Dennis E. Dailey – 52 – of 42 Hartshorn St., Hornell, died early Friday morning (February 17, 2012) at his home, following a long illness, surrounded by his loving family.

Born in Elmira on February 1, 1960, he was the son of Thomas “Paul” & Patricia (Moylan) Dailey. 

Growing up in Hornell, Dennis was a graduate of Hornell High School (class of 1979).  He was employed for several years as a mechanic at Wilkins RV and later worked for about 8 years in the Dye House at Stern & Stern Textile.  For several years, Dennis was employed in many capacities at Morrison – Knudson (MK) refurbishing rail cars and most recently worked at TTA in Hornell refurbishing rail car wheels. Being a “child at heart”, Dennis had a great love & respect of the outdoors and was an avid hunter who enjoyed hunting deer and small game.  He served as a Hornell Little League coach for many years and enjoyed rooting for the New York Jets.  Dennis was also the self-proclaimed “Unofficial Mayor of Hartshorn Street” and always breathed a “sigh of relief” when he got back to “his hill” & his room-temperature Keystone Beer.  He loved snow days with his children and neighborhood kids and never missed a game of horseshoes.  

He was preceded in death by his father, Thomas “Paul” Dailey who died in 2008; 2 brothers, Daniel Dailey who died in 2003 and David Dailey who died in 2010. 

Dennis was married on August 29, 1997 to the former Sue Shaw who survives.  Also surviving are 4 children, Pam Dailey, Sean Dailey, Christina Buono & Brett Buono; his mother, Patricia Dailey of Hornell; 2 brothers, Tim Dailey of Brockport and Jeff (Diane) Dailey of Hornell; 5 sisters, Linda (Karl) Haynes of Bear, DE, Teresa (Joe) Hall of Hornell, Carol (Steve) Freeland of Hornell, Patricia (Bradley) Spicer of Hornell and Diane (Dirk) Huussen of Rochester; his sister-in-law, Patty Dailey; 2 grandchildren, Madelynn Dailey & Brennan Buono; several aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces & nephews.  He will also be sadly missed by his beloved & faithful dog, Tinkerbell. 

The family of Dennis E. Dailey will receive friends on Monday from 4:00 – 7:00 PM at the Dagon Funeral Home, 38 Church St., Hornell, NY.  A Memorial Mass will be celebrated at 10:30 AM on Tuesday at St. Ann’s Church.  

Dennis’ family request that memorial contributions in his name be made to Southern Tier Hospice, 11751 East Corning Road, Corning, NY 14830.  Memorial forms will be available at the Dagon Funeral Home.