Dr. Virginia T. Shephard (Eveland) – (62) – of McHenry Valley Road, Almond, formerly of Hornell, passed away peacefully at her home on December 14, 2021 surrounded by her loving family.

She was born in Hornell on February 27, 1959. She was the devoted daughter of the late Thomas & Beverly Eveland (Buono).

Virginia grew up on the East Side of Hornell where she attended Bryant School and was a graduate of Hornell Senior High School (Class of 1977.)  In 1981 she received her Bachelor’s Degree in Bio-Chemistry from Niagara University.  She went on to receive her Doctor of Medicine Degree in 1985 from the State University of New York at Buffalo and in 1988 received her Resident in Family Practice at St. Vincent’s Health Center in Erie, PA.

Returning to Hornell in 1988, Virginia began her medical career by taking over the practice of longtime physician Dr. Paul J. Wolfgruber.  Throughout the years, she touched the lives of her many patients while working every department of St. James Mercy Hospital.  When St. James closed its doors, Virginia continued her commitment to the Hornell community by working with Dr. Bruce MacKellar at the Canisteo Valley Family Practice in Hornell.  She retired on October 2^nd, 2019 due to ill health.

Virginia was married on July 20, 2019 to Michael “Mike” Sciotti, her devoted husband who survives.  Also surviving are her children, Lesley Andrews (Shephard) of Rochester, Paul Shephard III of Bloomington, IN, Brianne Eveland of Rochester and Ciara Cuesta of Schenectady.

Additionally, she is survived by her sisters, Patricia (Gerry) Flaitz of Hartsville, Marlene (Mike) Sullivan of Bath, and her brothers, Thomas (Deanna) Eveland of Salt Lake City, UT and Mark Eveland of Hornell; brother-in-law Paul (Barbara) Sciotti of Mechanicsburg, PA; 4 step-children, and several nieces & nephews.

A communicant of St. Ann’s Church, Virginia enjoyed singing in their annual Holiday Cantata.  She was also a member of the G. Carducci Lodge (Sons of Italy). Virginia had many hobbies and interests. She enjoyed going to casinos and visiting Las Vegas, drawing, sewing, and attending Broadway shows. She also enjoyed going to trivia, playing Euchre, golfing, swimming, and dancing. Virginia loved going on vacation and enjoyed her annual trips to Myrtle Beach with her family. She loved rooting for the Buffalo Bills and watching the NBA. Virginia also loved music, and especially enjoyed listening to the songs of the 70’s and Motown. She went to many concerts and music events with her friends and family.

Virginia will be remembered as a loving wife, mother & sister who loved her family with all of her heart.  She will also be remembered as a dedicated & caring physician who was devoted to her many patients.  Throughout the years, Virginia touched the lives of anyone that had the pleasure of knowing her.  She will be greatly missed!

The family of Dr. Virginia T. Shephard will receive friends on Thursday, December 23^rd 2021, from 2:00PM until 5:00PM at the Dagon Funeral Home, 38 Church St., Hornell, NY.  A “Celebration of Life” will be held at a future date.

Due to recent New York State mandates, everyone will be required to wear a facemask at the Dagon Funeral Home.  Your cooperation is greatly appreciated!

Virginia’s family request that in lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in her name be made to the National Parkinson’s Foundation, PO Box 23204, Rochester, NY  14692.  Memorial forms will be available at the Dagon Funeral Home. You may also donate by visiting https://www.parkinson.org.

Jo Ann Hoffman – 84 – a longtime Buffalo resident, died late Saturday evening (December 11, 2021) at Elderwood at Hornell Nursing Facility, where she had resided for the past 7 years.

Born in Hornell on July 26, 1937, she was the daughter of Harold & Elizabeth (Swackhamer) Hoffman.

Jo Ann grew up in Hornell and was a graduate of Hornell High School (class of 1956).  She resided in the Buffalo, NY area for most of her adult life and had been employed for several years at St. Rita’s Home for Children (run by Catholic Nuns) as a health care provider & caregiver for children with Down’s Syndrome.  For many years she served as a Nurse’s Aide and caregiver for a Lutheran run Nursing Home in Buffalo.  She retired about 19 years ago.

In her younger years, Jo Ann was a communicant of the former St. Ignatius Loyola Church.  While living in Buffalo, she was an active member of St. James Church where she volunteered countless hours on various projects.  Jo Ann enjoyed traveling was grateful for having had the opportunity to visit the Holy Land as well as Ireland.  Jo Ann was an avid Buffalo Bills Football fan and loved rooting for the team, especially during the Super Bowl years.  She also loved to spend her time reading and listening to music.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her brother, John Hoffman; 2 sisters, Margaret Thurston and Carol Thompson.

