Almond, NY

Elizabeth M. “Betty” Aftuck – 90 – of 308 State Route 21, Almond (Town of Hornellsville) went to be with the Lord on Tuesday afternoon (August 13, 2024), surrounded by her family, following a long illness

Born in Scranton, PA on April 18, 1934, she was the daughter of Michael and Mary (Baronick) Bocek.

Betty grew up in Savona and attended Savona Central School and later Bradford Central School (Class of 1952). She resided in many locations, including Kentucky and Albany before settling in the Alfred / Almond area in the late 1950s.

In addition to raising her family, Betty was a Student Account Representative at Alfred State College for 33 years. She was also employed at the Alfred-Allegany Employees Federal Credit Union on the Alfred State Campus for a number of years.

While living in the Almond area, Betty was a member of SS Brendan & Jude Parish and a communicant of St. Brendan’s Church in Almond and St. Jude’s Church in Alfred. She was very active in her church community and served her parish in many capacities, always lending a hand cleaning, preparing the altar for daily and weekend Masses, and assisting during Mass as Eucharistic Minister and Lector. Betty was involved with the Senior Citizens of Almond, the Almond Historical Society, and the Almond Library.

Betty enjoyed gardening and was proud of her beautiful flower beds. However, her greatest joy was the time spent with her family, especially her children and grandchildren. She loved preparing elaborate Ukrainian and Polish dinners for family gatherings and holidays.

In 1952, Betty married Robert “Bob” Aftuck who died October 6, 1998 after 46 years of marriage. She was also preceded in death by her son, Mark Aftuck on April 1, 2007; two brothers, Richard (Rita) Bocek & Michael (Rose) Bocek; one sister, Barbara Bocek-Bedient.

Surviving are two daughters, Roberta (Paul) Camp of Spartanburg, SC & Jacqueline Aftuck of Almond; her son, Vincent (Robin) Aftuck of Scio, NY; grandchildren, Ashley, Austen, Robert, Daniel, Nicole, Jordan, Shelby, Harley; many great-grandchildren, nieces & nephews; and her dear friend, Margaret Davis-Mitchell.

To honor Betty’s wishes, there will be no calling hours. Family and friends are invited to a Memorial Mass at on Tuesday (August 20, 2024) at 11:00 AM at St. Brendan’s Church 16 S. Main Street, Almond, NY. Final interment will be in Woodlawn Cemetery, Almond, NY.

A big “Thank-You” to the wonderful staff at Updyke’s Willow Ridge Nursing Facility for taking such wonderful care of Betty over the past several months. Your kindness and compassionate care for our mother, grandmother & great-grandmother will never be forgotten!

Betty’s family requests that, in lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in her name be made to St. Brendan’s Church, 16 South Main Street, Almond, NY 14804.

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

Alfred Station, New York

Arthur P. “Art” McLaughlin – 83 – of 5231 Kenyon Road, Alfred Station, died early Wednesday morning (August 14, 2024) at Hart Comfort House of Allegany County in Wellsville, NY.

Born in Manhattan, NY on October 3, 1940, he was the son of Arthur & Mae McLaughlin who preceded him in death.

Art was a graduate of Manhattan College with a Bachelor of Civil Engineering (BCE) Degree and received his Master of Science in Civil Engineering (MSCE) Degree from Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology.

A resident of the Alfred, NY area for over 40 years, Art served as a professor at SUNY Alfred in the Civil Engineering Technology Department for over 20 years. He was actively involved in the reaccreditation of the Civil Tech programs and had previously taught at Manhattan College for 5 years.

Art held a Land Surveyor’s License and a Professional Engineering License in New York State and other states and had a private practice in Brewster, NY and Alfred, NY for many years.

A proud Veteran of the US Navy, Art served as a Lieutenant in the Civil Engineer Corps. He served from 1962 and was honorably discharged from the US Naval Reserves in 1974.

Art was a life member of the NYSAPLS and the Alfred Station Volunteer Fire Department. He was also a member of the Allegany Plateau Surveyors and had served on the board of directors of the Box of Books in Alfred, NY.

Throughout the years, Art served as a mentor to many students that he encouraged and also helped many prepare for their licensing exams.

