Donald M. “Gordy” Gordon – 71 – of Hornell, died Thursday evening (April 21, 2022) at St. James Mercy Hospital, following his battle with cancer.

Born in Rochester on February 4, 1951, he was the son of David & Katherine (Hickey) Gordon.

Gordy grew up in Rochester, NY and was a graduate of Aquinas High School (class of 1969).  He received his Associate’s Degree in applied sciences from St. John Fisher College and later attended Monroe Community College.

He was employed for several years in the chemical department of Kodak Corporation and was instrumental in producing a better chemical used in photo development.  After Kodak, Gordy worked for the Monroe County Health Department as a Data Base Programmer and later for the Canandaigua VA Medical Center as a Program Analyst.  He retired about 4 years ago.

A resident of the Hornell area for the past 12 years, Gordy was an active member of Alcoholic’s Anonymous (AA) and was proud of the fact that he was sober for the past 32 years.  Throughout his journey, he sponsored many alcoholics and addicts and helped countless people re-gain their lives.  He even opened his home to those in trouble, held meetings and was instrumental to many seeking rehab.

Gordy was a true outdoorsman who loved hunting, fishing & camping.  He was an avid reader and owned countless books on nearly every subject imaginable.

In addition to his parents, Gordy was preceded in death by his brother, Larry Gordon.

Surviving are 5 children, Sean (Suzanne) Gordon of Oregon, Matt (Heather Martens) Gordon of Greece, NY, Meaghan (Joe) Powenki of Walworth, NY, Brendan (Sarah) Gordon of Canandaigua, NY and Mary Gordon of Hornell; 1 brother, Ed (KayC) Gordon of Sothern Pines, SC; 7 grandchildren; several nieces & nephews.

At Gordy’s request there will be no calling hours. A “Celebration of Life” will be held at a date & time to be announced.

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

Gordy’s family request that in lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in his name be made to St. Jude Children’s Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105 or to Doctors Without Borders USA, PO Box 5030, Hagerstown MD 21741-5030

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

Ann A. Peisher – 87 – of 89 Greenwood St., Canisteo, died Monday evening (April 18, 2022) at St. James Hospital, following a brief illness.

Born in Salamanca, NY on June 23, 1934, she was the daughter of Everett & Rita (Bailey) Aldrich.

Ann grew up in the Hornell – Canisteo area and was a graduate of Canisteo Central School class of 1953.  She also graduated from St. James School of Nursing and began her nursing career at St. James Mercy Hospital.

On December 28, 1957, a beautiful warm sunny day, she was married to Robert “Bob” Peisher who was a member of the US Air Force.  As a “Military Family”, Bob & Ann resided in many locations throughout the years, including Florida, Montana, California, Nebraska, New Mexico, New York State, Louisiana and Mississippi.

As a registered nurse, she was active with the American Red Cross for most of her adult life including Emergency Room, Special Duty in Winter Haven, OB-GYN Clinic, Maternity and Baby Care Classes training young girls.  Moving throughout the country always working blood drives along with teaching Baby Care and Nursing Arts (at each new Base, this surely provided a nice source of child care for her four children)

Ann received Nebraska’s highest civic honor while working on traffic safety.  By approval of the Governor, she is an “Admiral” in the Great Navy of the State of Nebraska.

After returning to the Canisteo Valley in 1978 along with her husband Bob, Ann owned & operated Woodburn Monument Works of Canisteo for many years.  She served as a substitute school nurse for the Canisteo Central School.

Very community minded, Ann was a den mother for Cub Scouts and also active in the Maple City Lions Club.  She enjoyed making snow cones on Father’s Day at the Kanakadea Park Car Show and the Eye Screening Program at local schools and Child Care.  Ann was active in local politics, by serving on the Canisteo Village Board and served as Deputy Mayor of the Village of Canisteo.  She was also a member of the Women’s Democratic Party of Steuben County.

Ann had been a communicant of St. Joachim’s Church of Canisteo and a member of the Altar & Rosary Society.  More recently, she was a member of Our Lady of the Valley Parish and St. Ann’s Church of Hornell.  She was also a member of the Canisteo American Legion Auxiliary and the ESA International Sorority.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Robert “Bob” Peisher who died in 2009, 2 sisters, Sandra Cramer and Shari Jyl Turner.

