James R. “Russell” Amell

James Amell PhotoJames R. “Russell” Amell II – 56 – of 7 Preston Ave., Hornell, died unexpectedly on Thursday (May 18, 2017) at his home.

Born in Ferndale, MI on June 23, 1961, he was the son of James & Elizabeth (Newell) Amell.

Throughout the years, Russell resided in many locations including Texas, Arkansas, Arizona and Tennessee and has been a resident of the Hornell area for nearly 20 years.

Russell worked in the construction industry and was a self-employed drywall hanger. He enjoyed watching basketball & football on TV and was an avid New York Giants football fan. He was passionate in the love of his family and was a true friend, always trying to help others.

He was extremely proud of his two children, James Russell (Amy) Amell III of Hornell and Shanna (Jon) Stoltzfus of Andover. Russell loved spending time with his four grandchildren, Leah Stoltzfus, Lindsey Stoltzfus, Owen Stoltzfus and Kelci Amell and would often crawl on the floor and play with them. He is also survived by his brother, Bryan (Kay) Amell of Tennessee and his sister, Kathy Amell of Michigan; many nieces, nephews and many loving friends.

The family of James R. “Russell” Amell will receive friends on Wednesday from 12:00 (noon) until 2:00 PM at the Dagon Funeral Home, 38 Church St., Hornell, NY where a Memorial Service will be held at the conclusion of calling hours at 2:00 PM with Pastor Matt Sassano officiating and Rev. Dan Kenyon.

Russell’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.

James V. Crain

James Crain PhotoOur beloved husband, father and papa has passed. James V. “Jim” Crain – 88 – of 7312 North Main St. Ext., Hornell, died unexpectedly Monday evening (May 8, 2017) at his home with his wife by his side, following a long illness.

Born in Hornell on May 26, 1928, he was the son of Arthur & Marie (Schwartz) Crain.

Jim grew up in Canisteo and was a graduate of Canisteo Central School (class of 1946). He was a veteran of the US Navy, serving his country from 1946-1948 aboard Aircraft Carrier, USS Saipan. While serving in the Navy, Jim was fortunate to have traveled to many ports throughout the world.

Following his honorable discharge from the Navy, Jim was employed for a time at the former Tuttle & Rockwell Store in Hornell as a “jack of all trades,” installing carpet & flooring, draperies and tile. While working at Tuttle & Rockwell, Jim met his future bride, Frances “Fran” Degaetano! Their first date was attending the Policeman’s Ball at the former Sherwood Hotel where Jim was somewhat overwhelmed to meet and sit with her entire family of eight brothers & sisters.

Jim was a member of Our Lady of the Valley Parish and a communicant of St. Ann’s Church. He was also a member of the Knights of Columbus, Hornell American Legion and the G. Carducci Lodge (sons of Italy). He enjoyed woodworking and was a master craftsman.

As an avid hunter, Jim loved to hunt deer, rabbit, squirrel, turkey, duck & pheasant. He also loved “big game” hunting such as bear & elk. Some of his fondest memories were traveling to Montana & Colorado with his son and grandsons during elk hunting season. He has three bull elk to his credit.

Jim was a die-hard fisherman who, along with his father, was considered the top fishermen on Conesus Lake. He actually won 3rd place for the largest northern pike in New York State. He enjoyed fishing in Keuka Lake, Seneca Lake, Lake Erie and Oak Orchard (salmon fishing). Jim also loved to fish in rivers & streams for trout and also fly-fishing.

He was preceded in death by his brother, Douglas Crain; two sisters, Evelyn Snyder and Eleanor Milne.

Jim was married on March 15, 1952 (65 years) to the LOVE OF HIS LIFE, the former Frances “Fran” Degaetano who survives. Also surviving are 2 daughters, Laura (Patrick Berry) Crain of Hornell and Kelly (Ray Reyome) Fisher of Prattsburg; 1 son, James “Jim” (Michelle) Crain of Milton, VT; 5 grandchildren, David Harwood JR of Hornell, Tara (Chris) Smith of Milton, VT, Jacob Fisher of New York City, Josh (Cynthia) Crain of Dundee and Scott Crain of Milton, VT; 5 great-grandchildren, Tessa Smith, Lincoln Smith, David Harwood III, Luke Harwood and Wyatt Crain; several nieces, nephews, cousins & in-laws.

