United Methodist Church and was a member of the United Methodist Women’s Club.

Pat enjoyed listening to country music, working on jigsaw puzzles and also spending time attending and supporting various church activities. She also loved collecting anything that had to do with Santa Claus — especially figurines. She also spent countless hours creating needlepoint and embroidery “works of art”.

She was married at the Hornell East Avenue United Methodist Church on August 20, 1977 to Arthur Quant who survives. Also surviving are her brother, Charles Arthur Tuller of Bath; several nieces, nephews, great nieces & great nephews. She will also be sadly missed by her canine companion, Licorice.

At Pat’s request there will be no calling hours. Family & friends are invited to attend a Memorial Service on Monday at 10:00 AM at Hornell United Methodist Church, Webbs Crossing Road, Hornell, NY  with Rev Lenny Fuller & Rev. Eleanor Collingsworth officiating. Final interment will be in Rural Cemetery.

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

Pat’s family request that in lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in her name be made to the American Diabetes Association, PO Box 13067, Alexandria, VA 22312.

James A. “Jim” Sloan – 86 – formerly of Johnson City, NY, died Wednesday morning (September 26, 2018) at Elderwood at Hornell Nursing Facility, where he had resided for the past seven years.

Born in Binghamton, NY on May 25, 1932, he was the son of James & Gertrude (Gorman) Sloan.

Jim grew up in Binghamton and was a graduate of Binghamton Central School (class of 1949). He later earned his Associate’s Degree in Mechanical Design from Broome County Community College.

A resident of Johnson City, NY for many years, Jim had been employed as a draftsman for IBM Corporation in Endicott, NY. He had been a communicant of St. James Catholic Church of Binghamton, served on the Alter and Rosary Society for St. Ambrose Catholic Church and for many years served as a volunteer for Meals on Wheels. He also volunteered his time by “ringing the bell” for the Salvation Army at Christmas time. Throughout his lifetime, Jim enjoyed fishing, listening to music, and rooting for the New York Yankees.

Jim was preceded in death by his wife, Ellen and also several brothers & sisters.

Surviving are 4 children, Catherine Sloan of Newport, RI, Thomas and his wife Renee Von Raub of Orlando, FL, Helen Bevelacqua of Orlando, FL; and James C. Sloan of De Funiack Springs, FL; 2 grandchildren, Thomas Marcus Von Raub and Crystal Appel; 1 great-granddaughter, Chloe Rose Appel and his first wife, Rhea Baskin of De Funiack Springs, FL.

At Jim’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.

Jim’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.

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

Robert F. “Bob” Hillman – 93 – of 18 Pardee St., Hornell, died early Wednesday morning (September 19, 2018) at his home, following a long illness.

Born in Hornell on March 9, 1925, he was the son of Robert C. & Rose Patricia (McCarthy) Hillman and the stepson of Anna (Stewart) Hillman.

Bob grew up in Hornell and was a graduate of St. Ann’s School and Hornell High School (Class of 1943). He received his Associate’s Degree in Accounting from Alfred State College; his Bachelor’s Degree from Scranton University; and his Master’s Degree from Alfred University. He also completed certification work at St. Bonaventure University.

Bob was a veteran of the US Navy, serving his country during WWII as a Turret Gunner on a torpedo bomber which participated in the invasion of the Philippines at Lingayen Gulf. His ship, the aircraft carrier “The Bismarck Sea” was sunk by two Japanese Kamikaze planes during the battle for Iwo Jima at 6:30 PM on February 21, 1945. Rescued after three hours in the water, Bob was taken to a troop transport at Iwo Jima where he witnessed the American Flag flying over Mount Suribachi the next day. The historic scene was immortalized by the Pulitzer Prize winning photo by Joe Rosenthal entitled “FLAG RAISING AT IWO JIMA”. He was authorized to wear the Combat Air Crewman Wings, the Distinguished Flying Cross and the Air Medal. He was a member of the Royal Order of the Golden Dragon for crossing the International Date Line and survived the initiation from Pollywog to Shellback for crossing the equator.

