Robert J. “Bob” Rink – 83 – of 457 Seneca Rd., North Hornell, died unexpectedly Saturday afternoon (October 1, 2016) at St. James Mercy Hospital, after being stricken at home.

Born in Hornell on March 18, 1933, he was the son of Frank & Mary (Burns) Rink.

Bob resided in Bradford, PA in his early years and was raised by his grandmother, Anna Burns, following the death of his mother. He returned to Hornell at the age of seven to live with his father and family.

He was a graduate of Hornell High School (class of 1951). Following graduation from high school, Bob enlisted in the U.S. Army and served his country from 1953-1955. After being honorably discharged from the Army, Bob enrolled at St. Bonaventure University and then graduated from Alfred University where he earned his Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration in 1960.

Bob resided in California for approximately 2 years and was employed as a broker for E.F. Hutton. He returned to Hornell and worked as a stock broker for Loeb Rhodes. In the early 1960’s, Bob purchased the Philip J. Rockwell Insurance Agency in Hornell which eventually became Rink Insurance Agency and later the Rink-Partridge Insurance Agency. All in all, Bob served the Hornell area’s insurance needs for nearly 50 years, retiring about seven years ago.

He was a member of Our Lady of the Valley Parish and a communicant of St. Ann’s Church. Throughout the years Bob had also been a member of the Hornell Rotary, the Hornell Kiwanis and the American Legion. He enjoyed fresh water fishing especially with his grandkids and was an avid Buffalo Bills Fan.

Bob will be remembered as a wonderful husband, father, brother & grandfather. He will especially be remembered for his wit, humor and ability to tell a great story. He simply enjoyed a good laugh and took pride in putting a smile on the face of anyone and everyone around him. He truly “loved life” and lived life to the fullest! He will be sadly missed by everyone that had the pleasure of knowing him!

He was preceded in death by two sisters, Elizabeth (Betty) Calnan and Anna Marmo and his granddaughter, Taylor Murray.

Bob married Eleanor Ormsby on August 22,1959 and recently celebrated 57 years of marriage. Also surviving are three daughters, Kristine (Cooper) Murray of Apex, NC, Cheryl (Drew) Morton of Austin, TX and Diane (Kevin) Michaelson of Ridgewood, NJ; seven grandchildren, Spencer Murray, Turner Murray, Cooper Murray, Ally Morton, Sydney Morton, Henry Michaelson and Brynn Michaelson; one brother, Tom (Martha) Rink of Arkport, NY; one sister, Lucille Brown of Rochester, NY; and numerous nieces, nephews & cousins.

The family will receive friends on Wednesday from 4:00 PM – 7:00 PM at the Dagon Funeral Home, 38 Church St., Hornell, NY. Private services will be held at the convenience of the Rink family.

In lieu of flowers, the family has requested memorial contributions be made in Bob’s name 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 military service to his country, the American Flag at the Dagon Funeral Home will be flown at half-staff.

John J. O’Driscoll – 89 – a resident of Manor Hill Assisted Living in Wellsville, formerly of 4 Maplewood Ave., North Hornell, died Sunday, October 2, 2016 at Jones Memorial Hospital after a brief illness.

Born in Beacon, NY on May 15, 1927, he was the son of the late John O’Driscoll and Wilma O’Driscoll Henderson. John graduated from St. Joachim’s Catholic School, Beacon High School, and American University in Washington, DC.

John worked at the National Biscuit Company in Beacon until he joined the US Navy as a corpsman during World War II and again during the Korean War. After his stint with the Navy, John went to work for the Travelers Insurance Company in New York City. In 1989, he retired after 38 years with Travelers to beautiful North Hornell, which he had seen from the troop train while in the Navy. It was then that he knew he would be back to the area someday – and he did! John was a member of Our Lady of the Valley Parish and a communicant of St. Ann’s Church.

John is survived by his cousins, Patricia Carlson of Lafayette, MN; Margaret and Harrison Slocum of Wallkill, NY; many second cousins.

At John’s request, there will be no prior calling hours. Family and friends are invited to attend a Mass of Christian Burial on Wednesday, at 2:00 PM at St. Ann’s Church. Burial will be in St. Mary’s Cemetery.

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

John Henry Guenther – 63 – of 7828 Route 21, Hornell, (Town of Fremont), died early Wednesday morning (September 28, 2016) at his home, following a brief battle with cancer.

