Gerald R. “Jerry” Brewer – 88 – of 192 East Avenue, Hornell, died early Thursday morning (January 19, 2023) at the Highland Park Nursing Facility in Wellsville, NY, following a long illness.

Born in Hornell on July 20, 1934, he was the son of Charles and Margaret (Sisko) Brewer.

Jerry was a lifelong resident of Hornell and graduated from Hornell High School (Class of 1953).  He was employed at Foster Wheeler Energy Corp. in Dansville for 35 years.

An avid sports fan, Jerry was dedicated to youth sports in Hornell.  He served as a board member, coach, and umpire at the Hornell Little League for many years and was also active in the Grasshoppers, Midget Football, and Babe Ruth leagues.  Jerry enjoyed bowling, bow hunting, and watching/yelling at the TV during every NFL game, especially when watching his two favorite teams, the Miami Dolphins and the Dallas Cowboys.  He was also a longtime member of the Hornell Knights of Columbus.

Jerry was a member of Our Lady of the Valley Parish and a communicant of St. Ann’s Church where, throughout the years, he served as an usher and Eucharistic Minister.  He was also a member of the Pastoral Council, helped tend the cemeteries, and was devoted to his weekly hour in the Adoration Chapel.  Jerry devoutly practiced his Catholic faith attending Mass and sharing his time and talents.

Jerry was happiest when living his faith and being with his family.  He especially loved watching his children and grandchildren’s sporting and musical events, and he loved family holidays and celebrations.  He was a great handyman and loved to fix things.  He did this in his own home and for his family and friends.  Jerry will be remembered for his love of helping people.

He was married at St. Ann’s Church on June 27, 1953 to the former Nancy Girondo who died March 11, 2003.  Jerry was also preceded in death by his parents, Charles & Margaret Brewer; his mother-in-law & father-in-law, Frank and Josephine Girondo; one sister, Joyce Lockwood; his in-laws, Tony & Helen Girondo, Dominic & Roberta Girondo, Sophie & Bill Goldstein, Gary Lloyd, Arthur Lockwood, and Arthur Burritt.

Jerry is survived by three sons, Tom (Jeanne) Brewer of Hornell, Paul (Brittany) Brewer of Hornell, & Mark (Richard McGowan) Brewer of Rochester, NY; his grandchildren, Nicole McIntosh of Canaseraga, Chris (Melanie) Brewer of Hornell, and Krista Brewer of Hornell, Jacob Brewer of Las Vegas, NV, Jaren Brewer of Newport News, VA (USAF); great-grandchildren, Jenna, Julionna, & David McIntosh of Canaseraga, Christian & Brendan Brewer of Hornell, Amelia  & Natalie Broughton of Hornell; and great-great grandchildren, Charlotte Graham & Eleanor London of Canaseraga; brothers and sisters, Charles (Margaret) Brewer of Hornell and Dolores Burritt of Fremont; sister-in-law, Mary Jane Lloyd; many nieces, nephews, and godchildren.

Jerry’s family would like to extend a heartfelt, sincere thank you to the staff at Updyke’s Willow Ridge for the wonderful and loving care he received over the last three years.

To honor Jerry’s wishes, there will be no calling hours.  A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Monday at 10:00 AM at St. Ann’s Church, Hornell NY.  Burial will be in St. Mary’s Cemetery, Fremont, NY.

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

Jerry’s family requests that, in lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in his name be made to the Alzheimer’s Association Rochester & Finger Lakes Region Chapter, 200 Meridian Centre Blvd, Suite 110, Rochester, NY 14618.

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

Eleanor Marie “Ellie” Hughes – 60 – of 5425 State Route 36, Canisteo, NY died Thursday evening (January 12, 2023) at St. James Hospital following a long illness.

Born in Newark, NY on June 9, 1962, she was the daughter of Glen & Margie Petty.

Ellie grew up in Marion, NY and was a graduate of Marion High School (class of 1982).  She has resided in Canisteo area for the past 6 years.

She was a NASCAR fan whose favorite drivers were Kevin Harvick Dale Earnhardt, Jr. and Richard Petty.  Ellie enjoyed spending time in the kitchen cooking her favorite dishes.  She also enjoyed reading about Indian life and wolves.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her brother, Bill Petty.

