Hornell, New York

James H. “Jim” Becker – 70 – of 73 Steuben St., Hornell, died Tuesday morning (March 8, 2022) at St. James Hospital, following a long illness.

Born in Hornell on January 18, 1952, he was the son of Harry & Ruth (Dyke) Becker.

Throughout the years, Jim resided in many locations, including Hornell, Bath, California and New Jersey.  He was a graduate of Corning-Painted Post West High School (class of 1970) and was a Veteran of the US Army, having served two tours of duty in Vietnam.

While living in New Jersey, Jim owned & operated Tiremasters Inc in Lakewood, NJ and later served as a supervisor for G3 Inc. in Bridgewater, NJ.

He had been a member of the Hornell VFW and also the Hornell American Legion.

Jim was preceded in death by his parents, Harry & Ruth; and his brother, John.

Surviving are his siblings, Judith “Judy” Triba, Paula Cecile, Mike Becker, Kay Burnell & Gerald Travis; along with many nieces & nephews.

At Jim’s request there will be no calling hours.  Private services will be held at the convenience of the family.  Final interment will be in the Bath National Cemetery, Bath, NY.

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.

Hornell, New York

Harold Wayne Bean – 77 – of Fairport, NY died Thursday morning (March 3, 2022) at Elderwood at Hornell Nursing Facility, following a long illness.

Born in Ogdensburg, NY on March 30, 1944, he was the son of Fred & Mae (Rheaume) Bean.  Harold was a veteran of the US Army, serving his country during the Vietnam Conflict.

Surviving are his wife, Maryann (Haffen) Bean; his daughter, Tracey Bean; his granddaughter, Alissa Bean; 2 great-grandchildren, Abigal & Benjamin.

At Harold’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.

Timothy J. ‘Tim” Deebs – 68 – of 23 Hakes Ave., Hornell, died Wednesday afternoon (March 2, 2022) at Arnot Ogden Medical Center in Elmira, following a brief illness.

Born in Hornell on April 3, 1953, he was the son of Fred “Blackie” & Thomasine “Tommie” (Doyle) Deebs.

Tim, affectionately known as “Mecca”, grew up in Hornell and was a graduate of Hornell High School (class of 1971).  While in high school, he was a member of the HHS football team, wrestling team and track team.  It was at that time that he began working for his father at Hornell Tank & Pump Company, a business that he would eventually own & operate under the name Deebs Tank & Pump.

For a time, Tim was employed as a backhoe operator for Karl Weyand Construction of Hornell and later drove tractor-trailer.  For several years he served as a brakeman for the former Delaware & Hudson (D&H) Railroad.  A licensed electrician, Tim owned & operated his own electrical contracting business in Hornell and as a licensed mechanic owned & operated Seneca Street CITGO, the last “Full Service Gas Station” in Hornell.  He was later employed at TTA Corporation in Kanona and Alstom Corporation of Hornell.  He retired in 2010 due to ill health.

Tim had been a communicant of the former St. Ignatius Loyola Church and a 3rd Degree member of the Hornell Knights of Columbus and also a member of the Hornell Association.  He was an avid Buffalo Bills Football fan as well as a New York Yankee fan.  Tim was also a “die-hard” NASCAR fan.  In his younger years, he liked to go deer hunting with his friends and enjoyed restoring vintage cars.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Fred & “Tommie” Deebs; and his infant brother, John Deebs.

Surviving are 2 brothers, Thomas (Irene) Deebs of Largo, FL and Michael (Andrea) Deebs of Hornell; 2 sisters, Lori (Bob) Flaitz of Hornell and Karen (Paul) Stevens of Arkport; his “Special Aunt”, Mary Kay (Lee) Montgomery of Baltimore, MD; several nieces, nephews & cousins.

At Tim’s request there will be no calling hours.  A Memorial Mass will be held at St. Ann’s Church at a time & date to be announced.  Final interment will be in Hornell Rural Cemetery.

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

Tim’s family request that in lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in his name be made to the National Multiple Sclerosis Society or to the Hornell Humane Society.

Angelo Leo Caruso, Jr. of Sawyer Street in Hornell, NY passed away on Sunday February 27 after a long illness.

Born in Hornell on October 11, 1948, he was the son of Angelo Leo Caruso Sr. and Elinor (Burr) Caruso.

Angelo, better known as “Angie” by family and friends, attended Hornell schools and graduated from Hornell High School (class of 1967).  During high school, he was employed by Acme grocery store as a stock boy and cashier.  Following High school, he attended Alfred State College and worked at Russ Davis Auto where he developed expert skills as an auto mechanic.

He continued to master these skills throughout life, and eventually could figure out and fix any problem with a vehicle.  Angie owned and operated a business for several years called C & E Roofing.  He was later employed by the City of Hornell in the Department of Public Works.