A native & lifelong resident of Hornell, he was born February 24, 1953 and was the son of Henry & Agnes (Carrier) Guenther.

John was a graduate of Hornell High School (class of 1971) where he excelled at sports — especially baseball & football. He also “made his mark” on the baseball diamond while playing Little League Baseball, Babe Ruth League Baseball and Older Babe Ruth League Baseball. During his high school years he was known to make a daily appearance at Abby’s Pool Hall where he became an extremely proficient pool player as well as a great ping-pong player.

Following high school, John attended SUNY Morrisville and later graduated from Alfred State College with a degree in horticulture. Throughout the years he was a self-employed landscaper and was always very proud of his contribution to the landscaping on the Hornell Broadway Mall.

John was an avid golfer and was a longtime member of the Hornell Country Club (later Hornell Golf Club). He was a member of the Hornell Association, Hornell Elks Lodge, Hornell Moose Club as well as the Hornell American Legion, Arkport American Legion and Hornell VFW. He thoroughly enjoyed his times meeting up with his friends at these great fraternal organizations.

He always loved watching sporting events on TV and especially enjoyed rooting for his beloved Miami Dolphins. In his younger years, John enjoyed attending his daughter’s sporting and school events.

In addition to his parents, John was preceded in death by his sister, Elsa Wechter.

Surviving are three daughters, Elsa Guenther of Rochester, NY, Kristen Guenther of Nashville, TN and Katie Guenther of Hornell; 2 brothers, William “George” Guenther of Crystal Beach, FL and David (Patience) Guenther of Estero, FL; his former wife, Terry (Jay) Pullman of Arkport; his niece Molly (Scott) Houck and his nephew, Kyle Wechter.

At John’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.

John’s family requests that in lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in his name be made to Care First Hospice, 11751 East Corning Road, Corning, NY 14830.

Joanne M. Campbell – (85) – of 335 Cleveland Ave., North Hornell, died Tuesday afternoon (September 27, 2016), at Elderwood at Hornell Nursing Facility, following a long illness.

A native & life resident of Hornell, she was born August 15, 1931 and was the daughter of John & Mary (Pokrawaska) Sydelko.

Joanne was a graduate of St. Ann’s School and later graduated from Hornell High School (class of 1949). While in high school and following graduation, she had been employed at the former Dunn’s Drug Store in Hornell as a sales clerk. From 1983 – 1996, Joanne served as a teacher’s aide with the Hornell BOCES Program.

She was a member of Our Lady of the Valley Parish and had been a communicant of the former St. Ignatius Loyola Church and later St. Ann’s Church

Joanne was preceded in death by 3 sisters, Jennie Tsibulsky, Tess Prince and Anne Locker; 1 brother, Peter Sydelko.

She was married on August 29, 1951 to Frederick “Fred” Campbell who surives. Also surviving are 1 daughter, Sue Moster of Sunrise, FL.; 3 sons, Fred Campbell of Canisteo, Mike (Carolin) Campbell of Hornell and Jim (Kim) Campbell of Alfred Station; 6 grandchildren; 1 great-grandson; several nieces & nephews.

At Joanne’s request there will be no prior calling hours. Family and friends are invited to attend a Mass of Christian Burial on Friday at 10:00 AM at St. Ann’s Church. Burial will be in St. Mary’s Cemetery.

Joanne’s family request that in lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in her name be made to Cystic Fibrosis Foundation, 6932 Arlington Road, 2nd Floor, Bethesda, MD 20814.

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

Kelly S. Bailey – (50) – of 23 Albion St., Hornell, died Wednesday afternoon (September 21, 2016), surrounded by her family, following a long illness.

Born in Hornell on December 18, 1965, she was the daughter of Eugene “Eggie” & Lois (Coleman) Bailey who preceded her in death.

Kelly resided in Hornell during her younger years and, while in the 10th grade moved to York, NY where she graduated from York Central School (class of 1984). She later attended Genesee Community College.

About 30 years ago, Kelly returned to the Hornell area. She had been employed at the former Ponderosa Steak House for several years and more recently was employed in the dietary department of Elderwood at Hornell Nursing Facility (formerly McAuley Manor).

Kelly was a longtime member of the Hornell Moose Lodge, Hornell VFW and the Hornell Association. She enjoyed life to the fullest, had a wonderful sense of humor and enjoyed “Raising a Glass” with her many friends.

