Mary E. Wyant – 96 – formerly of Arkport, NY, died early Tuesday morning (June 5, 2018) at Hornell Gardens, where she had resided for the past three years.

Born in Scranton, PA on August 27, 1921, she was the daughter of James & Frieda (Reese) O’Brien.

Mary grew up in Rockaway, NJ and was a graduate of Rockaway High School (class of 1939). While living in Rockaway, she had been employed in the office at Four-In-One Company.

She was married on March 4, 1946 to Raymond Wyant who died December 7, 2009. Shortly after they were married, Ray & Mary moved to Arkport, NY. For many years, Mary was a stay-at-home mother, raising her three sons. When her youngest son started school, Mary decided to return to the workforce. For 18 years, she was employed at the Arkport Central School as a Guidance Department Secretary, retiring in 1980.

Mary was an avid “TV Sports Fan” who enjoyed watching nearly all sporting events on Television. She especially liked rooting for the New York Yankees and the Buffalo Bills. For many years she enjoyed her time playing cards with family & friends.

Surviving are three sons, James (Kay Marie) Wyant of Arkport, William (Susan) Wyant of Waterloo, NY and Raymond (Kim) Wyant of Arkport; 1 sister, Jean Ruter of Rockaway, NJ;
3 grandchildren, Lauren Wyant, Jason Wyant and Steven Wyant; several nieces & nephews.

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

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

Mary’s family request that in lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in her name be made to either the Hornell Humane Society, 7649 Industrial Park Road, Hornell, NY 14843 or the Hornell YMCA, 18 Center St., Hornell, NY 14843.

Jeffery J. “Jeff” Burnett – (51) – of 6426 Crosby Creek Road, Hornell, died Thursday evening (May 31, 2018) following a courageous battle with Stage IV colon cancer.

Born in North Hornell on September 4, 1966, he was the son of John and Mary (Alverson) Burnett.

Jeff was a lifelong resident of Hornell and graduated from Hornell High School (class of 1985) and also BOCES Wildwood with certification in Auto Mechanics.

After high school, Jeff began his career as an auto mechanic. He was employed at several area dealerships over the years, including Perry & Thompson Ford of Bath, Simmons/Rockwell of Hornell, Lindsey Motors in Wayland, and for the past four years, Timebuyer of Hornell. Jeff was an extremely skilled mechanic, receiving dozens of awards for Outstanding Service in Auto Mechanics. Most recently, he was a Senior Certified Ford Technician.

In his free time, Jeff could be found at “The Shop” on Drum Road where he would restore vintage snowmobiles. He loved racing and trading snowmobiles, especially Polaris! He also enjoyed hunting and fishing. Jeff is lovingly described as a “weekend warrior” who lived life to the fullest. A stubborn man with a strong heart, Jeff loved spending time with friends and family.

Jeff reached the distinction of Eagle Scout during his teenage years. He proudly kept his badges and certificates that were earned during his years in Boy Scouts.

Jeff is survived by one son, Kyle (Sienna) Burnett of Hornell; one daughter, Justine Burnett of Hornell; his mother, Mary Burnett of Hornell; 3 grandchildren, Wyatt, Raegan, and Quinn of Hornell; 3 brothers, John (Sharon) Burnett of Dansville, NY, David (Kathy) Burnett of Tennessee, and Kenneth Burnett of Hornell; his beloved “grand-dog” Gage; his very close friend, Griffin Ellis of Hornell; several nieces & nephews.

His father, John Burnett, preceded him in death in 1990.

To honor Jeff’s wishes, there will be no calling hours. A private graveside service was held at Rural Cemetery.

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

In recognition of the excellent care from the staff at Strong Memorial Hospital, Jeff’s family requests that memorial contributions in his name be made to the Wilmont Cancer Center, 601 Elmwood Avenue #704, Rochester, NY 14642.  Click here to print a memorial form.

