Mary E. Griffith – 76 – of Alden, NY, died August 25, 2020.

Born in Hornell on October 24, 1943, she was the daughter of Steve & Florence Ryan.

She was the dearest mother of Kelly (Jeff) Funk and Bob (Doreen) Geary; dear grandmother of Jason and Cassidy Funk and Magen and Ryan Geary.

Funeral services were held in Depew, NY.  Private interment along with graveside prayer service will be held at St. Ann’s Cemetery at the convenience of the family.

Local arrangements are in care of the Dagon Funeral Home, 28 Church St., Hornell, NY.

Edward G. “Ed” Clancy Jr. – 91 – of 7355 North Main St. Ext., Hornell, died Sunday morning (September 20, 2020) at St. James Hospital, following a short illness.

Born in Hornell on June 23, 1929, he was the son of Edward & Florence (Feeney) Clancy.

Ed grew up on Grand Street in Hornell and was a proud member of the “Bloody Fifth” ward.  He was a graduate of the former St. Ann’s School and later graduated from Hornell High School (class of 1948).

Following high school graduation, Ed began working as a clerk for the former Erie Railroad.  In 1950 he enlisted in The US Marine Corp. and saw active duty in Korea.  He also had top security clearance in the Atomic Program.  He was honorably discharged in 1954.

After serving with the Marines, Ed returned to the Hornell area and resumed his employment with the Erie Railroad and later the Erie-Lackawanna Railroad and Conrail.  While with the railroad, Ed received an award for having the least number of accidents.  From 1965-1976 he resided in Binghamton, NY and from 1976-1989 he lived in Altoona, PA.  He retired in 1989 as superintendent with over 40 years of service to the railroad.

Ed was a longtime member of St. Ignatius Loyola Church and in recent years he was a member of Our Lady of the Valley Parish and a communicant of Ann’s Church.  He was also a member and past commander of the Hornell American Legion, the Hornell VFW and the Ancient Order of Hibernians.

For many years, Ed raised, bred and showed canaries and later tropical fish.  He was a member of the International Canary & Finch Society.  He enjoyed fishing, camping, reading and photography.   He also loved gardening and especially enjoyed the time spent raising beautiful roses.  A lifelong Frank Sinatra fan, Ed loved his family and the wonderful time spent with his grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Ed was married on May 15, 1954 to the former Mary Frances McKevitt who died December 28, 2006.  He was also preceded in death by 2 brothers, Thomas (and his wife, Barbara) Clancy and John Leo Clancy; his grandson, CPL Donovan E. Clancy USMC; his niece, Pamela J. Clancy; his brothers-in-law, James O’Connor and Michael Murphy.

Surviving are 3 daughters, Kathleen Clancy of Johnson City, NY, Kelly (Arnie) Belz of Saegertown, PA and Kolleen (Robert) Dunn of Hornell; 3 sons, Edward G. Clancy III, James (Laura) Clancy of Altoona, PA and Kevin (Christina) Clancy of Ridgway, PA; 1 brother, Richard (Barbara) Clancy of Hornell; 1 sister, Mary Elizabeth O’Connor of Dansville; his sisters-in-law, Margaret Clancy of Hornell and Janice Murphy of Elmira; 12 grandchildren, James, Sarah, Emily, Nathan, Travis, Tyler, Trevor, Donovan (deceased), Casey, Shannon, Dylan, Jacob & Elijah; 9 great-grandchildren; many nieces & nephews.

The family of Edward G. “Ed” Clancy Jr. will receive friends on Wednesday from 4:00 PM – 6:00 PM at the Dagon Funeral Home, 38 Church St., Hornell, NY where USMC Military Services will be conducted at the conclusion of calling hours at 6:00 PM.  A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Thursday at 10:00 AM at St. Ann’s Church with burial at the Bath National Cemetery, Bath, NY.

Ed’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.  Memorial forms will be available at the Dagon Funeral Home.

