Gertrude M. Engler

Hornell, New York

Gertrude M. Engler – 80 – of 142 Thacher St., Hornell, died Thursday morning (November 18, 2021) at the Buffalo VA Hospital.

She was born in White Plains, NY on December 27, 1940 and throughout the years resided in Pennsylvania, Virginia, Bath, NY and has resided in Hornell for the past 9 years.

Gertrude was a veteran of the United States Marine Corp, serving her country during the Vietnam era.  In her younger years she enjoyed hunting and riding motorcycles.  Gertrude had a deep love of animals and enjoyed spending time in her vegetable garden and flower garden.

Surviving are her daughter, Amber (Harold) MacKerley of Northhampton, PA; her son, Doyle Gabriel of Alaska; along with three grandchildren.

At Gertrude’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.

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

Darrell S. Brown

Darrell Brown

Darrell S. Brown – 85 – formerly of 373 Canisteo St. (Lincoln Gardens), Hornell, died Tuesday evening (November 16, 2021) at Elderwood at Hornell Nursing Facility where he resided for the past 8 months.

Born in Belfast, NY on November 25, 1935, he was the son of Gladys Conrad Brown & Ivan Brown.

Darrell grew up in Belfast and was a graduate of Belfast High School (class of 1954).   Following high school graduation, he was determined to join the United States Air Force, although being denied enlistment numerous times for being underweight.  Darrell was finally accepted into the Air Force, after “tipping the scales” at the required weight.  The local newspaper ran an article titled “Airman Darrell Brown Eats His Way Into the United States Air Force.”  Throughout his lifetime, Darrell remained a proud veteran who served his county during the Korean Conflict.

Following his honorable discharge from the Air Force, Darrell moved to the Hornell Area and for several years had been employed at the US Post Office where he served in many capacities.  He also served as office manager at the former Bethesda Hospital and inventory clerk at Crowley Foods in Arkport.  Throughout the years, Darrell worked at Southside Tavern and for about 20 years served as a security guard at the State Office Building in Hornell until his health forced him, sadly, to retire in January, 2020.

Darrell had been a member of Our Lady of the Valley Parish and a communicant of St. Ann’s Church.  In his younger years, he enjoyed bowling & hunting and had been a member of the National Rifle Association (NRA).  Darrell also enjoyed rooting for the Buffalo Bills (NFL) especially during the Super Bowl years.

Darrell Brown's Family PhotoExtremely proud of his Irish-German heritage, St. Patrick’s Day (March 17th) was special to him and he was not afraid to let the world know (as all good Irish do)!  Darrell loved music, ranging from Frank Sinatra to Marty Robbins.  He was a vintage car enthusiast, especially Chryslers and never wanted to own a newer car.  That’s just the way he was!!

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by 3 brothers, Richton “Curly” Brown, James Brown & Theodore Conrad “Ted” Brown; 2 sisters, Veronica Piano and Sharon Perkins; his “special cousin”, Monica Arnold; his good friends, Carl Perry & Dick Curran.

Surviving are his son, Todd (Karen) Brown of Hartsville; 3 sisters, Patricia Benjamin of Oswego, Virginia Pearson of  Florida and Kathleen “Kathy” Updyke of Arkport; his sister-in-law, Norberta Brown; his dear friend, Tonia Flaitz; several nieces & nephews.

At Darrell’s request there will be no calling hours.  A private graveside service will be held at St. Mary’s Cemetery at the convenience of the family with Deacon Robert McCormick officiating.

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

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

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

Thomas R. Eason

Thomas Eason

Thomas R. “Tom” Eason – 66 – of Montour Falls, formally of Greenwood, NY died Tuesday (November 16, 2021) at home in the arms of his beloved daughter.   A 46 year battle with diabetes, dialysis and dementia finally became too much for him.

Born in Long Branch, NJ on March 18, 1955, he was the son of Raymond Mardo and the former Marilyn Birchard.  He was the step-son of Roy “Blackie” McDaniel.

Tom grew up in the Jasper – Canisteo area and attended Canisteo High School.  He was a veteran of the US Army, serving his country from 1973-1974 (Vietnam era).

Thomas EasonAn avid motorcycle enthusiast, Tom enjoyed both riding and building motorcycles — especially Harley-Davidsons and Triumphs.  He was a proud member of the Vietnam Vets / Legacy Vets Motorcycle Club holding the title of Chapter Treasurer for many years.  Tom was an avid hunter (both small game and big game) and gun collector. He especially enjoyed collecting and shooting Black Powder Firearms used during the Mountain Man era following the Civil War.  He not only collected antique firearms, he re-loaded all of his ammunition.  He was proud of the fact that he hadn’t purchased any ammo in many years.  He simply re-loaded his own ammo.