Richard “Dick” Berry – 83 – of 133 Thacher Street, had a Tee Time at the Pearly Gates Golf Course on June 1, 2018 with his brother and father.  He passed away peacefully surrounded by his loving family.

Born in Hornell on October 6, 1934, he was the son of Ralph and Laura (Dunning) Berry.

For nearly forty years Dick was employed by the New York State Department of Transportation (NYSDOT) as a civil engineer, retiring in 1992.  While at the NYSDOT he was in charge of the weekly football pool!

Dick grew up in the Hornell/Almond area, graduating from Hornell High School Class of 1952.  He loved sports – playing and watching – and did both throughout his entire life.  He starred on St. Paul’s team during his Sunday School Basketball League days, and later played in the YMCA men’s basketball league.  Dick played fast pitch softball for many years, during which time he participated in a game against the “King and His Court,” Eddie Feiner.  Dick grew up in pool halls and was a very skilled good pool player.  He remained active in several area leagues until his passing.

An avid and gifted golfer, Dick had memberships at various courses, including Twin Hickory Golf Club, Hornell Country Club, and Westfield Country Club.  He won numerous tournaments across the state, among them several Club Championships – and Senior Club Championships – over the years.  Dick had an amazing memory when it came to the game of golf.  Not only could he remember every shot from every hole of golf on each course he ever played, but he could recall the shots of all of his co-players.

Dick was known for his incredible luck both on and off the golf course.  He had several (maybe 5?) “Holes-in-One” during his golf days.  He frequently won on his daily purchases of “scratch-offs” at the Convenient Food Mart, and he garnered more than his share of 50-50 drawing winnings at the Hornell Dodger and Hornell High School football games.

As a member of the Hornell Moose Lodge, Dick liked “going to work” every day- playing cards with his buddies.  He also enjoyed meeting his friends for coffee and “bull sessions” every morning around town, at JC’s Café, Billy Schu’s and the Arkport Village Café.

Throughout his life Dick was actively involved in the local community. He was very dedicated to delivering Thanksgiving dinners for Billy Schu’s every year with his co-pilot Dan Sweeney.  He enjoyed attending reunions with his Class of 1952 classmates and was a member of the Hornell Alumni Association.  He volunteered his time coaching in both the Hornell Little League (Masons team with his brother Dan) and Biddy Basketball, even before he had a son of his own.  He was twice Master of the Hornell Lodge of Free and Accepted Masons (F & AM), and was a Scout Master for his son’s Cub Scout Den. Dick was a member of the United Presbyterian Church of Hornell.

In addition to his parents, Dick was preceded in death by his brother, Daniel and wife Mary; his sister Marylin Regan, and an infant brother William Berry.

Surviving are his three daughters, Cindy (Tom) Fitzwater of Hornell, Debbie (Greg) Souchik of Bradford PA, and Barb Berry of Hornell; his son Richard Berry Jr. of Hornell; his grandchildren, Josh (Tammi) Fitzwater, Matthew (Michelle) Fitzwater, Nathan Beam, Shane Beam, Jesse (Hannah) Beam, Johnathan Argentieri, Wyatt Argentieri, Molly Berry and Mallory Berry, Hayley (Chris) Kavalla, and Alexa Berry; 11 great grandchildren (and another on the way); several nieces and nephews, including two special nieces Laura (John) Giglio and Nancy Berry Shearer.  Also surviving are his loving companion of 25 years, Joanne (Hammer) Mastin; Joanne’s children, Jeff (Kathy) Hunt of Florida, Mark (Dawn) Hunt of Addison, and Terri (Dale) Houghton of Savona, and their children and grandchildren.

To honor Dick’s wishes, there will be no calling hours or service.  Family and friends are invited to share in a “Celebration of Life” on Saturday June 9, 2018 from 1:00 to 4:00 PM at the Hornell Moose Lodge (upstairs), 66 Seneca Street, Hornell NY.  We will remember and share stories of Dick – both humorous and serious – and a good time will be had by all.  This is the way Dick would have wanted it – everyone having fun and enjoying themselves.  He will be missed!

