North Hornell, NY

Laura M. Suriani, of Cleveland Avenue, died peacefully on Sunday, January 30, 2022.

Born in Mt. Morris, she was the daughter of Salvatore and Mary (Peraino) Miceli, and was married to Francis N. Suriani, who died in 1991.

A graduate of Hornell High School, Laura completed real estate and appraisal courses at St. John Fisher College, Ithaca College, Alfred State College, and Corning Community College.  During a trip to Italy, she completed cultural and language courses at the University of Siena.

A New York State licensed real estate broker and notary public, Laura was a well-known and respected real estate professional in the Hornell area for many years, having been associated with a number of local real estate agencies. She was previously employed by the Beneficial Finance Company, and J.C. Penney Company, both of Hornell.

Laura was a member of the National Association of REALTORS (NAR), the New York State Association of REALTORS (NYSAR), the New York State Society of Real Estate Appraisers, and the National Association of Real Estate Appraisers. She was also a member of the Western Steuben-Allegany Association of REALTORS (WSTAR), where she served as Treasurer and Vice President before being appointed Executive Officer, a position she held for over twenty five years.

She earned numerous real estate awards, including the prestigious Graduate Realtor Institute designation, certificates for completing courses in Executive Officer management, and WSTAR REALTOR of the Year.  Laura was inducted into NYSAR’s Honors Society, and was recognized for her outstanding performance as Executive Officer. She was awarded scholarships by NAR and NYSAR to attend Association Executives Institutes in Georgia, Massachusetts, and Nevada. She also attended Institutes in Kentucky and Tennessee.

Laura arranged for the NAR President to be guest speaker at WSTAR’s 50^th Anniversary Luncheon in Hornell. It was believed to be the first such visit of a national REALTOR President to the Southern Tier. The event was the subject of an article in the REALTOR Association Executives Magazine, entitled, “An AE’s Dream Event Come True”.

Active in community affairs, Laura served on the Boards of the Greater Steuben Chapter of the American Red Cross, the Hornell Camp Fire Council, Jacks and Jills Nursery School, and was a member of the Business Administration Program Review Team at Alfred State College. She also served on the Hornellsville Board of Assessment Review and the North Hornell Zoning Board of Appeals.

Laura was a Cub Scout Leader and later Troop Committee Chairperson of North Hornell Boy Scout Troop 37. She was involved in organizing the first Candlelight Ball at Hornell High School, and was the North Hornell Coordinator for the March for Youth Fund Drive. She served as Co-Chairperson of the Hornell Community Chest Campaign, and interviewed local community leaders on Hornell radio station WWHG’s “Youth Wants to Know” public affairs program.

She is survived by her children: Sammy, Raymond, Donald, and Susan; three grandchildren; nieces and nephews.

At Laura’s request, there will be no calling hours.  Private services will be held at the Dagon Funeral Home, 38 Church St., Hornell, NY with Deacon Robert McCormick officiating.  Burial in St. Mary’s Cemetery, Fremont.

Memorial contributions may be made to the North Hornell Volunteer Fire Department, 1 West Maplewood Ave., North Hornell, NY 14843.