Surviving are her twin sister, Mary Ann Sullivan of Lyons, MI; 3 brothers, Thomas (Marianne) Hoffman of Wellsville, Stephen (JoAnn) Hoffman of Bunnell, FL and William “Bill” Hoffman of Hornell; her brother-in-law, David Thompson; her sister-in-law, Liz Hoffman; many nieces & nephews.

At Jo Ann’s request there will be no calling hours.  A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Tuesday (December 21, 2021) 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.

Due to recent New York State mandates, everyone will be required to wear a facemask at St. Ann’s Church.

Jo Ann’s family request that in lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in her name be made to a charity of the donor’s choice.

A special “Thank-You” goes out to the wonderful staff at Elderwood Nursing Facility for the loving care and compassion shown to Jo Ann and her entire family.

Liam P. Conley – 24 – of 15 Armory Pl., Hornell, died Saturday afternoon (December 11, 2021) at his home, following a brief illness.

Born in Tuscaloosa, AL on March 31, 1997, he was the son of David & Linda (Kopilash) Conley.

Liam grew up in Tuscaloosa and received his high school diploma from the State of Alabama after being home-schooled by his parents.

A resident of Hornell for the past 9 years, Liam attended Alfred State College.  While living in Alabama, he was a member of the Lakewood Baptist Church in Northport, AL.

Liam was an avid NASCAR fan and his favorite drivers were Dale Earnhardt JR and Jeff Gordon.  He was also enjoyed rooting for the University of Alabama Crimson Tide Football Team.  Liam was a computer programmer and a true “Gamer” who loved playing online video games with other “computer buffs”.  He also enjoyed volunteering his time at the Hornell Public Library.  He looked forward to taking his daily walks throughout the Hornell community, visiting local stores and stopping to “chit-chat” with Hornell residents.

He was preceded in death by his paternal grandfather, Clarence Conley.

Surviving are his parents, David & Linda Conley of Hornell; maternal grandparents, Robert & Margaret Kopilash of Ocala, FL; his paternal grandmother, Andrea (Ronald) Benedict of Hornell; many aunts, uncles & cousins.

There will be no calling hours.  Private services will be held at the convenience of the family with final interment in Alabama.

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

Liam’s family request that in lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in his name be made to the Hornell Public Library, 64 Genesee St., Hornell, NY.

George H. “Joe” Richardson – 66 – of 451 Pleasant Valley Road, Alfred Station died unexpectedly Thursday morning (December 9, 2021) at his home.  He was a resident of St Petersburg, FL.

Born in Bangor, ME on February 7, 1955 and was the son of George Richardson and Carolyn “Pat” (O’Connor) Richardson.

Joe grew up in Hornell and later resided in Treasure Island, FL for several years.  He returned to Hornell and was a graduate of Hornell High School (class of 1973).  He was a member of the Hornell Red Raider Swim Team and also a member of the of the school band.

He was hired at Alfred State College in 1980 in the Building Trades Department. While working at Alfred State College, he earned his Associates Degree from Empire College. He was a full time Professor and was later promoted to Chair and also served as the Dean of Alfred State College, Wellsville Division. He retired after 37 years of service. Joe was an extraordinarily skilled carpenter and cabinetmaker. He designed custom pieces for many members of the community and in his own homes.

Joe was a member of Christ Episcopal Church in Hornell, where he was as an altar server. He was a member of the G. Carducci Lodge Sons of Italy in Hornell and the Italian American Society of St Petersburg.

Having a passion for the water and water activities, Joe would often be found swimming laps at the YMCA. He was a certified scuba diving instructor and taught diving classes at Alfred State College. As a master certified diver, Joe enjoyed diving in the ocean and in the Finger Lakes.  He also served as a swim official for local swim meets for many years.

Joe enjoyed sports and especially loved rooting for the New York Yankees, Tampa Bay Rays and the Buffalo Bills.  He also enjoyed college basketball and football and was a Syracuse, Florida State & Clemson fan.

Having many hobbies, Joe enjoyed gardening, especially growing garlic and peppers. He loved the craft of wine making and sharing a glass with friends. Joe had a passion for music, he played the saxophone and acoustic guitar, and he enjoyed live music and attending concerts. He loved to help his community and would often volunteer at the Tampa Bay Watch.