Dick’s family requests that in lieu of flowers memorial contributions in his name be made to the Hornell Little League, PO Box 74 Hornell NY 14843 or to the Hornell YMCA, 18 Center Street, Hornell NY 14843 or the Hornell Humane Society, 7649 Industrial park Road, Hornell NY 14843.  Envelopes will be available at the “Celebration of Life” on Saturday.

Arrangements are in the care of Dagon Funeral Home, 38 Church Street, Hornell, NY.

William G. “Bill” Robinson – (83) – of 1 Clubview Dr., Bath, formerly of Hornell, died early Wednesday morning (May 30, 2018) at his home, following a long illness.

Born in Hornell on March 28, 1935, he was the son of Gordon & Evelyn (Austin) Robinson.

Bill grew up in Hornell and attended Hornell High School. He was a veteran of the US Army, serving his country from 1955 – 1957 as a member of the Ninety Millimeter Gun Battery Unit.

He was employed for about 6 years in the paper coating department of Eastman Kodak Corporation and later worked construction for several construction companies. For several years Bill served as an inspector for Steuben Rural Electric Company and also Bath Electric, Gas & Water. He worked as a corrections officer at Sing-Sing prison near New York City and for about 6 years at the Livingston County Corrections Facility, retiring in 1997.

Bill was a member of the Bath United Methodist Church and had been a member of the Bath American Legion and the Bath Elks Lodge. He was an avid Buffalo Bills fan and loved playing golf at the Bath Country Club and the Hornell Golf Club.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his sister, Bonnie Headly.

He was married on February 9, 2003 to the former Robin Bailey McDaniels who surviving. Surviving are his children, Teri, Kelly & Bill; 2 sisters, Linda (John) Giglio and Sally Wistman; 4 step-children; 10 step-grandchildren; several nieces & nephews.

At Bill’s request there will be no calling hours or services. 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 a charity of the donor’s choice..

Arkport, New York

Henry Strutz – 90 – of Cream Hill Road, Arkport, NY died Monday afternoon (May 28, 2018) at his home.

Born in New York City on October 31, 1932, he was the son of Henry & Barbara (Laches) Strutz.

He had been employed as a professor at several colleges including Alfred University.  He had authored several books and was fluent in several languages.

Henry was married to the former Suzanne Gouyet who survives.

At Henry’s requests there will be no calling hours or services.  Funeral arrangements are in care of the Dagon Funeral Home, 38 Church St., Hornell, NY.

Patricia O. “Pat” Richardson, – (90) – formerly of 22 McDougall Ave., Hornell, died Sunday Morning (May 27, 2018) at Elderwood of Hornell Nursing Facility where she had resided since 2016.

Born in Hornell on May 4, 1928, she was the daughter of Edward & Grace Louise (Mosher) O’Connor.

Pat grew up in Hornell and was a graduate of Hornell High School (class of 1946). She enjoyed traveling and in her younger years resided in Hawaii, Maine, San Diego and Florida.

She had been employed as a Key Punch Operator in the bookkeeping department of the former Erie Railroad Accounting Bureau until the business closed its doors in Hornell and relocated to Scranton, PA. in the early 1960’s, Pat began working as a bookkeeper at Steuben Trust Company in Hornell, retiring in the mid 1980’s.

Pat was a fourth generation member of Christ Episcopal Church of Hornell and had been a member of the Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR). She enjoyed working in her vegetable garden and was well known for growing HUGE TOMATOES. Pat had a deep affection for cats and owned many cats throughout her lifetime. She had one cat named Fluffy who actually lived for 22 years.

She was preceded in death by her brother, William J. O’Connor and also her daughter-in-law, Paulette (Crist) Richardson.

