John A. Dessena – (89) – formerly of 43 East Main St., and 2 Holly Terrace, Hornell, died Friday morning (November 17, 2017) at Hornell Gardens, following a long illness.

A native & life resident of Hornell, he was born April 13, 1928 and was the son of Joseph & Mary (DeGaetano) Dessena and the stepson of Teresa Marie (Scaglione) Dessena.

John attended St. Ann’s School and was a graduate of Hornell High School (class of 1946). He was a veteran of the US Army, serving his country from 1946 – 1948. While in the Army, he was stationed for a time in Japan.

He was employed for about 44 years at the Erie Railroad, Erie Lackawanna Railroad and Conrail in many capacities. He began his railroad career by working in the Erie Shops and retired in 1988 as Division Engineer with Conrail.

John was a member of Our Lady of the Valley Parish and a communicant of St. Ann’s Church. He also had been a member of the Hornell Knights of Columbus, the Carducci Lodge (Sons of Italy) and the National Rifle Association.

He was a true outdoorsman who thoroughly enjoyed hunting (both with a rifle and with bow & arrow) and also loved fishing. For many years, John enjoyed long distant running and later he enjoyed taking daily walks.

He was married on June 28, 1952 to the former Julia Marino who died April 20, 1993. He was also preceded in death by his son, John Dessena JR who died February 3, 2015.

Surviving are two sons, Rich (Kathy) Dessena of Hornell and Carl (Terri LaVerde) Dessena of Hornell; 1 sister, Leona Dessena of Hornell; 1 brother, Joseph (Adele) Dessena of Hornell; 5 grandchildren, Lauren (Brian) Prunoske, James (Crystal Montoya) Dessena, Kaelyn (Matt Wilcox) Dessena, Matthew Dessena and Sam Dessena; 1 great-grandson, Zachary Prunoske; several nieces, nephews & cousins.

The family of John A. Dessena will receive friends on Friday (Nov. 24, 2017) from 4:00 PM until
7:00 PM at the Dagon Funeral Home, 38 Church St., Hornell, NY. A Memorial Mass will be celebrated on Saturday (Nov. 25, 2017) at 11:00 AM at St. Ann’s Church with final interment in St. Mary’s Cemetery.

In honor of John’s service to his country by serving in the US Army, the American Flag will be flown at half-staff at the Dagon Funeral Home.

John’s family request that memorial contributions in his name be made to either the American Diabetes Association, PO Box 11454, Alexandria, VA 22312 or the Alzheimer’s Association, 435 East Henrietta Road, Rochester, NY 14620. Memorial forms will be available at the Dagon Funeral Home.

Penny L. Meyer – 58 – of 1 Willow St., North Hornell, NY died late Saturday evening (November 11, 2017) at her home, surrounded by her family following a long illness.

Born in Wellsville, NY on February 10, 1959, she was the daughter of James & Marjorie (Mix) Stidd.

Penny grew up in Perry, NY and attended Perry High School. Throughout the years she resided in many locations, including Perry, NY, Galion, OH, Tucson, AZ, Hornell, NY, and has resided in North Hornell for the past 18 years.

For many years, Penny was employed as a waitress at several restaurants. She was one of Jehovah’s Witnesses and attended Meetings at the Kingdom Hall where she enjoyed studying the Bible and listening to Bible based talks. She enjoyed sewing, crochet and home decorating. Penny’s greatest joy, however was simply spending time with her family — especially her children and grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her father, James “Jim” Stidd.

Penny was married on May 19, 1984 to Daniel Meyer who survives. Also surviving are 2 sons, Joseph (Andrea) Meyer of Hornell and Shane Meyer of Buffalo; 2 daughters, Amanda (Jamie) Shelley of Arkport and Alex (Richard) Mitchell of North Hornell; her mother, Marjorie “Marge” Stidd of Perry, 2 brothers, Gary (Becky) Stidd of Caledonia, NY and Greg (Leslie) Stidd of Cincinnati, OH; 2 sisters, Pam (Dean) Harris of Perry, and Patty (Joe) Teeter of Groveland, NY; 4 grandchildren, Conrad Meyer, Jamison Shelley, Mila Shelly and Jude Mitchell; several aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces & nephews.