Surviving are 3 sons, Bill (Phena Roe) Peisher of Canisteo, John (Patty) Peisher of Canisteo and Jay (Denise) Peisher of Lake Hamilton, FL; 1 daughter, Mary Hope (Randy) Silco of Mendon, NY; 1 sister, Suzie (Jim) Austin of Troupsburg, NY; 8 grandchildren; James Peisher, Ariana Peisher, Mickenzie Peisher, Ava Grace Peisher, Francis Bacon, Johnica Bacon, Taylor Silco & Allison Silco; along with many nieces & nephews.

Family and friends are invited to a Memorial Mass being held on Saturday, May 7, 2022 at 11:00 AM at St. Ann’s Church in Hornell with a “Celebration of Life” to follow at the Canisteo Fire Hall.  Final interment will be in Hillside Cemetery Canisteo, NY.  At Ann’s request there will be no calling hours.

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

Ann’s family requests that in lieu of flowers memorial contributions in her name be made to Canisteo Fire and Ambulance Department, 14 South Main St., Canisteo NY  14823  or to Canisteo Hillside Cemetery,  PO Box 33 Canisteo NY  14823

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

Rexville, New York

Kit Eldon Carson – 79 – of 1358 State Route 248, Rexville, NY died unexpectedly on Thursday (April 14, 2022) at his home.

Born in Niagara Falls, NY on October 18, 1942, he was the son of Clare & Katherine (Schoonover) Carson.

Kit was a veteran of the US Navy, serving his country from 1959 – 1961.  He resided in New York State and Pennsylvania for many years and for about 10 years lived in Las Vegas, NV and for about 20 years in Mesquite, NV.  He has lived in Rexville for the past 5 years.

He had been a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints.  Kit enjoyed working on vintage cars and also enjoyed drawing & sketching.  He will be remembered as a “Jokester” with a wonderful sense of humor.

Kit was married to the former Nancy Blosser who died in 2008.  He was also preceded in death by his daughter, Katie Marie Carson; his son, Kris Carson and his sister, Carol.

Surviving are his son, John (Charlotte Unsworth) Carson of Albuquerque, NM; his mother, Katherine Carson Eighmey; his brother, Clair Wayne Carson; 4 grandchildren, Danny Keys, Emi Barrington, Abbey Barrington and Genevieve Carson; 1 great-grandson, Epsilon Barrington; several nieces & nephews.

At Kit’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.

Kit’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

George Housworth – 87 – of 4219 Turnpike Road, Canisteo, NY (Town of Howard) died Friday (April 9, 2022) at Strong Memorial Hospital in Rochester, following a stroke.

Born in Easton, PA on June 10, 1934, he was the son of Edward & Mary (Godown) Housworth.

George grew up in Upper Black Eddy, PA where he resided before moving to Howard about five years ago.  He was employed at the former Riegel Paper Corporation in many capacities, including Winder Operator and Forklift Driver.  He retired in 1996 with over 40 years of service.

He enjoyed auto racing and watching Dr. Charles Stanley on TV.  In his younger years, George enjoyed hunting with his brother, Skip, who preceded him in death.

On August 27, 1953, George married the former Dorothy Ridge who survives.  Also surviving are 2 sons, George Housworth JR of Revere, PA and James (Pat) Housworth of Howard; 1 sister, Marianne Schaible of Troy, PA; 5 grandchildren, James(Faith) Housworth, Chad (Jess Moyer) Housworth, James (Stacy) Housworth, Zack (Ally Payne) Housworth and Alex (Kristen Welch) Housworth; 2 great-grandchildren, Joseph Housworth and Adaline Housworth; several nieces & nephews.

At George’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.

George’s family request that in lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in his name be made to Touch Ministries.

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

Julia A. “Judy” Rechichi – (79) – of 19 Blaine St., Hornell died Saturday morning (April 9, 2022) at St. James Hospital, following a long illness.