Surviving are 2 sons, Steven Richardson of Brockport, NY and George “Joe” (Rene) Richardson of Alfred Station, NY; 5 grandchildren, Charity (Rob) Strahs, Edward (Amanda) Richardson, Jessica (Eric) Sandler, Julie (Philip) Rubin and Jill (Craig) Reeves; 6 great-grandchildren, Christian James (C.J.) Cordaro, Jared Cordaro, Jonah Richardson, Caleb Richardson, Jordan Ochs and Jenna Sandler; several nieces & nephews.

At Pat’s request there will be no calling hours. Private graveside services will be held at Rural Cemetery at the convenience of the family.

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

Pat’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.

Meredith W. “Mert” Harrison – (91) – of 1724 County Road 16, Beaver Dams, NY (Town of Orange), died Wednesday morning (May 23, 2018) at his home, following a long illness.

Born in Point Pleasant, NJ on June 25, 1926, he was the son of William & Marie (Schenker) Harrison.

Mert grew up in Point Pleasant, NJ, Cassville, NJ and attended Lakewood High School in Lakewood, NJ.

Leaving high school during his senior year to join the US Navy, Mert served his country honorably during WWII touring the South Pacific. He had aboard several ships, including the USS Randall. He was honorably discharged in 1946 following two years of service.

Following his discharge from the US Navy, Mert returned to Cassville, NJ and was employed as a truck driver for Ralph Clayton & Sons Trucking Company. In 1950, he moved to Howell, NJ and began working as a heavy equipment operator in the construction industry. Mert eventually joined the International Union of Operating Engineers (IUOE) Local #825, and for over 40 years operated heavy equipment building roads, bridges & dams. He was a member in good standing with the union until his death. He has resided in Beaver Dams since 2008.

While living in New Jersey, Mert was passionate about deep sea fishing and loved spending time on his
18 foot fishing boat. He would spend countless hours fishing along the Jersey Shore for Tuna & Bluefish and also loved “clamming & crabbing.” In his younger days, Mert enjoyed hunting and especially loved deer hunting and rabbit hunting with his pet beagles. He had been a member of the 7 Bucks Hunting Club of Jackson, NJ and had also belonged to the Jackson Township VFW Post #4703.

Mert was married on April 1, 1950 to the former Mae E. Mikkonen who survives. Also surviving are two daughters, Lilyan (Perry) Harrison Baker of Phoenix, AZ and Cynthia (James) Mancil of Beaver Dams; two brothers, William Harrison of Bridgewater, ME and Elwood (Sally) Seiler of Jackson, NJ; two sisters, Ruth (Jim) Martin of Tucson, AZ and Celisha (Frank) Scarpone of Point Pleasant, NJ; 8 grandchildren; 8 great-grandchildren; several nieces & nephews.

At Mert’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.

Mert’s family request that in lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in his name be made to the Humane Society of Schuyler County, (Montour Falls), PO Box 427 Montour Falls, New York 14865.

William S. “Bill” Argay – (78) –  of 14 Elm St., Canisteo, NY, died Tuesday afternoon (May 22, 2018) at the Bath VA Medical Center, following a brief illness.

Born in New York City on October 26, 1939, he was the son of William & Barbara (Steyskal) Argay.

Bill, affectionately known as “Pop” by his grandchildren, grew up in Lake Ronkonkoma, Long Island and was a graduate of Sayville High School in Sayville, Long Island (Class of 1956).  Following high school graduation, he enlisted in the US Navy and served his country from 1956 – 1962.

After being honorably discharged from the US Navy, Bill returned to Lake Ronkonkoma, Long Island where he worked various jobs.  He has resided in the Hornell – Canisteo area for nearly 50 years.  He had been employed for several years at the former Stern & Stern Textile Corporation in Hornell and for 13 plus years worked as a machinist at the former SKF Industries, retiring in 1988.