Surviving are her longtime companion, Gerald “Jerry” Prentice with whom she resided; 1 brother, Joseph (Linda) Bailey of Hornell; 3 sisters, Cindy (Brett Zimmerman) Bailey of Keuka Lake, Patty (Roger Henry) Wigfield of North Rose, NY and Debi (Don Hollister) McCormick of Newark, NY;
4 step-sisters, Linda (Skip) Dunham of Hornell, Donna(the late Robert) Reynolds of Hornell, Lorrie (Edward) George of Almond and Becky (Alan) Conine of Rochester; her Uncle, Jim (Julie) Coleman. She is also survived by her dear friend Sharon Prentice and her children, Eric, Holly, and Ryan; her grandchildren, her great granddaughter, cousins, and several nieces & nephews.

The family of Kelly S. Bailey will receive friends on Saturday from 12:00 – 2:00 PM at the Dagon Funeral Home, 38 Church St., Hornell, NY where funeral services will be held at the conclusion of calling hours at 2:00 PM with Deacon Robert McCormick officiating. Burial will be in St. Mary’s Cemetery.

Kelly’s family request that in lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in her name be made to Wilmot Cancer Institute, C/O Strong Memorial Hospital, 601 Elmwood Ave., Rochester, NY14642. Memorial forms will be available at the Dagon Funeral Home.

Philip T. “Phil” Bellanca – 93 – of 92 Elizabeth St., Hornell, died early Sunday morning (September 18, 2016) at his home, following a long illness.

Born in Mt. Morris, NY on January 11, 1923, he was the son of Gaetano & Michela (Cordia) Bellanca.

Phil grew up in Mt. Morris and was a graduate of Mt. Morris High School. He was a veteran of WWII, serving his country as a member of the US Army.

He moved to Hornell in 1948 and, throughout the years, had been employed at several local businesses including the Erie Railroad, Erie-Lackawanna Railroad, the Icehouse, Hornell Brewery and the former Merrill Hosiery Corporation.

Phil was a member of Our Lady of the Valley Parish and a communicant of St. Ann’s Church. He enjoyed gardening, growing the best tomatoes in Hornell, and loved everything to do with cars, especially antiques. Phil was also a skilled carpenter, who could always be found building or tinkering with a variety of projects.

He was married on January 25, 1947 to the former Margaret Sciotti who died November 14, 2008. He was also preceded in death by his grandson, Timothy Lowry who died in 1984; his son-in-law, Dennis Lowry; 6 sisters; and 4 brothers.

Surviving are 2 daughters, Mary Margaret (David) Massey of Sebastian, FL and Phyllis Lowry of Whittier, CA; 4 grandchildren, Philip Massey, Brigette Seibert, Heidi Lowry and Mitchell Lowry, 4 great-grandchildren; many nieces & nephews.

At Phil’s request there will be no calling hours. Friends are invited to attend a Mass of Christian Burial on Friday at 10:00 AM at St. Ann’s Church. Burial will be in St. Mary’s Cemetery.

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

Phil’s family request that in lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in his name be made to St. Ann’s Academy, PO Box 446, Hornell, NY 14843.

Dorothy J. “Dot” Ames – (89) – of 107 Circle Dr., Bath, NY, died early Friday morning (August 26, 2016) at Elderwood at Hornell Nursing Facility where she had resided for the past five years.

Born in Arkport on January 11, 1927, she was the daughter of Earl & Gladys (Wescott) Crooks.

Tragically, both of Dorothy’s parents died when she was a young child and she spent the next several years living with relatives. During these years, Dot lived in Thacherville, Albany, Hornell and Arkport. She attended several schools, including Alfred-Almond Central School and was a graduate of Arkport Central School (class of 1945).

Following high school, Dot resided in Buffalo for several years and worked at a local radio station. She lived in Hornell for over 30 years and had been employed at Elmhurst Dairy and also as a waitress at the former Big Elms Restaurant. She has resided in Bath since 1979.

Dorothy was a former member of the Southside Baptist Church in Hornell and most recently attended Bath Presbyterian Church. In her younger years, Dot enjoyed attending her children’s sporting events and school functions and more recently she loved rooting for her grandchildren. She also enjoyed going for walks and nice, long bike rides.