At Jim’s request there will be no prior calling hours. Family & friends are invited to attend a Mass of Christian Burial on Saturday at 2:00 PM at St. Ann’s Church.

Jim’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 or have Masses celebrated in his name.  Click here to print a memorial form.

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

Rose Ann Rizzuto

Rose Ann RizzutoRose Ann (Trentanelli) Rizzuto, 88, of Wallingford, CT, formally of 8 Holly Ct., Arkport, died Monday (May 8, 2017), following a long illness.

Born in Hornell on March 16, 1929, she was the daughter of Salvatore & Rose (Capparimo) Trentanelli.

Rose Ann grew up in Hornell and attended St. Ann’s School.  She later graduated from Hornell High School (class of 1948).

She was employed as a secretary at WWHG Radio in Hornell form 1947-1948 and from 1948-1955 served as secretary to Dean of Men at Alfred University.

Rose Ann was married on July 9, 1955 in St. Ann’s Church by Monsignor Gannon to Frank D. Rizzuto who died July 7, 2015.  For many years Rose Ann & Frank resided in Pearl River, NY where she was employed as a Personal Banker at Nanuet National Bank (1980-1985).  They returned to the Hornell/Arkport area in 1985.

While residing in Nanuet, she served as Vice President of the Women’s Guild of Good Samaritan Hospital, Vice President of the George Miller Elementary School PTA, Secretary of the Women’s Guild of the Good Samaritan Hospital in Suffern, NY, and supervised the Teenage Recreation Program of Nanuet High School for 11 years.

She was a member of Our Lady of the Valley Parish and a communicant of St. Ann’s Church where she was a member of the St. Ann’s Adoration Chapel.  While living in the Hornell Area, Rose Ann served as Recording Member of the St. James Mercy Auxiliary, Recording Secretary of the Ladies of Columbus, member of the Rockland County Garden Club, member of the Capital Campaign committee of St. James Hospital, member of St. James Volunteers and a member of the Board of Directors of the Steuben County Chapter of the American Cancer Society.

Rose Ann also served as Co-Chairman of the Cardiac Rehabilitation Program of St. James Hospital, Board of Directors of the Hornell Area Arts Council and was a volunteer for the Hornell Chapter of the American Red Cross.  She was an Associate Member of the Sisters of Mercy of Rochester and a member of the Hornell Alumni Association for the Class of 1948.  In 2009, Rose Ann was honored by being selected as the Steuben County Senior Citizen of the Year.

In addition to her husband and parents, Rose Ann was preceded in death by 2 sisters, Frances Trentanelli and Josephine Schieder; 2 brothers, Ignatius “George” Trentanelli, John Trentanelli, her sister-in-law, Ann Trentanelli; brother-in-law, Richard “Dick” Schieder.

Surviving are her children, Elizabeth Ann “Lisa” (Robert) Dorn of Honesdale, PA, Mark Anthony (Katherine) Rizzuto of Upper Denver, CO, Natalie Jane Tuzzolino (Jon Kaufman) of Pomona, NY and Christopher Francis (Cindy) Rizzuto of Cheshire, CT; 8 grandchildren, Peter Andrew (Keri) Dorn, Dr. Elizabeth Rose (Jon Pace) Dorn, Amanda Marie (Izzy) Tuzzolino, Tess Isabelle Rizzuto, John Francis Rizzuto, Luke James Rizzuto, Grace Amelia Rizzuto and Brian Cantore several nieces, nephews & cousins.

Rose Ann’s Family would like to extend their sincere thanks for the wonderful care given to her while on both the Masonicare rehabilitation and Hospice Care Floors as well the countless friends that came to visit. The kindness, care and respect shown for her during her illness was wonderful and will never be forgotten.

