Gerald M. “Jerry” FitzGerald – 88 – of 90 ½ Elm St., Hornell, died early Sunday morning (November 27, 2016) at the Bath VA Hospital following a long illness.

A native & life resident of Hornell, he was born February 6, 1928 and was the son of Michael & Johanna (Schreck) FitzGerald.

Jerry 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 in Korea (prior to the Korean Conflict).

He was employed for about 20 years as a welder at Foster-Wheeler Corporation in Dansville, retiring in 1986. Following his “retirement” Jerry worked as a welder at Morrison-Knudsen (M-K) in Hornell for about 2 years. For many years, he served as a “jack of all trades” at the Hornell Knights of Columbus and was in charge of many functions of the club, including basic maintenance, setting up for parties and ordering supplies such as food and bar products. He kept the K of C running like a well oiled machine!

Jerry was a member of Our Lady of the Valley Parish and a communicant of St. Ann’s Church where he served as an usher for many years. He was a member of the Hornell Knights of Columbus and the Ancient Order of Hibernians (AOH).

He was preceded in death by 6 sisters, Josephine FitzGerald, Mary Grieve, Alice Scott, Catherine “Cate” FitzGerald, Virginia FitzGerald and Eleanor FitzGerald; 2 brothers, Maurice FitzGerald and Francis FitzGerald.

Jerry was married on April 26, 1958 to the former Josephine Piano who survives. Also surviving are 1 son, Michael (Donna) FitzGerald of Walthan, MA; 1 daughter, Susan (Jose) Cruzado of Hornell; 3 grandchildren, Anderson Cruzado, Leidy Cruzado and Francy Cruzado; several nieces, nephews & cousins.

At Jerry’s request there will be no calling hours. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Wednesday 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.

Jerry’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.  Click here to print a memorial form.

In recognition of Jerry’s service to his country as a member of the US Army, the American Flag at the Dagon Funeral Home will be flown at half-staff.

James E. “Jim” Kruzinski – 78 – of Edgeview Estates, Hornell died Sunday evening (November 20, 2016) at St. James Mercy Hospital while holding the hands of his daughter, Wendy Sue and son-in-law, Keith Drury.

Born in Toledo, OH on March 9, 1938, he was the son of Ervin & Louise (Abriel) Kruzinski. He has resided in the Hornell area for 30 years.

He served in the US National Guard in a tank battalion; the US Army as a MP; and in the US Air Force as a Drill Instructor. He was proud to have served in the Special Air Command (SAC) during the Cold War. Jim was honored to have met and to shake the hand of President John F. Kennedy (JFK) and often talked about it to his many friends.

Jim lived a long and interesting life. For 12 years, Jim served as Park Manager of Edgeview Estates. Before becoming Park Manager of Edgeview Estates, Jim was an awarded Professional Truck Driver for Air Products & Chemicals of Rochester, NY with over 2 ½ million miles accident free. He would rightly boast “I’ve got more miles backing up than you’ve got going forward.”

Jim was a “regular” at the Texas Café in Hornell and considered the staff family. He would often give directions, totally by memory, to anywhere in the United States that a person wanted to go. He was very proud of all of his accomplishments.

He was preceded in death by his former wife, Patricia A. Kruzinski.

Jim was married on August 24, 1996 to the former Grace Phinney Shiloh who survives. Also surviving are the youngest of his three children, his daughter (his little girl) Wendy Sue (Keith) Drury of Hornell; 2 sons, Mark James Kruzinski and Scott Michael Kruzinski; his beautiful granddaughter, Zoie Jewel Arcarisi; his great-granddaughter, Sadie Rae; his brother, Donald Kruzinski; and “last but not least” his sweetheart, Erin Rauber; as well as several other grandchildren.

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 Hornell Humane Society, 7649 Industrial Park Rd., Hornell, NY 14843.

In recognition of Jim’s military service, the American Flag at the Dagon Funeral Home will b flown at half-staff.

Virginia L. “Ginny” Argentieri – (91) – formerly of 1130 Airport Road, Hornell, and a former resident of Updykes’s Willow Ridge Nursing Facility died Sunday evening (November 20, 2016) at Elderwood at Hornell Nursing Facility where she had resided for the past 2 ½ months.

