Steven E. “Nellie” McKibben – 60 – of 71 Church St., Hornell, died Monday afternoon (January 16, 2012) at his home, following a long illness.
Born in Hornell on April 14, 1951, he was the son of Raymond & Kathleen “Kay” (Stiles) McKibben.
Steve grew up in Canisteo and was a graduate of Canisteo Central School (class of 1969). He later attended Corning Community College.
For about 20 years he was employed at the Hornell Evening Tribune, primarily working in the composing room. He was also co-owner & operator of Maple City Games in Hornell. In recent years, Steve was employed in various capacities at the Hornell Elks Lodge and Hornell Association.
Nellie was a member and one of the original founders of the Hornell Association where, for several years he served on the Board of Directors. He had also been a member of the Hornell Elks Lodge and was a former member of the Hornell Moose Club.
Steve was an avid sports fan and especially enjoyed rooting for the New York Yankees and Buffalo Bills. He loved spending time on the golf course and had enjoyed many years playing in the Men’s Softball League. He will be sadly missed by his family and his many friends — especially at the Hornell Association.
He was preceded in death by his father, Ray McKibben.
Surviving are his former wife, Cindy McKibben of Hornell; his daughters, Katie McKibben of Hornell and Marcella (Matthew) Oathout of Mount Wolf, PA; his mother, Kathleen “Kay” McKibben of Canisteo; 1 brother, Scott McKibben of Hornell; 2 sisters, Lynn (Lavern) Neu of Hornell and Trudi Cline of Canisteo; 2 grandchildren, Ryan Oathout and Eliza Oathout; several nieces, nephews & cousins.
The family of Stephen E. “Nellie” McKibben will receive friends on Thursday from 4:00 PM until
7:00 PM at the Dagon Funeral Home where a Memorial Service will be held at the conclusion of calling hours at 7:00 PM with Deacon Robert McCormick officiating.
Steve’s family request that memorial contributions in his name be made to the Hornell YMCA, 12 Center St., Hornell, NY 14843. Memorial forms will be available at the Dagon Funeral Home.
Katie and family ~ I’m so sorry for your loss. Nellie was a nice man who always was willing to help me out when I first started bartending at the Southside. I will never forget all his little “tips” for making all the guys happy. He always teased me about being a “real” softball player and even came to witness some of my games. My prayers are with you all during this difficult time. I hope the memories help you deal with the pain of losing your father.
Haven’t seen you since high school but you were always a fun-loving great guy. See you later.
sympathy and prayers to Nellie’s family and friends….May God comfort you during the next few days and be with you always.
Stop! Not my buddy! Nellie what’s this all about? My Brother , you must hold a spot for me on the team where ever it is that you’ve gone to for I will be with you again. Work on those passing skills ok so you can feed me the ball just as you had done so many times before.
To all his family and his friends I am very saddened by Nellies death.I had not talked to him in sometime and I had no idea he was ill.I think of my old friend often and all the great moments we shared together back in those wonderful days when we were just beginning to learn what life was about.Thanks Nellie for teaching me many good lessons about what it means to be a friend.I will miss you buddy.
Your friend Dave Hollowell
Our deepest condolences go out to our sister-n-law, Lynn, and the McKibben family, in the loss of her brother, Steven. You all will be in our thoughts and prayers.
Chris & Joe
The “light” and bright glow of your friendship to us, your CCS classmates, will never be extinguished. Nellie, you were always a caring friend with a smile for everyone,always a team player and will always be in our hearts. The McKibben Family has my thoughts and prayers for the loss of a son, husband, father and friend.
Oh my! I had this feeling I should check the obituaries in the Hornell paper today. I found several names of people from Canisteo that I recognized and was so surprised to see my fellow classmate’s name. My sincere condolences go to Steve’s family. Our CCS Class of 69 was great. We share so many memories of those wonderful years growing up in Canisteo. I can picture Steve’s smiley face on those class pictures that were taken each year of school. A wonderful friend and classmate. God bless you Steve.