In recognition of Ed’s service to his country during the Korean Conflict, the American Flag at the Dagon Funeral Home will be flown at half-staff.

Laura J. Witzmann – 58 – of 90 Seneca St., Hornell, died unexpectedly Monday afternoon (September 14, 2020) shortly after being transported to St. James Hospital.

Born in Yonkers, NY on July 13, 1962, she was the daughter of Herbert & Helene (Bardeen) Witzmann.

Laura’s family moved to Hart St. in Hornell when she was about five years old.  She grew up in Hornell and was a graduate of Hornell High School (class of 1983).

She had been employed at the Steuben County ARC for about 16 years doing embroidering & imaging and also served as an aid at the East Main St. ARC Home.

An active member of New Life Ministries of North Hornell which is now Station Church, Laura enjoyed Sunday Services, Bible Study and other church activities.  She also loved playing cards, especially “Skip-Bo”.  Some of her favorite times were simply being a wonderful “Grandma” and enjoying her grandchildren’s activities, especially Little League Baseball games.  She was her four grandchildren’s biggest fan!!

Laura will be sadly missed by her loving family and also by her her many friends, especially her dearest friends, Beth Jones and Brenda VanOrnsdale.

She was preceded in death by her parents and grandparents.

Surviving are her daughter, Megan (Jonathan) Gibbs of Hornell; 4 sisters, Diane (Pam) Griffin of Hornell, Linda Witzmann of Hornell, Mary Kay (James) Beaver of Hornell and Tracey (Moe) McNamara of Rochester; 1 brother, Daniel Witzmann of Hornell; 4 grandchildren, Harper Davis, Olyvia Davis, Mason Gibbs and Elias Gibbs; several nieces & nephews.

The family of Laura J. Witzmann will receive friends on Thursday from 4:00 PM – 6:00 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 Pastor Joel Bolduc officiating.

Laura’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 or the Hornell Little League, PO Box 374, Hornell, NY 14843.  Memorial forms will be available at the Dagon Funeral Home.

Debra  L. “Debi” (Towner) Angell of 14 East Washington St., Hornell, NY died unexpectedly Monday afternoon (September 14, 2020) at St. James Hospital.

Born in Bath on September 7^th, MYOB she was daughter of Vernon F. & Mary T (Townsend) Towner.

Debi grew up in Hornell where she attended St. Ann’s School and later graduated from Hornell High School (class of 1972). Throughout the years, she attended many First Aid classes, Computer classes as well as other classes.

She had been employed by GST BOCES in Hornell and later at GST BOCES in Bath High School for a total of 25 years. Debi had also been employed at JC Penney’s in Hornell, where she was in charge of the Fabric Department.  She had been employed as a phlebotomist at St James Mercy Hospital Laboratory and also as a phlebotomist for Quest Diagnostic Laboratories of Buffalo for Wellness Clinics for 26 years.

Having a deep love of sports, Debi will be remembered for all the teams she coached throughout the years. She coached in the Girls Maple City Softball League for 9 years; coached the AMC Team (with winning the championship 3 out of 4 years) and also K of C Team (winning the championship 3 out of 3 years).  She also coached the Rebekah team for 2 years (winning the championship both years).  In addition, she coached many All Star teams throughout the years.  Debi also served as a coach in the Boys Hornell Little League and T-Ball for 2years & also coached the K of C team in the Major Little League for 3 years.  She won the championship & the City Series for 3 years & also won “District 6” Championship in 1988. She always enjoyed it when former players would come up to her and thank her for all the time & hard work she had put in and let her know that she taught them much more than baseball or softball.

For many years, Debi served as President of the Washington-Irving PTA and also served as secretary / treasurer of the Hornell Wrestling Club.  She enjoyed gardening, watching football, baseball, figure skating as well as The Young & Restless on TV.  She also enjoyed playing TRIVIA and loved traveling (especially taking cruises) with her husband, Rick, her family & many friends.