The family of Rose Ann Rizzuto will receive friends on Thursday from 4:00 PM – 7:00 PM at the Dagon Funeral Home,38 Church St., Hornell, NY.  A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Friday at 2:00 PM at St. Ann’s Church with burial in St. Mary’s Cemetery.

Rose Ann’s family request that in lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in her name be made to The American Cancer Society 13 Beech St., Johnson City, NY 13790 or to St. Ann’s Academy, PO Box 446, Hornell NY 14843.  Memorial forms will be available at the Dagon Funeral Home or click here to print a memorial form.

Nicholas J. Dugo

Nicholas Dugo PhotoNicholas J. “Nick” Dugo – 72 – of 4 Elmwood Pl, Hornell, died Wednesday evening (May 3, 2017) at Strong Memorial Hospital in Rochester, following a long illness.

Born in Hornell on February 5, 1945, he was the son of Donald & Ann (Buono) Dugo.

Nick grew up in Hornell and was a graduate of Hornell High School (class of 1963). He later attended Alfred State College.

In his younger years, Nick worked various jobs including tending bar at the Sunset Inn Restaurant which was owned by his aunt & uncle.

He was a veteran of the US Army, serving two tours of duty from 1965-1967 and from 1967-1968 during the Vietnam War. While serving his country in combat, Nick was wounded twice by shrapnel during enemy attacks. He received two “Purple Heart” Medals and also received the Bronze Star. He was honorably discharged in 1968.

In 1969, Nick began his career with the US Postal Service. For many years he served as a mail carrier and eventually as a supervisor. He retired on June 1, 2000 following 31 years of service.

Nick was a member of the Hornell VFW, a member of the G. Carducci Lodge (Sons of Italy) and a former member of the Hornell American Legion. He was an avid golfer and a longtime member of Twin Hickory Golf Club. In the late 1980’s, he had the fortune to have actually scored a Hole-In-One. For several years Nick served as a baseball coach at the Hornell Little League.

He was a “die-hard” New York Yankee fan and, throughout the years, attended many Yankee games. He also loved rooting for the Oakland Raider Football Team. Nick thoroughly enjoyed getting together with his friends each morning at their “Breakfast Club” at JC’s Café. His greatest joy, however, was simply spending quality time with his family & many friends.

Surviving are his loving companion of 25 years, Karen Noble; 2 sons, Anthony Dugo and Nick Dugo, JR, both of Hornell;
3 daughters, Julie (John Truslow) Dugo of West Seneca , Aubrey Dugo of Hornell and Kati Smith of Corning; 3 sisters, Kathy (John) Capluzzi of Hornell, Donna (Terry Gardner) Dugo of Canandaigua and Alberta “Bertie” Dugo of North Ft. Meyers, FL; 2 nephews, John Capluzzi & Donald “DJ” Capluzzi; 2 great-nephews, Vinnie & Joey Capluzzi; 1 granddaughter due in September. Also surviving are Karen’s children, Kara (Chad) Phillips of Kingston, NY and Ben (Lexi) Noble of Brooklyn, NY and her grandson, Thomas Phillips. He will also be sadly missed by his “Little Buddy”, Zeke.

The family of Nicholas J. “Nick” Dugo will receive friends on Sunday from 4:00 PM – 7:00 PM at the Dagon Funeral Home, 38 Church St., Hornell, NY where a Military Service will be held at the conclusion of calling hours at 7:00 PM. Burial will be in the VA Cemetery, Bath, NY.

Nick’s family request that in lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in his name be made to Bath VA Medical Center,
76 Veteran’s Ave., Bath, NY 14810. Memorial forms will be available at the Dagon Funeral Home.

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

Anthony “Tony” Montemarano

Anthony Montemarano PhotoAnthony J “Tony” Montemarano – 95 – of 41 ½ Oak St., Hornell, died early Wednesday morning (May 3, 2017) at Elderwood at Hornell, surrounded by his loving family.

Born in Naples, Italy on August 1, 1921, he was the son of Francis & Carmella (Petito) Montemarano.

Tony’s family moved to the United States in 1927 when he was six years. He grew up in Lyons, NY and was a graduate of Lyons High School (class of 1939). While in high school, Tony was a member of the football, basketball & baseball teams. He later graduated from Alfred State College with an Associate’s Degree in Business Administration.

