John E. Dye – 22 – formerly of Sharps Hill Road, Hornell, died unexpectedly Monday morning (May 2, 2011) as a result of injuries sustained in a motor vehicle accident in Morrisville, NC.

Born in Hornell on May 28, 1988, he was the son of Gary & Ann (Hale) Dye. 

John grew up in Arkport and was a graduate of Arkport Central School (class of 2006).  He enjoyed playing sports, especially basketball and had been a member of the Arkport Central School Blue Jay Basketball Team. 

In 2010, John graduated Cum Laude from the University of Pittsburg at Bradford, PA where he earned his Bachelor’s Degree in Criminal Justice.  While in college, he was a member of the Phi Kappa Epsilon Fraternity where he served as Vice President and Sergeant at Arms.

Following his graduation from college, John moved to North Carolina where he was employed as a supervisor for Allied Security in the Durham / Chapel Hill areas.  Most recently he worked at Air Velocity Heating & Air Conditioning LLC in Morrisville as a technician.

While living in the Hornell / Arkport area, John was a member of Our Lady of the Valley Parish and had been a communicant of both St. Ann’s Church and St. Ignatius Loyola Church.  

John often talked of his younger years playing the position of catcher for Cardinals in the Arkport Little League.  He would fondly remember winning the Arkport Little League Championship and how much he respected and admired the head coach, Mr. Tim Timmerman.  Throughout the years, his love of basketball remained and he looked forward to playing in the annual Hornell Gus Macker Tournament.  He also enjoyed rooting for his favorite NFL team – the Oakland Raiders and his favorite college basketball team – the University of Kansas Jay Hawks.

Because of his fun-loving personality and his ever present smile, John will fondly be remembered for his sense of humor.  He will be sadly missed by his family and everyone that had the pleasure of knowing him. 

John was preceded in death by his maternal grandmother, Patricia Hale and his uncle, Khalid Ashraf.

Surviving are his parents, Gary & Ann Dye of Hornell; his sister, Danielle “Dani” Dye of Hornell; maternal grandfather, Roland Hale of Chicago; paternal grandparents, Betsey & Floyd Farley of Hornell and Forrest & Mary Dye of Lee, FL; his Godparents, Mary Ashraf and Barry Dye; several aunts, uncles & cousins. 

The family of John E. Dye will receive friends on Saturday from 3:00 PM – 6:00 PM at the Dagon Funeral Home, 38 Church St., Hornell, NY.  A private memorial service will be held at the convenience of the family.

In lieu of flowers, family & friends are asked to consider making a donation to the John Dye Memorial Scholarship Fund, c/o Sara Carbone, 1782 Brush Rd., Hornell, NY 14843.  This scholarship will be given to a worthy Arkport Central School Senior.  Memorial forms will be available at the Dagon Funeral Home.

John’s family would like to announce that they will be creating a “John Dye Memorial Book” in the days, weeks & months ahead.  If you have a special photo of John & friends (John with an individual friend or with group of friends) and would like to donate the photo to the family, please bring it to the Dagon Funeral Home.  Humorous photographs will be especially appreciated.  Be sure to identify those that are in the photo by writing their names on the back. Photos may also be mailed to Gary & Ann Dye, 1452 Sharps Hill Rd., Hornell, NY 14843.  Gary, Ann & Danielle would like to thank you in advance for your participation!!