Virginia L. “Ginny” Bates peacefully passed at age 74 in her Arkport home early Monday, February 7^th 2022, after a long battle.

Born in Rochester, NY on Feb 18^th, 1947 to Leonard & Ferne Suss Nuijens.

Ginny grew up in Penfield, NY, where she graduated from high school in 1965 before receiving a Bachelor’s Degree from SUNY Oswego.

She was married to Robert “Bob” Bates in 1970, before moving to Arkport in 1975. Ginny spent over 30 years helping her community through her work at SCAP/Arbor Housing, where she helped improve the lives (and homes) of 1000’s of her neighbors across the Southern Tier. In the 1990’s, she was a key activist involved in the Anti-Nuclear Waste Dumping movement and was an integral part of successfully keeping our community free from radioactive contamination.  She continued her work till the end.

At home, Ginny was a passionate creator and maker. Cooking was more than a means for her, it was a lifestyle, and has been called the “world’s best home cook” in major US and International publications and has had recipes published in Wine Spectator. Known for cooking dishes far ahead of her time, she influenced the world of cuisine through her love of cooking and creativity, which she has passed on through her son. Additionally, she was an avid gardener, pickler, home canner, soap and lotion maker and wrangler of cats, sheep, neighborhood children and other animals. Gin made a mean martini.

She was a voracious collector of cookbooks, plasticware and all things food and cooking. She was a fervent supporter of Penzy’s, F. Olivers and Asian grocers across NY.

She is survived by her husband Bob; son Christopher and his wife Isabel; brother Tom and wife Peggy; a VacMaster VP215 and god knows how many cats. She will live on in the hearts of many, many dear friends.

Ginny requests no calling hours and that in lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in her name be made to the Hornell Humane Society, 7649 Industrial Park Road, Hornell, NY 14843. And if you are buying, she will have an iced tea as well.

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

Virginia R. “Ginny” Appleton – (89) – of Arkport, died Friday evening (February 4, 2022) at St. James Hospital, following a long illness.

Born in Manitowoc, WI on March 4, 1932, she was the daughter of William & Mary Gertrude (Wesler) Runge.   In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her brother, William.

In 1954 she married George Appleton of Ionia, NY.

Ginny grew up in Manitowoc, WI and attended Lawrence University.  She later graduated from National-Lewis University in Evanston, IL with a BA Degree in education.

She resided in Honeoye Falls for many years and was a third grade teacher at Honeoye Falls Central School.  She later served as office manager at a dental practice in Honeoye Falls.  Ginny was a member of the Honeoye Falls Zoning Board of Appeals and later of the Planning Board.  She was also active in FISH, Meals-On-Wheels, Totiakton Garden Club and Literary Club.

George & Ginny moved to Prattsburgh where they lived until moving to Arkport in 2005.

While living in Prattsburgh, Ginny and George were members of St. Patrick’s Church.  After moving to Arkport, they were members of St. Brendan’s Parish of Almond, NY.

Ginny was an avid knitter and would knit sweaters for her young grandchildren and great-grandchildren every year. She also knit dozens of lap-robes and hundreds of booties for the VA.  She was a life-long follower and fan of the Chicago Cubs and of the Green Bay Packers.

In addition to her husband, George, Ginny is survived by her daughter, Mary Brownell of Canisteo; 4 grandchildren, Jessica (Anthony) Barnum of Pompy, NY, Sarah (Jon) Hager of Fayetteville, NY, Rebecca (Amir) Mirdamadi of Raleigh, NC and Kevin (Cheris) Mazanec of Hornell; 6 great-grandchildren, Timothy Barnum, Trevor Barnum, Ethan Barnum, Elizabeth Barnum, Emmit Hager and Anderson Hager; her sister-in-law, Barbara Runge of Shakopee, MN; her niece, Lisa (Mitch) Engelhart of Roswell, GA; along with numerous cousins.

The family of Virginia R. “Ginny” Appleton will receive friends on Monday (February 14, 2022) from 4:00 PM  – 7:00 PM at the Dagon Funeral Home, 38 Church St., Hornell, NY.  A Memorial Mass will be celebrated on Tuesday (February 15, 2022) at 11:00 AM at St. Brendan’s Church in Almond.  Burial will be in St. Bridget’s Cemetery in Bloomfield, NY at the convenience of the family.

Ginny’s family request that in lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in her name be made to the Hornell YMCA or to the Hornell Public Library.

Robert L. “Bob” Fiacco – 89 – 416 Cleveland Ave, North Hornell (formerly of 47 Mill St., Hornell), died Thursday afternoon (February 3, 2022) at St. James Hospital following a long illness.

Born in Italy on May 17, 1932, he was the son of Stephen & Mary (Ponfilli) Fiacco. His family moved to the United States when he was 4 ½ years old.