Ellie was married on February 8, 2001 to Jamie Hughes who survives. Also surviving are 2 daughters, Kim (Jessie) Jones of Kentucky and Misty Woodems of Kentucky; 1 brother, Richard Petty of Marion, NY; 4 grandchildren; several nieces & nephews.

At Ellie’s request there will be no calling hours.  Private services will be held at the convenience of the family.

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

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

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

Paul Bernard Farrell, 67, of 2354 County Route 54, Hornell, NY (Town of Fremont) died Monday afternoon, January 9, 2023, at his home.

Born in Buffalo, NY on June 28, 1955, he was the son of James and Mary Agnes (Dolan) Farrell.

Paul grew up in Grand Island, NY and graduated in 1974 from Grand Island High School.  Having a deep love for cooking and the culinary arts, Paul earned a degree in Food Service Management from Erie County Community College.  He completed his internships at the Culinary Institute in Hyde Park, NY and at Windows on the World at World Trade Center in New York City.  Paul began his career as a Sous Chef at the Buffalo Launch Club on Grand Island. From there he continued to pursue his culinary career in the Dallas Ft. Worth area in the food service industry.  He and his wife, Elaine, also owned and operated a catering business, Farrells’ Foodworks, in that area for over 20 years.  In 2004 Paul and his family moved to Bentonville, AR where he worked as the Corporate Chef for Club Marketing Services.

Paul enjoyed singing, dancing, and music, especially Jimmy Buffet.  He had a terrific smile and a laugh that was contagious.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his sister, Mary Margaret Gilbert.

Surviving are two daughters, Alanna (Kade) Woodell of Rogers, AR and Elise (Kyle) McCarthy of Tokyo, Japan; his former wife, Elaine Scherb Farrell of Bentonville, AR; his special friend, Catherine Moore; two sisters, Eileen Farrell Kelchlin of West Seneca, NY and Patricia Farrell Blakey of Ellenton, FL; two brothers, James (Luisa) Farrell of Huntersville, NC and Peter Farrell of Destin, FL; one granddaughter, Jane Woodell, and two twin grandsons “on the way;” four nieces, Mireia Saad, Amanda Bible, Samantha Zenicki, and Paige Farrell; three nephews, Todd Tanner, Peter Farrell Jr., and Matthew Blakey.

At Paul’s request there will be no calling hours. Private services will be held at the convenience of the family

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

If desired, memorial contributions in Paul’s name may be made to: Samaritan Church, 1211 W.Hudson Rd., Rogers, AR 72756.

Hornell, New York

Harold M. “Skip” Wood, Jr. – (80) of 24 Marick Park Drive, North Hornell, died Tuesday afternoon (January 3, 2023) at St. James Hospital following a long illness.

A native & life resident of Hornell, he was born December 9, 1942, and was the son of Harold & Jeanette (Severson) Wood, Sr.

Skip was a graduate of Hornell High School (class of 1960) and later graduated from Alfred State College where he majored in Data Processing.  He later earned his Bachelor’s of Science Degree from Alfred University.

He was a veteran of the United States Air Force, serving from 1961-1964.  He was stationed in England for 3 ½ years.

Skip was employed for 31 years as a Technical Specialist at SUNY Alfred, teaching computer programming.  He retired in 1997.  Throughout the years he was also a self employed contractor in the Hornell area.

He was a member of the United Presbyterian Church and a member of the Hornell American Legion.  Skip enjoyed hunting and, in his younger years, loved playing golf.  In recent years, he loved attending his grandchildren’s sporting events

In addition to his parents, Skip was preceded in death by his brother, Jeff Wood; his sister, Margaret “Peg” Phillips.

He was married on August 27, 1966 to the former Kathy Buono who survives.  Also surviving are his son, Harold “Scott” (Susan) Wood, III of North Hornell; 1 sister, Jeanne Wood of Montour Falls; 3 grandchildren, Logan (Jocelyn) Wood, Jordan (Kate) Wood and Lindsay Farris; his brother-in-law, Jack Phillips; 6 great-grandchildren; several nieces & nephews.

The family of Harold M. “Skip” Wood, Jr. will receive friends on Saturday from 2:00 PM – 4:00 PM at the Dagon Funeral Home, 38 Church St., Hornell, NY.  Funeral services with military honors will be held on at the conclusion of calling hours at 4:00 PM with Rev. Craig Brittingham officiating.  Burial will be in the Bath National Cemetery.

