Hornell, New York

Nessadena A. “Nessa” Ortiz-Price – 40 – formerly of State Route #21, Hornell, died unexpectedly on Wednesday (May 18, 2022) at Ira Davenport Hospital in Bath, NY.

Born in Buffalo, NY on October 23, 1981, she was the daughter of Pedro Ortiz and Pamela Lee.

Nessa was born of native Indian heritage, was a member of the Seneca Nation.  She had resided in the Hornell – Almond area for the past 4 years and had been a member of the Alfred Union Church.

Surviving are her husband, Darrin Price; her daughters, Genevieve Price, April Gregor, Marisa Gonzales and Yasmine Rodriguez; her son, Antonio; her mother, Pamela Lee; her “Surrogate Mom”, Robin Zaczek; 2 brothers, Christopher Seth and Peter Longboat.

There will be no calling hours.  A Memorial Service will be held at the Alfred Union Church at a time & date to be announced.

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

Edna K. Brazen – 90 – of 90 Hartshorn St., Hornell, died Saturday morning (July 2, 2022) at Elderwood at Hornell Nursing Facility following a long illness.

Born in Scranton, PA on March 1, 1932, she was the daughter of John & Mary  (Bryndza) Rosofsky.

Edna grew up in Scranton, PA and was a graduate of Scranton, High School.  Shortly after high school graduation, she married Joseph Brazen and together moved to Hornell in the early 1950s.

She was a member of Our Lady of the Valley Parish and a communicant of St. Ann’s Church.  Edna enjoyed making a “Friendly Wager” and loved visiting the casinos in Atlantic City, Salamanca, Las Vegas and taking cruises where gambling was permitted.  In her younger years, she could often be found playing bingo in and around the Hornell area.  She was also a Buffalo Bills fan and enjoyed working in her vegetable garden.

Edna was preceded in death by her husband, Joseph Brazen who died in 1992; her daughter, Kim Chace who died in 2008; her son Joe Brazen who died in 2021.

Surviving are her son, Brandon (Jackie) Chace of Hornell; several nieces & nephews.

At Edna’s request there will be no calling hours.  Private services will be held at the convenience of the family with final interment at the Bath National Cemetery next to her husband.

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

Edna’s family request that in lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in her memory be made to the American Cancer Society, 13 Beech St., Johnson City, NY  13790.

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

Susan M. “Sue” (Davis) Mohammad – (60) – of Arkport, formerly of Florida, died early Saturday morning (July 2, 2022), following a long illness.

Born in Newfane, NY on July 5, 1961, she was the daughter of Martin “Marty” & Shirley (Smith) Davis.

Sue grew up in Arkport and attended St. Ann School in Hornell.  She later graduated from Arkport Central School (class of 1979).

For about 13 years, Sue resided in Bishopville, NY and had been employed at the former Nichols Department Store; Steuben ARC; and Gunlock Corporation in Wayland.  She moved to Florida in 2000 and worked a variety of jobs, including carpentry, cleaning homes, served as a cashier at several stores in the Lake Wales area and also worked at Haines City Truck Stop.

Sue enjoyed carpentry, wood working and building beautiful children’s playhouses.  She also loved spending time working in her flower garden and vegetable garden.

Surviving are her daughter, Kelly (Joe) Schecter of Wayland; 2 sons, Brian (Sally Katherine) Gowiski of Salisvury, NC and Jess (Lacy) Gowiski of Hamburg, NY; 2 brothers, Tim Davis of Grand Island, NY and Kevin (Bonnie) Davis of Arkport; 3 sisters, Diane (Henry) Viera of Arkport, Patty Davis of Grand Island, NY and Sheila (Barry) Henry of Arkport; 5 grandchildren, Justin Schecter, Olivia Schecter, Jackson Gowiski, Eleanor Gowiski and Rosalee Gowiski; many nieces & nephews.

At Susan’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.