In his free time he enjoyed hunting, building his home on Gypsy Hill, and tinkering at his campsite.  Angie had a big Italian family that he loved spending time with over the years.  As the big brother to many siblings, he often acted as their gentle leader and protector throughout childhood and adolescence.

He cherished his close friendships and had unwavering loyalty towards those he loved.  He had a big heart, sensitive soul, and was very generous even when he had little to give.  In recent years, Angie spent much of his time visiting family and friends that were in nursing homes or hospitalized.  During his lifetime, he overcame many difficult situations due to his persistence and survival skills.

Without a doubt, Angie lived a full and interesting life.  As Frank Sinatra would say, “HE DID IT HIS WAY”!

Angie is predeceased by his parents, brothers Lawrence R. Caruso & Joe Caruso; sister Pat Markel; and nephew Jimmy Hess.

He is survived by many family members who loved him including Sandra Donlon, Nancy Beach, Angela Caruso, Tony Caruso, Michael Caruso, Richie Caruso, Vicky Southard, Kathy Wilbur, Linda Salyerds and  Jeff Teeter; special friends, Pete Tinkelpaugh and Glenn Tinklepaugh; many nieces and nephews, several great nieces and nephews, and many cousins.

A special “Thank-You” goes out to Deacon Bob McCormick, Karen Carney, Laurie Reese, the Hornell Fire Department, the Hornell Police Department (especially Officer Donavan and Sgt. McHenry), and the staff at the Hornell Housing Authority.

At Angie’s request, there will be no calling hours. The family will hold a “Celebration of Life” a later date along with a private Graveside Service at St. Mary’s Cemetery.

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

In lieu of flowers, the family requests prayers for their beloved Angie to rest peacefully now with the Lord.

James “Wayne” Powers, age 71, of 31 Washington St., Hornell, died at the VA Medical Center in Bath NY yesterday from complications due to lung cancer.

Born in Bay Shore, LI on December 1, 1950, he was the son of Edgar & Veronica (Walsh) Powers.

Wayne was raised on Lake Ronkonkoma, LI and attended Sachem High School.  At the age of 17, he enlisted in the US Army and in 1969 served two Tours of Duty during the Viet Nam Conflict.  For his service, “Pops” as he was affectionately known, earned the Vietnam Campaign Medal, Overseas Ribbon and numerous US Army accommodation and achievement medals and ribbons.  He served honorably in the US Army, achieving the rank of Staff Sergeant (E-6) while serving as a Patriot Instructor stationed at Ft. Bragg, North Carolina, Grafenwöehr Germany and Ft. Hood, Texas.

SSG Powers’ experience in the Army played a very important role in his life.  He frequently pointed out that the US Army afforded him valuable “life lessons” as well as experiences he feels he would not have otherwise been able to partake.  He swore an oath to the country that he loves to protect & defend and he carried it over to his family and his everyday life until the very day he passed.

A resident of the Hornell area for most of his adult life, he was employed as a plumber for Morrison-Knudson (MK) and Alstom Corporation for many years, retiring about 9 years ago.

Wayne enjoyed the outdoors and in his younger years loved hunting and spending time on the local firing range.  He was a former member of the Hornell American Legion and the Hornell VFW.

Pops was an avid story teller and would often entertain his children, grandchildren & friends with his amazing stories and exploits.  He used them as a teaching tool for examples of life’s lessons.  These stories as well as his charismatic presence will be dearly missed.

Wayne is survived by his wife, Ellen Powers; seven children, Robin Rideout, Robert (Patricia) Rideout, Edward Rideout, Kimberly (Daniel Congdon) Kassay, Mildred Kassay, Randi (Steve) Parsell, Frank (Michelle) Powers.  He is also survived by numerous loving grandchildren, great-grandchildren, great-great-grandchildren; 1 brother, Robert Powers; 3 sisters, Diane (John) Grippo, Mary Molkentin and Judy Powers

The family of James “Wayne” Powers will receive friends on Sunday from 3:00 – 4:00 PM at the Dagon Funeral Home, 8 Church St., Hornell, NY.  A Memorial Service with Military Honors will be held at the conclusion of calling hours at 4:00 PM with Deacon Robert McCormick officiating.  These services will commemorate Wayne’s outstanding life as a husband, father, soldier & patriot!!  Final interment will be in the Bath National Cemetery, Bath, NY.

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

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

Josephine A. “Josie” Brown 

On February 18, 2022 Josephine A. “Josie” Brown, 81 of Hornell, NY passed comfortably and at peace.

Josie was born January 16, 1941 in Hornell NY to the late Angelo and Josephine (Marino) Cartella.  She grew up in Hornell and attended St. Ann’s School and later graduated from Hornell High School (Class of 1960).

She was married to the late Robert J. “Bob” Brown on August 18, 1961 and together they built a life and a family.