He was employed at the Erie Railroad Accounting Bureau of Hornell and Scranton, PA for 16 years and also as an accountant for the State Workman’s Insurance Fund in Scranton, PA. Bob returned to Hornell and taught Office Practice and Business Machines for the Steuben Allegany BOCES for 24 years and was a member of the BOCES Teacher’s Union. He also served on the negotiation team when it affiliated with the National Education Association. He retired in 1990.

Bob was a member of Our Lady of the Valley Parish and a communicant of St. Ann’s Church. He was also a Third Degree member of the Knights of Columbus and a former member of the Hornell Elks Lodge, Hornell Moose Lodge, Hornell VFW and the Hornell American Legion. Bob was a long time member of the City of Hornell Planning Board, resigning in 1998 to spend the winter months in Florida with his wife and son, James.

Some of Bob’s particular interests was spending time at a hunting/summer camp that he shared with four other friends & relatives. He also enjoyed gardening and spending time with his friends at the Euchre Club and the Perkinsville Poker Club. He also loved rooting for the New York Yankees and Notre Dame. He absolutely loved spending time with his family, especially his grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his 2 brothers, Leo Hillman and John Hillman.

Bob was married on April, 1964 to the former Eleanor Trowbridge who survives. Also surviving are 3 sons, Robert (Janet) Hillman of Bradenton, FL, David (Kathleen) Hillman of Hornell and James Hillman of Florida; 2 daughters, Chris (Jack) Geary of Cleveland, OH and Kim (John) Weyand of Hornell; his sister, Rosemary Walton of Ashville, NC; his sister-in-law, Isabelle Hillman of Hornell; 6 grandchildren, Sara Hillman, Robert “R.J.” Hillman, Heather Hillman, Shawn (Heidi Schmidt) Hillman Jacob Weyand and Spencer Weyand; many nieces & nephews.

The family of Robert F. “Bob” Hillman 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 10:00 AM at St. Ann’s Church. Burial with full military honors will follow at St. Ann’s Cemetery.

Bob’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. Memorial forms will be available at the Dagon Funeral Home.

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

Joseph D. “Joe” Kelleher, SR – 88 – formerly of 15 Florence St., Hornell, died Wednesday afternoon (September 12, 2018) at Hornell Gardens where he had resided for the past 3 years.

A native & life resident of Hornell, he was born June 21, 1930 and was the son of Daniel & Helen (McGinnis) Kelleher.

Joe attended Hornell High School where he participated in basketball and other sports. He was employed as a brakeman for the former Erie Railroad and Erie Lackawanna Railroad for over 30 years, retiring in 1983.

He was a member of Our Lady of the Valley Parish and a devout communicant of St. Ann’s Church. He was also a longtime member of the Hornell Knights of Columbus.

Joe was an avid sports fan and enjoyed following his children’s and grandchildren’s sporting careers — rarely missing a game. He was also a “Die Hard” Notre Dame Fighting Irish Fan who enjoyed many trips to South Bend, IN to attend Notre Dame games with his family.

As a devoted husband and a loving father, grandfather & great-grandfather, Joe thoroughly loved and appreciated time spent with his family. Not only will he be sadly missed by his family, but will also be missed by his many friends throughout the Hornell community.

Joe was married on August 8, 1948 to the former Doris King who died April 30, 2007. He was preceded in death by his 5 siblings, Robert Kelleher, Mary Smith, John Kelleher, Cecilia McPherson and William Kelleher.

Surviving are 3 sons, Joseph (Linda) Kelleher, JR of Hornell, Thomas (Rebecca) Kelleher of Castile, NY and Timothy (Denise) Kelleher of Lewisburg, PA; 2 daughters, Kathleen Welch of Caledonia, NY and Rosann (William) Whiteman of Largo, FL; 11 grandchildren; 5 great-grandchildren; many nieces & nephews.

The family of Joseph D. Kelleher will receive friends on Monday 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 Tuesday at 10:00 AM at St. Ann’s Church with burial in St. Mary’s Cemetery.