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

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

SIERRA VISTA — Karyl Anne (Barnett) Lamb passed suddenly on Sunday May 15, 2022, while doing what she loved…cycling.

She was born in Hornell, New York on June 10, 1953.  The Barnett family moved to Hornell, New York in the late 1800s.  Her parents, both deceased, were Francis M. (Ace) Barnett and Judith (Schreck) Barnett.  She had one older brother, David Barnett living in Charlotte, North Carolina.

Karyl graduated from Hornell High School in 1971.  Her love of music began early playing saxophone in grade school and continued through High School Band.  She continued to play the saxophone throughout her life and was a long time member of the Sierra Vista Community Band

Her competitive spirit showed early (she was 2nd chair to fellow band member Bill Pullman). She always laughed and said they had a sign in Hornell that said “Home of Bill Pullman” but none for her.

Karyl married Ronald C. Lamb out of High School.  Ron joined the Army and they did an Army tour in Germany.  While in Germany Karyl started doing Volksmarschs.  Ron and Karyl were divorced after returning to the US.

Her Civil Service career began 1971 while they were stationed at Aberdeen Proving Ground, Aberdeen, Maryland at the Army Air Force Exchange.  While in Zweibruecken, Germany she worked for the U.S. Army-Europe, Materiel Management Center.

Department of Defense U.S. Army Electronic Proving Ground (USAEPG) Ft. Huachuca, Arizona was the next step in her career beginning 1978 — 1985.

Leaving USAEPG in 1985 for career advancement she went to United States Army Information Systems Engineering Command (USAISEC) as a technical editor and writer until she retired in 2008.

During her 37 years with few breaks as a Civil Service Employee she never received any Performance Appraisals lower than excellent.  Awards for her contributions to the Commands USAEPG and USAISEC were many.  A notable one in 2006 was a Commander’s Coin from USAISEC Col. Denise F. Williams for outstanding support of the USAISEC Total Engineering and Integration Services II Project.  “Your continuous hard work as the project Technical Editor and Writer over the last year has earned you much praise.  All of your work has been of the highest quality and has been critical to the success of this project.”

In 2008 after proudly serving in two countries and two states with more than a quarter century of service Karyl retired from the Civil Service.

Not wanting to sit idle at home and waste time, she obtained her Commercial Drivers License (CDL) and began driving for Sierra Vista Public Schools as a bus driver.  She then left and began working for the Sierra Vista Transit as a bus driver until her death.

Physical health and competition were in her blood.  Volksmarschs, racquetball, snow skiing, and long distance cycling were her biggest sport favorites.  She competed in the Bisbee 1000 Stair Step climb, Triathlons, Mule Mountain Marathon as well as walks to raise money for charities.

Always striving to better herself, Karyl obtained an Associate of General Studies in 1997 while working full time from Cochise College.  She completed the Professional Paralegal Specialty Program: Civil Litigation, Atlanta, Georgia and the Cochise County Attorney Victim Witness Training Program Crisis Intervention & Mediation Training.

Karyl loved all animals especially cats and was a dedicated supporter of rescues and shelters.

Learning and promoting gun safety was another interest and Karyl became proficient in the use of firearms.  She frequented the Sierra Vista Firing Range with friends and assisted them in firearm use.

Through self-directed study, owls became an obsession through reading, watching, tracking, logging their habits and nesting patterns.  Karyl visited nesting sites around town regularly year after year, hauling her friends along, photographing and recording how many owlets were born each season.  She became a self taught expert on owl life in Cochise County.

Karyl lost her life partner and spouse, Patricia Del Vecchio, in November 2020.  They were together for 35 years.  Together they competed in many triathlons and were avid racquetball players.  Being major competitors, they won many awards at the local and state level and were nationally ranked in racquetball.

During her days as an “uber” athlete, Karyl suffered chronic foot, knee and back pain.  Enduring surgeries and rehabs, her indomitable spirit pressed her on and she returned to work and exercise after every setback.