She was preceded in death by her brother, John “Jack” Crooks; her sister Gloria Giglio; her great-granddaughter, Brittni Gemmell; and her former husband, Robert “Bob” Gemmell.

Dot was married on April 6, 1979 to Fred Ames who survives. Also surviving are 3 sons, John (Karen) Gemmell of Hornell, William Gemmell of Connecticut and Timothy (Gail) Gemmell of Poughkeepsie, NY; 3 daughters, Cynthia “Cindy” (Robert) Stackpole, of Fairfield, CT, Linda Gemmell of Fairfield, CT and Nancy Langton of Fairfield, CT; 2 step-children, Patricia Ames of Phoenix, AZ and Nadine (Micah) Rosenblum of Baltimore, MD; her sister, Muriel “Mimi” Rawady of Rochester; 8 grandchildren, Kevin (Carol) Gemmell, John (Kristi) Gemmell, Keegan Gemmell, Alec Gemmell, Sarah Gemmell, Robert “Bob” Langton, Justan Gemmell and Zak Mallard; 2 step grandchildren, Harrison Rosenblum and Artemis Rosenblum; 4 great-grandchildren; 5 great-great-grandchildren; nieces & nephews.

The family of Dorothy J. “Dot” Ames will receive friends on Thursday from 11:00 AM – 1:00 PM at the Dagon Funeral Home, 38 Church St., Hornell, NY where funeral services will be held at the conclusion of calling hours at 1:00 PM Rev David Barnard officiating. Burial will be in Heritage Hill Cemetery, Arkport, NY.

Dot’s family request that memorial contributions in her name be made to Elderwood at Hornell Activities Fund, 1 Bethesda Dr., North Hornell, NY 14843 or to the Hornell Humane Society, 7649 Industrial Park Road, Hornell, NY 14843. Memorial forms will be available at the Dagon Funeral Home.

William T. “Bill” Morgan, affectionately known as “Bumper”, age 70, of 8712 Burns Road, Arkport, passed away Monday afternoon (August 22, 2016) at Noyes Memorial Hospital in Dansville, following a long illness.

Born in Wayland, NY on March 29, 1946, he was the son of Raymond & Geraline (Eichorn) Morgan. From the age of 8, Bill was raised by his aunt & uncle, Clyde & Lillian Akins.

Bumper grew up in Arkport and was a graduate of Arkport Central School (class of 1965). Following high school graduation, he enlisted in the US Air Force and served his country from 1965 until his honorable discharge in 1967.

After being discharged from the US Air Force, Bill returned to the Arkport area and began working for the New York Telephone Company. He began as a mail driver and later became a lineman and a splicer. For the last five years he served as an inspector, retiring in 1995 following 28 years of service to the company.

Bumper was a 28 year member of the Hornell Elks Lodge where he served 2 terms as Exalted Ruler. He was also a 42 year member of the Arkport American Legion where he served on the American Legion Board, tended bar and was a member of the American Legion Color Guard. He was also a life member of the National Rifle Association (NRA).

An avid outdoorsman, Bumper enjoyed hunting, fishing, mowing his lawn and working in his flower & vegetable gardens. For many years, he served as a coach in the Arkport Little League and also the Arkport Cinderella Softball League. He loved watching football on TV and especially enjoyed rooting for the New York Giants.

He was married on October 28, 1967 to the former Sara Hults who survives. Also surviving are 2 daughters, Billie Jo (Fred) Thompson of Canisteo and Heather (Mike Jones) Kurtz of Livonia; 2 sons, Tim Morgan of Buffalo and Jeremy (Ashley) Morgan of Columbus, OH; 2 brothers, David (Linda) Morgan of Arkport and James Morgan of Wayland; 1 sister, Beverley Morgan of San Diego, CA; 6 grandchildren, Lillian Thompson, Melody Thompson, Kate Kurtz, Emma Kurtz, Ava Morgan and Sophia Morgan; several nieces & nephews.

The family of William T. “Bumper” Morgan will receive friends on Thursday from 4:00 PM – 6:00 PM at the Dagon Funeral Home, 38 Church St., Hornell, NY where a Memorial Service will be held at the conclusion of calling hours at 6:00 PM with Deacon Robert McCormick officiating.