Bill was a former member of St. Joachim’s Church of Canisteo.  In recent years, he was a member of Our Lady of the Valley Parish.  For many years, Bill was a member of the Free & Accepted Masons (F&AM), Morning Star Lodge #65 of Canisteo, and was also a member of the Canisteo American Legion.  In his younger years he enjoyed deer hunting. He was also a very social man and willing to talk to anyone and everyone, often sharing a joke or two with anyone that would listen. However, his favorite pastime was spending time with his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren.

He is survived by his loving and devoted wife of 45 years, the former Dorothy Fogarty. The two were married on December 9, 1972 in Riverhead, NY. Also surviving are his son, Christopher (Rosanna) Argay of Canisteo; 4 daughters, Dianne (John) Heckel of Canisteo, Maureen Cone of Daytona Beach, FL, Sharon (Paul) Pacholski of Rice Lake, WI, and Jennifer (Rob) Larkin of Garnerville, NY; 1 brother, Steve Argay of FL; 2 sisters, Teresa Scott of NY and Peitra Alchermus of FL; 11 grandchildren, Kristen (Ed) LaFleur, Michael Heckel and girlfriend Brittany Guie, Willy Rideout, Sam (Pete) Lehman, T.J. Rideout, Jonathon (Melanie) Crider, Jeremy Crider, Brianna Larkin, Robert Larkin, Caden Argay & Alyvia Argay; 1 step-granddaughter, Elizabeth Loop; 8 great-grandchildren, Kendall LaFleur, Eddie LaFleur, Carter Lehman, Lucas Lehman, Morgan Lehman, Jayke Crider, Jocelyn Rideout & Evan Rideout; several nieces & nephews.

Bill had a deep affection for his beloved dogs, Chelsea who passed 15 years ago and Shatzi who was his constant companion until his recent illness.  Both of these canine friends brought Bill much happiness throughout the years.

The family of William S. “Bill” Argay will receive friends on Saturday from 2:00 PM – 5:00 PM at the Dagon Funeral Home, 38 Church St., Hornell, NY.  Private services will be held at the convenience of the family.

Bill received wonderful care in his final days at the Bath VA Hospice Unit. His family request that in lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in his name be made to the Bath VA Hospice Unit, c/o Volunteer Services, 76 Veterans Avenue, Bath, NY 14810.

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

Shannon “Riley” Donahue – 54 – of Bath, NY, formerly of Hornell, died unexpectedly on Monday (May 7, 2018) in Baltimore, MD, where he had been working for the past several months.

Born in Hornell on August 27, 1963, he was the son of Edward “Mickey” Donahue and the former Susan Gay.

Riley grew up in the Hornell – Canisteo area and attended Canisteo Central School, class of 1981.

He was employed as a foreman for Carpenter Millwright, Local #1163 working on Nuclear Power Plants and a multitude of projects throughout the United States.  This was a very dangerous job which required extensive training and carried extensive responsibilities for all of the workers and the communities in which he worked.

Riley was an avid hunter who enjoyed hunting deer, rabbits and turkeys.  He especially loved hunting rabbits with his beloved beagles, Kelly & Cupid.  He also had a fondness for his beloved cats.  He had been a member of the Hornell Elks Lodge, Hornell Moose Lodge, Hornell American Legion and the Hornell VFW. He was an avid golfer and loved the Yankees and the Steelers.

He was preceded in death by his father, Edward “Mickey” Donahue who died January 27, 2007.

Surviving are his son of whom he was very proud, Nathan (Natalie Bossard) Donahue of Howard, NY; his mother, Sue Cullen of Panasoffkee, FL; 4 brothers, Michael (Nodja) Donahue of Homer, NY, Shaun (Debbie) Donahue of Blossburg, PA, Shane (Cristina) Donahue of Corning and Tim Donahue of Hornell; 3 sisters, Patricia Donahue of Homer, Colleen Donahue of Englewood, FL and Christine Cullen of Palm Harbor, FL; several nieces, nephews & cousins.