Karyl leaves behind her beloved cat Gracie Belle; Patricia’s three daughters, Diane Dolieslager, Theresa Del Vecchio and Cara Del Vecchio; co-workers; bus patrons; and many devoted friends

Kindness, Loyalty, Care, Honor, having an Excellent Work Ethic, and maintaining friendships both local and nationally were very important to her.

Remembrances in Karyl’s name would be appreciated to the charity of your choice (with preference to animal rescue and shelters).

To leave an online condolence or share a memory, visit Dagon Funeral Home, 38 Church St., Hornell, NY.

Mabel Jean “Midge” Shaver – 86 – of 6 Elmwood Place, Hornell, died peacefully Wednesday morning (June 22, 2022) at her home, surrounded by her loving family, following a short illness.

Born in Hornell on November 29, 1935, she was the daughter of Kenneth & Alice (Johnson) Ross.

Midge grew up in Hornell and attended school in the Hornell School System.  She briefly resided in Rochester where she was employed as a waitress at several restaurants & diners.

Following her return to Hornell, Midge had been employed throughout the years as a barkeeper for several local establishments, including Dish Cornish’s, the Star Grill, Minnie’s Tavern, Guido’s Park Inn, Downey’s Tavern, Lucy’s Tavern and Ray’s Tavern.

She was a former member of the Hornell Eagles Club, the Hornell VFW and Hornell Moose Lodge.  Midge, along with her sisters, enjoyed playing bingo and visiting the casinos. They were often referred to as the “Golden Girls.”

A self-proclaimed “people person”, Midge enjoyed talking and reminiscing with all of her customers as a barkeeper.  She had a deep love for her family and loved family dinners and simply hanging out with her grandchildren & great-grandchildren.  Over the years, her son could always expect to hear her cheering him on (loudly) at Little League, Babe Ruth and High School baseball games, without fail.  Blessed with an incredible memory, she would regale her children and grandchildren with stories and tales of life in Hornell from her childhood, never forgetting a person’s name or lineage.  Also blessed with a lovely voice, Midge would break out in song at any time, especially upon hearing some of her favorite songs being played.

Throughout the years, Midge and husband John, along with their beloved canine companion “Mokie”, enjoyed spending time fishing, boating and just relaxing at the family cottage, M&J Hideaway at Lamoka Lake, where no one was a stranger. Annual 4th of July gatherings at the Hideaway were family tradition throughout the years.  Mom and John welcomed and accommodated all.

In addition to her parents, Midge was preceded in death by her beloved husband and companion, John E. Shaver; infant daughter, Kathy Flint; her sister, Ella Gardner; and her brother, Lyman Ross.

Surviving are 1 son, Earl “Duke” (Dana) Flint III of Arkport; 2 daughters, Karen Noble of Hornell and Lynne (Ed) Wolfe of Hornell; 2 step-daughters, Susan (David) Sias of Colorado and Mary Ann (Jamie) Francis of Kentucky; 3 sisters, Lana Nichols of Hornell, Edith (Gerald) Jackson of Arkport and Arlene O’Dell of Hornell; 1 brother, Stanley Ross of Florida; 10 grand-children, James Dowler, Korey Edwards, Erin Flint, Rachel Brandow, Benjamin Noble, Kara Phillips, Julia Truslow, Aubrey Dugo, Jacob O’Heron and Katie Wolfe; many great-grandchildren and great-great-grandchildren; numerous nieces & nephews.

Midge’s children would like to thank all who provided love, comfort and aid to our beloved Mother in these last days.

At Midge’s request there will be no calling hours. A “Celebration of Life” will be held on a date & time to be announced.

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

Midge’s family request that in lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in her name be made to either St. Jude Children’s Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105 or to Care First Hospice, 3805 Meads Creek Rd., Painted Post, NY 14870.

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

Sharon Ann (French) Taylor, 72, of Canisteo, NY, went to her heavenly home on Thursday, June 9, 2022.