Bob grew up in Hornell and was a graduate of St. Ann’s School and Hornell High School (class of 1952).  While in high school, he excelled in sports, especially football, track, basketball & baseball. In 1992 he was elected to the Hornell High School Hall of Fame.

He was a veteran of the US Army having served during the Korean Conflict. In 1955, he, along with his parents and brother, established Fiacco’s Bakery on River Street in Hornell. The family operated the business for about 25 years. He was also employed for many years as a machinist at the former SKF Industries in Hornell and later with Dresser Rand in Wellsville, retiring in 2001.

Bob was a member of Our Lady of the Valley Parish and for many years was a communicant of St. Ignatius Loyola Church where he served as an usher. In recent years he attended St. Ann’s Church. He was an artist who enjoyed spending countless hours painting and was also a carpenter who could build just about anything.

He was married on October 9, 1954 to the former Carol McKinley who died April 21, 2020. He was also preceded in death by his twin sisters who died in infancy; his brother, Ezio Fiacco; his sister, Edda Tuite, and sister-in-law, SR Barbara Cabrini.

Surviving are his son, Mark (Liz) Fiacco of Atlanta, NY; 2 daughters, Susan (Dan) Nickerson of Scio, NY and Tara Regan of North Hornell, NY; 1 brother, Steve Fiacco of Brockton, MA; his sisters-in-law, Mary Fiacco of Hornell; Mary Lucy McKinley of Hornell; Helen (Richard) Harkenrider of Rexville; his brother-in-law, Leo Tuite of Brockton, MA; 6 grandchildren; 10 great-grandchildren; several nieces & nephews.

The family of Robert L. “Bob” Fiacco will receive friends on Friday from 4:00 PM – 6:00 PM at the Dagon Funeral Home, 38 Church St., Hornell, NY. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Saturday at 11:00 AM at St. Ann’s Church with burial in St. Mary’s Cemetery.

Bob’s family request that in lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in his name be made to St. Jude Children’s Hospital, PO Box 1000 – Dept. 300, Memphis, TN 38148.  Memorial forms will be available at the Dagon Funeral Home.

In recognition of his 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.

North Hornell, NY

Laura M. Suriani, of Cleveland Avenue, died peacefully on Sunday, January 30, 2022.

Born in Mt. Morris, she was the daughter of Salvatore and Mary (Peraino) Miceli, and was married to Francis N. Suriani, who died in 1991.

A graduate of Hornell High School, Laura completed real estate and appraisal courses at St. John Fisher College, Ithaca College, Alfred State College, and Corning Community College.  During a trip to Italy, she completed cultural and language courses at the University of Siena.

A New York State licensed real estate broker and notary public, Laura was a well-known and respected real estate professional in the Hornell area for many years, having been associated with a number of local real estate agencies. She was previously employed by the Beneficial Finance Company, and J.C. Penney Company, both of Hornell.

Laura was a member of the National Association of REALTORS (NAR), the New York State Association of REALTORS (NYSAR), the New York State Society of Real Estate Appraisers, and the National Association of Real Estate Appraisers. She was also a member of the Western Steuben-Allegany Association of REALTORS (WSTAR), where she served as Treasurer and Vice President before being appointed Executive Officer, a position she held for over twenty five years.

She earned numerous real estate awards, including the prestigious Graduate Realtor Institute designation, certificates for completing courses in Executive Officer management, and WSTAR REALTOR of the Year.  Laura was inducted into NYSAR’s Honors Society, and was recognized for her outstanding performance as Executive Officer. She was awarded scholarships by NAR and NYSAR to attend Association Executives Institutes in Georgia, Massachusetts, and Nevada. She also attended Institutes in Kentucky and Tennessee.

Laura arranged for the NAR President to be guest speaker at WSTAR’s 50^th Anniversary Luncheon in Hornell. It was believed to be the first such visit of a national REALTOR President to the Southern Tier. The event was the subject of an article in the REALTOR Association Executives Magazine, entitled, “An AE’s Dream Event Come True”.

Active in community affairs, Laura served on the Boards of the Greater Steuben Chapter of the American Red Cross, the Hornell Camp Fire Council, Jacks and Jills Nursery School, and was a member of the Business Administration Program Review Team at Alfred State College. She also served on the Hornellsville Board of Assessment Review and the North Hornell Zoning Board of Appeals.

Laura was a Cub Scout Leader and later Troop Committee Chairperson of North Hornell Boy Scout Troop 37. She was involved in organizing the first Candlelight Ball at Hornell High School, and was the North Hornell Coordinator for the March for Youth Fund Drive. She served as Co-Chairperson of the Hornell Community Chest Campaign, and interviewed local community leaders on Hornell radio station WWHG’s “Youth Wants to Know” public affairs program.