The family of Shannon “Riley” Donahue will receive friends on Friday from 4:00 PM until 7:00 PM at the Dagon Funeral Home, 38 Church St., Hornell, NY.  A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Saturday at 1:00 PM at St. Ann’s Church with burial in St. Mary’s Cemetery.

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

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

Anthony John Hawkins—86—known to everyone as Tony, passed away peacefully at Elderwood Nursing Facility in Hornell (April 30, 2018), following a two-month illness.

Tony was born to Walter and Mary (Scoon) Hawkins on July 7, 1931 in Bristol, England, where he grew up an only child.  Little is known about his early life.  From sixteen to nineteen he took evening classes in math, physics and chemistry at a local technical college.  David Rossington of Alfred met Tony in the early 1950’s at Bristol University where David was a student and Tony was an apprentice glass blower, learning the techniques of the trade that would support him the rest of his life.  (See the picture above showing Tony at work at the College of Ceramics in Alfred at age 37.)

Tony served in the English Army from 1952 – 1954, followed by years as a glassblower at the University of Nottingham, University of British Columbia (Vancouver) and finally at Alfred University where Tony was the laboratory glass blower at the College of Ceramics from 1960 to 1983, when he retired.  Tony had a rare ability to fashion molten glass, whether it became a piece of laboratory apparatus or an intricate animal given to a child or sold at Mary Lou Cartledge’s gift shop in Alfred.

In his youth at Vancouver and Alfred, Tony was an enthusiastic skier, a pursuit that unfortunately ended when an auto accident damaged his left knee in 1968.

A lifelong bachelor, Tony lived alone at 4960 East Valley Road, halfway between Alfred Station and Andover, for most of his fifty-eight years in the Alfred area.  Tony loved movies and classical music, having an encyclopedic knowledge of both.  In the years when Juilliard came to Alfred for summer concerts, Tony rarely missed one.  When computers became popular, Tony quickly became adept, programming a Wine Grape Glossary still in use on the internet and establishing himself as a wine expert.  He loved food, having a passion for cookbooks and recipes.  For years he belonged to a group of gourmets who met once a month at a top notch restaurant for a meal.  In later years he was an enthusiastic member of a bridge club in Hornell.

My wife and I (David and Aurora Palmer) met Tony around 1990 and were close friends for the rest of his life.  I spent many happy hours with Tony “picking apart” current events, wine, movies and the colorful life of Richard Feynman, one of our mutual heroes.  Recently Tony and I watched a ten-week series on the life of Einstein at Tony’s home.   He will be greatly missed.

At sometime around 2010 Tony befriended Joan Speca, recently widowed and making a difficult adjustment to the loss of her husband.  He and Joan became constant companions.  He saw her through the difficulties of Alzheimer’s disease, handling her affairs and adopting her dog Sasha until Joan’s and Sasha’s death.

Since Tony’s passion for food did not include a strong desire to cook, he ate most meals at the Collegiate Restaurant (fondly nicknamed the Jet) after coming to Alfred in 1960.  There he was on the first stool at the near end of the counter—three times a day in the early years, twice a day later on.  At some point Tony’s name was placed on the stool top, where it still stands.  Tony made friends at the Jet—two generations of owners (John Senior and Angie Ninos, then John-John and Chelly Ninos), Bob Heineman and many others.  For several months before Tony’s death my wife Aurora and I took him weekly to the Duke House (patterned after an English Tea House) in Wellsville for Sunday brunch.  Tony greatly appreciated its atmosphere, its tea and the hospitality of Nancy, Ruben and John.

At Tony’s request, there will be no calling hours or formal services.  Friends are invited to attend a “scattering of ashes” on Saturday, May 19 at 2:00 PM at Tony’s home at 4960 East Valley Road, Alfred Station. Please come prepared to share stories and memories.

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

In lieu of flowers, friends are asked to consider making a donation in Tony’s memory to any worthwhile charity