Debi loved her children, grandchildren and had a deep affection for her cats, Isabella, Matilda & Junior. She was very thankful to her children & grandchildren for all the entertaining hours she spent watching their sporting events as well as all their other accomplishments.

She was preceded in death by her mother Mary T (Townsend) Towner, and 3 sisters, Linda Sue Towner, Virginia “Ginny” Cartella-Boyer and Maryann Slobbe.

Surviving is her husband of 47 years, Rick Angell; her daughter & son-in-law, Kristie (Brian) Babcock of Hornell; her son, Shawn Angell of Atlanta, GA; her grandchildren, Hunter & Christian Babcock of Hornell, Isabella & Watson Angell of Georgia; her father Vernon (Red) Towner of Wallace;  her sister Sally Towner (Alan) Olmstead of Wallace. Also surviving are many nieces, nephews, great nieces and nephews.

At Debi’s request there will be no calling hours.  Private services will be held at the convenience of the family.  Final interment will be in St. Mary’s Cemetery, Fremont, NY.

The Memorial Service for Debi Angell will be streamed via Facebook Live and can be viewed on the Dagon Funeral Home Facebook  page on Saturday at 1:00 PM by visiting www.facebook.com/dagonfuneralhome.  The video will remain available for viewing on our Facebook page for 30 days.   

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

Debi’s family request that any memorial donations be made to the Hornell Humane Society, 7649 Industrial Park Road, Hornell, NY 14843.

Karen A. Daring – 71 – of 50 Ellsworth St., Hornell died unexpectedly Saturday afternoon (September 12, 2020) at her home.

Born in Detroit, MI on October 14, 1948, she was the daughter of Jack & Lorraine (Bourgeois) Klann.

Karen grew up in Oak Park, MI, and was a graduate of Oak Park High School (class of 1966).  She later attended Beauty School in Michigan becoming a licensed beautician.

Throughout the years, Karen resided in several locations, including Michigan & California but lived in the Hornell area for most of her adult life.  She had been employed for several years as a beautician at a local beauty salon and later served as a sales representative for Loeffler Beauty Supply, working throughout New York and Pennsylvania.

Karen had a deep love of animals. For many years Karen owned & operated Doggie Depot of Hornell, grooming and taking care of countless dogs in the area.  She was held in “high regard” for her amazing skills as a groomer.

Being very artistic, Karen was a very creative woman, especially when it came to home decorating.  She also designed beautiful Halloween costumes/sewing and was known for creating and decorating beautiful cakes, cooking and baking.  Among her many unique talents, she loved playing her piano and sang like an angel – entertaining anyone and everyone for hours. Karen was a very generous and giving soul and delighted in extending her many talents to family, friends and strangers.

In addition to her parents, Karen was preceded in death by her brothers-in-law, Larry Waight and David “Scrod” Broderick.

She was married on June 20, 1981 to Robert “Bo” Daring who survives.  Also surviving are 2 sons, Tom (Chere) Holland of Battleground, WA, and Jeffrey Daring of Hornell; 3 sisters, Darlene (Klann)Waight of Hornell, Peggy (Klann) Broderick of Hornell, Janet (Klann) Kraft of Concord, NC. Karen cherished all her nieces and nephews: Tina, Renay, Dustin, Sarah, Kalyn, Brendan, Tyler, great nephews, nieces, and her forever friend Gail (Lusk) Faes.

At the family’s request there will be no calling hours.  A “Celebration of Life” will be held at a later date where family & friends will be able to share stories and reminisce about Karen’s life.

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

Karen’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.

Clyde W. Lewis – (74) – formerly of 94 ½ Maple St., Hornell, died Monday afternoon (September 7, 2020) at the Wellsville Manor following a long battle with dementia.

Born in Hornell on September 18, 1945, he was the son of Claude & Margaret (Matthews) Lewis.

Clyde grew up in Almond, NY and was a graduate of Alfred Almond Central School (class of 1965).  He was a veteran of the US Air Force, serving his country during the Viet Nam era.  While serving in the Air Force, Clyde served as Crew Chief of a fighter plane and had been stationed at various locations, including Turkey & England.

