Hornell, New York

David J. “Dave” Haight – 59 – of 445 Canisteo St., Hornell, died unexpectedly early Saturday morning (March 8, 2025) at his home.

Born in Rochester, NY on October 2, 1965, he was the son of Robert Haight Sr & Mary (Pearl) Minck.

Dave grew up in Canisteo and was a graduate of Canisteo Central School (class of 1983).  While in high school, he was a 3-time New York State Wrestling Champion for the Canisteo Redskins Wrestling Team.

He briefly served as a member of the United States Army and from 1985-2001 was employed at Stutzman’s Tree Farm serving in many capacities including planting, pruning and shipping to other states.  In 2001 he moved to Lugoff, SC and was employed at Herndon, INC. where he served as an erosion control supervisor. Moving back to the Hornell area in 2010, Dave was employed in the maintenance department of the newly opened St. James Hospital. He had been a member of the Hornell VFW.

Dave had a deep love of sports and was an avid baseball and football fan, he was a die-hard New York Yankees and Pittsburgh Steelers fan. His TV was always on ESPN. He also enjoyed wrestling, NASCAR, and a Coors light with his buddies as long as the mountains were blue.

He was preceded in death by his father, Robert Haight Sr, his mother Mary Minck, step-father Charles Minck, and father-in-law, Jack Moore.

On July 5, 2003 he married Sara Moore who survives. Also surviving are his children, Tosha (John) Garner of Alfred Station, Jonathan (Michelle) Haight, Brittany (Kaelah) Haight, his twins Kaleb and Kayleigh Haight, and 2 cool little dudes, Malik Simon and Jahmari Simmons all of Hornell; 3 sisters, Pam (Leroy) Teator of Hornell, Sandra (Kim) Minck of Bath and Robin (Adam) Booth of Arkport; 1 brother, Robert Haight Jr of Hornell; his grandchildren, Miranda, Gabriella, Aiden, Keyana, Emma, Joyce, Izabella & Daniel; along with his mother-in-law, Rebecca Moore and MANY special nieces & nephews.

At Dave’s request there will be no calling hours.  A Celebration of Life will be held on Sunday, April 6 from 2 PM until 6 PM at the Hornell VFW.

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

Dave’s family request that in lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in his name be made to a charity of the donor’s choice.

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