Born in Hornell, NY on November 10, 1949 Sharon grew up in the Canisteo area where she attended Jasper High School.

She enjoyed reading, gardening, playing computer games, watching television, and her favorite hobby, crafting.  She also enjoyed repurposing furniture.  Additionally, Sharon loved the outdoors and the beauty of nature. She was born with a green thumb, as can be seen at her beautifully landscaped home in Canisteo.  Her favorite flowers were lilacs, and her favorite color was purple.

Sharon thoroughly enjoyed working with the public.  She loved making connections with people and forging new friendships.  She was an entrepreneur and owned three different businesses throughout her lifetime–the Sit-n-Sip Restaurant, the Canisteo Pizzeria, and the She Shed (a small repurposed furniture and décor boutique).  Her genuine smile and caring spirit will be remembered by her customers and employees.  Sharon lit up every room she entered and made an impact on so many people.  She was everyone’s “mom”.

Her favorite job titles were that of Mother and Grandmother.  Her children and grandchildren were the center of her universe.  Sharon was so proud of her family and there was nothing she wouldn’t do for them.  You could often find her on the sidelines at various sporting events and in the auditorium of dance competitions cheering on her grandchildren.  Sharon loved cooking for her family and having family gatherings.  The family was always happy to see Mom’s special dishes on the menu. Her famous homemade chocolate cake with peanut butter frosting and delicious macaroni salad will both be missed.  She poured love into every dish she made.  Sharon’s heart and her home were always filled with warmth and kindness.  The love for her family is her legacy.

She was predeceased by her parents Raymond C. French and Anna Mae (Paul) Willis.

Sharon is survived by her loving children, daughters Rhonda (Rich) Farrand and Renae (Don) Fortuna and her sons, David Jackson and Ken (Jen) Jackson.  She had 10 grandchildren, Ashley (Jonathan) Tuite, Sharalyn (Ryan) Rice, Natalie Fortuna, Adrianna Fortuna, Devon Jackson, Acacia (Hunter) Venable, Dawson Jackson, Derek Jackson, Taylor Jackson, and Schuylar (Dakota Mix) Carbone and her 7 great-grandchildren Alivian, Hunter, Kegan, Evangeline, MaKenna, Emalina, and Zayden.  Additionally, Sharon is survived by 3 sisters, Vicky (Merritt) Black, Susan (EJ) Kubiak, Tammy (Jerry) Taft and 5 brothers, Raymond (Betty) French, Roger (Angie) French, Paul (Jennifer) Willis, Jr., Gary (Debbie) Willis, Duane Willis, as well as several nieces and nephews.  Sharon is also survived by her long-time partner Clayton O’Dell and her devoted fur-baby, Gigi.

The family of Sharon Taylor will receive friends on Friday (July 1, 2022) from 3:00 pm until 4:00 pm at the West Jasper Weslyan Church, 2619 Co Rd 31, Canisteo, NY.  A memorial service to commemorate Sharon’s incredible life will be held at the conclusion of calling hours at 4:00 pm with Reverend Brian Diffenbacher officiating.  A private “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.

Sharon’s family requests that in lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in her name be made to Sharon’s favorite charity, St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN  38105 or visit  https://www.stjude.org/give/memorials-and-dedications.html?sc_icid=wtg-mm-memorial-giving.

Robert J. “Bob” Osmin – 60 – of 13 East William St., Bath, died unexpectedly at his home.

Born in Wellsville, NY on June 27, 1961, he was the son of Floyd & Eloise (Spangenberg) Osmin.

Bob grew up in the Canisteo, Rexville & Arkport areas and was a graduate of Arkport Central School (class of 1980).  He later attended the Wellsville Campus of Alfred State College where he studied welding.

He was employed as a welder for several years at the former Foster-Wheeler Corporation in Dansville and for nearly 20 years worked as a “pruner” for Stutzman’s Tree Farm.

