Hornell, New York

Raymond C. “Chris” Kull – 76 – of Bald Hill Road, Hornell passed away peacefully on early Tuesday morning (August 27, 2024) at St. James Hospital following, a long illness.

Born in Hornell on November 27, 1947 he was the youngest child of Walter and Leah (Fay) Kull.

Chris graduated from Alfred Almond Central School in 1965 and enlisted in the US Air Force (Nellis Air Force Base) and proudly served his country from 1965-1972 in Vietnam during the Vietnam War. After being honorably discharged from the Air Force, Chris returned to the area and began working as a laborer at Chemung Construction Company in Elmira. He later was employed as a machinist with the Erie Railroad in Hornell working as a diesel mechanic for locomotives and train operator on the plant yard. For many years he was employed by his brother Richard with Hornell Plumbing and Heating before starting Chris Kull’s Plumbing and Heating. He recently retired from the NYSDOT following 20 years of service.

In addition to his parents, Chris was preceded in death by his sisters, Renee Towner, Barbara Flint and Mary Dineen; as well as brothers, Bill Kull, Richard Kull and Bobby Kull. He was also preceded in death by his first wife, Peggy Rice; his niece, Peggy Cooper; his nephew, Randy Harkenrider; his niece, Tammy Flint; brothers-in-law, Jack Crooks, Craig Towner, Jim Dineen and Tom Glynn; as well as sisters-in-law, Edna Kull and Pat Kull; along with his black labs, “Buddy” and “Molly.”

Chris is survived by two sons Jamie (Andrea) Kull of Livonia and Mark (Jessica) Kull of Pultney; and his former wife and dear friend, Carol Kull; his grandchildren, Bryson Kull, Gracie Kull, Noah Kull and Anna Kull. Also surviving are his sisters, Norma Crooks and Nancy Glynn; and his brother Jim (Barbara) Kull; sister-in-law, Donna Kull; as well as many nieces and nephews that were very special to him.

Chris will be remembered for being a diehard New York Yankees and Dallas Cowboys fan, traveling to see the Yankees play in New York and Toronto as well as seeing the Cowboys play in Buffalo. In addition, he had an immense love for hunting, raising game birds, planting trees, and being a steward of nature. He loved raising labs and was in the market for another lab before falling ill. Chris loved to work, not wanting to retire, he enjoyed being in a truck plowing roads. He wasn’t hard to find— you just needed to check the local gas stations where they sold scratch off tickets.

Chris’ family would like to thank the wonderful nursing staff at St. James for taking care of him when he needed it the most.

At Chris’ request there will be no calling hours. Private interment with Military Honors will be held at the Bath National Cemetery at the convenience of the family

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

Chris’s family request that in lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in his name be made to the Hornell Humane Society, 7649 Industrial Park Road, Hornell, NY 14843.

To leave an online condolence or share a memory, visit www.dagonfuneralhome.com.