Hornell, New York

Dolores (Head) D’Apice – 94 – formerly of 221 Vincent St., Hornell and later Updyke Willow Ridge Quality Care Nursing Facility, died Wednesday morning (October 30, 2024) at Elderwood at Hornell Nursing Facility where she had resided for the past 2 years.

Born in Rochester, NY on March 16, 1930, she was the daughter of George & Barbara (Koester) Heidt and the step-daughter of Rudy Anselm who raised her following the death of her father and later, her mother.

Dolores grew up in Rochester and was a graduate of Our Lady of Mercy High School (class of 1948) and later received her Registered Nurse’s Diploma from St. James School of Nursing in Hornell (class of 1951).  She was employed for 50 years as a registered nurse in various positions at St. James Mercy Hospital and also the Oncology Department.  Dolores served as part time Relief Supervisor but will mostly be remembered for the time she spent in the Emergency Department (ER) where she served as Nurse Manager for many years.

She was a member of Our Lady of the Valley Parish and a communicant of St. Ann’s Church (where she was a member of the church choir) and a former communicant of St. Ignatius Loyola Church.  Dolores’ memberships include the Hornell VFW Auxiliary Post 2250, the Disabled American Veterans Auxiliary, the Hornell Ladies of Columbus, the Hornell Association and the St. James Mercy Hospital Auxiliary.  She was also a lifelong, die-hard New York Yankees fan.

Dolores volunteered her time as a member of the Hornell American Red Cross and the Pro-Action Nutrition Program (Meals on Wheels).  She was honored in 2017 when she received the “Volunteer of the Year” award from New York State Assemblyman Phil Palmesano for volunteering over 2000 hours to Meals on Wheels and the local Food Pantry.

She was married to John D’Apice who died on February 4, 2012.  She was also preceded in death by her former husband, Richard Head.

Surviving are her son, Richard (Sally) Head of North Hornell; her daughter, Barbara (Robert) Contente of Dansville; 5 step-children, Theresa Lecceardone of Arkport, Mary Lee Wetherbee of Arizona, Dominica (William) Paul of Arizona, Johna D’Apice of Canisteo and Anthony D’Apice of Tennessee; 2 grandsons, 2 granddaughters; 7 great-grandchildren; many step-grandchildren & step-great-grandchildren; along with several cousins, nieces & nephews.

The family of Dolores (Head) D’Apice will receive friends on Monday from 4:00 PM until 6:00 PM at the Dagon Funeral Home, 38 Church St., Hornell, NY.  A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Tuesday at 10:00 AM at St. Ann’s Church with burial in St. Mary’s Cemetery.  Dolores’ Funeral Mass will be livestreamed and can be viewed via YouTube on PeishTV or by visiting www.facebook.com/dagonfuneralhome.

Dolores’ family request that in lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in her name be made to the Tommy Fund For Childhood Cancer, PO Box 8295, New Haven, CT 06530.  Memorial forms will be available at the Dagon Funeral Home.

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