Moving to Texas, Bob owned & operated “Bob O’s Mow & Go” landscaping service for several years.  After Hurricane Harvey devastated parts of Texas, he moved back to New York State and briefly resided in Avoca.  For a time, Bob again worked at Stutzman’s Tree Farm and later was employed at Gunlock Corporation in Wayland and Rent-A-Center in Bath.

Bob was a true outdoorsman who loved hunting, fishing and simply taking long walks through the woods.  He also enjoyed spending time working in his vegetable garden.  He had a deep affection for animals and throughout the years owned several dogs.

He was preceded in death by his son, Nicholas “Nick” Osmin; his father, Floyd Osmin; and his brother, Mike Cady.

Surviving are 2 daughters, Erica (Casey) Bush of Avoca and Valerie (Derek) Ribble of Canisteo; 1 son, Nathan “Nate” Osmin of Hornell; his mother, Eloise Turner of Canisteo; 1 brother, James (Rosetta) Osmin of Hornell; 4 sisters, Mary Howell of Baltimore, MD, Patricia (David) Scouten of Hornell, Melissa (Bryan) Ladner of Bath and Debbie McGregor of Adrian, NY; 11 grandchildren; several nieces & nephews.

At Bob’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.

Bob’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.

Richard L. “Dick” Davison – (86) – of 1219 County Road 13-C, Canaseraga, NY died Friday morning (June 17, 2022) at his home, following a long illness.

Born in North Hornell on January 6, 1936, he was the son of Llewellyn & Genevieve (Sackett) Davison.

Dick grew up in Hornell and attended school in the Hornell School System.  He was a Veteran of the US Marine Corps, serving as a truck driver in Korea during the Korean Conflict.  He was honorably discharged in 1957 following 3 years of service.

For 42 years he was employed in many capacities at the former Stern & Stern Textile Corporation, primarily in the maintenance departments.  He retired in 1998.

An outdoorsman, Dick enjoyed hunting, primarily deer & small game.

He was preceded in death by his daughter, Norma Young (died 2015); his son, Randy Young (died 2018) his granddaughter, Mary Jo Hill; his great-grandson, Joseph Turner; his sister, Alice Sims.

Dick was married in 1965 to the former Patricia Gee Young who survives.  Also surviving are 2 sons, David Young of Bath and Rich Davison of Canaseraga; 3 daughters, Rebecca (Lee Hurst) Young of Rochester, Sandra Kinnerney of Alfred and Julia (Tom) Testani of Bath; his daughter-in-law, Linda Young of Greenwood; 2 sisters, Barb Castle of Belmont and Linda (Rocky) Burdett of Hornell;14 grandchildren; 17 great-grandchildren; 2 great-great-grandchildren (and one “on the way”); several nieces & nephews.

At Dick’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. 

Dick’s family request that in lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in his name be made to the American Cancer Society, 13 Beech St., Johnson City, NY  13790 

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

Constance J. “Connie” Shephard – (88) – of 12 Cameron Ave., Hornell, died June 16, 2022 following a brief illness.

Born in Wellsville, NY, on March 15, 1934, she was the daughter of Gerald & Henrietta (McDowell) Lee.

Connie was a graduate of Wellsville High School (class of 1951) and later graduated of the Sisters of Charity School of Nursing in Buffalo (class of 1954).  For about 2 years she was employed as a registered nurse at Roswell Park Cancer Hospital in Buffalo.

She was married on October 29, 1955 to her best friend, Paul Shephard, and in 1956 they moved to Hornell.  She served as a registered nurse at St. James Mercy Hospital for many years, retiring in 1994 as nurse manager of the medical floor.

Connie was a fun loving wife and mother. Her special interests were her faith as a member of St. Ann’s Church, St. James Mercy Hospital Auxiliary, and Red Cross Board, St. Ann’s Parish Council and Ladies of Columbus.  Connie had a special love and devotion to the Blessed Virgin Mary who guided her throughout her life.  In 2002, she made a covenant with the Sisters of Mercy of Rochester and became a Mercy Associate.