At Penny’s request there will be no prior calling hours. Family & friends are invited to attend a Memorial Service on Saturday (November 18, 2017) at 3:00 P.M. at the Kingdom Hall of Jehovah Witnesses, Dunning Road, Canisteo, NY with Clint Connell officiating.

Funeral arrangements are in care of the Dagon Funeral Home, 38 Church St., Hornell, NY 14843.

Penny’s family request that in lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in her name be made to Kingdom Hall of Jehovah Witnesses, Dunning Road, Canisteo, NY 14823.

Winifred D. Winnie” Hornbeck – (95) – of 5848 Dineen Road, Hornell, died Thursday evening (November 2, 2017) at Hornell Gardens where she had resided for the past two years.

Born in Bristol, England on March 21, 1922, she was the daughter of Alfred & Alice (Hart) Caddick.

Winnie was a “war bride” when she married Charles R. Hornbeck on April 1, 1946. Charles was serving in the US Army at the time. She was a veteran of the “Land Army” in England during WWII.

She was in her early 20’s when she moved to the United States with Charles. They lived in Rochester for 3 years before moving to Hornell in 1949. The resided on Fulton Street for 42 years and moved to Dineen Road in the early 1990’s.

Winnie was a member of the Hornell Welcome Wagon Club for several years and became a Blue Bird and Camp Fire Leader. He had been employed as the former Acme Store, Stearns Poultry, Hornell YMCA and served as a nanny to Shannon & Morgan McCormick. She volunteered her time as a Foster Grandparent at St. Ann’s School for 18 years, retiring in September of 2007.

She enjoyed singing and was a member of the Sweet Adeline’s. She also enjoyed reading, knitting, working with children and traveling to England to visit her family.

Winifred was preceded in death by her husband, Charles Hornbeck who died June 2, 1995; her daughter, Linda; 3 sisters, Alice Skuse, Irene York and Lillian Cuff of England.

Surviving are her daughter, Diane (Ray) Gayhart of Hornell; her brother, Alen (Margaret) Caddick of Australia; several nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews and cousins in England.

The family of Winifred D. Hornbeck will receive friends on Monday from 4:00 PM – 6:00 PM at the Dagon Funeral Home, 38 Church St., Hornell, NY, where funeral & committal services will be held at the conclusion of calling hours at 6:00 PM with Deacon Robert McCormick officiating. Burial will be in St. Mary’s Cemetery.

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

James E. “Jim” Drake – 77 – of 31 Oak Hill St., Arkport, NY died October 26, 2017 at Elderwood at Hornell, following a short illness.

Born in Jasper, NY on June 6, 1940, he was the son of Burdett & Viola (Davis) Drake.

Jim grew up in Jasper and was a graduate of Jasper Central School (class of 1958) where he participated on many sports teams. Throughout the years, Jim resided in several locations, including Jasper, Hornell and Arkport.

Following high school graduation, Jim was employed for a time by the Town of Jasper as a member of the Jasper Highway Department. He was later employed in many capacities including conductor & brakeman for the former Erie Railroad, Erie-Lackawanna Railroad, Conrail & Norfolk Southern Railroad. He retired in 2002 following 40 years of service.

Jim was a member of the Arkport American Legion, past member of the Arkport Fire Department and former Zoning Officer for the Arkport Village. He was an avid sports fan, enjoyed hunting and watching NASCAR racing.

In addition to his parents, Jim was preceded in death by his sister, Joyce Paddock; his brother, Lyle Drake; and sister in law, Joanne Drake.

Jim was married on October 7, 1961 to the former Brenda Dennis who survives and still resides in Arkport. Also surviving are 3 daughters, Yvonne (Tom) Rechichi of Arkport, Dawn (Steve) Mess of Arkport, Jodi (Ryan) Howe of Arkport; 1 son, Dennis (Wendy) Drake of Arkport; 3 brothers, Harold Drake of Canisteo, Charles (Carolyn) Drake of Las Vegas, NV and Edsel (Marla) Drake of Salamanca, NY; 1 sister, Marilyn (Paul) Harvey of Salamanca, NY; 12 grandchildren; Chelsey Wyant of Rochester, Kyleigh (Justin) Recktenwald of Arkport, Ashley, Jordan, Austin and Bryar Drake of Arkport, Jaden and Jenna Mess of Arkport, Bradley Mess of Wellsville, Steven Mess of Norridgewock ME., Logan and Kaleb Howe of Arkport, and several nieces & nephews.