Born in Birdsall, NY on April 27, 1925, she was the daughter of Harry & Pearl (Strong) Leith and the step-daughter of Lee Ellis.

Ginny spent her early years in North Almond Valley, moving to the Arkport area at the age of twelve. She was a graduate of Arkport Central School (class of 1942) and later graduated from the former Hornell Business School.

She was employed for about 5 years as a key punch operator for the Hornell Erie Accounting Bureau where she met her future husband, Robert “Bob” Argentieri. Ginny was also employed for many years as a sales clerk at the former McBride’s Clothing and later as a receptionist & secretary at the St. Ann’s Parish office. For several years she worked as a receptionist in the Physical Therapy Department of St. James Mercy Hospital.

Ginny was a member of Our Lady of the Valley Parish and a communicant of St. Ann’s Church.

She was married on September 1, 1947 to Robert J. “Bob” Argentieri who died May 10, 2012. She was also preceded in death by her brothers, Francis Leith and Arthur Leith.

Also surviving are 2 sons, Robert (Anne) Argentieri of Holmes, NY and Jeff (Liz) Argentieri of Groveland, NY; 6 grandchildren, Sam (Kim Haller), Peter, Nellie, Danielle, Nicholas & Morgan; 1 great-grandson, Julian; many nieces, nephews and cousins.

The family of Virginia L. “Ginny” Argentieri will receive friends on Friday from 4:00 PM until 7:00 PM at the Dagon Funeral Home, 38 Church St., Hornell, NY. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at Saturday at 12:00 (Noon) at St. Ann’s Church with burial in St. Mary’s Cemetery.

Ginny’s family request the memorial contributions in her name be made to St. Ann’s Academy, PO Box 446, Hornell, NY 14843 or to the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation, 6932 Arlington Road (2nd Floor), Bethesda, MD 20814. Memorial forms will be available at the Dagon Funeral Home.

Ginny’s family would also like to thank the wonderful staff both Updyke’s Willow Ridge Nursing Facility (where she resided for 2 ½ years) and the staff at Elderwood at Hornell Nursing Facility (where she resided for 2 ½ months) for the excellent and loving care that she received during her final years on earth.

Alfred, New York

Lowell J. Stern – 82 – of 34 Glen Street, Alfred, died Monday evening (November 14, 2016) at his home, surrounded by his loving family.

Born in the Bronx, NY on April 2, 1934, he was the son of the late Celia and William Stern.

Lowell lived in the Bronx until the early 1960s, when he and his family moved to Queens, NY.  In 1974, Lowell and his family moved to Thiells, NY, where he resided until moving to Alfred, NY three years ago to be close to family.

A draftsman by trade, Lowell worked on many products and designs from children’s toys to x-ray equipment throughout his career.  He was also an entrepreneur and had his own business designing and developing products for the deaf community and for veterinarians.  Lowell had a private pilot license and flew small planes.  He enjoyed “playing” the stock market and loved spending time with his family.

Lowell married the love of his life, Roselaine Zweig, on June 16, 1957.  They spent 55 years together until her death in 2012.  Together, they raised two daughters.

In addition to his parents and wife, Lowell was preceded in death by his only sibling, his sister, Barbara Strouse from Milton, MA, who died just 15 days prior to him on October 30, 2016.

Surviving are his daughter and son-in-law Gayle & Glenn Gebhard of Belmont, NY; daughter Lisa Stern of Charlotte, NC; two grandchildren, Adam Gebhard of the United States Air Force stationed in Germany and Sarah Gebhard of Belmont, NY; two nieces, Susan Strouse of Boston, MA and Cynthia (Robert Gunnells) Strouse Kelly of Lunenburg, MA; brother-in-law, David (Linda) Zweig of Tennessee and his four children.

A private graveside service was held on November 16, 2016 at the Beth Israel Cemetery in Woodbridge, NJ with Rabbi Bill Klaus officiating.  Funeral arrangements are in care of the Dagon Funeral Home, 38 Church Street, Hornell, NY.