Josie is survived by her brothers, Carl (Mary) Cartella of Hornell NY and Francis “Butch” (Beth) Cartella of Almond, NY, her seven children, Robert (Ellen) Brown of Nashville, TN, Stephen Brown of Alfred Station NY, Lisa (Michael) Hamilton of Alfred Station, NY, Angela Gillette of Hornell NY, Cynthia (Lawrence) Ebert of Hornell NY, Scott (Catherine) Brown of Hornell NY and Jodi Brown of Houghton, NY.  She is also survived by her grandchildren,  Michael, Megan, Sarah Jane, Nathan, Monika, Rachael, Ryan, Amanda, Ashley, Stephen & Thomas; her great granddaughter Charleigh Rose; along with several in-laws, nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her husband Robert J. Brown on January 26, 1981; her siblings Francis “Frankie” Cartella, Peter Cartella, Mary (infant) Cartella, Mary Andrezzi, Angeline Eason, Rose “Tina” Conine, and Julio “Bozo” Cartella.

Josie lived her life– always doing and caring for others.  She dedicated a large portion of her life supporting students with special needs.  She did this as a Teacher’s Aide for Steuben-Allegany BOCES and as a Coach and Area 15 Coordinator for Special Olympics.  Josie once said that when she started working for BOCES her family grew larger, this is because she always treated her coworkers and her students like family. She was a positive role model, a supportive mentor and a loving influence on so many through the years.  Being involved in Special Olympics, one of Josie’s favorite things was being able to take student athletes each year to attend the annual Knights of Columbus Sports Night Banquet.  Josie was honored in 2001 as the Coach of the Year and again in 2013 with a Special Dedication.  Each year the student athletes got to meet, chat with and get the celebrity athlete’s autographs.   As one of the biggest Bills fans around a huge highlight for Josie was when in 2017, she finally got to meet her hero, Bruce Smith.  Go Bills!

She also made connections and provided opportunities to the youth of Hornell through her second job as manager of the Hornell Knights of Columbus kitchen.  At the K of C she cooked, planned the parties and events and provided several teenagers with their first job serving meals, washing dishes and setting up for and staffing the parties and events.

She was a member of Our Lady of the Valley Parish and a communicant of St. Ann’s Church.  She was also a member of the Hornell Ladies of Columbus, the AZB Sorority and the Carducci Lodge-Sons of Italy.   Josie enjoyed local politics and had been a member of the Democratic Woman’s committee for many years.  In her spare time she enjoyed crafts, making flowers for wedding bouquets, gambling, playing “pay me” with her friends at Carducci Lodge and spending time with her friends and family.

Josie was a kind soul that had a passion for volunteering and doing for others.  In addition to Special Olympics she also volunteered at the St. James and Elderwood Gift Shops, she organized the Hornell High School Post Prom Party for several years, she volunteered for the Steuben County Rural Ministry helping Sister Susan Cain at the food pantry.  She’d have fun with her family each year on Christmas Eve doing random acts of kindness and she has put on numerous “Spaghetti Dinners  By Josie” for various fundraisers throughout the years.  Josie was a member of several clubs and service organizations but being a member of Alpha Zeta Beta “AZB” Sorority made a huge impact on her life.  Through AZB she formed lifelong friendships.  From serving their community, national conventions, turtle ceremonies, and regular get-togethers she enjoyed every adventure with her fun-loving and slightly wild sisters of AZB.  This group of women did a lot for others and always had the best times filled with laughter and fun while doing it.

Although she touched so many lives and done so many great things, her biggest role was that of a loving Mother, Grandmother and Meme.  She showed her love to her family in so many ways: through football talk, car rides & listening to the oldies, trips to the mall and the ice cream shop, casino visits, games of skipbo, family get togethers, playing team trivia, searching for Smurf collectible figures, adventures with “Belsnickle the Elf” and most importantly home cooked meals made with love.

Josie showered her family with love through shared moments together of fun and laughter.  These special moments are now cherished memories.  Josie’s love for her family and for others is her greatest legacy.  In turn, she was very loved and will be greatly missed and celebrated by her family each time we get a winner on a scratch off, each time the Bills score a touchdown, each time we order a large Diet Coke from McDonald’s each time we cook a meal with love and each time we think of a fun memory and realize how blessed we are to have been loved by Josie.

The family of Josephine A. ”Josie” Brown will receive friends on Friday from 4:00 PM- 6:00 PM at the Dagon Funeral Home, 38 Church Street, Hornell NY.  A mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Saturday at 1:00 PM at St. Ann’s Church with burial in Hartsville Hill Pope Cemetery, Hartsville, NY.

Josie’s family requests that in lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in her name be made to the Hornell Alumni Association, PO Box 135, Hornell, NY  14843.  Memorial forms will be available at the Dagon Funeral Home.