She was a member of the Hornell Twin Hickory Golf Club and an avid supporter & season ticket holder of the Buffalo Bills.  She was always very involved with all of her children’s sports and musical activities.  Her children and grandchildren were the joy of her life.

She was a volunteer for the Ladies Professional Golf Association for 23 years; Red Cross Blood Band; Interfaith Association; Steuben County Rural Ministry and RSVP.  In her early years, Connie was a Campfire Leader; club secretary for St. Ann’s Mother’s Club; Co-President of PTA at Columbian School and a member of Kieran Guild of St. James Hospital.

Connie was preceded in death by her husband of 61 years, Paul E. Shephard who died October 29, 2016; brother, Gerald Lee. 

Surviving are 5 sons, Paul Shephard, JR, of Hornell, Daniel (Melissa) Shephard of Raleigh, NC, Robert (Nancy) Shephard of Clifton Park, NY, Stephen (Deborah) Shephard of Rexford, NY and Joseph (Lisa) Shephard of Andover, NY; 3 daughters, Pamela Daniels of Henrietta, NY, Mary (Dan) Eason of Alfred and Anne (David) Robinson of Arkport; her dear friend, Joe Mauro of Hornell; 2 sisters, Loretta (Jim) Cronin of Wellsville, and Jacci (Bob) Gardner of Saranac Lake, NY; 3 brothers, , Robert (Pat) Lee of Wellsville, Thomas Lee of Rochester, and Jim (Zoie) Lee of Binghamton, NY; many grandchildren; many great-grandchildren; several nieces & nephews.

The family of Constance J. “Connie” Shephard will receive friends on Tuesday from 4 – 6 PM at the Dagon Funeral Home, 38 Church St., Hornell, NY. A Memorial Service will be held at the conclusion of calling hours at 6:00 PM with Deacon Robert McCormick officiating.  A “Celebration of Life” will follow the memorial service at approximately 6:45 PM at The Main Place on Main St., Hornell, NY.  All are invited. 

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

Joshua T. “Josh” Owens, 38, of Hornell, died unexpectedly Monday morning at his home.

Born In Dansville on January 14, 1984, he was the son of Lynn LaVerde of Hornell and Bob Owens of Arkport.

Josh grew up in Hornell and attended Hornell High school.  He was a lifelong carpenter and was compassionate about his work.  He had been employed by several construction companies in New York State.

He was a devoted fan of the Dallas Cowboys and loved listening to music.  Josh was known for his amazing sense of humor and for having the “biggest heart.”   He was truly loved by his family and friends.

Josh will always be remembered for the love he had for his family.  That sweet smile, contagious laugh, his habit of licking the icing off all the birthday candles and always expecting everyone to have a freezer full of Popsicles will never be forgotten.

During the early morning hours on June 13^th, Josh’s demons took his life from him. Addiction does not discriminate.  He fought a long, hard battle for many years.  There were times of success and times of failure with his addiction.  What we do know is that his fight showed all of us how badly he wanted to win and be the best version of himself for him, his sons, and his family.  Addiction destroys and takes away everything important.  Josh would want us to remember him for the sweet soul he was because that was “Our Josh.”

Josh was preceded in death by his maternal grandparents Ronald LaVerde and Rose Sheridan; his paternal grandparents, Harold & Beverly Owens; his uncle, Jimmy “U.J.” LaVerde.

Surviving are 2 sons, Kayden & Kale Owens; his mother, Lynn LaVerde of Hornell; his father, Bob (Karen) Owens of Arkport; his sister, Jennifer Owens of Hornell; 2 nephews, Keelan Smith and Rylan Burley; 1 niece (Josh’s “special girl”), Elaina Smith; several aunts, uncles & cousins.

At Josh’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.

In lieu of flowers, donations in his memory may be made to the Kayden & Kale Owens Education Fund, C/O Lynn LaVerde, 22 Old Almond Road, Hornell, NY 14843.

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