Joe’s family request that memorial contributions in his name be made to St. Ann’s Academy, PO Box 446, Hornell, NY 14843. Memorial forms will be available at the Dagon Funeral Home.

The family of Joseph D. Kelleher would like to express their thanks and gratitude to the staff at Hornell Gardens for the wonderful care that he received over the past three years.

Hornell, NY  / Honeoye, NY

Catherine E. “Kae” Giese – 92 – formerly of Hornell, died Tuesday morning, September 11, 2018.

She was married to William W. “Bill” Giese Jr. who died January 2, 1991.  Together they owned and operated W.W. Giese Corporation of Hornell.  

Survivors include her son, William W. “Bill” Giese III; 2 daughters, Janet Giese Flansburg and Karyn Giese.

At Kae’s request there will be no calling hours.  A Memorial Mass will be held on Friday, September 14, 2018 at 10:00 AM at St. Ann’s Church.  Private burial will be in the Bath National Cemetery alongside her husband, Bill.

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

Gerald C. “Jerry” Manning – 83 – of 5 Evergreen Dr., Arkport, died late Sunday evening (August 26, 2018) at St. James Mercy Hospital, following a long illness.

Born in Queens, NY on February 5, 1935, he was the son of Edward & Helen (Fitzgerald) Manning.

Jerry grew up in Brooklyn where he graduated from high school. He was a veteran of the US Navy, serving his country during the Korean Conflict.

Following his honorable discharge from the US Navy, Jerry moved to Long Island where he was employed for many years as an auto mechanic. He later served as a limousine driver in New York City and routinely drove for many of the New York Yankee players. While living on Long Island, Jerry served as a dedicated Volunteer Fire Fighter as a member of the Huntington Manor Fire Department and also the Kings Park Fire Department. As a firefighter, Jerry saved several lives in the line of duty and throughout the years earned many awards including Firefighter of the Year.

Following his retirement in 1999, Jerry moved to the Arkport area. He enjoyed hunting & fishing and was a diehard New York Yankee Baseball Fan and New York Giants Football Fan.

Jerry was married to the former Rosemarie Kestel who died in 1993. He was also preceded in death by his son, Edward Manning; 2 brothers, Edward Manning & Donald Manning.

Surviving are his former wife and longtime companion, Margaret Skidmore with whom he resided; two sons, David (Courtney) Manning of Hornell and Jerry (Nicole) Manning of Long Island; his daughter, Cathy (Sal) Pisciotta of Long Island; Margaret’s daughter, Melissa (Billy) Rizzo of Pennsylvania; 8 grandchildren, Faith Manning, Kyle Manning, Jayden Manning, Levi Manning, Isabella Mullikin, Kassidy Mullikin, Michael Pisciotta and Nicholas Pisciotta; 1 great-grandson, Joseph Pisciotta; several nieces & nephews.

At Jerry’s request there will be no local calling hours. Services will be held in Kings Park, NY with final interment in Calverton National Cemetery, Calverton, NY.

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

For further information regarding funeral arrangements,
call Dagon Funeral Home at 607-324-3500

Donald M. “Don” Gallese – 59 – of 293 Canisteo St., Hornell, NY, died unexpectedly on Wednesday morning, August 22, 2018.

Born in Hornell on December 27, 1958, he was the son of Dominic “Bill” & Dina (Ciancaglini) Gallese.

Don grew up in Hornell and was a graduate of the former St. Ann’s School and later graduated from Hornell High School (class of 1976). Following high school graduation, he enlisted in the US Navy, serving his country from 1976 – 1978.

Following his honorable discharge from the US Navy, Donald resided in Colorado for several years and was employed in the construction industry. He returned to Hornell and, along with his brothers, established Gallese & Gallese House Painting which they operated for several years. In the early 1980’s, Don began working as a prison guard at Groveland Correctional Facility, “retiring” about 9 years ago. He later was employed in the Meat Department at Wegman’s Grocery in Hornell, retiring about 3 years ago.