While in college, Tony would often go with friends to the local “Five & Dime” store after school. Here, he met his future wife, Domenica “Maggie” Colomaio. Their relationship began when Tony asked if he could walk her home. After continuing to see each other at the store, he built up enough courage to ask her mother if they could see a movie. Her mother agreed, but only if Tony had her daughter home by 9:00 PM. Both mom & dad waited for them to get home that night. Domenica’s father loved Tony and always told her to make sure to save some food for him! They were married on in St. Ann’s Church on January 9, 1943.

In his younger years, Tony was employed as a salesman at the former Murray Stevens Clothing Store in Hornell. For nearly 40 years, he was employed at the New York State Department of Transportation (NYSDOT), first as a mechanic and heavy equipment worker, and working his way up to the position of Supervisor of the Parts Department. He also taught “55 Alive”, a driver’s education course for the state. He served as President of CSEA Union and later served as president of CSEA Retirees. He retired in 1986.

Tony was a member of Our Lady of the Valley Parish and a communicant of St. Ann’s Church where he served as an usher and was a member of the St. Ann’s Parish Council for many years. He also served on the St. Ann’s School Board. He was a 4th Degree member of the Hornell Knights of Columbus where he served as Grand Knight and Faithful Navigator and was the recipient of the “Man of the Year” award. He was a former member of the G. Carducci Lodge (Sons of Italy). Tony had also been a member of the Maple City Sound Board which helps organize musical entertainment in town.

He had a lifelong association with the Boy Scouts of America and Cub Scouts of America. He first served as a Scout Master and later as Commissioner of the Hornell Chapter of Boy Scouts of America and Cub Scouts of America. He was honored by receiving the Silver Beaver Award and the Saint George Medal.

Tony enjoyed the outdoors and was a lifelong hunter, hunting deer, rabbit, turkey & pheasant. He enjoyed working in his vegetable garden and simply taking care of his lawn. He enjoyed watching golf on TV and rooting for the New York Yankees.

He was preceded in death by 2 sisters, Genevieve “Jen” Calabrese and Louise Reed; his in-laws, Peter & Betty Colomaio, Harold Robbins, Mary Colomaio, Joseph Calabrese, Russell Reed and Philip Comella.

Surviving are his wife of 74 years, Domenica “Maggie” Montemarano; 2 sons, Francis (Ellen) Montemarano of Punta Gorda, FL and Joseph Montemarano of Arkport; 1 daughter, Mary Montanarella of Rochester; 1 sister, Philomena Comella of Lyons, NY; his in-laws, Helen Robbins of Hornell, Mary & Ezio Fiacco of Hornell, Rose & Joseph DiCosimo of Hornell and Matt Colomaio of Hornell; 2 granddaughters, Gina (Jason McKinney) Montanarella of Rochester and Kara (Rob) Kuehne of Rochester; 4 great-granddaughters, Cecilia Ebersold. Lila Ebersold, Harper Kuehne and Quinn Kuehne; many nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews, great-great nieces & great-great nephews.

The family of Anthony “Tony” Montemarano will receive friends on Saturday from 11:00 AM until 1:30 PM at the Dagon Funeral Home, 38 Church St., Hornell, NY, followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 2:00 PM at St. Ann’s Church. Burial will be in St. Mary’s Cemetery.

Tony’s family request that in lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in his name be made to: St. Ann’s Academy, PO Box 446, Hornell, NY 14843 or to the Alzheimer’s Association, 435 East Henrietta Rd., Rochester, NY 14620. Memorial forms will be available at the Dagon Funeral Home or click here to print a memorial form.

Reba Norton Mahany

Reba MahanyReba Norton Mahany – 83 – of 9696 Oak Hill Rd., Arkport, died Monday afternoon (May 1, 2017) at Strong Memorial Hospital in Rochester, following a brief illness.  She has resided at Updyke Willow Ridge Nursing Facility since January, 2016.

