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

Jennifer (Skakal) Howe Luther – 75 – of 59 Glen Ave., Hornell died Thursday morning (May 3, 2018) at St. James Mercy Hospital following a long illness.

Born January 11, 1943 in Buffalo, NY, she was the daughter of Otto and Jennifer (Withey) Skakal.

Jennifer was a graduate of Hornell High School, the 1962 Nurses Aide Training Class of St. James Mercy Hospital and the International Business Training Institute of Buffalo in 1965.

She was employed in the late 1950’s as a tray & cleaning girl at St. James Hospital and also at Mattie’s Soda and Lunch. She had also worked at the Collegiate Restaurant in Alfred, and Batavia Downs Track Kitchen, transferring to Buffalo as a manager of a Deco Restaurant in 1964. She returned to Hornell in 1967 to work as a nurse’s aid at St. James Hospital.

In partnership with her former husband, Douglas Spencer, she ran flower Haven Greenhouse & Florist in Canisteo from 1968 until the flooding of 1972 caused by hurricane Agnes. She had also worked at the former Harris Nursing Home and other health care facilities throughout the years.

Jennifer was a former member of the Junior Chamber of Commerce and the Fraternal Order of Eagles. She served as assistant Den Leader for Troop 20 Cub Scouts from 1976 – 1983 and also Troop 20 Cub Scouts day camp crafts instructor. She was a member of Maple Leaf Cootiettes #228 – writing the club news articles since 1980 and serving as secretary for several years and also as club president from March 1998 until March 2000. Since 1994, she was the Supreme Cootiettes V.A.V.S. representative at Bath VA Hospital and also served as a Bath VA volunteer. Jennifer also transported many people to many hospitals and doctor’s appointments over a 30 year span.

Her interests were vegetable & flower gardening, crocheting, cooking, baking and canning. She also enjoyed genealogy and corresponding with many relatives, located while searching for her family in 1964 and her family roots in 1998. She was one of the “lucky ones” to be accepted back and know the love of two families.

Jennifer is a life member of the VFW #2250 Ladies Auxiliary, Moose Lodge #210, Hornell Association, BPOE #364, and the Arkport American Legion.

On June 25, 1977, she married Leo J. Luther who survives. In addition to her husband survivors include 2 sons, Michael (Amy Payne) Spencer of Hornell and Scott Alan Spencer of Petersburg, VA; granddaughter, Bridgette Jeanette Spencer of Richmond, VA; two brothers, William (Jacqueline) Skakal of Irving, NY, and Donald (Patricia) Howe, of Hornell; her sister-in-law, Arlene Howe of Hornell; her brothers-in-law & sisters-in-law, Thor & Beverly Luther, Dorothy Tiede, Stephen & rose Luther and Patrick & Julie Luther; many very dear nieces, nephews, great nieces and great nephews, cousins, and several people with whom she was a “2nd mom”.

She was preceded in death by her parents, 2 sisters, Rose Getti and Viola LaPonia; 3 brothers, Robert Skakal, Gerald Skakal and Lewis Howe; 2 step fathers, LJ Howe, Sr. and Paul Warriner; and an infant son, Lewis Donald Howe.

Preferring others remember her in their own way, at Jennifer’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.

Jennifer’s family request that in lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in her name may be made to an organization of their choice or by donating a few hours of time helping their fellow mankind.

MaryAnn Gath – 76 – of 23 East Main St., Hornell, died Saturday afternoon (April 28, 2018) at St. James Mercy Hospital, following a long illness.

Born in Hornell on September 1, 1941, she was the daughter of Nicholas Alexin and the former Betty Totten. MaryAnn was a graduate of the former St. Ann’s School and later graduated from Hornell High School.

For several years, she was employed as a production worker at the former Corbin Wood Products Corporation and also Morrison Knudsen (MK) in Hornell.

While in her 40’s, MaryAnn decided to further her education and obtained her Registered Nursing Degree from Alfred State College. For many years she was employed as a registered nurse at St. James Mercy Hospital.

MaryAnn was a lifelong member of Our Lady of the Valley Parish and a communicant of
St. Ann’s Church. Throughout the years, she was a “die hard” bingo player.

She was married on June 26, 1976 to Lawrence “Larry” Gath who survives. Also surviving are her son, Michael Vosburg of Hornell; her brother, Nicholas “Nick” (Debbie) Alexin of Hornell; 2 grandchildren, Andrea Vosburg and Brandon Vosburg; several nieces & nephews.

At MaryAnn’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.

MaryAnn’s family request that in lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in her name be made to the Dialysis Unit of Elderwood of Hornell, 1 Bethesda Dr., Hornell, NY 14843.

Mary R. Clancy – 73 – of 408 Duane St., Hornell, died late Monday evening (April 23, 2018) at Noyes Memorial Hospital in Dansville following a long illness.