He was employed for 25 years at the Village of Alfred Department of Public Works and for about 20 years served as a bus driver for the Alfred-Almond School District.

Clyde attended the Alfred-Almond Bible Church and also enjoyed spending time at the Almond Senior Center, visiting with his many friends.  He enjoyed “fixing things” and working with his hands.  He also enjoyed arts & crafts, making “works of art” using beads, leather & wood.  Decorating his home brought a special joy, especially during the holiday seasons.  He also loved taking long car rides with his wife, Bonnie, simply visiting new & exciting places.

He was preceded in death by her daughter, Amanda Carole Lewis who died in 1976; his sister, Joyce Raner; his brother, John Lewis Sr.

He was married on June 8, 1974 to the former Bonnie Seeley who survives. Also surviving are 2 daughters, Erica (Jeff Risley) Sergent of Fairport, NY and Gwyn (James) Ruthven of Alfred Station; 1 son, Bradley (Alexa) Lewis of Macedon, NY; his sister, Pam (John) Bretz of Horseheads, NY; 6 grand-children, Joseph Sergent, James “Liam” Ruthven, Grace Ruthven, Gabriel Lewis, Noah Lewis and Christian Lewis; several nieces & nephews.

At Clyde’s request there will be no prior calling hours.  A Memorial Service will be held on Saturday at 12:00 Noon at the Alfred-Almond Bible Church, Almond, NY, with Pastor Ken Shutt officiating.  Burial with Military Honors will follow at Woodlawn Cemetery in Almond.

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

Clyde’s family request that in lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in his name be made to the Greg Norton Memorial Park Fund of Almond, C/O Tim Kogel, 15 Church St., Hornell, NY 14843 or by visiting the “Go Fund Me Page” at www.gofundme.com/greg-norton-memorial-park

In recognition of Clyde’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 J. “Tom” Smith – 83 – of West Lake Road (Keuka Lake), Pulteney, NY died peacefully Friday morning (September 4, 2020) at his home, following a courageous battle with cancer.

Born in Dansville, NY, Tom grew up in Hornell and attended the former Lincoln School.  He later graduated from Hornell High School (class of 1957).  Following high school graduation, he attended Alfred State College for one year.  In 1959 he enlisted in the US Army where he served for three years.  While in the army, Tom took classes specializing in pharmacy and hospital lab technology.   Following his honorable discharge in 1962, he took advantage of the GI Bill and continued his education by taking night classes and earned a dual Bachelor’s Degree at Brockport State University.

He was married on May 23, 1959 to the former Carole Secondo.  They resided in Attica, NY for about four years where Tom was employed as a pharmacist tech at Crystal Pharmacy.  From 1966-1994 Tom & Carole lived in Batavia where Tom was employed at the Batavia Veteran’s Hospital, from 1962-1994, first as a Lab Technician and eventually as Lab Supervisor, retiring in 1994 following 32 years of service.

They moved to Pulteney, NY (Keuka Lake) in 1994 and have spent the winter months in Lake Alfred, FL since 2004.  While in Pulteney, they attended St. Michael’s Church in Penn Yan and while in Florida attended St. Joseph’s Church of Winter Haven, FL.

Tom always enjoyed “working with his hands” and helped build his home in Batavia, doing most of the electrical and plumbing work.  He especially loved installing the ceramic tiles in the kitchen & bathrooms.  He had been a member of the Batavia Elks Lodge and a member of their bowling team.  He was also an avid golfer, primarily playing in Florida and enjoyed rooting for the Buffalo Bills.  Throughout the years, Tom loved hunting & fishing, especially with his “Secondo Family” in Hornell.

He was preceded in death by his mother Ruth Dunham Strobel, stepfather LaVerne Strobel, his son, Thomas Patrick Smith (1984); brothers, Gary Strobel (1977) and William Smith (2011); his sister-in-law, Josephine Secondo Didsbury (2006).