At Jim’s request there will be no calling hours. A private memorial service for family will be held at the convenience of the family. Family & friends are invited to a “Remembrance Dinner” held on Saturday (November 4, 2017) at 1:00 PM at the Arkport American Legion.

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 either the Hornell Humane Society, 7649 Industrial Park Road, Hornell, NY 14843 or to the Arkport Central School Library Fund, 35 East Ave., Arkport, NY 14807.

Deborah M. “Deb” Chidsey – (63) – of 404 Cleveland Ave., North Hornell, passed away peacefully early Wednesday morning (October 25, 2017) following a courageous battle with cancer.

Born in Fort Bragg, NC on November 16, 1953, she was the daughter of Harold E. & Beverly (Jepsen) Chidsey.

Deb grew up in Penn Yan, NY and was a graduate of Penn Yan Academy (class of 1971). She attended Herkimer Community College and later attended Alfred State College.

For most of her adult life, Deb was involved in the retail food industry and had been employed at several area food stores including Acme & Tops Food Market. For 17 years she owned & operated Convenient Corner Mart on Main St. in Hornell, retiring in 2012.

Deb loved being outdoors and enjoyed playing golf, softball and taking daily walks. She also enjoyed spending time with her beloved pets. She will be remembered as a kind & generous person who tried to help others wherever possible. She will be missed by everyone who had the pleasure of knowing her — especially her four legged friend, Sammie!

She was preceded in death by her father, Harold E. Chidsey who died in 2011.

Deb was married on November 1, 2015 to Nancy J. Gunby who survives. Also surviving are her mother, Beverly Chidsey of Penn Yan; her sister, Laurie (Chidsey) Jensen of Penn Yan; her niece Erin Kennedy (Eric) Hodges of Wilmington, NC; her nephew, Matthew Kennedy of Penn Yan; several aunts, uncles, cousins, 2 great nieces & 1 great nephew.

At Deb’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.

Deb’s family request that in lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to CareFirst Hospice, 3805 Meads Creek Rd. Painted Post, NY 14870 or to the Hornell Humane Society, 7649 Industrial Park Rd., Hornell, NY 14843.

Jerry L. Shoemaker – 75 – of Elmira, NY, passed away early Monday morning (October 23, 2017) at his home.

Born in Elmira, NY on May 14th 1942, he was the son of the late Raymond E. and the late Audrey M. (Wright) Shoemaker.

Jerry is survived by his wife Susan (Bennett) Shoemaker; his daughter Donna R. (Shoemaker) Donahue; his son Jerry R. Shoemaker; several grandchildren & great grandchildren. He is also survived by his very good friend Travis McDonald.

He was predeceased by his daughter Kelley J. (Shoemaker) Bailey.

Jerry was a wholesale food owner & business man for over 43 years. He also owned & operated apartment rentals for over 30 years.

He was President of Southport Jaycees for 2 years in the 1970’s and was a lifetime member of Jaycees International. Jerry served as president of the Elmira Kennel Club for 3 years in the 1980’s.

For over 25 years, Jerry’s passion was raising, breeding & showing English Bulldogs. He raised five homebred champions with one, “Dirty Harry”, who earned 2nd place at the Nationals. Jerry was also a member of the Bulldog Club of America for over 20 years.

At Jerry’s request there will be no calling hours. A Memorial Service will be held on Sunday, (November 5, 2017) at 4:00 PM at the United Methodist Church, 1238 Pennsylvania Ave., Elmira, NY. Please bring a dish to pass for the fellowship meal following the service! Jerry will be laid to rest in Fitzsimmons Cemetery on Maple Ave., Southport, NY.

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

Jerry’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 Joseph Barney – 61 – of 7265 County Route 14, Town of Bath, NY, died unexpectedly Friday afternoon (October 13, 2017) at his home.

Born in Scranton, PA on April 20, 1956, he was the son of Richard Kenyan & Charlene Barney.

John grew up in HopBottom, PA and attended school in Mountain View, PA. He was a veteran of the US Army, serving his country from 1971 – 1978, during the Vietnam era. He had been employed as a Truck Driver for many years, driving throughout the United States, Canada and Mexico.