Joe was married on August 2, 1980 to the former René Porcaro who survives.  Also surviving are two daughters, Julie (Philip) Rubin of Tallahassee, FL and Jill (Craig) Reeves of Hanahan, SC; one brother, Steve Richardson of Brockport, NY; many aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, & cousins.

He was preceded in death by his parents, George & Carolyn.

The family of George H. “Joe” Richardson will receive friends on Thursday from 4:00 PM  – 6:00 PM at the Dagon Funeral Home, 38 Church St., Hornell, NY.  A Memorial Mass will be held on Friday at 10:00 AM at St. Ann’s Church.

The Funeral Mass for Joe will be streamed live and can be viewed on the Dagon Funeral Home Facebook page on Friday at 10:00 AM by visiting www.facebook.com/dagonfuneralhome.  The video will remain available for viewing on our Facebook page for 30 days.

Due to recent New York State mandates, everyone will be required to wear a facemask at the Dagon Funeral Home and at St. Ann’s Church.  Your cooperation is appreciated!

Joe’s family request that in lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in his name be made to either the Hornell YMCA, 18 Center St., Hornell, NY 14843 or St. Ann’s Academy, 41 Genesee St., Hornell, NY.  Memorial forms will be available at the Dagon Funeral Home.

Isabelle P. “Izzie” Hillman – (92) – formerly of 50 East Main St., Hornell, died Tuesday afternoon (December 7, 2021) at Elderwood at Hornell Nursing Facility where she had resided for the past 1 ½ years.

Born in Hornell on November 25, 1929, she was the daughter of Claude & Georgette (Raviol) Perrin.

Izzie grew up in Hornell and was a graduate of St. Ann’s School and Hornell High School (class of 1947).  Following high school she was employed for several years as a telephone operator for New York Telephone.  For many years she worked in the Catalog Department of the former Sears & Roebuck store in Hornell.

She was a member of Our Lady of the Valley Parish and a communicant of St. Ann’s Church.  Isabelle was an avid reader and especially enjoyed reading novels.  Izzie loved crocheting and, throughout the years, created beautiful Afghans which she gave to all of her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren and many friends.  She also enjoyed the time that she spent simply sitting on the front porch visiting with her family & friends.

Isabelle was married on February 24, 1951 to Leo A. Hillman who died May 24, 2014.  She was also preceded in death by 2 sons, Thomas Hillman (died April 7, 1994) and Michael Hillman died January 24, 1988).

Surviving are her daughter, Roseanne “Rose” Hunt of Hornell; 2 sons, Steven (Sandy) Hillman of Carmel, CA and Joseph Hillman of Davie, FL; many grandchildren; many great-grandchildren; several nieces & nephews.

At Isabelle’s request there will be no calling hours.  Private graveside services at St. Mary’s Cemetery will be held at the convenience of the family with Deacon Robert McCormick officiating.

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

Izzie’s family request that in lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in her name be made to the charity of the donor’s choice.

Her family would also like to thank all of the wonderful caregivers on Cranberry Lane at Elderwood at Hornell Nursing Facility for the wonderful care provided to Izzie during her final days.

Michael A. “Mike” Carbone – 45 – of 5124 Jenkins Henry Rd., Hornell (Town of Hartsville) died Monday afternoon (December 6, 2021) at Strong Memorial Hospital in Rochester, following a brief illness.

Born in Hornell on November21, 1976, he was the son of Joseph & Mary (Wyant) Carbone.

Michael grew up in Hornell and was a graduate of Hornell High School (class of 1996).  He had been employed for several years as a detail shop manager and tow truck driver at Maple City Dodge and later as a tow truck driver for Covered Wagon in Hornell.  For about three years Mike served in the maintenance department and also a member of the road paint crew for the New York State Department of Transportation (NYSDOT).  Most recently he worked as a detailer at Bockman Auto in Wellsville, NY.

He had been a member of Our Lady of the Valley Parish and a communicant of St. Ann’s Church.  Michael loved the outdoors and enjoyed hunting (deer & small game) and fishing.  He also was a New York Yankee fan and enjoyed rooting for the Buffalo Bills (NFL).  His favorite joy came from simply spending time with his family and attending his children’s & step children’s sporting & school events.