Surviving are his wife of 61 years, Carole Secondo Smith; daughter, Cheri (Wayne) Grenier of Apalachian, NY;  grandson, Michael (Jessica) Grenier; granddaughters, Jillian Grenier and Corinne (Bryan) Knapick; great-grandsons, Samuel Grenier and Eric Grenier; his Hornell in-laws, Jerry (Margie) Secondo and Tom (Mary) Secondo; brother-in-law, Bernie Didsbury of Arizona and sister-in-law, Sally Smith of Orchard Park, NY; several nieces & nephews.

At Tom’s request there will be no calling hours.  A Memorial Mass will be celebrated on Friday, September 11^th at 10 AM at St. Ann’s Church in Hornell with final interment in Bath National Cemetery, Bath, NY.

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

Tom’s family request that in lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in his name be made to Pulteney Free Library, Pulteney, NY or CareFirst Hospice, 3805 Meads Creek Rd., Painted Post, NY  14870

Jared Christian Green – 27 – of 12 Meadowbrook, Arkport, died unexpectedly Tuesday afternoon (August 25, 2020) at his home.

Like so many, Jared fought a long battle with addiction and was finally freed from his demons and called to be with the Lord Jesus Christ in Heaven.

Jared grew up in Arkport and was a graduate of Arkport Central School (class of 2011).  He later graduated from Southeast Lineman Training Center in Georgia and had been employed with Union 1248 as a lineman for about three years, working throughout New York State.  He was later employed at LeChase Construction of Rochester and as a Landscaper for Snow Hill Landscaping of Alfred, NY.  Jared also attended Corning Community College where he was on the Dean’s List.

A talented and gifted basketball player, Jared enjoyed playing for several traveling basketball teams, primarily in the Rochester & Buffalo areas.  He loved the outdoors and the time that he spent camping with his many friends.  Jared had a vast knowledge of music.  He also enjoyed rooting for his favorite NFL team, the New York Giants and his favorite basketball player, the late Kobe Bryant.  Jared took pleasure in cooking and grilling for others, and he would often surprise his mom with a cup of freshly brewed coffee to start her day.

He was preceded in death by his maternal grandparents, Lon & Ellie Burzycki.

Surviving are his son, Xavier Alexander “Zay” Green; his mother, Judith (Dwight Smith) Green of Arkport; his father, John (Sandi) Green of Pittsford; 1 sister, Elanna Green of Brighton; 1 step-sister, Paige Walton of New York City; 1 half-brother, Mitchell Green of Pittsford; his paternal grandmother, Francine Green of Vestal; his uncle, Thomas Green of Vestal; his aunt, Heidi (Jamie) Rankin of Canada; 3 cousins, Hallie Rankin, Kellan Rankin, & Kendall Rankin; along with extended family & friends.

There will be no calling hours.  Private services for immediate family will be held at a later date.

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

Jared’s family humbly requests that everyone keep him in your prayers and remember him for his beautiful smile, his sweet soul, and his genuine love of family & friends.  He will be deeply missed!

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations in his name may be made to any drug rehabilitation program or drug awareness program.  Hopefully, with your donation, someone else’s life may be saved.

Clarence E. Cady – 89 – of 6835 Upper Glen Ave., Hornell, died Saturday afternoon (August 22, 2020) at St. James Hospital, following a short illness.

Born in Hornell on December 14, 1930, he was the son of Clarence & Iva (O’Rourke) Cady.

Clarence grew up in Hornell and was a graduate of Hornell High School (class of 1950).  Following high school graduation, he was drafted in the US Army and honorably served his country in Korea during the Korean Conflict.

Following his honorable discharge from the US Army, Clarence decided to continue his education and enrolled at Alfred State, receiving a degree in Sales and Building Construction.