Surviving are his son, Brent Barndy of Hallstead, PA; his daughter, Mandy Mundriea of Williamsport, PA; two brothers & 2 sisters, along with several nieces & nephews.

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.

William V. “Bill” Joseph – 72 – of Seymour St., Hornell, died _October 8th, 2017 at Elderwood of Hornell Nursing Facility, following a long illness.

A native & lifelong resident of Hornell, he was born November 15, 1944 and was the son of Abraham & Oral Lucille (Cornelius) Joseph.

Bill was a graduate of Hornell High School (class of 1963). Following high school graduation, he enlisted in the US Army and served his country during the Viet Nam War years. He was honorably discharged in 1971.

He was employed for 32 years as an Equipment Operator with the highway maintenance crew for the New York State Department of Transportation (NYSDOT), retiring in 2000.

Having obtained his private pilot’s license many years ago, Bill thoroughly enjoyed flying small airplanes around the area. He also loved boating and spent many days boating on nearby lakes. He was a photography enthusiast and loved taking pictures and videos of family and nature.

Surviving are 2 daughters, Denise (Jamie) Widger of Douglassville, PA and Christa (Gene Field) Munn of Reading, PA.

At Bill’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.

Bill’s family request that in lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in his name be made to Hornell Humane Society, 7649 Industrial Park Road, Hornell, NY 14843.

Alton M. Rose – 85 – of Corning, NY, passed away at his home, surrounded by his loving family & friends on October 3^rd, 2017 after years of battling cancer.

Born in July of 1932 in Dundee, NY, he was the son of Merton & Viola (Florance) Rose.

Alton grew up on the family farm in Dundee and was a graduate of Dundee High School (class of 1950) he was an exceptional athlete, excelling in baseball, basketball & tennis.  His baseball skills were so great that he was actually scouted by the New York Giants Baseball Team.

He was a veteran of the US Army, serving his country during the Korean Conflict.  He was a member of the 101^st Army Airborne Division and saw extensive action during his military career.  He began his military service on December 1, 1952 and was honorably discharged on October 26, 1954.

A resident of Corning for nearly 65 years, Alton was employed for about one year at Corning Glass Works.  For about 40 years, he was employed as a pipe fitter by Local Union #109 and Local Union #267 of Plumbers & Pipe Fitters.  He retired in 1996.

Alton was a member of the Corning VFW and the Corning American Legion.  He was an avid Corvette enthusiast and had owned several Corvettes throughout the years.  He was also a member of the Corning Corvette Club.

He was preceded in death by his brother, Richard Rose and his sister, Eleanor Greene.

Alton was married for 47 years to the former M. Marie Scrithfield who survives.  Also surviving are his children; his sister, Alta Rockwell of Painted Post, NY; several nieces, nephew & cousins.

At Alton’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.

Alton’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.

Mary Roberta Harold – (90) – formerly of 276 Main St., Hornell, passed away Wednesday evening (October 4, 2017) at Hornell Gardens.

Born in Hornell, she was the daughter of the late Leo & Helen (Whitman) Hitchcock.

Roberta was a graduate of Hornell High School, Class of 1944.  In 1948 she graduated from Mercyhurst College in Erie, PA with a Bachelors Degree in Fine Arts.

She resided in Lewiston, NY for many years, returning to Hornell in 1988.  A former member of the Hornell Association, Roberta enjoyed being outdoors and liked nothing better than working in her yard and tending her garden.  She also enjoyed playing cards, working on crossword puzzles and browsing estate sales.

On July 9, 1949, she was married in St. Ann’s Church in Hornell to Robert Harding Harold who died on June 2, 1971.  She was also preceded in death by her brother, John Hitchcock and her granddaughter, Colleen Harold.

Surviving are her four children, Brian (Kathy) Harold of Lewiston, NY, Melissa (James) McGee of Pittsford, NY, Jeffrey (Diane) Harold of Hornell and Andrew Harold of Youngstown, NY; seven grandchildren, Robert (Megan) Harold, Peggy (Jeremiah) Rauch, Nora McGee, Colin McGee, Claire (Eric) Ochmanek, Timothy McGee and Caryn (Jeremy) Parsons; eight great-grandchildren; several nieces & nephews.

At Roberta’s request there will be no calling hours.  A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at the convenience of the family with private internment and committal prayers at North Ridge Cemetery in Cambria, NY.

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

Roberta’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.