Born in Wellsville, NY on October 2, 1942, she was the daughter of Laurence & Helen (Vickers) Padden.

Judy grew up in Hornell and attended Hornell High School until her sophomore year when her family moved to Elmira, NY.  She graduated from Elmira Free Academy (class of 1960) and moved back to Hornell in 1961.

She was married on November 18, 1961 to John R. Rechichi who died December 4, 2004.

Judy had been employed for about two years at the lunch counter at the former Cards Drug Store and later as a secretary for about five years at Stern & Stern Textile in Hornell.  For about  25 years, Judy served as manager of the former Milbrook Store which later became Stroehman’s Store in Hornell, retiring in 2002.

For many years, Judy and John spent the winter months in Haines City, FL and enjoyed living in Hornell the rest of the year.  She was a member of Our Lady of the Valley Parish and a communicant of St. Ann’s Church where for several years she sang with the St. Ann’s Choir.  He had been a member of the Hornell Association, the Hornell Moose Lodge, the Hornell American Legion and the Hornell VFW.

In addition to her husband, Judy was preceded in death by her infant sister, Mary Catherine Padden.

Surviving are her 2 sons, David (Yvette) Rechichi of Buffalo and Donald Rechichi of Hornell; 3 brothers, George (Marilyn) Padden of Hornell, Larry (Kay) Padden of Canisteo and Francis Padden of Hornell; 3 sisters, Madelyn Dugo of Hornell, Helen (John) Schwartz of Horseheads and Monica (Donald) Nenno of South Carolina; 2 grandchildren, Michael Rechichi and Rachel Rechichi; several nieces & nephews.

At Judy’s request there will be no calling hours.  A Memorial Mass will be celebrated on Thursday (April 21, 2022) at 10:00 AM at St. Ann’s Church with final interment in St. Mary’s Cemetery.

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

Judy’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.

Arkport, NY  /  Canisteo, NY

Duane E. Ball – 81 – of Pine Knoll Park, Arkport, died early Saturday morning (April 2, 2022) at his home, following a long illness.

Born in Willing, NY on June 13, 1940, he was the son of Frank & Marietta (Hall) Ball.

Duane grew up in Corfu, NY and was a graduate of Corfu High School (class of 1958).  He was a graduate of Alfred State College where he majored in Agriculture.  Duane later received his Bachelor’s Degree in Education from the University of Georgia and receiving his Master’s Degree in Education from Cornell University.

For 32 years, Duane served as a teacher at Canisteo Central School, teaching Agriculture, Shop Class & Computer Technology.  He retired in 1995.

Following his retirement, Duane & his wife, Jean, moved to Rogersville, TN where they resided for about 25 years before moving back to the area about two months ago.

Duane was preceded in death by 2 sisters, Shirley Leffel and Irene Mech; 2 brothers, Frank Ball JR and Rex Ball.

He was married on July 15, 1961 (60 years) to the former Jean VanHall who survives.  Also surviving are 2 daughters, Lynda (Charles) Drum of Dansville and Sharon (Steve) Crandall of Hartsville; 3 brothers, Roy (Nancy) Ball, David (Jeanne) Ball and Doug Ball; 3 grandchildren, Alisha Searles, Katie Fetzner & Anthony Drum; several nieces & nephews.

At Duane’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.

Duane’s family request that in lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in his name be made to the National Kidney Foundation, 30 East 33rd St., New York, NY  10016

Hornell, New York

James T. “Jim” Marsh – 67 – of 27 Sawyer St., Hornell, died early Thursday morning (March 31, 2022) at Highland Hospital in Rochester.

Born in Philadelphia, PA on September 9, 1954, he was the son of Frank & Marcia (Clark) Marsh.

Jim grew up in Philadelphia and was a graduate of George Washington High School (class of 1972).  He later attended Mansfield University in Mansfield, PA.

He was a veteran of the US Navy, serving his country from 1974 – 1976.  While in the Navy, he was stationed primarily in San Francisco, CA.

Jim resided in the Elmira area for several years and has lived in the Hornell area for the past 15 years.