Born in Wellsville, NY on October 11, 1933, she was the daughter of Lyle & Katherine (Jones) Norton.

Her family resided for a time in Allentown, NY later Alfred, NY, eventually moving to Arkport.  She was a graduate of Arkport Central School (class of 1951) and later graduated from Hornell Business School (Federal Commercial School).  She had resided in Arkport for most of her adult life and had been employed for a time at Crowley’s Dairy and also as secretary at the former Marion Rohr Corporation.

Reba was married on October 23, 1954 to R. Murray Mahany who died September 5, 2014.  She was involved in farming her entire adult life and in a “Joint Venture” with her husband, three sons and her son-in-law, owned & operated Poverty Knob Farms in Arkport raising potatoes, oats, wheat, corn, green beans and alfalfa.

Being recognized by Cornell University for her hard work of raising six children and still tirelessly working on the family farm, she was honored by actually having a potato — the “Reba Potato” named after her.  In 1993, the Mahany family received the State of New York Governor’s “Outstanding Farm Family Award” presented by Gov. Mario Cuomo.  Reba and Murray were also honored when they were presented with the “Industry Leadership Award” by the Empire State Potato Growers.

Reba was a former member of Our Lady of the Valley Parish and a communicant of St. Ann’s Church.  For the past 22 years, she was a communicant of St. Mary’s Church of Canaseraga.

In addition to her husband, Murray, she was preceded in death by 4 sisters, Rita Smith, Muriel Kame, Charlene Kramer and Karen Clancy.

Surviving are 3 sons, Robert (Debora) Mahany of Dansville, Gary (Patricia) Mahany of Arkport and Gregory (Karen Meade) Mahany of Arkport; 3 daughters, Brenda (Dennis) Acomb of Dansville, Linda (Mark) Mahoney of Hornell and Susan (Rick Wilcox) Cotter of Dansville; her former son-in-law, Daniel Cotter; 18 grandchildren; 6 great-grandchildren; several nieces & nephews.

The family of Reba Norton Mahany will receive friends on Friday from 3:00 PM – 7:00 PM at the Dagon Funeral Home, 38 Church St., Hornell, NY.  A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Saturday at 11:00 AM at St. Mary’s Church in Canaseraga.  Reba will be buried next to her husband at Heritage Hill Cemetery in Arkport overlooking the fields that she loved.

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

Ronald E. Acor

Ronald AcorRonald E. “Ron” Acor – (78) of 4481 Bush Hill Rd., Canisteo, died Saturday evening (April 29, 2017) at St. James Mercy Hospital where he was taken by Canisteo ambulance following a long illness.

Born in Rochester, NY on July 10, 1938, he was the son of Elmer & Ruth (Walworth) Acor.

Throughout his lifetime, Ron resided in many locations and lived in Hornell from 1970 until moving to Canisteo in 1990. He had been employed for 24 years for the Steuben County Department of Public Works, retiring as a supervisor.

He was a member of the Hornell Association where he served on the Board of Directors and also a member of the Hornell Moose Lodge. One of his favorite pastimes was playing cards.

Ron was preceded in death by his wife, the former Roberta Strout and also his sister, Eleanor “Rosie” Smith.

He was married in 2003 to the former Mary Leigh Cocca who survives. Also surviving are
3 daughters, Wendy (Dave) Quail of Arcadia, FL, Rosemary Acor of Hornell and Darla Acor of Hornell; 4 sons, Mike Acor of Hornell, Ron (Debbie) Acor of Canisteo, Jeff (Kathy) Acor of Berea, OH and Paul Acor of Almond; 3 step-daughters, Pennie (Colin) Burgess of Hyde Park, Jackie Shufelt of Rocky Mount, VA and Susie (Ricky) Ives of Wellsville; 4 sisters, Patty Holler of Rochester, Sally Harder of Wayland, Judy Swisher of Dansville and Mary Mensinger of Wayland; 1 brother, Gary Forrester of Springwater, over 22 grandchildren, over 17 great-grandchildren and several nieces & nephews.

At Ron’s request there will be no prior calling hours. Friends are invited to attend a Memorial Mass on Thursday at 10:00 AM at St. Ann’s Church.