Tom was an accomplished photographer who thoroughly enjoyed taking “nature photos” of animals and other outdoor photos using his 35 mm camera.  He loved music and throughout the years enjoyed playing guitar and, in his younger years, played in several local bands.  He also enjoyed collecting vintage guitars.

He was married on July 22, 1991 to the former Carolyn Stevens who died December 11, 1999.  He was also preceded in death by his parents; along with 4 step-brothers, Danny, Lyle, Dick & Larry McDaniel.

Surviving are his son, Casey Eason of Oaks Bluff, MA; his daughter, Chelsea Eason of Montour Falls, NY; his sister, Ruth (Mike) Harrington of Elizabethtown, NC; half-brother, Everett (Kathy) McDaniel of Utica, NY; 4 step-brothers and 2 step sisters; 3 grandchildren, Jacqueline, Thomas & Lilly Mace; several nieces, nephews & cousins

At Tom’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

Ellen Temp

Ellen Temp

Ellen Temp – 96 – formerly of Rochester, died early Saturday morning (November 13, 2021) at Elderwood at Hornell Nursing Facility, where she had resided for the past four years.

Born in Rochester on December 30, 1924, she was the daughter of Michael & Theodora (Chmielewski) Wojciechowski.

Ellen grew up in Rochester and was a graduate of Benjamin Franklin High School (class of 1942).  She had been employed for a time as an operator for Rochester Telephone and later served as a Corporate Personal Assistant for Robert Korpek.

For many years Ellen served as bookkeeper for Better Living Homes of Rochester, a business owned & operated by her husband.

She was married to Irving L. Temp who preceded her in death.  Ellen was also preceded in death by her half-sister, Violet Warren.

Surviving are her sister, Elizabeth Hayes of Dover, PA; 2 nephews, Michael Born and Stephen Born; her niece, Kathleen Sloan.

At Ellen’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.

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

Robert J. Ward

Robert Ward

Robert J. “Bob” Ward – 97 – of Canandaigua, NY, formerly of Hornell, died Monday morning (November 8, 2021) at Thompson Hospital in Canandaigua, following a brief illness.

Born in Hornell on October 1, 1924, he was the son of James & Margaret (Callahan) Ward.

Bob grew up in Hornell and was a graduate of Hornell High School (class of 1942).  Following high school graduation, he enlisted in the US Navy serving his country as a Radio Operator on a Liberty Ship during WWII.

Following his honorable discharge from the US Navy, Bob returned to the Hornell area and began a career working in the bookkeeping department of the former Erie Railroad, Erie Lackawanna Railroad and Conrail.  While working for the railroads, he resided in several locations including Hornell, Cleveland, OH and Philadelphia, PA.  He retired in 1997 and has resided in Canandaigua since 2009.

While living in Hornell, Bob served as an Elder at the First Presbyterian Church and was a life member of the Hornell American Legion.  Throughout his lifetime, he enjoyed playing golf, hunting and spending time at his hunting camp in Hartsville, NY.  In recent years Bob enjoyed woodworking and making beautiful furniture.

He was married in 1949 to the former Jeanne Geary who died in 2000.  He was also preceded in death by his son, James J. Ward who died in 1957; along with 5 sisters and his dear friend, Dorothy Reitnauer.

Surviving are 2 daughters, Bonnie (David Blanding) Salter of Canandaigua and Roberta “Bobbi” Ward of Hornell; 4 grandchildren, Marianne Dineen, Melissa McCarthy, Kyle Wengren and Erik Wengren; 3 great-granddaughters, Lavery dineen, Addison McCarthy and Robin Boyd; several nieces & nephews.

At Bob’s request there were no calling hours.  Private services were held at the Dagon Funeral Home, 38 Church St., Hornell, NY with Deacon Robert McCormick officiating.  Burial was in Rural Cemetery, Hornell.

Bob’s family request that in lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in his name be made to the Hornell Alumni Association, PO Box 135, Hornell, NY 14843.

Robert W. Hammond

Robert W. Hammond – 82 – of Arkport died Friday (November 5, 2021) following a brief illness.

He was the son of Kingdon & Eileen (Sullivan) Hammond who preceded him in death.  He was also preceded in death by his sister, Ann Fetsko.