Lowell’s family requests that memorial contributions in his name be made to the Hornell Area Humane Society, 7694 Industrial Park Road, Hornell, NY 14843.  Click here to print a memorial form.

Brian A. Tracey, 56, of Hornell, New York, beloved son, brother, uncle, cousin and friend passed away on Wednesday, November 9, 2016.

Brian was born on May, 22, 1960 in Rockville, CT.  He is preceded in death by his mother June D. Tracey.

Surviving are his father Patrick M. Tracey of Tolland, CT; his brothers Michael P. Tracey (and his wife Gayl) of Middletown, CT, Dennis G. Tracey (and his wife Tracey) of Granby, CT and Patrick S. Tracey (and his wife Sarah) of Westborough, MA.

He was a loving uncle to Ryan, Alex, Sarah, Brendan, Samantha, Patrick, Brigid and Sean. Brian also is survived by aunts, uncles and many cousins.

Brian was a superior athlete and a better friend. The content of his character was only out matched by his wit and gentle strength. Brian excelled at Tolland High School in athletics and attended Southern Connecticut University on a football scholarship. He later served in the U.S. Army 82nd Airborne Division as a Paratrooper where he participated in Operation Urgent Fury for the liberation of Grenada.

Brian’s smile, kindness and spirit will be missed tremendously by all who knew him.

Burial services will be private. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Disabled Veterans of America organization.

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

Sharon M. Watkins – 71 – formerly of Addison, NY died Friday evening (November 11, 2016) at Elderwood of Hornell Nursing Facility in North Hornell where she had resided for the past
1 ½ years.

Born in Louisville, KY on October 25, 1945, she was the daughter of Darwin & Anna (Gregory) Vergason.

Sharon grew up in Coudersport, PA where she attended high school. She lived in Addison for about 30 years and had been employed for many years at Metamora Products Corp in Elkland, PA.

She enjoyed watching TV (especially the Sci-Fi stations). She had a deep love of animals, and throughout the years owned several cats.

Sharon was married on June 4, 1997 to Merlin Watkins who died in 2012. She was also preceded in death by her son, Francis “Buddy” Cavallaro who died in 1991.

Surviving are her daughter, Patsy (Steven) Givens of Wellsville; her mother, Anna Robertson of Kentucky; 3 grandchildren, Andrew (Amanda) Dixon, Ashley Dixon and Zachary Dixon; 1 great-grandson, Elliott Dixon; several brothers & sisters from Kentucky; several nieces & nephews.

At Sharon’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.

Sharon’s family request that in lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in her name be made to Elderwood at Hornell (Activities Department), 1 Bethesda Dr., Hornell, NY 14843.

Dolores F. HerrNeckar – (76) – formerly of Ravine Street, Hornell, died early Sunday morning (November 6, 2016) at Highland Hospital in Rochester following a short illness.

Born in Hornell on November 19, 1939, she was the daughter of Donald & Gladys (Preston) Farley.

Dolores grew up in the Hornell / Almond area and was a graduate of Alfred-Almond Central School (class of 1957). Following high school graduation, she attended cosmetology school in Buffalo and for several years served as a hairdresser in Hornell.

She was a member of Our Lady of the Valley Parish and communicant of St. Ann’s Church. Dolores enjoyed gardening & landscaping and actually took care of the lawn maintenance of several churches in the area. She enjoyed reading and also watching sporting events on TV. She especially enjoyed rooting for the New England Patriots (NFL), the Boston Celtics (NBA) and the New York Yankees (MLB).

Dolores is survived by 2 daughters, Teresa “Terri” (Elaine Apthorp) HerrNeckar of Milton, MA and Kristina “Kris” (James) Cutter of Rochester; 1 brother, Floyd (Betsey) Farley of Hornell; 1 sister, Donna (Robert) Williams of Hammondsport; 4 grandchildren, Scott, William, Allyson and Benjamin Cutter; her aunt, Helen Ross of South Hornell;1 niece, Kelly (Dean) Wightman of Prattsburg; 1 nephew, Darryl (Jamie) Williams of Hornell.