Born in Hornell on August 24, 1944, she was the daughter of Thomas & Ruth (Binney) McDonald.

Mary grew up in Hornell and was a graduate of Hornell High School (class of 1962).  She later received her Associate’s Degree from Alfred State College.

She was a member of Our Lady of the Valley Parish and a communicant of St. Ann’s Church.  She was a former member of St. Ignatius Loyola Church.

Mary had been employed for a time at Castle Company of Rochester and also Shay Trucking of Dansville.  For many years she served as an executive secretary at Alfred State College, retiring about 11 years ago. She had been a member of the Woman’s Auxiliary of the Arkport American Legion and also volunteered her time with Faith in Action in Hornell.

In addition to her parents, Mary was preceded in death by her husband, Daniel Clancy who died in 1992.

Surviving are brother, Joseph (Trudi) McDonald of Wilmington, NC; 2 sisters, Joanne M. McDonald of Webster, NY and Elizabeth “Betty” Stewart of Walworth, NY; 3 nieces, Shannon Stewart, Courtney (Mike Smith) Stewart and Cameron Stewart; 2 granddaughters; 2 great-grandchildren.  She will be sadly missed by her two cats, Fluffy & Button.

The family of Mary R. Clancy will receive friends on Thursday 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 Friday at 10:00 AM at St. Ann’s Church with burial in Heritage Hill Cemetery, Arkport, 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 or to Faith in Action, 20 Broadway Mall, PO Box 117, Hornell, NY 14843.  Memorial forms will be available at the funeral home or click here to print a form.

William “Billy” Figueroa – 78 – of 13 Bostwick Place, died early Sunday morning (April 22, 2018) at St. James Mercy Hospital following a long illness.

Born in Puerto Rico on April 17, 1940, he was the son of Estervina (Colero) Figueroa.

Billy’s family moved to Mainland United States when Billy was a child.  He grew up in the Chicago, IL area, moving to the Hornell area 37 years ago.

He was employed for many years in the maintenance department of Morrison-Knudsen (MK) Corporation and in recent years worked in the kitchen of the Texas Café in Hornell.

On religious Holy Days, Billy would often attend services at St. Ann’s Church.  He was an avid baseball fan and especially enjoyed rooting for his beloved Chicago White Sox.  He also enjoyed watching professional wrestling on television.  One of Billy’s favorite pastimes was “Making a Friendly Wager or Two” at OTB.

Billy was preceded in death by his mother, Estervina (Colero) Figueroa and also her brother, Gualberto Figueroa.

Surviving are his lifelong companion, Marsha Dailey; 2 daughters, Kelly (Roger) Hall of Hornell and Casey (Jerry) Lathers of Hornell; 1 son, William Figueroa JR of Chicago; 4 brothers, Jose Santiago of Puerto Rico, Manuel (Maria) Figueroa of Florida, Rafael (Neomi) Figueroa of Chicago, IL and Leonardo (Guadalupe) Figueroa of Chicago, IL; 6 grandchildren, Christopher, Hazel, Ethan, Shelby, Paige & Aiden; several nieces & nephews.

At Billy’s request there will be no prior calling hours.  Family & friends are invited to attend a Memorial Service on Saturday, (May 19, 2018) at 2:00 PM at the Dagon Funeral Home, 38 Church St., Hornell, NY with Deacon Robert McCormick officiating.

Billy’s family request that in lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in his name be made to National Parkinson Foundation, PO Box 23204,  Rochester, NY  14692.  Memorial forms will be available at the Dagon Funeral Home.

Helen L. Winzer – (92) – lifelong Hornell resident, died Sunday morning (April 22, 2018) at Elderwood of Hornell where she had resided for the past six months.

Born in Hornell on November 3, 1925 she was the daughter of Kenneth & Gertrude (Cozy) Winzer and the step-daughter of William Eller.

Helen was a graduate of Hornell High School (class of 1944).  She was a member of Our Lady of the Valley Parish and a communicant of St. Ann’s Church.

She had been employed for a time at the former McBride’s Women & Children’s Shop in Hornell.  For 26 years she served as the “lifestyles editor” at the Hornell Evening Tribune.  She was responsible for the writing of engagement & wedding announcements, as well as obituary notices.  Other duties had included editing responsibilities for the social pages of The Hornell Spectator and the compilation of the local columns such as Friends & Neighbors, which spotlighted area residents in the news.

She was preceded in death by her lifelong companion, Sylvester “Babe” Daniels who died in 2000.

Surviving are several cousins, including Lois Bardeen Miller of Rochester, Betty Slingluff of Meadville, PA, Kay Roberts of Meadville, PA, and Nancy Premo of Rochester.  Also surviving are her “Hornell Family,” Lenny & Kathy Caruso and Joann LaVerde.