He was employed for 37 years at the former Erie Railroad, Erie-Lackawanna Railroad and Conrail, first as a trackman, brakeman, and eventually a conductor retiring in 1991.  Throughout the years, Clarence owned & operated his own 116-acre farm, raising corn, oats & wheat and also raising beef cows.

An outstanding carpenter, Clarence built his own home on Upper Glen Ave., Hornell.  He was a member of the Arkport American Legion and also a member of the Hornell Moose Lodge.  He loved rooting for the Buffalo Bills fan, especially during the Super Bowl Years.

He was preceded in death by his sister, Bertha Hathaway; his half-sister, Dorothy Zalinski.

Clarence was married on May 24, 1958 to the former Joan Sackett who survives.  Also surviving are 2 sons, Roger Cady of Hornell, Greg (Tammy Mead) Cady of Hornell; 1 daughter, Susan Cady of Hornell; 3 grandsons, Jesse Mead, Billy Cady & Owen Cady; several nieces & nephews.

The family of Clarence E. Cady will receive friends on Tuesday from 4:00 PM – 6:00 PM at the Dagon Funeral Home, 38 Church St., Hornell, NY.  United States Army Military Honors will be held at the conclusion of calling hours at 6:00 PM. Final interment will be in the Bath National Cemetery, Bath, NY.

In recognition of Clarence’s service to his country during the Korean Conflict, the American Flag at the Dagon Funeral Home will be flown at half-staff.

Walter L. “Walt” Cleveland – 85 – of 88 Myrtle Ave., Hornell, died Friday afternoon (August 21, 2020) at Highland Hospital in Rochester, following a long illness.

Born in Deposit, NY on August 25, 1934, he was the son of James & Irene (Caffrey) Cleveland.

Walt grew up in Hornell and was a graduate of Hornell High School (class of 1953).  While in high school, he worked at the former Seneca Bowl (AKA Seneca Lanes) as a “Pin Setter” and was paid 10 cents per game. Following high school graduation, he began working at the Erie Railroad, primarily as a fireman.

In 1957, Walt was drafted into the US Army.  Before being inducted, however, he married the former Santa Petrelli on June 1, 1957.  Together they resided in several locations, including Nuremburg, Germany until Walt’s Honorable Discharge in 1959.

Following his discharge from the military, Walt & Santa returned to the Hornell area and Walt resumed working at the Erie Railroad.  Walt continued his employment with the railroad (Erie, Erie Lackawanna & Conrail) until his retirement as an engineer in 1996 following 43 total years of service.

Walt was a member of Our Lady of the Valley Parish and a communicant of St. Ann’s Church.  He had been a member of the Hornell Knights of Columbus, G. Carducci Lodge (Sons of Italy), the Hornell American Legion and the Hornell Association.

An avid card player, Walt spent countless hours playing Gin with his buddies at the various clubs at which he belonged.  He also loved taking trips to Las Vegas, playing cards and other games of chance at the casinos.  Walt enjoyed growing vegetables, especially garlic, and was happy to share it with his family & friends.  He also loved making “Dandelion Wine” and, again, sharing with family & friends.

He was preceded in death by his wife of 62 years, Santa Cleveland, who died April 8, 2020; 3 brothers, James Cleveland, John Cleveland and Edward Cleveland.

Surviving are 3 sons, Walter (Joyce) Cleveland of Hornell, Mark Cleveland of Cohocton and Daniel Cleveland of Buffalo; 1 daughter, Mary (Fred) Klindt of Cohocton; 5 grandchildren, Jessica Cleveland, Sarah (Kristian) Bourdage, Heath Cleveland, Elizabeth Klindt and Kelsey Klindt; 1 great-grandson, Tristan Bourdage; several nieces & nephews.

The family of Walter L. “Walt” Cleveland will receive friends on Tuesday from 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM at the Dagon Funeral Home, 38 Church St., Hornell, NY.  A private graveside service will be held at the convenience of the family at St. Mary’s Cemetery with Deacon Robert McCormick officiating.

Walt’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.