Skip’s family request that memorial contributions in his name be made to the National Juvenile Diabetes Association, 26 Broadway (14th Floor), New York, NY 10004.  Memorial forms will be available at the Dagon Funeral Home.

The American Flag will be flown at Half-Staff at the Dagon Funeral Home in recognition of Skip’s service to his country while serving in the US Air Force.

Diane E. Viera – 64 – of 14 Sullivan St., Arkport, died unexpectedly Wednesday morning (December 28, 2022) at St. James Hospital, following a brief illness.

Born in Ogdensburg, NY on May 2, 1958, she was the daughter of Martin & Shirley (Smith) Davis.

Diane grew up in Arkport and was a graduate of Arkport Central School (class of 1976).  She later received her Master’s Degree in Nursing, becoming a Licensed Registered Nurse and ultimately a Clinical Documentation Specialist.

With nursing career that spanned over 40 years, Diane was employed for 28 years at Noyes Memorial Hospital in Dansville, working her way to the position of Director of the Emergency Room.  For several years she served as a Clinical Documentation Specialist St. James Mercy Hospital and for 9 years as a Clinical Documentation Specialist for Strong Memorial Hospital in Rochester.

Diane was a member of the Arkport American Legion where her father, Marty Davis, had served as commander.  She was an avid Buffalo Bills Football fan and an honorary member of the “Bills Mafia.”  Diane enjoyed crafts, especially stitching (embroidery), braiding & number dots.  She also enjoyed spending time working in her flower garden.

Along with her husband, Henry, Diane loved taking cruises and throughout their marriage enjoyed 9 cruises together.  Their favorites were aboard the Royal Caribbean Cruise Line.  They were fortunate to have visited such exotic places as Hawaii, Jamaica, Aruba, Barbados, Caribbean, Virgin Islands, Bermuda, Cayman Islands, Panama, Cozumel and Belize.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her sister, Susan “Sue” (Davis) Mohammad who died July 2, 2022.

Diane was married on July 28, 2000 to Henry L. Viera who survives.  Also surviving are her son, Randy Jamison of Arkport; her grandson, Tyler Jamison; 2 brothers, Tim Davis of Grand Island, NY and Kevin (Bonnie) Davis of Arkport; 2 sisters, Patty Davis of Grand Island, NY and Sheila (Barry) Henry of Arkport; several nieces & nephews.

At Diane’s request there will be no calling hours.  Private services will be held at the convenience of the family.

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

Diane’s family request that in lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in her name be made to Hearts for the Homeless by visiting www.heartsforthehomeless.com

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

Bernice “Bernie” (Hurchla) Lucas – 80 – of Hornell, died Tuesday morning (December 27, 2022) at her home, following a long illness.

Born in Johnson City, NY on September 21, 1942 she was the daughter of Joseph & Mary (Maio) Hurchla.

Bernie was the beloved wife of the late Robert “Bob” Lucas; loving mother of Robert (Linda) Lucas, Joseph (Andrea) Lucas, Andrew “AJ” (Teri) Lucas; sister to Liz Finch of Binghamton, NY and Elsie Thompson of Lilburn, Georgia; cherished grandmother of Jared and Mackenzie Lucas; beloved aunt to several nieces and nephews.

She was predeceased by her parents Joseph and Mary (Maio) Hurchla; her husband, Robert “Rob” Lucas; her daughter Rebecca “Becky” Lucas, and her two brothers, Joseph “JR” Hurchla and Anthony “Tony” Hurchla.

A 1960 graduate of Johnson City High School, she married Bob on January 13, 1962. When Bernice and Bob started their family, she became a stay-at-home mom.  In the 1970s, Bernie became an office clerk for Tuttle & Rockwell Department Store in Hornell.  She later changed careers and became a teacher’s aide for the BOCES Program in Hornell High School.  She retired 20 years ago.

Bernie was a member of Our Lady of the Valley Parish and a communicant of St. Ann’s Church.  She was an avid reader and she especially enjoyed reading mystery and romance novels.  In her younger years, Bernie served as a coach in the Cinderella Softball League.  She was a true Buffalo Bills fan (especially during the Super Bowl years).  More recently, she was a member of the Red Hat Society.

The family would like to thank Bernie’s devoted friend and neighbor Christine Petrilli, for her compassionate and steadfast friendship with their mom along with the entire Fulton Street neighbors.  The family would also like to thank the members of the Hornell City Ambulance Service and CareFirst Hospice for the professional and sympathetic care they selflessly gave to Bernie during her final days.