He was married on September 24, 1994 to the former Cindy Cardillo. Cindy was his loving and devoted wife, best friend and caregiver. During the summers, some of their happiest times were when Art & Cindy camped and hiked in the American Northwest and Nova Scotia. Following his retirement, they enjoyed a trip to Ireland. There was so much joy & happiness in their life together!!

Art is survived by his wife, Cindy; his brother-in-law, Fred (Donna) Cardillo; his sister-in-law, Linda (Stephan) Platzer; his nephews, Grant Cardillo, Luke Platzer and Mark (Ji) Platzer; his nieces, Chelsea Cardillo and Nicola Platzer; his great nephew, Cardillo; his great niece, Madeline Cardillo. He is also survived by Tami McLaughlin, Patrick McLaughlin, Timothy McLaughlin and Jennifer Cassidy.

At Art’s request there will be no calling hours or memorial.

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

Cindy requests that in lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in his name be made to the Hart Comfort House, 141 East State St, Wellsville, NY 14895.

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

Hornell, New York

Daniel W. “Dan” Treahy – 70 – of 27 East Washington St., Hornell, died early Monday morning (July 29, 2024) at Noyes Memorial Hospital in Dansville following a long illness.

Born in Hornell on July 23, 1954, he was the son of William “Bill” & Dorothy “Dot” (Whitman) Treahy.

Dan grew up in Hornell and was a graduate of Hornell High School (class of 1972). He later graduated from Alfred State College (SUNY Alfred) where he majored in Business Administration.

He was briefly employed at the former Erie Railroad as a trackman before moving to Denver, CO where he began his career as a drywall finisher. After living in Denver for about 15 years, Dan moved back to the Hornell area and resumed working as self-employed a drywall finisher. Throughout the years, he not only worked on countless residential homes, he also was contracted to work on such commercial jobs as Skylux Homes in Denver, BOCES houses (where he taught students), Steuben Trust Company and many Wegman Stores in New York State and Pennsylvania. In all, Dan worked as an expert drywall finisher for about 45 years.

An avid golfer, Dan was a member of Twin Hickory Golf Club in Hornell and also enjoyed playing many out of town courses. He also loved playing cards and enjoyed his time as a member of his “Poker Club” with several of his buddies. In addition to golf & poker, Dan spent countless hours in his fantasy football and fantasy baseball leagues.

Dan was preceded in death by his parents, Bill & Dot Treahy.

Surviving are his brother, Tom Treahy of Hornell; along with several cousins.

At Dan’s request there will be no calling hours. Private services will be held at the convenience of the family with final interment in St. Mary’s Cemetery. A “Celebration of Life” will be held at a later date.

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

Dan’s family request that in lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in his name be made to the Hornell Humane Society, 7649 Industrial Park Road, Hornell, NY 14843.

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

Hornell, New York

Dolores C. Flaitz – 92 – of 13 Hill St., Hornell, died Saturday afternoon (July 27, 2024) at the Seager Bates Home in Hornell, following a long illness.

Born in Hornell on May 1, 1932, she was the daughter of Richard & Theresa (Raish) Carey.

Dolores grew up in Hornell and was a graduate of St. Ann School and Hornell High School, class of 1950. She had been employed for several years as a seamstress at the former Kaiser Glove Factory in Hornell before leaving the workforce to be a homemaker. When her children were older, she re-entered the workforce and was employed at the Hornell High School Cafeteria and also served as a house cleaner for several area families and businesses (including the Dagon Funeral Home).

Dolores was married on October 6, 1951, to Richard “Dick” Flaitz who predeceased her in 2008. She was also preceded in death by her daughter, Kathleen Yeoman in 2017; 3 sisters, Marian Slocum, Kay Orzano, and Ronnie Stocum.

Surviving are 5 sons, Dan (Wendy) Flaitz of Bath, Steve (Cheryl) Flaitz of Hornell, Ed (Michele) Flaitz of Hornell, Chris Flaitz of Hornell, and Greg (Lori) Flaitz of Hornell; her sister Margaret “Peg” Hopkins of Bath; sister-in-law, Donna Flaitz of Hornell; 20 grandchildren: Patrick, Heather, Amanda, Jill, Kyle, Kurt, Corey, Anna, Emma, Elaina, Brittney, Aubrey, Joe, Megan, Zach, Lexi, Richard, Johnathan, Benjamin, and Abigail; 26 great-grandchildren, 3 great-great-grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews. She was also a second mother to many, especially Bill Hayes.