Surviving are his sisters, Joan (Richard) Vanderhoff of Henderson, NV and Mary Fagnan of Twinsburg, OH; his brother-in-law, Michael Fetsko of Twinsburg, OH; several nieces & nephews.

He served as a priest for 53 years with the Diocese of Rochester.

There will be no calling hours.  Services & burial 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, memorial contributions in his name may be made to the Catholic Charities-Steuben, 23 Liberty St., Bath, NY  14810 or Knights of Columbus, Chapter 5147, 36 East Morris St., Bath, NY 14810.

Nicoletta McGrosso

Nicoletta McGrosso

Nicoletta “Nikki” (Buono) McGrosso – 93 – of Hornell, passed away on Saturday October 30, 2021 in Henderson, NV, following a long illness.

Born in Queens, NY on January 17, 1928, she was the daughter of Rocco & Theresa (Falci) Buono.

Nikki was a graduate of Hornell Sr. High School (class of 1946) and later graduated from the Hornell Business School.  She was happily married to her high school sweetheart, Edgar McGrosso, until his passing in 2003.

Nikki was employed at Westinghouse Corporation as a secretary to the Engineering department for 10 years until her daughter was born. She became a stay-at-home mom, doting on her family for the remainder of her life.

Nikki was a member of the United Presbyterian Church in Hornell.  She was an avid reader and especially enjoyed reading historical fiction novels.

In addition to her husband, she was preceded in death by her sister, Nancy Nisbet and brother-in-law, James Griffin.

Nikki is survived by her daughter and son-in- law, Traci McGrosso Mills and Craig Mills, her grandsons Ryan (Kari) Mills and Ian Mills, her sisters Gloria Griffin and Kathy (Skip) Wood, brother-in-law Howard Nisbet and her many nephews and nieces.

The family of Nicoletta “Nikki” McGrosso will receive friends on Monday from 12:00 Noon until 1:00 PM at the Dagon Funeral Home, 38 Church St., Hornell, NY.  Funeral services will be held at the conclusion of calling hours at 1:00 PM with Rev. Katherine Griffis officiating.  Burial will be in St. Mary’s Cemetery next to her beloved husband whose loss she felt acutely until her death.

Together once again, may you both rest in peace.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that anyone who wishes to remember Nikki make a donation in her name to the Alzheimer’s Association, 435 East Henrietta Rd., Rochester, NY 14620.  Memorial forms will be available at the Dagon Funeral Home.

Timothy A. Hammond

Timothy Hammond

Timothy A. “Tim” Hammond – (62) – of 373 Canisteo St., Hornell, died unexpectedly on Monday (November 1, 2021) at his home, following a long illness.

Born in Hornell on March 28, 1959, he was the son of Emmett & Audrey (Kniskern) Hammond.

Tim grew up in Hornell where he attended Lincoln School, Hornell Intermediate School and Hornell High School.

He was a veteran of the US Navy and throughout the years resided in several locations, including Rexville, NY and Washington State before returning to Hornell.

He was last employed at the former Fitzpatrick Poultry Farm which later became Whitesville Poultry before moving to Hornell because of disability.  He enjoyed coin collecting, watching movies and listening to music.  He actually owned hundreds of movie DVDs and music CDs.  He was an animal lover who rescued many dogs & cats throughout the years and loved caring for them.

In additions to his parents, Tim was preceded in death by his sister, Maureen Randhawa.

Surviving are 2 sisters, Vickie (Tom) Benson of Almond and Karen (Don) Lowry of Honea Path, SC; 2 Brothers, James (Ellen) Woodworth of Watertown, NY and Craig Hammond of Hornell; his brother-in-law, Dr. Tariq Randhawa; many nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews and cousins.

At Tim’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.

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 Hornell Humane Society, 7649 Industrial Park Road, Hornell, NY  14843.

William J. Cahill

William Cahill

William J. “Bill” Cahill JR – 66 – of 43 Stephens Ave., Hornell, died unexpectedly Thursday morning (October 28, 2021) at his home.

Born in Queens, NY on December 18, 1954, he was the son of William & Jessica (Parisi) Cahill.

Bill grew up in Queens and attended high school in Far Rockaway, NY.  He resided on Long Island for several years and had been employed as a “Coin Grader” for Numismatic Funding Company (NFC) of Long Island.  He remained an avid coin collector throughout his lifetime.