Michael was married on July 18, 2015 to the former Marian Wood who survives.  Also surviving are his children, Mickayla Carbone, Jonathan Carbone, Bailey Carbone & Matthew Carbone, all of Hornell; his step-children, Alyssa (Jacob Lynch) Riddle of Lima, McKenzy Riddle of Painted Post, Brock (Alivia Phenes) Sorber of Corning & Westin Sorber of Campbell; his parents, Joseph & Mary Carbone of Hornell; his brother, Joseph (Misti) Carbone of Hartsville; 1 niece, Kaitlyn Carbone; 2 nephews, Alex Lockwood and Dominic Lockwood; several aunts & uncles.

The family of Michael A. “Mike” Carbone will receive friends on Wednesday from 12:00 Noon until 2:00 PM at the Dagon Funeral Home, 38 Church St., Hornell, NY.  A Memorial Service will be held at the conclusion of calling hours at 2:00 PM with Deacon Robert McCormick officiating.  Final interment will be in St. Mary’s Cemetery.

Michael’s family request that in lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in his name be made to the charity of the donor’s choice.

Marsha Dee Carew – 84 – of 373 Canisteo St. (Lincoln Apartments), Hornell, passed away Sunday evening (December 5, 2021) at Hornell Gardens, following a brief illness. Marsha’s family extends heartfelt appreciation to all of her caregivers.

Born in Mattoon, Illinois on November 11, 1937, she was the only child of Morton & Sybil “Eleanor” (Cannon) Pensinger.

Marsha grew up in Ironton, Ohio, and was a graduate of Ironton High School (class of 1955).  Following graduation, she married her “high school sweetheart” Ronald Pyles and was later married to Patrick Carew.

Throughout the years, Marsha resided in many locations but her “Heart Belonged To The Hills of West Virginia”.  She has lived in the Hornell area for the past 14 years.

Marsha had been employed as a bank teller for several banks in Ohio and New York State.  She was a member of the Daughters of the American Revolution (D.A.R.) and enjoyed genealogy and tracing her family’s lineage.  She loved music and played the piano and organ. She was a fan of the Morgantown West Virginia Mountaineers and loved the Hornell Red Raiders. She also loved rooting for the New York Yankees. She had a deep affection of animals and throughout the years raised and loved numerous dogs & cats. Her final animal companion of fourteen years was Jake Woof Pug of Hornell.

Surviving are daughters, Rebecca (Bruce) Oatman of Ahwahnee, CA and Mary (Eric) Weyand of Hornell; son, Stephen (Barbara) Pyles of New York, NY; 8 grandchildren, Michael (Cynthia Hartman) Weyand, Sarah (Marc Frelier) Oatman, Eric T. Weyand, Jonathan (Kiley) Oatman, Rachel (John) Mortensen, Grace Weyand, Phoebe Pyles and Palmer Pyles.  Marsha was overjoyed with the news of becoming a great-grandmother to the “Soon To Arrive” Madeline Joy Mortensen.

At Marsha’s request there will be no calling hours. A private graveside service will be held in Mattoon, Illinois at the convenience of the family where she will be interred next to her parents.

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

In consideration of Marsha’s love of animals, her 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.

Thomas Paul “Tom” Taylor – 94 – of North Hornell, NY, formerly of Westfield, PA, passed away Wednesday  (December 1^st, 2021) with his loving wife & partner of over 30 years, Eleanor, by his side.

Tom was born at home on June 3^rd, 1927 in Pughtown, PA to the late Paul and Sadie (Elliott) Taylor.

He was a 1945 graduate of Spring City High School where he was a member of the football team.  Following high school graduation, Tom was accepted into the Maritime Academy in New York City.  After graduating from the academy he was hired as a third mate by the Isthmian Steamship Company and served aboard the S.S. Aram J. Pothier.

In 1950, after hearing news that North Korea had invaded South Korea, Tom signed up for the U.S. Navy and served as an officer on board the USS Montague.

Following his honorable discharge from the Navy, he, along with his parents, moved to Tioga County, PA and established Purple Brook family farm.  At this time Tom became a member of the Masonic Lodge and eventually rose to a 32nd degree level.

In 1965 he graduated from Mansfield State Teachers college with a teaching degree.  Tom served as a history and English teacher at Jasper Central School for 3 years before moving to Milwaukee, WI to pursue his Master’s degree and PhD.

Following the death of his father in 1971, Tom moved back to Pennsylvania to take over the family farm which he ran until 1983. During this time he served as the President of the Pennsylvania Grange Mutual Insurance Company.