Dolores and Dick were married for 57 years and lived a wonderful life together raising their large family. She was a true matriarch. She was an excellent hostess and loved coming together with her family and friends. During these gatherings, she enjoyed cooking for others and founded the “Clean Plate Club” to ensure that no food went to waste. She also adored hosting tea parties for her grandchildren.

One of her greatest joys came from spending time at the Carey Cottage at Shores Acres on Keuka Lake, a place passed down to her from her parents. She created joyful and memory-filled summers for her entire family. Although not a fisherman herself, she was a “master fish filleter,” preparing fish that others caught (especially her grandchildren).

Dolores was a devout Catholic. She was a member of Our Lady of the Valley Parish and had been a communicant of
St. Ignatius Loyola Church and later St. Ann’s Church. She had also been a member of the Hornell Moose Lodge and the Hornell American Legion and enjoyed her time as a member of the Bunco Club.

Dolores was loving and tenacious. She was a wonderful teacher and would often say “that’s the way!” when imparting her wisdom on her family.

The family would like to thank Tender Loving Home Care, Seager Bates, and especially her son Chris for his unselfish sacrifice for the last eight years.

The family of Dolores C. Flaitz will receive friends on Wednesday 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 Thursday at 10:00 am at St. Ann’s Church with burial in St. Mary’s Cemetery.

Dolores’ family requests that in lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in her name be made to the American Diabetes Association, PO Box 13067, Alexandria, VA 22312. Memorial forms will be available at the Dagon Funeral Home.

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

Arkport, New York

Sarah G. Gates – (99) – of 9127 Strobel Road, Arkport, died early Sunday morning (July 28, 2024) at the Keuka Comfort Home Care Facility in Penn Yan, NY following a brief illness.

Born in Cumminsville, NY on May 16, 1925, she was the daughter of Jacob & Bessie (Flint) Rex.

Sarah grew up in South Dansville and was a graduate of Dansville High School (class of 1941). She was also a member of the South Dansville Methodist Church.

For over 30 years, she served as historian for the Town of Dansville (Steuben County) and was also a member of the Canisteo Valley Historical Society. She enjoyed reading, sewing and embroidering.

Sarah was married on November 28, 1943 to Otto C. Gates who died July 17, 2015. She was also preceded in death by 4 brothers, Milo Rex, Merle Rex, Clayton Rex & Stanley Rex; 3 sisters, Bessie Rex, Doris Campbell & May Williams; her daughter-in-law, Mindy Gates.

Surviving are 1 daughter, Thelma “Jean” Gates of Arkport; 3 sons, Donald (Charlene) Gates of Jasper, Dave Gates of Arkport and Roger “Charlie” Gates of Arkport; 7 grandchildren, Amy (Jeremy) Stephens, Carrie (Bryan) Paul, Donald (Stephanie) Gates, Karen (Michael) Smith, Karla (Johnny) Yarka, Kristie (Tommy) Radford and Donovan Gates; 18 great-grandchildren; 4 great-great grandchildren; several nieces & nephews.

The family of Sarah G. Gates will receive friends on Friday from 10:00 AM until 12:00 Noon at the Dagon Funeral Home, 38 Church St., Hornell, NY. Funeral & committal services will be held at the conclusion of calling hours at 12:00 Noon with Rev. Beverly Karr-Lyon officiating. Burial will be in Forest Lawn Cemetery, South Dansville, NY.

Sarah’s family request that in lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in her name be made to either the Keuka Comfort Care Home, PO Box 107, Penn Yan, NY 14527 or to Samaritans Purse, PO Box 3000, Boone, NC 28607. Memorial forms will be available at the Dagon Funeral Home.

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

Hornell, New York

Howard W. “Howie” Nisbet, Jr. – 92 – of 7997 Rose Rd., Hornell, NY (Town of Fremont) died Tuesday morning (July 23, 2024) at Strong Memorial Hospital in Rochester, following a long illness.

Born in Hornell on October 15, 1931, he was the son of Howard & Thelma (McCullum) Nisbet.

