Joseph R. “Joe” Ahearn – 83 – of County Rt. 15, Bath, formerly of Hornell & Howard, died unexpectedly at his home.
Born in Hornell on March 11, 1931, he was the son of John & Lila (Burroughs) Ahearn.
Joe grew up in Hornell and was a graduate of Hornell High School (class of 1949). He was a veteran of the US Air Force, serving his country for 8 years during the Korean Conflict. While serving in the Air Force, he was stationed in several locations, including Guam and Amarillo, TX.
Following his honorable discharge from the Air Force, Joe lived in Hornell for several years. He moved to Howard, NY in 1969 and has resided in Bath for the past 16 years.
Joe served as a General Insurance Agent for Allstate Insurance in Hornell for over 30 years, retiring about 20 years ago. For over 20 years, he (along with his wife, Carolyn) owned & operated a horse farm, raising riding horses and draft horses. He also loved dogs and throughout the years adopted several dogs from the Hornell Humane Society.
He was a member of the Hornell Elks Lodge and was an avid reader who especially enjoyed reading books on American History. In his later years, Joe enjoyed woodworking, making furniture and other smaller objects.
Joe was married on June 21, 1969 to the former Carolyn Doorley who died in 2013. He was also preceded in death by his former wife, Patricia Bridges Ahearn; 2 step-sons, John Rixford and David Rixford; 3 brothers, Jim Ahearn, Jack Ahearn, Bill Ahearn; 1 sister, Betty Moss.
Surviving are 4 sons, Joseph (Lisa) Ahearn, JR of Austin, TX, Dr. David (Minako) Ahearn of Atlanta, GA, Steven (Valerie) Ahearn of Charlotte, NC and Marc (Margie) Rixford of Howard; his daughter-in-law, Pam Rixford of Dallas, TX; 2 brothers, Mike Ahearn of Painted Post, NY and Jerry Ahearn of Genoa, NY ; sister, Molly Holmes of Hornell; 11 grandchildren; 4 great-grandchildren; several nieces & nephews.
At Joe’s request there will be no prior calling hours. Friends are invited to attend a Graveside Memorial Service on Saturday at 2:00 PM at the Howard Cemetery. Joe’s son, Dr. David Ahearn will officiate.
Funeral arrangements are in care of the Dagon Funeral Home, 38 Church St., Hornell, NY.
Joe’s family request that in lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in his name be made to the Hornell Humane Society, 7649 Industrial Park Rd., Hornell, NY 14843. To print a memorial form, click here.