The family will receive friends on Wednesday from 4 PM until 6:00 PM at the Dagon Funeral Home, 38 Church St., Hornell, NY.  A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Thursday at 10:00 AM at St. Ann’s Church.  Burial will be in Calvary Cemetery, Johnson City, NY.

Bernie’s family requests that in lieu of flowers, memorial contributions be made in her name to either CareFirst Hospice, 3805 Meads Creek Road, Painted Post, NY  14870 (carefirstny.org)  or to Special Olympics, 1 Grove St., Suite 216, Pittsford, NY  14534.  Memorial forms will be available at the Dagon Funeral Home.

Bernie loved her family, she loved her vodka, and she loved her husband.  And now she rests in peace with him.

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

Hornell, New York

Marie L. Prior, 98, formerly of 21 William Street, Hornell, passed away peacefully on December 22, 2022 at Elderwood Nursing Facility where she resided for the past 7 years.  She was surrounded by her loving family.

Born in Painesville, OH on June 10, 1924, she was a daughter of the late Paul and Rose Vedo.  On November 20, 1943 she was married to Grover J. Prior, who predeceased her on August 17, 1978 after 35 years of marriage.  She was also preceded in death by her daughter, Roseanna Thompson and her brother, Paul Vedo.

Marie resided in Hornell for most of her life and attended Hornell High School.  Following high school, she worked at the former Huguets Industries.  Along with her husband, she owned and operated Stubby’s Tavern in Hornell from 1969 until 1978.  For several years, Marie was employed as a cook in the dining hall of Alfred State College.  She later worked at St. Ann’s Parish until she was well into her 80s.   She enjoyed the day to day operations that she helped with at the parish rectory, and she retired in 2012 after many years of loyal service.

Marie was a member of Our Lady of the Valley Parish and a communicant of St. Ann’s Church where she attended Daily Mass for most of her adult life.  She was an active patron of the St. Ann’s Adoration Chapel and a member of the St. Ann’s Altar and Rosary Society.

Marie was an avid lover of country music and even attended a concert with her granddaughter when she was in her 80s.  She also enjoyed cooking, cake decorating and spending time with her family and friends.

Marie is lovingly survived by 3 sons, James (Helen) Prior of Hornell, Thomas Prior of Arkport and Michael Prior of Rochester; 9 grandchildren; 14 great-grandchildren; several nieces and nephews.

The family of Marie L. Prior will receive friends on Wednesday, December 28, 2022 from 11:00 AM until 1:00 PM at the Dagon Funeral Home, 38 Church Street, Hornell, NY.  A Funeral Service will be held at the conclusion of calling hours at 1:00 PM with Deacon Robert McCormick officiating.  Burial will be in St. Ann’s Cemetery.

Marie’s family requests that in lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in her name be made to Elderwood Nursing Facility, 1 Bethesda Drive, Hornell, NY 14843.  Memorial forms will be available at the Dagon Funeral Home.

“As the deer pants for streams of water, so my soul pants for you, my God” (Psalm 42:1).

Hornell, New York

James E. “Jim” Davis – 86 – of 110 Elizabeth St., Hornell, died Wednesday morning (December 21, 2022) at the Buffalo Center for Nursing & Rehabilitation in Buffalo, following a long illness.

Born in Cumberland County, NC on November 5, 1936, he was the son of French & Nannie (Williams) Davis.

Jim was employed for many years by Coleman Brothers Carnival where he traveled the country setting up tents and rides and also operating several rides.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Thelma (Cole) Davis who died in 2015.

Surviving are his step-daughter, Mazie Ridley; granddaughter, Katie Ridley of Wellsville; along with several other relatives.

There will be no calling hours.  Private services will be held at the convenience of the family.

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

Jim’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

Charles “Buckshot” Allen Phillips, 78, passed away peacefully December 3, 2022, with his family by his side at Baptist South Medical Center, Jacksonville, FL following a brief illness.

Born in Garwoods, NY on July 11, 1944, he was the son of Charles H. and Frances (Dresser) Phillips.

Buckshot grew up in the Garwoods/Canaseraga area and attended Canaseraga Central School where he played soccer for Coach Barros whom he spoke about frequently. Later he was drafted into the United States Army. 