His hobbies included boating, dancing, flying, target shooting and “inventing”.  Over the years he owned 2 planes, 10 boats, (5 of which he built himself), and held one U.S. patent.  He was most at home “tinkering” in the garage trying to modify or make things just a little better.

Retirement found Tom and Eleanor wintering in North Fort Myers, FL and traveling the country in a motorhome (sometimes trailing one of his many boats).  He also looked forward to his annual reunions with his mates from the USS Montague.

He is preceded in death by his parents, Paul and Sadie Taylor; 2 sisters, Mary (James) Thompson and Mildred (John) Wampler; and his brother, James Taylor.

He is survived by his wife Eleanor (Giglio) Taylor; his son, T. Quinton (Michelle) Taylor; his grandchildren, Catherine Taylor, Adam Taylor; stepchildren, Harold (Sue) Polmanteer, Michael Polmanteer, Christopher Polmanteer and Susan Cappadonia; step grandchildren, Julee Kilsdonk, Andrew Cappadonia and Anna Cappadonia; his sister-in-law, Ruth Taylor; along with several nieces and nephews.

The family of Thomas P. “Tom” Taylor will receive friends on Friday from 1:00 PM – 2:00 PM at the Dagon Funeral Home, 38 Church St., Hornell, NY.  A Memorial Service with Military Honors will be held at the conclusion of calling hours at 2:00 PM with Deacon Robert McCormick officiating.  Final interment will be in the Bath National Cemetery, Bath, NY.

Tom’s family request that memorial contributions in his name be made to a charity of the donor’s choice.

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

Joyce A Larson – 86 – passed away peacefully on Thursday (December 2, 2021) at the Wellsville nursing home.

The late James E Young and Erma L. (Smith) Young welcomed their bundle of joy on August 25, 1935.

Joyce was the elder of her siblings which consisted of 3 sisters, Paula, Donna and Marsha and 1 brother, David.  She was raised by her grandparents on an old family farm in Fillmore, NY until the age of 10.  At that time she moved to Castile, NY where she attended a one room school house.

Upon completion of school, Joyce worked for several area restaurants as a manager.  Her favorite was the Glenn Iris Inn at the Letchworth State Park.  She was able to establish a restaurant of her own which she owned & operated for several years.  She was the “Best Cook That Allegany County Would Ever See.”

In 1974 Joyce married Curtis H. “Red” Larson who died in 2008.  She quit the industry and became a mother and housewife to her new family that consisted of Jim Young, Mark Larson, Larry Larson, Curtis Larson, Shannon Larson and Heidi (Beecher) Larson.

From this family of children, Joyce was blessed with several grandchildren: Jenny Yacuzzo (Randy Wilber) of Newark Valley, NY, Joshua Beecher of Corning NY, Shelby Beecher of Arkport NY, Kristina Bale (Ryan Bale) of Hornell, NY, Markus Larson (Tara Chapman) of Plattsburg NY.  She adored them all and made it her life’s mission to watch them grow and participate in their lives.

She also boasted often about her great-grandchildren, Jessica Yacuzzo, Bobby Yacuzzo, Quentin, Bale, Elliot Bale, Miles Bale, Abigail Larson and Eddy Larson.  She was proud of each and every one.

She also leaves behind her best friend Colleen Morrison who provided extra special care for her in her final years.

In her later years, Joyce was involved in several local organizations which she held true to her heart. She was a part of the WNY Home Bureau where she served as Vice-President.  She was also a part of the organizations of the Hornell VFW, Hornell Moose Lodge, and the Red Hats Society.

Joyce was a very social woman who loved all her family and her many friends.  She was a huge advocate as a Christian and enjoyed spreading the Lord’s message to others.  Everyone that came into her life was greeted with kindness and left with a heart full of joy.

As the matriarch of her family, Joyce kept everyone close and instilled the meaning in “family” to those left behind so that they may carry on those traditions.

She also enjoyed several outings and camping with her husband. The Larsons enjoyed a beautiful permanent sight at Lake Lodge in Alfred. They spent many summers there as a get-away.  Joyce and Curt enjoyed traveling around the countryside exploring different Indian cultures such as “Pow-Wows” and dances.  She also enjoyed making Indian costumes to wear at these events.

At Joyce’s request there will be no calling hours.  Interment will be in the Bath National Cemetery, Bath, NY. A private “Celebration of Life” will be held at a later date.

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

Special gratitude to the Wellsville Manor nursing home Staff that took care of Joyce during our Covid pandemic.