At Dolores’ request there will be no calling hours. Private funeral services will be held at the convenience of the family with Deacon Robert McCormick officiating. Burial will be in Rural Cemetery.

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

Dolores’ 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.

Paul E. Shephard – (84) – of 12 Cameron Ave., Hornell, died Saturday morning (October 29, 2016) at Elderwood of Hornell following a long and brave battle with Alzheimer’s disease. He died on his & his wife, Connie’s 61st wedding anniversary.

Born in Geneva, NY, on June 17, 1932, he was the son of Edward & Nita (Warne) Shephard.

Paul was a graduate of Geneva High School (class of 1950) and earned his Bachelor of Science Degree in Pharmacy at the University of Buffalo. He was employed as a pharmacist at Roswell Park Memorial Hospital in Buffalo for about a year.

On October 29, 1955 Paul married his best friend, Connie Lee and in 1956 they moved to Hornell.

He was hired by St. James Mercy hospital in 1956 as their 1st full time pharmacist. He later earned his Master’s Degree in Hospital Administration at Xavier University in Cincinnati, OH and later served as vice-president of St. James. In 1990, he was named the
1st male president and CEO of St. James Mercy Health System, retiring in 1999. He is remembered as someone who cared deeply about St. James Mercy – the people, not the building.

Paul was a 4th Degree member of the Hornell Knights of Columbus, member of the Hornell Rotary (where he was a recipient of the Paul Harris Award), and a member of the 911 Technology Task Force for Steuben County. He was a member of the Hornell Leadership Team for Appalachian Community Learning Project, co-founder of the Canisteo Valley Committee, and a member of the St. Ann’s Parish Council. He served as Eucharistic Minister & lector at St. Ann’s Church, was director & vice-president of the Hornell YMCA Board, and served as a member of the Hornell American Red Cross Board. He also served as chairman of the Hornell United Way Campaign. Paul was honored to serve as the Hornell Police & Hornell Fire Commissioner in the late 70’s and early 80’s.

In 2002, Paul made a covenant with the Sisters of Mercy of Rochester and became a Mercy Associate. He was a volunteer for Interfaith Caregivers and also Steuben County Rural Ministry.

Paul was a volunteer for the LPGA Corning Classic for 23 years and was involved with his children’s youth activities, having coached Biddy Basketball at the Hornell YMCA for 15 years, coached Grasshopper Baseball for many years and having served on the board of directors of Hornell Little League. He was a member of the Twin Hickory Golf Club, enjoyed bowling and dancing. He was an avid supporter and season ticket holder of the Buffalo Bills. Paul was a devoted husband, father & grandfather who enjoyed spending as much time as possible with his family.

His professional memberships include American College of Healthcare Executives; Rochester Regional Healthcare Association; NYS Catholic Conference; NYS Catholic Healthcare Council; National Rural Health Association; Finger Lakes Health Systems Agency; American Society Hospital Pharmacists; several councils of Eastern Mercy Health System and chairman of Joint Educational Training Management Committee.

Paul was preceded in death by his grandson, Clay W. shepherd who died in 2015.

Surviving are his wife, Connie; 5 sons, Paul (Laura) Shephard, JR of Hornell, Daniel (Melissa) Shephard of Apex, NC, Robert Shephard of Beverly, MA, Stephen (Deborah) Shephard of Rexford, NY and Joseph (Lisa) Shephard of Andover, NY; 3 daughters, Pamela (Anthony) Daniels of Henrietta, NY, Mary (Dan) Eason of Alfred and Anne (David) Robinson of Arkport, NY; Virginia Shephard of Almond; 1 sister, Eleanor Meath of Newark, NY; 24 grandchildren; 10 great-grandchildren; several nieces & Nephews.

The family of Paul E. Shephard will receive friends on Tuesday from 4:00 PM – 7:00 PM at the Dagon Funeral Home, 38 Church St., Hornell, NY. A Memorial Mass will be celebrated on Wednesday at 10:00 AM at St. Ann’s Church with final interment in St. Mary’s Cemetery.