Surviving are 2 brothers, Frank (Sheree) Marsh of Bensalem, PA and Patrick (Therese) Marsh of Philadelphia, PA; several nieces & nephews.

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 a charity of the donor’s choice.

Douglas Alan “Doug” George – 59 – formerly of Hornell, died Wednesday, March 16, 2022, at Silver Lake Hospital in Newark, NJ following a long illness.

Born in Canandaigua, NY on December 30, 1962, he was the son of Warren & Melva (Ridall) George.

Doug grew up in South Dansville and was a graduate of Dansville High School (class of 1981).  Following high school, he graduated from Bryant & Stratton Business Institute where he majored in Travel & Tourism.  He later attended Alfred State College where he majored in Human Services.

For many years, Doug was employed at Steuben ARC as a Supervisor at the East Main St. residence. Known in his family for being very “unintentionally funny” and sassy, Doug also enjoyed making crafts, something that he passed on to his youngest daughter. He had a deep love of nature and enjoyed camping and gardening (both flower & vegetable). He enjoyed eating any sweets he could get his hands on, his favorite being “cherry cream cheese pie”, and “icebox cake”.  He also had a fondness for animals and throughout the years had many canine companions, notably his dogs “Gracie”, and “Wittle Boy”. Until the time of his passing, Doug had lived with his oldest daughter who took care of him the last couple years of his life, and together they watched many television shows.

Doug was preceded in death by his father, Warren George; 2 brothers, Jeff George and Rob George.

Surviving are his former wife and close friend, Mary George of Hornell; 2 daughters, Megan (Brian Doty) George of Hornell and Laura (Eric Kepner) George of Hornell; his mother, Melva George of South Dansville; 1 brother, Dale (Sheila) George of Dansville; 1 sister, Lori (Steve) Herring of South Dansville; 7 grandchildren, Lexine O’Brien, Daxton O’Brien, Norma Jean Wachter, Aubrey Kepner, Liam Kepner, Rebel Kepner & Emery Kepner  with one granddaughter “On The Way”; several nieces & nephews.

The family of Douglas Alan “Doug” George will receive friends on Saturday from 2:00 PM until 4:00 PM at the Dagon Funeral Home, 38 Church St., Hornell, NY.  Private services will be held at the convenience of the family.

Doug’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.

Mary E. Bossard – 86 – of 7685 Reservoir Road, Hornell, NY (Town of Fremont) died peacefully Saturday morning (March 26, 2022) at her home after a brief illness.

Born in Hornell on December 17, 1935, she was the daughter of Joseph & Pauline (Renwand) Dixon, and step-daughter of Nealon White.

Mary grew up in Hornell and attended Hornell High School.  She had been employed for a time as a sales associate at JC Penney of Hornell and also as an aid in the Physical Therapy Department of St. James Mercy Hospital.  However, Mary was most proud of her lifelong job as a homemaker, raising and caring for her family.

In her younger years (along with her husband, Glen) Mary enjoyed snowmobiling, 3-wheeling, gardening, and other outdoor pursuits.  Together, they made frequent trips to favorite vacation stops in Niagara Falls, the Adirondacks, and to Amish Country in Pennsylvania and Ohio. They also loved rooting for the Buffalo Bills and New York Yankees.  Mary enjoyed playing poker & euchre with her friends and was a member of a local card club.  She thoroughly enjoyed spending time in the kitchen, cooking & baking—especially delicious pies, zucchini & banana bread, and a variety of cookies.

Mary was married on January 25, 1953 to Glen A. Bossard who died January 7, 2016.  She was also preceded in death by her son, Steven “Boz” Bossard (died 2002); her daughter, Catherine “Cathy” Bossard (died 2006); her daughter-in-law, Julie Bossard; her step-sister, Linda Warczok; 2 brothers-in-law, Dick Curran and Stanley Shepard; and her niece, Chrissy (Curran) McDaniel.

Surviving are her daughter, Barbara “Barb” (Ron) Hilsdorf of Fremont; 2 sons, Richard “Dick” (Nancy) Bossard of Almond and Brett (Kerry) Bossard of Ithaca; 2 sisters, Joanne Curran of Hornell and Jean Shepard of Hornell; 1 step-brother, Bill White; 8 grandchildren; 9 great-grandchildren; several nieces & nephews.