Howie grew up in Hornell and was a graduate of Hornell High School. Following high school graduation, he was employed for a time in the engineering department at the New York State Department of Transportation (NYSDOT) until being drafted into the US Army. Howard served his country as a member of the US Army from 1953-1955 (during the Korean Conflict) and had been stationed in Germany.

Following his honorable discharge from the military, Howard returned to Hornell and resumed his employment at the NYSDOT. Throughout the years, he worked his way up through the ranks of the engineering department retiring in 1989 as Principal Engineering Technician following 37 years of dedicated service.

During those years, Howard also raised beef cows and operated what would affectionately be known as “Welcome To Our World Farm.” He was proud of the fact that he was able to maintain the farm and operate his riding lawnmower and tend to his four acres right up to recent years. Following his retirement from the NYSDOT, he was employed seasonally for Burns Dairy Farm in Hornell, working in many capacities.

Howie had been a member of the United Presbyterian Church of Hornell and for over 50 years was a member of the Arkport American Legion. He was active in the Hornell Little League, serving as president for 16 years. For over 20 years he served as Scout Leader for Troup 37 of the Boy Scouts of America and was proud of the fact that his sons all became Eagle Scouts.

In his younger years, Howie enjoyed rabbit hunting and in later years had a passion for deer hunting. He was an avid NASCAR fan who enjoyed rooting for his favorite driver, Bill Elliott and later Chase Elliott. He loved the days spent with his family camping, especially attending dirt races on Super Dirt Week at the New York State Fairgrounds. He also enjoyed rooting for the New York Yankees (MLB) and the Buffalo Bills (NFL).

Howie will be remembered as a loving husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather and a friend to all. He will be sadly missed by everyone that had the privilege of knowing him!

Howard was married on June 28, 1953 to the former Nancy Buono who died March 7, 2019. He was also preceded in death by his sister, Elaine Gormont.

Surviving are 3 sons, Howard “Howie” (Dorothy) Nisbet III of Hornell, Timothy (Donna Walker) Nisbet of Stokedale, NC and Doug (Grace) Nisbet of Williamson, NY; 10 grandchildren, Brian (Patty Hopkins) Nisbet, Megan (Chris) Daily, Daniel Sirianni, Cara (August) Antol, Robert (Muneeza) Sirianni, Rikki Nisbet, Patrick Nisbet, Ethan Nisbet, Zachary Nisbet and Christopher (Kari) Bocianski; along with several great-grandchildren, nieces & nephews.

The family of Howard W. “Howie” Nisbet, Jr. will receive friends on Monday from 4:00 PM – 6:00 PM at the Dagon Funeral Home, 38 Church St., Hornell, NY. Funeral services will be held at the conclusion of calling hours at 6:00 PM with Deacon Robert McCormick officiating. Burial with military honors will be in the Bath National Cemetery, Bath, NY.

Howard’s family request that in lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in his name be made to the Fremont Fire & Ambulance, PO Box 462, Arkport, NY 14807. Memorial forms will be available at the Dagon Funeral Home.

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

In recognition of Howard’s service to his country as a member of the US Army, the American Flag at the Dagon Funeral Home will be flown at half-staff.

Hornell, New York

Sybill Lee Reeve, precious baby girl of Andrew & Chesiray (Beck) Reeve was born into the “Arms of the Angels” on Monday, July 22, 2024 at Strong Memorial Hospital in Rochester.

Although Sybill never spent any time with us here on earth, she was loved, cherished and touched all of our lives.  Our little Angel now lives in Heaven with Jesus but will always live forever in our hearts and will never be forgotten.

Sybill was greeted at the Gates of Heaven by her sister, Morgan Leigh Reeve.

Surviving are her parents, Andrew & Chesiray (Beck) Reeve of Cameron Mills; 2 sisters, Marley Jade Reeve and GemaRay Beck; her brother, Lucifer Beck-Reeve; her maternal grandparents, Kathie Klemenz and Brian Beck; along with 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.

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

Lewiston, NY

Joyce E. Donovan – 87 – of Lewiston, NY died Thursday evening (July 11, 2024)at the Elderwood at Wheatfield Nursing Facility in Wheatfield, NY.

Born in Niagara Falls, NY on February 27, 1937, she was the daughter of Joseph and Lois (Miller) Coulis.