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

Ron’s family requests that in lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in his name be made to the Hornell Humane Society, 7649 Industrial Park Rd., Hornell, NY 1843.

Larry E. Clark

Larry ClarkLarry E. Clark – (62) – of 53 John St., Hornell, died Monday morning (April 24, 2017) following a long illness.

Born in North Hornell on January 1, 1955, he was the son of Kenneth & Erma (Weaver) Clark.

Larry resided in the Hornell / North Hornell area for most of his life and was a graduate of Hornell High School (Class of 1973).  Following graduation from high school, he worked various jobs in the Hornell area and also traveled to Colorado where he resided for about 6 months.  In 1976, he decided to further his education and enrolled at Alfred State College where, in 1978, he graduated, earning his Associate’s Degree in Plumbing & Heating.

For about 5 months, Larry served as Superintendent of Buildings and Grounds for St. Ann’s Parish, overseeing and maintaining St. Ann’s Church, St. Ann’s Rectory, St. Ann’s School, St. Ann’s Cemetery and St. Mary’s Cemetery.  In October of 1978, he began his career at National Fuel and, throughout the years, was employed in various capacities, including meter reader and backhoe operator.  He retired in 2008 as Regulator & Measurement Technician following 30 years of service.

Pamela Jane Clancy

Pamela Clancy photoPamela Jane Clancy, 59, of Delmar, New York, died peacefully on April 19, 2017 after a long illness.

Born in born in Hornell, NY on April 4, 1958, she was the daughter of Thomas and Barbara Scott Clancy. Pam was the beloved sister of Thomas Clancy, Jr. and sister-in-law of Anna Clancy. She leaves countless aunts, uncles, cousins and friends.

Pam graduated from Berlin (NH) High School and Plymouth State University. Upon graduation, she quickly settled in her lifelong vocation as a teacher at the Academy of Holy Names in Albany, NY, where she continued to teach until 2016. In her thirty-six years at Holy Names she received recognition as the school’s Teacher of the Year, and as the Albany Times Union Teacher of the Week. More importantly, she touched the lives of innumerable students in the classroom, and in the after-school and summer programs she created and ran. In the words of one student, “She taught us to be brave, to love learning, to write in cursive (despite strong resistance!), to care for others, and to be strong.”

Pam cherished her role as Holly, Kate & Laura’s aunt. She spoiled them, and blessed them with the opportunity to participate in Holy Names’ summer programs where they loved spending time with their aunt. She was “Bean” to them, and always will be.

A funeral will be held at St. Ann’s Church in Hornell, NY on May 20th at 10:00 AM with a short ceremony following at St. Mary’s cemetery. A memorial celebration of Pam’s life will be held on June 10th, 11:00 AM at the Academy of the Holy Names, Lower School chapel in Albany, NY

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

Pam’s family request that in lieu of flowers, donations in her name be made to Becky’s House, C/O St. Peter’s Hospital Foundation, 319 South Manning Blvd., Albany, NY 12214.

Morgan Leigh Reeve

Morgan Leigh Reeve – 8 ½ month old daughter of Andrew Reeve of Hornell and Jillian Nolan of Bath, was taken by Angels to be with Jesus in Heaven on Saturday afternoon (April 15, 2017) at Strong Memorial Hospital in Rochester where she bravely fought for life since her birth on July 19, 2016.

Although Morgan was only with us a short while, she was loved by all of her family, will live in our hearts and will never be forgotten.

Surviving are her father, Andrew (Angela Allen) Reeve of Hornell; her mother, Jillian Nolan of Bath; her twin sister, Marley Jade Reeve; her half-brother, Cyle Howell; 2 half-sisters, Elaina Westbrook and Braelyn Foster; paternal grandmother, Alberta Reeve of Hornell; maternal grandparents, Vern & Darleen Fassett of Alabama; several aunts & uncles.

There will be no calling hours. Private services will be held at the convenience of the family.

Funeral arrangements are entrusted to the Dagon Funeral Home, 38 Church St., Hornell, NY.