She is survived by her children: Sammy, Raymond, Donald, and Susan; three grandchildren; nieces and nephews.

At Laura’s request, there will be no calling hours.  Private services will be held at the Dagon Funeral Home, 38 Church St., Hornell, NY with Deacon Robert McCormick officiating.  Burial in St. Mary’s Cemetery, Fremont.

Memorial contributions may be made to the North Hornell Volunteer Fire Department, 1 West Maplewood Ave., North Hornell, NY 14843.

Debra A. Healey – (63) – of 531 Dungan Road, Hornell, NY (Town of Bishopville), died early Friday morning (January 28, 2022) at her home, following a long and courageous battle with Multiple Sclerosis (MS).

Born in North Hornell on November 8, 1958, she was the daughter of Jesse & Audrey (Myhers) Pryor.

Debra grew up in Arkport and was a graduate of Arkport Central School (class of 1976).  While in high school, she loved playing sports, including softball & volleyball.

She was employed and later served as office manager at Hornell Agway Store in Hornell.  She also served as manager of Wilson Farms Convenience Store in Hornell.

Debra enjoyed knitting & crocheting and created beautiful Afghans which she gave to family & friends.  For several years she donated her time to the youth of the community by serving as softball coach.  She was a member of the Arkport American Legion.

She was married on July 10, 1999 to Kevin T. Healey who survives.

In addition to her husband, Debra is survived by her children, Jon Faulkner of Rochester and Lyndsey Faulkner of Rochester; 3 brothers, Scott Pryor of Atlanta, GA, Mike Pryor of Raleigh, NC and Jay (Kelly Riome) Pryor of Rochester, NY; 1 sister, Donna (Jeff) Sherwood of Bath, NY; several nieces & nephews.

At Debra’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. 

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

Marylou (Clark) Kelleher, age 94, died peacefully surrounded by her loving family on Thursday, January 27, 2022.

She was born in Hornell on February 25, 1927, the daughter of Harlo & Mary Isabelle (Monaghan) Clark.  Marylou resided in Hornell for most of her life and moved to the Fairport and Pittsford areas in 2008 to be closer to her children and grandchildren. They were always her pride and joy.

She is predeceased by her husband John F. Kelleher; sister, Ruth McInerney; and brothers, Robert Clark and James Clark.

Marylou is survived by her children and their families, Bonnie (Lance) Casselmon of Manlius, NY, Susan (Joseph) Zuniga of Pittsford, NY, Daniel (Theresa) Kelleher of Penfield, NY, John (Ann) Kelleher of Penfield, NY, Julie (Glenn) Latulipe of Pittsford, NY; sister Jean Kubiak of Hornell, NY; 14 grandchildren; Katie and Shane Casselmon, JP and Conor Zuniga, Ryan (Erin) Kelleher, Heidi (John) Costello, Eric Kelleher, Kyle (Lauren) Kelleher, Kasey and Kevin Kelleher, Adam, Alexandria, Emily and Morgan Latulipe; cousins and several nieces & nephews.

Growing up in Hornell, she was a graduate of Hornell High School (class of 1944).  She later attended Florida State University in Tallahassee FL.

While living in Hornell, Marylou was a member of Our Lady of the Valley Parish and a communicant of St. Ann’s Church.  More recently, she was a member of St. John of Rochester Parish in Fairport.

Marylou was a former telephone operator for Bell Telephone, working in Hornell, Corning & Geneva.  She had been a member of St. Ann’s Mother’s Club; a member of the AZB Sorority; and a St. Ann’s Boy Scout Den Mother.

Marylou was a loving wife, mother, and grandmother. She will be forever missed and never forgotten!

Family and friends are invited to the Dagon Funeral Home, 38 Church St, Hornell, on Friday February 4th from 4:00 PM – 7:00 PM.  A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Saturday February 5^th at 1:00 PM at St. Ann’s Church, Hornell. Interment will follow at St. Mary’s Cemetery.

Those wishing may remember Marylou with a memorial contribution in her name to either St. Ann’s Church, 27 Erie Avenue, Hornell, NY 14843 or St. Ann’s Academy, 41 Genesee Street, Hornell, NY 14843.  Memorial forms will be available at the Dagon Funeral Home.

Doris J. Congdon – (79) – of 69 Bennett St., Hornell, passed away  Wednesday afternoon (January 26, 2022) at her home with family around her, following a Long illness.

Born in Canisteo, NY on December 8, 1942, she was the daughter of William & Mary (Deason) Whalen.

Doris grew up in Hornell and was a graduate of Hornell High School (class of 1962).  While in high school, she was employed in the dietary & housekeeping departments of St. James Mercy Hospital.

Following her high school graduation, Doris worked at Loohn’s Cleaners for about one year and later for Gunlock Corporation in Wayland for about one year.  Returning to St. James in the early 1970s, she worked in the laundry and central supply departments for the next 34 ½ years, retiring in 2005.