Paul’s family request that in lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in his name be made to either the Alzheimer’s Association, 435 East Henrietta Rd., Rochester, NY 14620 or the Elderwood at Hornell Activities Fund, 1 Bethesda Dr., Hornell, NY 14843. Memorial forms will be available at the Dagon Funeral Home.

Sylvia J. George – (62) – of 45 Sawyer St., Hornell, died Thursday afternoon (October 27, 2016) at her home, following a long and courageous battle with cancer.

Born in Hornell on May 24, 1954, she was the daughter of Arthur & Natalia (Carson) Tucker.

Sylvia grew up in Almond, NY and was a graduate of Alfred-Almond Central School (class of 1973).  She had been employed for several years as a cashier at a convenience store / gas station in Almond and later served as a custodian at Alfred-Almond Central School.

She was a member of the First Baptist Church in Hornell.  She enjoyed reading novels (especially Danielle Steel) and was also a Miami Dolphin Football Fan.  In her younger years, Sylvia enjoyed bowling and bowled in several women’s leagues at the Hornell bowl.

Sylvia was preceded in death by 2 sisters, Faith Bolds and Laura McCormick; 2 brothers, John Tucker and Frank Tucker; her stepson, Franklyn George, Jr.

She was married on July 14, 1984 to Franklyn “Frank” George who survives.  Also surviving are 2 sons, John (Kristi) Faulkner of Starke, FL and Michael Faulkner of Bath, NY; 1 daughter, Lynda (Kenneth) Cabral of New Port Richie, FL; her step-children, Danielle (Matt) Kosek of South Wales, NY and Chad (Tamara) George of East Aurora; 5 brothers, Richard Tucker of Rome, NY, Ronald (Sherry) Tucker of Henrietta, Robert Tucker of Olean, James Tucker of Norfolk, VA and David Tucker of Texas; 2 sisters, Mary (Mel) Greene of Hornell and Sally Ormsby of Hornell; special friends, Debbie & Joe Price and Tina & Jim Welch; 14 grandchildren; many nieces, nephews & cousins.

The family of Sylvia J. George will receive friends on Friday from 4:00 PM – 7:00 PM at the Dagon Funeral Home, 38 Church St., Hornell, NY where funeral & committal services will be held on Saturday at 1:00 PM with Rev. John Faulkner officiating.  Burial will be in Woodlawn Cemetery, Almond, NY.

Sylvia’s family request that in lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in her name be made to the Wilmot Cancer Center, C/O Strong Memorial Hospital, 601 Elmwood Ave., Rochester, NY 14642.  Memorial forms will be available at the Dagon Funeral Home.

Michele C. “Shelly” Levee – 46 – of 5 Conklin St., Hornell, joined her Heavenly family Friday evening (October 21, 2016) at her home following a courageous six year battle with breast cancer.

Born in Hornell on August 18, 1970, she was the daughter of Robert & Suzanne (Jackman) Levee.

Shelly spent most of her life in Canaseraga and was a graduate of Canaseraga High School (class of 1988). During her lifetime she was employed at Forbes Custom Products in Dansville; Hooker Mobile Home Sales in Hornell and Alstom Transport of Hornell.

She was an avid NASCAR fan (especially Jimmy Johnson) and also enjoyed watching Motocross. Shelly especially loved spending time with her family, especially her children.

She will be greatly missed by her family & friends and leaves behind her fiancé, Ken Burnett with whom she resided; twin daughters, Savannah & Sierra; her parents, Robert & Suzanne Levee, all of Hornell; 1 brother, Christopher (Karri Yates) Levee of West Almond; her maternal grandmother, Winifred Jackman of Hornell; her uncle, Tom Levee Canaseraga.

At the family’s request there will be no calling hours. Private burial will be at the convenience of the family.

Those wishing to pay their respects may do so at the family home, 5 Conklin St., Hornell, NY on Wednesday from 5:00 PM – 7:00 PM.

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

Michele’s family request that in lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in her name be made to Guthrie Cancer Treatment Center, 2 Guthrie Dr., Corning, NY 14830.