Joyce was a lifelong resident of the Niagara Falls / Lewiston area and graduated from Niagara Falls High School in 1955. She was a devoted stay-at-home mom and homemaker while raising her three young children and never missed a sporting event or activity. After raising her children, Joyce began working in retail sales and was employed at several different department stores throughout the years.

Having a zest for life, Joyce loved to travel. She enjoyed her yearly trips with girlfriends and traveled to the Caribbean, Europe, Russia, Poland, Canada, Mexico, and Alaska to name a few. When she wasn’t traveling the world, Joyce dabbled in photography and knit & crocheted countless blankets for her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. She was also a member of the Red Hat Society.

On May 19, 1956, Joyce married Donald J. Donovan who died August 22, 2006. She was also predeceased by her beloved daughter, Christy Donovan on March 31, 1982.

Surviving are her son, Scott Donovan of Arkport; her daughter, Kelley (Richard) Kent of Niagara Falls, NY; four grandchildren, Shannon (David) Knight, Matthew Donovan, Ricky Benningfield & Ashley Benningfield; seven great-grandchildren.

To honor Joyce’s wishes, there will be no calling hours. Private services will be held by the family.

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

Memorial contributions in Joyce’s name may be made to the Niagara County SPCA, 2100 Lockport Road, Niagara Falls, NY 14304 or by visiting https://interland3.donorperfect.net/weblink/weblink.aspx?name=E347149&id=1&_ga=2.80807383.1369379816.1721247142-1247365526.1721247142

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

Canisteo, NY

Rhonda Lynn Randall – 56 – of 2437 County Route 128, Canisteo, NY, died Tuesday afternoon (July 2, 2024) at her home following a long illness.

Born in North Hornell on October 12, 1967, she was the daughter of Barnett & Betty (Shomper) Bostic.

Rhonda grew up in Hornell and attended Hornell High School. She later received her General Education Diploma (GED).

A resident of the Hornell-Canisteo area for most of her life, Rhonda had been employed at McDonalds of Hornell and also Advanced Auto of Hornell. She had been a member of the Hornell VFW and enjoyed calligraphy along with playing “on-line” poker on her phone.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Robert “Bob” Randall who died August 7, 2021; 2 sisters, Marilyn Powley and Rosemary Eiffert.

Surviving are 2 sons, Daniel Strauss of Buffalo and Justin Randall of Canisteo; her sister, Karen Ryan of Hornell; her brother, Tommie Bostic of Hornell; 2 grandchildren, Mya Strauss and Levi Strauss; several nieces & nephews including Jennifer Olix, Billy Powley and Heather Powley. She will also be sadly missed by her two canine companions, Cheeko & Reign.

At Rhonda’s request there will be no calling hours. A “Celebration of Life” will be held at a later date.

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

Rhonda’s family request that in lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in her name be made to the Hornell Humane Society, 7649 Industrial Park Road, Hornell, NY 14843.

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

Hornell, New York

Anthony W. “Tony” Rice – 60 – of 81 Genesee St., Hornell, died unexpectedly on Monday (July 1, 2024) at his home.

Born in North Hornell on October 22, 1963, he was the son of Neil & Katherine “Kathy” (Mardo) Rice and the step-son of Paul Woodworth.

Tony grew up in Hornell and was a graduate of Hornell High School (class of 1981).  He was a four year veteran of the US Navy having served aboard the USS Jack Williams.

He was a lifelong resident of the Hornell-Arkport area and throughout the years worked at various places including Pizza Hut, Big Elms Restaurant and Gunlocke Corporation of Wayland.  Tony was an avid collector of cards, DVDs, bottles & comic books.

He was preceded in death by his father, Neil Rice; his infant brother, Lee Rice; and his sister, Debbie Lee Edwards.

Surviving are his son, Toni Weber Rice of Hornell; his mother & step-father, Kathy & Paul Woodworth of Hornell; his sister, Tammy (Tim) Beers of Valley View, PA; his nieces & nephews, Andrea, Sean, Timothy, Megan, Katie & Brie.

At Tony’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.

Tony’s family request that in lieu of flowers, memorial contributions be made to the Hornell Little League, 71 East Washington St., Hornell, NY 14843 or to a charity of the donor’s choice.

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