He was employed by the Erie Railroad, Foster Wheeler in Dansville for 19 years as well as Fluor Daniels and Genencor in Rochester for 10 years as a professional welder. He was highly known for his talented skill in welding by many. He also was employed at Fred Roberts Auto Parts where he enjoyed meeting new people. Upon retirement he enjoyed working around his home, making wood crafts with his wife, and completing many projects with his Kubota tractor. 

Buckshot was a dedicated volunteer fireman for the Canaseraga Fire & Ambulance Department for 58 years. During that time, he held positions of Assistant Chief, President, Vice President and was on the Board of Directors. He was also the Allegany County Fire Coordinator. He served as the Village Trustee from 1997-99 and served as mayor of Canaseraga from 1999-2003.

He enjoyed being with his family having cook outs, bonfires, and holiday dinners; his family always looked forward to his spaghetti and meatball dinner, gardening, fishing, family vacations and bird watching with his wife. Buckshot is also well known for striking up conversations with anyone. 

He was preceded in death by his parents, sisters Elizabeth “Liz” Watson and Beverly Kerr, brother-in-law Bill Watson, and nephew Edward Nichols.

Buckshot was married on July 20, 1969, to Carol Learn of 53 years who survives. Also surviving are his daughter Kelly (Bret) Flint of Arkport, NY; son Todd (JoAnn) Phillips of Whitesville, NY; daughter Danae (Sandeep) Phillips Munjal of Jacksonville, FL; son Corey (Rachel) Phillips of Fillmore, NY; grandchildren – Deven, Mandy, Ryan, Donald, Felicia, Conner, Ellie, Natalie, Anya, Andy, Dia, Shayla, Karina, 5 great grandchildren; brothers Paul (Patricia) Phillips of Dansville, NY, Ronald (Linda) Phillips of Darien Center, NY; sisters Marie (Russ) Nichols of Swain, NY, Lois Phillips of Dalton, NY and nieces and nephews.

The family of Charles A. Phillips will receive friends for a Celebration of Life on Saturday, December 17, 2022, from 1:00 – 4:00 with a Firemen Service at 1:15 at the Canaseraga American Legion.

At the family’s request, in lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in his name be made to the Canaseraga Fire Ambulance Department’s Bob Burgess Scholarship fund or the American Cancer Society. Memorial forms will be available at time of celebration. 

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

Josephine “Josie” Noble Taylor – 73 – of 7678 John Dixon Road, Almond, died early Thursday morning (December 8, 2022) at her home, following a long illness following  due to Covid – Pneumonia complications.

Born in Hornell, NY on December 28, 1948, she was the daughter of the late Lincoln (WWII Vet) and Mary (Ermy) Noble.

Josie spent 10 years working at Jordan Hall on the Alfred University Campus and had a special bond with local artist, Bill Castle.  She relocated to the San Fernando Valley of Southern California where she spent 20 years with O’Neal USA, innovators, designers & manufacturers of Moto Cross protective clothing (including helmets boots etc.).  Because of her charisma, Josie created personal & professional relationships with both national & international Moto Cross riders throughout the USA, Japan & Australia.

“Josie the Gypsy” could not sit still.  The next chapter in her life was Las Vegas, NV where she worked in the corporate environment during the day wearing beautiful & colorful clothing.  When the sun went down, her “biker leather” came on and she would “ride the highways” of Southern Nevada with Vietnam Vets MC.  Eventually Josie moved to Santa Barbara, Ca before settling in the Klipnocky Hillsides.  She returned to the Hornell – Almond area about 7 years ago.

Josie will be remembered as a cheerleader, flower child & biker who had a passion for life and was loved and respected by everyone that had the pleasure of knowing her.

Surviving are her husband & soul-mate, Thomas “T.T.” Taylor; 2 brothers, Francis “Fran” (Jeralyn Musser) Noble of Arkport and Paul Noble of Bullhead City, AZ; her son, Michael Gambino of Santa Barbara, CA; grandson, Gunner Gambino of Santa Barbara, CA; granddaughter, Nichole “Nikki” Gambino of Great Falls, MT (daughter of Jess McKee); many cousins, nieces, nephews and countless true lifetime friends.

To honor Josephine’s wishes, there will be no calling hours.  A private service will be held at the convenience of the family.

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

Josephine’s family request that memorial contributions in her name be made to the Hornell Alumni Association, PO Box 135, Hornell, NY 14843.

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