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

Alfred Station, NY

Harold L. Wyant – 67 – of Alfred Station, formerly Hartsville, NY, died Wednesday (February 16, 2022) at Noyes Memorial Hospital in Dansville, following a long illness.

Born in Hornell on June 15, 1954, he was the son of Donald and Phyllis (Woodworth) Wyant.

Harold grew up in Hartsville where he resided for 65 years until moving to Alfred Station in 2020.

He was employed as a truck mechanic at the former Morrison-Knudsen (MK) and later TTA / Transitair Systems in Hornell.

An avid outdoorsman, Harold enjoyed hunting and fishing, farming, riding his 4-wheeler, and horseback riding.

In addition to his parents, Harold was predeceased by his sister, Rosie Parks, & nephew, Michael Carbone.

Harold is survived by his five children, Daniel (Erica) Oles of Arkport, Cory (Alexis) Wyant of Hornell, Jennifer (Brian) Kent of Hornell, Nicole Wyant of Hornell, & Bridget Wyant of Summerville, SC; 6 sisters, Barbara (Raymond) Vosburg of Hornell, Mary (Joe) Carbone of Hornell, Bonnie (Richard) Ankenbauer of Union City, PA, LeeAnn McCarthy of Almond, Judy (Brad) O’Konski of Alfred Station, & Eleanor (Michael) Duffy of Hornell; 9 grandchildren, Jeremiah, Brianna, Tyger, Warwick, Willa, Zayne, Maizey, Chase, Kaegan; several nieces & nephews.

Per Harold’s request, there will be no calling hours or services.

Memorial contributions in Harold’s name may be made to a charity of the donor’s choice.

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

Linda M. Stearns – 62 – of 14 Brush St., Arkport, died early Wednesday morning (February 16, 2022) at her home, following a long illness.

Born in Tonawanda, NY on April 11, 1959, she was the daughter of Peter & Evelyn (Derner) Dragich.

Linda grew up in the Buffalo, NY area and was a graduate of Kenmore East High School (class of 1977).  While living in the Buffalo area, she had been employed as Office Manager for SSI Corporation and later for Trident Mechanical Corporation.

She moved to the Arkport area in 2010 and had been employed at Cy’s SureFine Grocery in Arkport and also served as a “Price Checker” for Wal-Mart Corporation.

Linda was a member of the Arkport American Legion.  She had a deep affection for animals, especially dogs & cats, and throughout the years spent countless hours helping family & friends search for their “runaway” pets that had wandered off.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Peter & Evelyn Dragich.

Linda was married on July 4, 2008 to William “Bill” Stearns who survives.  Also surviving are her daughter, Jennifer (Jason) Haggar of Louisville, CO; 4 step-sons, Jeffery (Donna) Stearns of Sorrento, FL, Shawn Stearns of Eustis, FL, James (Sara) Stearns of Eustis, FL and Alex (Jackie) Stearns of Arkport; 3 brothers, Dennis (Gail) Dragich of Bemis Point, NY, Pete Dragich of Lakeview, NY and Mike (Marti) Dragich of Knoxville, TN; 1 granddaughter, Ellen Haggar; several step-grandchildren, nieces & nephews.

At Linda’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.

Linda’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.

Hornell, NY  /  Avoca, NY

Raymond R. Jackson – 63 – of State Route 415, Avoca, formerly of Hornell died unexpectedly Wednesday (February 9, 2022) at his home.

Funeral arrangements are incomplete at the Dagon Funeral Home, 38 Church St., Hornell, NY.

Carol L. Mohrman – 78 – of Arkport, formerly of Long Island, died early Wednesday morning (February 9, 2022) at the Vincent House in Wayland, NY, following an illness.

Born in New York City on April 28, 1943, she was the daughter of George & Emma (Pheasant) Dempsey.

Carol grew up in Queens Village, NY and was a graduate of Andrew Jackson High School (class of 1961).  She resided on Long Island for most of her adult life, initially in the Farmingdale area and then in Dix Hills after she married Robert (Bob) Mohrman in May of 1969.  They were married until his death on February 15, 2005. She has lived in Arkport for the past few months.

While living in Dix Hills, Carol was a member of the St. Luke Lutheran Church.

Carol was an avid reader (especially fiction novels) and liked to spend time working on crossword puzzles.  She also enjoyed taking daily walks and doing aerobics.

Surviving are her son, David (Valerie) Mohrman of Midlothian, VA; her daughter, Jackie (Robert Adler) Mohrman of Arkport; 2 grandchildren, Sarah Mohrman & Christopher Mohrman.

At Carol’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.

Carol’s family request that in lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in her name be made to the American Cancer Society, 13 Beech St., Johnson City, NY  13790 or The Vincent House Comfort Care Home, PO Box 566, 310 Second Avenue, Wayland, NY 14572.