Donald had been a member of Our Lady of the Valley Parish and a communicant of St. Ann’s Church. Throughout the years he enjoyed traveling throughout the United States and especially enjoyed vacationing on the beaches, such as Ocean City, MD, Myrtle Beach and Florida. Don was an avid hunter & fisherman and loved cooking and serving venison to his family & friends. In his younger years, he enjoyed “shooting pool” at his family’s pool hall.

In addition to his parents, Don was preceded in death by his brother, Dominic Gallese who died in 2002, his brother-in-law, Emil Seliga who died in 2015 and also his canine friend, Dasher, who died in 2017.

Surviving are his longtime companion, Linda Cornish with whom he resided; his son, Ben Cornish of Boston, MA; his daughter, Madelaine “Maddie” Gallese of Hornell; his brother, Joseph (Cindy) Gallese of Hornell; 3 sisters, Nikki (Robert) MacDonald of Rochester, Mary (Steve) Kellerson of Rochester and Teresa Seliga of Endicott, NY; his special aunt, Lucy Wiley of Hornell; several aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews & cousins. He will also be sadly missed by his canine companion, Daisy.

At Don’s request there will be no calling hours. His family would like to celebrate his life with an informal reception on Sunday (Today) at the Cornish home, 29 Mays Ave., Hornell, NY from 11:00 AM – 2:00 PM where family & friends can share stories of Don’s life.

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

Donald’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.

H. Joseph “Joe” Donlon – (72) – of 6282 Gypsy Hill Road, Hornell, died Thursday afternoon (August 16, 2018) at his home, surrounded by his family and friends, following a long illness.

A native & life resident of Hornell, he was born on August 22, 1945, and was the son of Harry & Elizabeth (Conklin) Donlon.

Joe was a graduate of Hornell High School (class of 1964). He later attended Alfred State College. He was a veteran of the US Army, serving in the 25th Infantry Division in Vietnam in 1967.

In his younger years, Joe & his wife owned & operated a family dairy farm in Hornell. He also worked as a mason & bricklayer for Local #3 Bricklayers Union for many years.

He was a member of Our Lady of the Valley Parish and had been a communicant of St. Ignatius Loyola Church where he sang in the choir & served as an usher. In later years he was a communicant of St. Mary’s Church of Rexville and also St. Ann’s Church where he served on the building & grounds committee. Joe was a charter member the Ancient Order of Hibernians, Sons of Ireland, Steuben County Division 1. In 2013 he was awarded Hibernian of the year for his service to his church and community.

The Hornell community will remember Joe for many of his talents, most of all his humor and willingness to help others. “Uncle Joe” to many, he brightened every room with quick words of wit and his infectious smile. Joe will be remembered as a person that could make you laugh a little louder, smile a little bigger and live a little better.

He was predeceased by his loving wife Christine (Egmond) of 40 years, who passed away on February 5, 2010. He was also preceded in death by his sister, Bonnie Cheresnowsky.

Surviving are 3 sons, Joe (Julie) Donlon of Hornell, Jeremy (Sara) Donlon of Scio and Stephen (Kelly) Donlon of Alfred; 4 sisters, Jacqueline (Jack) McGraw of Mattapoisett, MA, Beverly Donlon of Horseheads, Elaine (Barry) Ceci of Rochester and Elizabeth Donlon of Rochester; 1 brother, Mike Donlon of Hornell; grandchildren, Breccan, Ryann, McKenna, Brogan & Katen; many close nieces & nephews, brothers and sisters-in laws and close companion Frances Shute.

The family of H. Joseph “Joe” Donlon will receive friends on Monday from 3:00 PM – 6:00 PM at the Dagon Funeral Home, 38 Church St., Hornell, NY. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Tuesday at 10 AM at St. Ann’s Church with burial in St. Mary’s Cemetery.

Joe’s family request that memorial contributions in his name be made to CareFirst Hospice, 3805 Meads Creek Road, Painted Post, NY 14870. Memorial forms will be available at the Dagon Funeral Home.