For about 8 years, Bill lived in Addison and was self-employed as a VCR repairman and also self-employed as a skilled woodworker.  He has resided in Hornell for the past 23 years.

Bill had been a member of the Living Waters Church of Hornell and also the Consuming Fire Church of Canaseraga and thoroughly enjoyed studying the Bible.  He loved spending time in the kitchen and was an exceptional cook.  Some of his “specialties” included Eggplant Parmesan and Chicken Cordon Bleu.  He also enjoyed taking long drives to Letchworth State Park with his family and drives in the countryside with his wife, Ruth.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his sister, Carmella Cahill.

He was married on April 3rd, 1982 to the former Ruth Apoian who survives.  Also surviving are his children, William J. “Will” (Kim) Cahill III of Richmond, VA, Carol Jessica Rose Cahill of Hornell and Christopher Glen Patrick Cahill of Hornell; several nieces & nephews.

Bill had no grandchildren, but he had several “Grandcats”: (former) Booker, Peanut and Juju Rocco, Paulie and Zoe (surviving) along with a Grand-Pup named Buddy.   He used to love Buddy’s dopey ears and the way Zoe’s Big head didn’t match her tiny body.  Not much of a cat lover, but in the end, the cuteness began to grow on him.

Daddy- Dad was a very funny, fun loving man. He was known by his family for being a fun loving jokester and spirited debates would often happen about who else had the Cahill sense of Humor – (Carol)

He loved big! His faith held Pastor Bill together at some of the most difficult times in his life and carried him throughout his last breath. He wanted the best for his family and cherished every moment. He will be greatly missed, but we look forward to the day we will see him again. Forever in our Hearts – His little Princess and Little Girl.

At Bill’s request there will be no calling hours.  A Memorial Service will be held on Saturday, November 20, 2021 at 2:00 PM at the Living Waters Church in Hornell with Pastor Philip Casterline officiating.

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

Bill’s family request that in lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in his name be made to St. Jude Children’s Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place , Memphis, TN  38105.

Anna C. Lewis

Anna Lewis

Anna C. “Ann” Lewis – 76 – of 500 Residence Way, Hornell (Town of Hornellsville) died unexpectedly late Monday evening (October 18, 2021) at Elderwood at Hornell Nursing Facility.

Born in Ogdensburg, NY on December 2, 1944, she was the daughter of Carl & Florence (Dillon) Lawrence.

Ann grew up in the Potsdam, NY – Watertown, NY area and throughout the years resided in many locations, including Walton, NY (5 years), Willingboro, NY (10 years), Hornell (3 years), Avoca (20 + years), Gettysburg, PA (3 years), Lancaster County, PA (10 years) moving back to Hornell about 2 years ago.

She had been employed as an Insurance Underwriter & Policy Underwriter at Riedman Insurance Company in Hornell and for many years worked as a General Production Operator at Philips Lighting in Bath.

Ann Accepted Christ into her Heart about 10 years ago and was Born into the Family of God.  She had a Deep Love in her heart for her large family and loved spending time in the kitchen.   She had been employed as a cook at the Avoca Diner and the Redwood Diner in Naples.  Ann thoroughly enjoyed cooking & baking for her family during the holidays, especially Easter, Thanksgiving and Christmas.  Her homemade cinnamon rolls and turnovers were family favorites!  She especially loved having the entire family over for her annual Christmas Party.

She was married in Guadalajara, Mexico in 1970 to Clyde Lewis who died in 1992.

Surviving are 11 children, Ronnie (Diane) Lewis of Bath, Tommy (Julie) Lewis of Avoca, Judy (Pat) McMahon of Avoca, Doug (Cindy) Lewis of Bath, Joe (Norma) Lewis of Branchport, NY, Lynn (Brock) Potter of Hammondsport, Kevin Lewis of Bradenton, FL, Brenda Remchuk of Comanche, TX, Jackie (Mike McCanna) Schultheis of Atlanta, NY, Susie (John) Wiker of New Providence, PA and Clyde (JR) (Denise) Lewis JR of Prattsburgh, NY; 27 grandchildren; 45 great-grandchildren.

At Ann’s request there will be no prior calling hours.  A Memorial Service will be held on Saturday (October 30, 2021) at 11:00 AM at the Howard Union Church in Howard, NY with Rev. Jamey Grooms officiating.  Final interment will be in the Howard Cemetery.

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

Anna’s family request that in lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in her name be made to the Howard Cemetery Maintenance Fund, C/O Bob Cleeves, 3597 County Route 70-A, Hornell, NY 14843.