Bill’s family request that in lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in his name be made to either the Arkport American Legion, 1 Carter St., Arkport, NY 14807 or to Arkport Junior Baseball, C/O Mark Young, 12 Northridge Dr., Arkport, NY 14807 or to Arkport Girls Softball, C/O Jean McConnell, PO Box 298, Arkport, NY 14807. Memorial forms will be available at the Dagon Funeral Home.

Nelly Loh – 89 – of 7987 State Route 36, Arkport, NY, died Friday morning (August 12, 2016) at St. James Mercy Hospital following a brief illness.

Born in Belgium on October 23, 1926, she was the daughter of Quai & Ethel (Richards) Liu.

Moving to the United States in 1949, she and her husband, Huan Swee, settled in the New York City area residing in Manhattan and later moving to Queens. They resided in Forest Hills, NY for many years and in 1975 moved to Nunda, NY. She has resided in Arkport since 1986.

Nelly had been employed at the Mercycare Adult Day Care Program and for several years and worked at Steuben ARC. She was an avid collector of stuffed bears and had over 1000 bears in her collection.

She was married in 1948 to Huan Swee Loh who died October 11, 1985. Nelly was also preceded in death by her daughter, Ethel Strickarz who died July 23, 2014.

Surviving are her son, Raymond Loh of Canisteo; her daughter, Eileen (Leon) Frontier of Penn Yan; her son in law, Dave Strickarz of Arkport; 5 grandchildren, Damien Friedman, Jennifer Otero, Vanessa Hollinger, Alice Fontier and Malcolm Fontier; 6 great-grandchildren, Kathryn Fitzpatrick, Alexis McMinn, Neal Mars, Colton Otero, Maya Smith & Kaila Smith;
2 great-great-grandchildren, Talon McMinn & JJ McMinn; several nieces & nephews.

At Nelly’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.

Nelly’s family request that in lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in her name be made to the Ethel Strickarz Scholarship Fund, C/O Steuben County ARC, 1 ARC Way, Bath, NY 14810.

Max William Muhleisen – (88) – of 360 Ells Rd., Hartsville, NY died on Wednesday, August 10^th, 2016 following a long-term illness.

Born in Hornell on May 28, 1928, he was the son of Maximilian & Anna Julia (Gropp) Muhleisen.

Max grew up in Hornell and was a graduate of Hornell High School (1945).  He later attended the University of Buffalo as a pre-med student.

In 1940, Max began a 52-year long commitment to the Boy Scouts of America (Packs 10, 26, 59, 67, and 69), where he received the American Legion Award after becoming Steuben County Scout Coordinator and Assistant District Commissioner.

Well known for his time spent working in grocery, Max was employed for a time at The Market Basket Grocery Store in Dansville as a Produce Manager.  He began his Acme career in 1957 as a clerk; working his way up to a Head Produce Clerk, Assistant Supervisor (Hamburg, NY), and eventually Store Supervisor of the Hornell and Bath locations. He then became Regional & District Manager and was charge of several Acme Stores in New York State.  Due to a work-related injury, he retired in 1979.

Max had various affiliations with many local chapters and organizations.  He was a longtime member of the Free & Accepted Masons (Bath, Hornell, Savona), the Almond Lions Club, and served many years on the Alfred-Almond Central School Board of Education.   He was a member at St. Paul’s Church in Hornell.

He enjoyed many hobbies throughout his life. He was an accomplished musician (piano & guitar), an avid reader, chess player, writer, cartoonist and fisherman.  Max was also an exceptional track athlete, maintaining the Hornell High School 400m record for nearly 50 years.  He loved his cats.  Above all, Max was a true humanitarian, dedicating much of his time to those in need.

Max was preceded in death by his daughter, Judy Barros; 2 brothers, Heinz Muhleisen and Herbert Muhleisen.

Surviving are his daughter, Linda (Jerry) Freeman of Dansville; 4 sons, Max Muhleisen of Auburn, Gary (Sue) Muhleisen of Caledonia, Jeff Northrup of Seattle, WA and Michael (Wendy Maki) Muhleisen of Hartsville; 1 brother, Jack (Carol) Muhleisen of Hornell; his former wife, Terry Bedard of Hammondsport; 14 grandchildren; many great-grandchildren; several nieces & nephews.

At Max’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.

Max’s family request that in lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in his name be made to Stephanie’s Animal Rescue & Shelter (Gainesville, NY).