The family of Mary E. Bossard will receive friends on Friday, April 1 from 4:00 PM – 6:00 PM at the Dagon Funeral Home, 38 Church St., Hornell, NY.  A private ceremony will occur at the family’s convenience.  Burial will be in Rural Cemetery, Hornell.

Mary’s family request that in lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in her name be made to the Cathy Bossard Scholarship Fund, c/o HHS Alumni Association, PO Box 135, Hornell, NY  14843.  Memorial forms will be available at the Dagon Funeral Home.

Marjorie J. “Marge” Burger, 91, of 57 Washington Street, Hornell, NY, passed away on March 25, 2022 at her home surrounded by her loving family.

Marge was born in Lark Harbour, Newfoundland on January 6, 1931 to Clarence and Mary (Moss) Starkes. Her father passed away when she was just six months old.  After that she was raised by her grandparents George and Dorcas (House) Moss in Daniel’s Harbour, Newfoundland.  At the age of 16, she emigrated by herself to Brooklyn, NY to live with her aunt, Marjorie Moss.  She became a naturalized U.S. citizen on November 11, 1954.

While visiting family in Andover in early 1955, Marge’s cousins convinced her to go on a blind date with one of their friends.  The date started with bowling in Wellsville, then dancing at Lake Demons and ended the next morning with breakfast in Buffalo because they were having so much fun and didn’t want the night to end.  That was the night she met Robert “Bob” Burger, who she married on November 26, 1955.

During her eight years in Brooklyn she worked as a nanny, at an insurance office and then at the jewelry counter at Abraham & Straus.  After marrying Bob and moving to Hornell she worked as a cook at both Billy Schu’s Food Bar and Hornell Gardens Nursing Facility followed by the cosmetic counter at Tuttle & Rockwell Co. as the “Estee Lauder Lady.”  In later years she worked alongside her husband, who owned and operated Rural TV Cable serving residents of Greenwood and Canaseraga.

For over 60 years, Marge was a very active member of Christ Episcopal Church, including serving as Head of the Altar Guild.  She enjoyed spending time gardening and bringing plants back to life, lunches with the “Trust Group,” spending time with her grand and great-grandchildren, sneaking handfuls of treats to her “furry” grandchildren, knitting beautiful afghans, swim classes at the YMCA and babysitting local children.

She was predeceased by her husband of 48 years, Bob, who passed away on November 23, 2003.  She was also preceded in death by her grandson, Tommy Vondracek, Jr.; and her siblings, Evelyn Talefich, Clarence Starkes, Arthur Stares and Mary Jeffries.

Surviving are two sons, John (Pamela) Burger of Mohnton, PA and William (Mary) Burger of Livonia, NY; one daughter, Sheila (Thom) Vondracek of Hornell, NY; six grandchildren George, Erin, Robert (Jennifer), Matthew (Whitney), Daniel (Stephanie) and Aaron (Jacqueline); 13 great-grandchildren, Chelsea, Lily, Logan, Oliver, Blake, Claire, Breana, Brooklynn, Cora, Quinn, Elouise, Arthur and Ellie. She is also survived by one brother-in-law, Jim Appier; one sister-in-law, Kathy Burger; several nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

The family of Marge will receive friends on Wednesday, March 30, 2022 from 4:00 PM   –   7:00 PM at the Dagon Funeral Home, 38 Church Street, Hornell, NY.  A Funeral Mass will be held Thursday, March 31, 2022 at 11:00 AM at Christ Episcopal Church of Hornell with Fr. Thomas Gramley officiating.  The Funeral Mass will be live-streamed on YouTube and Facebook through the church website, https://christchurchhornell.org.  Burial will be in Valley Brook Cemetery, Andover, NY.

Marge’s family request that in lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in her name be made to the Christ Episcopal Church, PO Box 336, Hornell, NY 14843 or Care First Hospice, 3805 Meads Creek Road, Painted Post, NY 14870.  Memorial forms will be available at the Dagon Funeral Home.