At Helen’s request there will be no calling hours.  A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Thursday at 10:00 AM at St. Ann’s Church with burial in St. Mary’s Cemetery.

Helen’s family request that in lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in her name be made to St. Ann’s Church, 27 Erie Ave., Hornell, NY   14843.

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

Ronald E. “Pops” Youmans – 61 – of 6 Pine Tree Village, Painted Post, NY, died Thursday morning (April 19, 2018) at Arnot Ogden Hospital in Elmira, following a long illness.

Born in Corning, NY on December 31, 1956, he was the son of William & Leola (Edwards) Youmans.

Pops grew up in Monterey, NY and attended Bradford High School in Bradford, NY. He had been employed for about 15 years in the Dietary Department of Corning Hospital and later worked at mercury Aircraft in Hammondsport and also Jamison Marine in Campbell. Most recently he was employed as a caregiver for Pathways in Corning.

He was an avid collector of antique tractors, cars, motorcycles and snowmobiles. He also enjoyed muscle cars and building models with his sons. Pops was also a “big time” NASCAR fan and loved rooting for his favorite driver, Kevin Harvick.  For several years, Pops was employed at Watkins Glen International Racetrack as a grounds maintenance worker.

In addition to his parents, Ronald was preceded in death by his brother, Harold Youmans.

Surviving are 2 sons, Justin (Gwen) Youmans of Horseheads and Brandon (Katie) Youmans of Lindley, NY; 1 brother, Roger (Wendy) Youmans of Beaver Dams, NY; 1 sister, Deborah Marshall of West Virginia; 12 grandchildren; several nieces & nephews.

At Pop’s request there will be no calling hours. Private graveside 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.

David R. “Dave” Hagadorn – 68 – of 9055 State Route 36, Arkport, died early Thursday morning (April 19, 2018) at Strong Memorial Hospital in Rochester, following a brief illness.

Born in Hornell on July 8, 1949, he was the son of Clifford & Lulu (VanScoter) Hagadorn.

Dave grew up in Hornell and was a graduate of Hornell High School (class of 1967). While in high school, he excelled in several sports, but primarily made his mark as a pitcher for the Hornell Red Raider Baseball Team. During those years, Dave also was an All-Star Pitcher in the Hornell Babe Ruth League and later the Older Babe Ruth League. It was during these formative years that he became one of the best pitchers in the area and was known to possess a 95 per hour fastball.

Earning a full athletic scholarship to Mansfield University, Dave pitched for the Mansfield Mounties. While at Mansfield, he caught the attention of several Major League Baseball Teams and was eventually signed by the Cincinnati Reds. Dave pitched for the Reds Farm teams until injury resulted in the end of his professional baseball career. He had the fortunate experience of playing with baseball greats Johnny Bench and Ken Griffey, Sr.

In 1974, Dave enlisted in the United States Army and enrolled in Officer’s Candidate School. He served his country until he was awarded an honorable discharge in 1976.

Dave was married on June 12, 1971 to the former Delmar “Del” Ratkowski whom he met while both were attending Mansfield University. Together they resided in the Arkport area for nearly 48 years raising their family and sharing their lives with their many, many friends.

An accomplished carpenter & contractor, Dave owned & operated Hagadorn Builders and throughout the years built and remodeled approximately 100 homes, mostly in the Hornell – Arkport area.

He loved keeping physically fit and for many years was a devoted runner, often running 5 – 10 miles following a hard day’s work building homes. A construction work accident at the age of 50 limited most of his fitness ambitions. Dave was an avid sports fan and loved rooting for his beloved New York Yankees and Buffalo Bills.

Dave will be remembered as a loving and devoted family man who loved his wife and children unconditionally. He thoroughly enjoyed watching his children grow up and loved watching them play sports and participate in school functions. He especially loved “playing ball” with his kids after a hard day’s work. He was actively involved with coaching his children in Little League and Babe Ruth baseball programs in Arkport and Hornell, and contributed much of his free time with the construction of the Arkport Central School baseball and soccer fields. In his retirement, Dave enjoyed being outdoors doing yard work, while having his dog “Bella” by his side. He loved visiting with friends, always delivering a cup of McDonald’s coffee and sharing funny stories.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Cliff & Lulu Hagadorn.

Surviving are his wife of 47 years, Delmar “Del” Hagadorn; his daughter, Robyn (Ramsey) Batmangelich of Chicago, IL; 2 sons, Scott (Colleen) Hagadorn of Pittsford, NY and Bryan Hagadorn of Alexandria, VA; his brother, Gary Hagadorn of Charleston, SC; his grandson, Ryder Batmangelich; several nieces, nephews & cousins.

The family of David R. ‘Dave” Hagadorn will receive friends on Saturday (April 21, 2018) from 12:00 (Noon) until 4:00 PM the Dagon Funeral Home, 38 Church St., Hornell, NY. Private services will be held at the convenience of the family.