Doris was a member of the Hornell Association, the Loyal Order of the Moose and the AMVETS.  She was a Buffalo Bills Football fan and enjoyed rooting for the New York Yankees.

She was married on April 27, 1964 to Charles “Chuck” Congdon who died October 20, 2008.  Doris was also preceded in death by her grandson, Jamie Travis who died May 20, 2020; 2 brothers, William Whalen and Gerald Whalen; 1 sister, Rachael Stevens.

Surviving are 2 sons, Charles (Colleen) Congdon of Canandaigua, NY and Gerald (Petra) Congdon of Middlesex, NY; 1 daughter, Karen (Jimbo) Travis of Hornell; 1 sister, Patricia Harwood of Hornell; 5 grandchildren, Zachery Congdon, Marissa Congdon, Michael Schultz, Stanley Schultz and Mari-Margaret Travis; 1 great-granddaughter, Emma  Cancilla, Princes Charles J’erome Schultz; several nieces & nephews.

The family of Doris J. Congdon will receive friends on Thursday from 11:00 AM  –  1:00 PM at the Dagon Funeral Home, 38 Church St., Hornell, NY.  Funeral & committal services will be held at the conclusion of calling hours at 1:00 PM with Deacon Robert McCormick officiating.  Burial will be in St. Mary’s Cemetery.

Doris’ family request that in lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in her name be made to the Alzheimer’s Association, 435 East Henrietta Road,          Rochester, NY  14620 or by visiting www.alz.org.  Memorial forms will be available at the Dagon Funeral Home.

Clair F. Almeter – 101 years young, died Monday evening (January 24, 2022) at his home, following a brief illness.

Born in West Almond on December 4, 1920, he was the son of Jacob & Mary (Schwab) Almeter.

Clair grew up on Jersey Hill in West Almond and, along with his 9 siblings, would walk nearly two miles to the one-room schoolhouse near their family farm.

For several years, Clair worked on the Almeter Dairy Farm and for about 15 years was employed at the former Erie Railroad primarily working in the Freight House.  For many years, he was employed as a plumber in the maintenance department at Alfred University.  He retired at the age of 65.

Clair was a 70 year communicant of St. Brendan’s Church of Almond.  He had a deep appreciation of nature and loved taking long walks in the woods and bird watching.  Clair was a hunter & fisherman and enjoyed working in his vegetable garden and flower garden.

He was married on May 16, 1946 to the former Mildred Alice George who died February 25, 2004.  Clair was also preceded in death by his son, Kenneth Clair Almeter who died April 22, 2021; 5 brothers; 4 sisters.

Surviving are his daughter, Patricia “Pat” (Bill) Childs of Wellsville; his daughter-in-law, Paulette Almeter of Almond; 4 grandchildren, Cary (Eileen) Childs, Lisa (Damon) Flick, Amy (Tom) Mingle and Jodie Carlin; 6 great-grandchildren; many nieces & nephews.

The family of Clair F. Almeter will receive friends on Thursday 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 Friday at 11:30 AM at St. Brendan’s Church of Almond with burial in Woodlawn Cemetery, Almond, NY.

Clair’s family request that in lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in his name be made to either St. Brendan’s Church, 11 South Main St., Almond, NY 14804 or to the Almond Fire Department, 1 Marvin Lane, Almond, NY 14804 or to the Almond Public Library, 42 North Main St., Almond, NY 14804.  Memorial forms will be available at the Dagon Funeral Home.

Bath, New York

Barbara A. “Barb” Percival – 79 – formerly of East Washington St., Bath, died early Sunday morning (January 16, 2022) at the Steuben Center in Bath where she resided for the past year.

Born in Bath on November 12, 1943, she was the daughter of Francis & Florence (Stucker) Covell.

She resided in Bath, NY and had been a cook at the Chat-A-Whyle Restaurant in Bath.  Barb was married to Andrew H. Percival who died May 25, 1994.

Surviving are her son, Andrew Percival of Crestview, FL; her daughter, Diane Vann of New Braunfels, TX.

At Barb’s request there will be no calling hours or service.

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

Barb’s family request that I 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

Arkport, New York

Lavonne E. Sick – 76 – of 7940 State Route 36, Arkport, NY, died unexpectedly Sunday afternoon (January 16, 2022) at her home.

Born in Pennsylvania on May 10, 1045, she was the daughter of Emerson & Daisy (Sager) Sick.

A resident of Pennsylvania for most of her younger years she had lived in Arkport for the past several years and had been employed in the cafeteria at Noyes Memorial Hospital in Dansville.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her brother, Gaylord Sick.

Surviving are aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces & nephews.

At Lavone’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.

Lavone’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