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David A. \u201cDave\u201d Markel \u2013 (75) \u2013 of 6202 Gypsy Hill Road, Hornell, died Monday afternoon (November 14, 2022) at Strong Memorial Hospital in Rochester, NY, following a brief illness.<\/p>\nDavid A. \u201cDave\u201d Markel \u2013 (75) \u2013 of 6202 Gypsy Hill Road, Hornell, died Monday afternoon (November 14, 2022) at Strong Memorial Hospital in Rochester, NY, following a brief illness.<\/p>\n
Born in Hornell on May 17, 1947, he was the son of Andrew & Margaret (Snowden) Markel.<\/p>\n
David grew up in Hornell and was a graduate of Hornell High School (class of 1966).\u00a0 Following high school graduation, he attended Wanakena Ranger School (College of Environmental Science and Forestry) in Wanakena, NY.<\/p>\n
For about 4 years, Dave was employed as an \u201cElectrical Apprentice\u201d for the former Erie Railroad.\u00a0 In 1968 he was drafted into the US Army during the Vietnam Conflict and served his country for 2 years before re-enlisting and fulfilling his dream of becoming a Green Beret.\u00a0 He was honorably discharged in 1971.<\/p>\n
Following his honorable discharge from the military, Dave returned to the Hornell area and resumed his employment with the railroad.\u00a0 For about 5 years, he served as a Journeyman Electrician for the former Erie Railroad, Erie-Lackawanna Railroad and Conrail.\u00a0 He later worked as a Maintenance Electrician for the Groveland Correctional Facility in Sonya, NY.\u00a0 He retired in 2009.<\/p>\n
David was an outdoorsman who truly loved and appreciated and the beauty of nature.\u00a0 He was an avid hunter (deer & small game) and also enjoyed fishing.\u00a0 He was an avid New York Yankee fan and also loved visiting the casinos, especially in Salamanca and Finger Lakes.\u00a0 Dave was a longtime member of the Hornell American Legion, the Carducci Lodge (Sons of Italy) and the National Rifle Association (NRA).<\/p>\n
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his brother, Robert Markel; sister-in-law, Patricia \u201cPat\u201d Raynor) Markel.<\/p>\n
David was married on May 5, 1973 to the former Angela Daniels who survives.\u00a0 Also surviving are his daughter, Pam (Craig Button) Markel of Hornell; 2 sons, Greg (Jenn Close) Markel of Portmouth, NH and Tim Markel of Painted Post; 3 brothers, John (Betty) Markel of Hornell, Steve Markel of Hornell and Tom (Kathy) Markel of Arkport; 1 sister, Ruth Watier of Lockport; his half-sister, Barbara (Richard) Mazzerese of Endicott; sister-in-law, Mary Markel of California; several nieces & nephews.<\/p>\n
The family of David A. \u201cDave\u201d Markel will receive friends on Thursday from 4:00 PM\u00a0 –\u00a0 7:00 PM at the Dagon Funeral Home, 38 Church St., Hornell, NY.\u00a0 A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Friday at 10:00 AM at St. Ann\u2019s Church.\u00a0 Burial with Military Honors will follow at St. Mary\u2019s Cemetery.<\/p>\n
Dave\u2019s family request that in lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in his name be made to the Hornell Alumni Association, PO Box 135, Hornell, NY 14843.\u00a0 Memorial forms will be available at the Dagon Funeral Home.<\/p>\n
In recognition to David\u2019s 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.<\/p>\n