Dave’s family request that in lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in his name be made to the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation, 26 Broadway, 14th Floor, New York, NY 10004, or the Hornell Area Humane Society, 7649 Industrial Park Road, Hornell, NY 14843. Memorial forms will be available at the Dagon Funeral Home.

Randall O. “Randy” Young – (63) – of 7321 North Main St. Ext., Hornell, NY (Town of Hornellsville) died Thursday afternoon (April 12, 2018) following a courageous battle with pancreatic cancer. He passed peacefully, surrounded by family at his favorite place — his hunting camp in Greenwood, NY.

Born in Hornell on July 2, 1954, he was the son of Orman & Patricia (Gee) Young.

A lifelong resident of the Hornell area, Randy was a graduate of Hornell High School (class of 1972). He had been employed for over 20 years at the former Sears Store in Hornell, first as a salesman and later as an appliance repairman. He was later employed in many capacities at the Alfred College of Ceramics, retiring in 2016 as a Glass Furnace Technician following 20 years of service.

Randy was an avid “Outdoorsman” who loved all aspects of hunting and fishing. Throughout the years he traveled to many different states on hunting & fishing trips, bonding with family and great friends.

He had been a member of the Arkport American Legion and also the Hornell Moose Lodge. Randy was an avid Buffalo Bills Football Fan and also enjoyed rooting for the New York Yankees. He loved working on home repair & remodeling projects at his home and also his Greenwood camp. He had a deep affection for his beloved pets (primarily his beagles) and had an especially strong bond with his German Shepard, Maverick and his cat, Joshyboy. More than anything, Randy enjoyed spending time with his family and friends at his camp. His most precious joy were his grandchildren, Cole (Bailey Anspach) Young and Aylah Morris.

He was married on February 10, 1973 to his high school sweetheart, the former Linda Dolph who survives. Also surviving are 2 sons, Randall “Randy” Young of Hornell and Joel Young of Geneseo; 1 daughter, Jamie (Anthony) Morris of Bishopville; his mother & step-father, Patricia & Richard Davison of Canaseraga; 3 brothers, David Young of Bath, Richard Davison of Canaseraga and Orman (Dale Rouse) Young of Canisteo;
4 sisters, Rebecca (Lee Hurst) Young of Rochester, Sandy Kinnerney of Alfred, Julia (Tom) Testani of Hornell and Brenda (Jim Woodworth) Evingham of Canisteo; several nieces & nephews.

Randy was preceded in death by his father, Orman Young; his sister, Norma Racalto; and his niece, Mary Jo Hill.

At Randy’s request there will be no prior calling hours. Friends are invited to attend a “Celebration of Life” on Saturday, April 28, 2018 from 1:00 PM – Till??? at the Arkport American Legion where family and friends will be encouraged to share memories and stories about Randy.

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

Randy’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

Richard D. Padgett – 74 – formerly of New Jersey, died Friday morning (April 12, 2018) at Elderwood of Hornell Nursing Facility where he had resided for the past seven years.

Born in Trenton, NJ on January 3, 1944, he was the son of Albert & Rilla (Kimble) Padgett.

Richard was one of six children, with four brothers and one sister. He was born with the name RD, however chose to have his name legally changed to Richard at the age of 38. When he went to court, the judge asked him why he wanted to change his name. He responded “If you had my name, you would too” and the judge agreed.

He married Diane in 1962 and together they were blessed with three children, Jeff, Deborah and Kathy.

Richard worked as a professional photographer and limousine driver. He shared many stories about the many famous people that he met throughout his career, including Jackie Onassis, Ronald Reagan, Henry Kissinger, Sigourney Weaver and John Kennedy JR. He also had the opportunity of driving Mrs. Kennedy to a horse show in Maryland. Upon arrival, she asked Richard to assist her in getting on a horse. After Mrs. Kennedy’s failed attempt at getting on and falling, Richard caught her in his arms.

Richard’s career and travels took him to many places including Canada, Mexico and every state in the United States except Alaska and Hawaii. He especially had fond memories of California and being captivated by the beauty of the Redwood Trees.

Diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease at the age of 58, Richard said “This disease has been the biggest struggle in my life. It’s a terrible disease that takes your motions and speech away and makes you very tired. What I could do yesterday, I now can’s do today. I wish people would learn to have more patience with me and allow me time to talk and make myself understood.”

While living at Elderwood of Hornell (formerly McAuley Manor) Richard greatly appreciated the view from his bedroom window, visiting with people “one-on-one”, sharing stories and enriching lives through the beauty of his photographs which were on display throughout the hallway on Cranberry lane.

In addition to his parents, Richard was preceded in death by his son, Jeff.

At Richard’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.