Otto C. Gates – (97) – formerly of 9127 Strobel Road, Arkport, died late Friday evening at Hornell Gardens where he had resided for the past five years.

Born in the Town of South Dansville on November 26, 1917, he was the son of Clair & Agnes (Eveland) Gates.

Otto was a lifelong resident of the South Dansville area and had attended the former Cobb School in South Dansville. 

He was employed for 46 years as a general farm hand for Stanley Osborn Farms, retiring in 1985.  He was a member of the South Dansville Methodist Church.

Otto was preceded in death by 2 sisters, Frances Gates and Mildred Downey.

He was married on November 28, 1943 to the former Sarah G. Rex who survives.  Also surviving are 1 daughter, Thelma “Jean” Gates of Arkport; 3 sons, Donald (Charlene) Gates of Jasper, Dave (Mindy) Gates of Arkport and Roger “Charlie” Gates of Arkport; 7 grandchildren, Amy (Jeremy) Stephens, Carrie (Bryan) Paul, Donald (Stephanie) Gates, Karen (Michael) Smith, Karla (Johnny) Yarka, Kristie (Tommy) Radford & Donovan Gates;  18 great-grandchildren; 1 great-great grandson; several nieces & nephews.

The family of Otto C. Gates will receive friends on Wednesday from 4:00 PM until 7:00 PM at the Dagon Funeral Home, 38 Church St., Hornell, NY, where funeral services will be held at the conclusion of calling hours at 7:00 PM with Rev. Donald Maynard officiating.  Burial will be in Forest Lawn Cemetery, South Dansville, NY.

Otto’s family request that in lieu of flowers, memorial contribution in his name be made to either Samaritans Purse, PO Box 3000, Boone, NC 28607 or to Food Bank of the Southern Tier, 945 County Rt. 64, Elmira, NY 14903 or to Hornell Gardens Activities Fund, 434 Monroe Ave., Hornell, NY 14843.  Memorial forms will be available at the Dagon Funeral Home or click here to print a memorial form.

John T. Senka – (68) – of 2282 County Route 50, Wayland, NY (Town of Dansville) died Monday morning (July 13, 2015) at his home, following a Brief illness.

Born in Weehawken, NJ on July 12, 1947 and was the son of John & Julia (Jurkovic) Senka.  He was raised in Arkport when his widowed mother married his stepfather, Joseph Katsur.

He was a graduate of Arkport Central School (class of 1965). He attended Alfred State College where he met the love of his life, Sandy Nikl. 

John served in the US Army Infantry from 1967-1969, including a combat tour of duty in South Vietnam.  He received numerous decorations — among them the Combat Infantryman’s Badge, Purple Heart, Bronze Star and Army Commendation for Valor Medal.  He was severely wounded in December of 1968. 

Following his Honorable Discharge, he returned home to marry his college sweetheart, Sandy.  They married on November 15, 1969 in Endwell, NY.

John began his career in the insurance business in 1969 as a debit agent with Metropolitan Life Insurance Company.  He became manager of the Dansville, NY office.  Throughout the years he helped many young men and women get started in insurance careers.

In 1983, he and his family moved to Montour Falls, NY where he became a Principal/President of the Senka agency.  John loved the insurance business — especially helping families at the time of a loss.  He taught insurance classes for many years at Corning Community College in an effort to help young people and to “give back” to the insurance industry.

John’s greatest love and proudest achievement was his family — his wife, Sandy and his children, Debbie, Johnny and Jeff along with their spouses and his grandchildren.

He and Sandy developed “Oak Tree Farm” throughout their marriage and spent weekends mowing the meadows and enjoying nature.  In 2004, John authored the book “Wounded Body-Healing Spirit” which dealt with his combat experiences as well as his struggles with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder and Clinical Depression.  It was an unselfish endeavor to help others.  He truly enjoyed helping veterans at the Bath VA Hospital and would often supply them with some of the things that they needed — sometimes as simple as a suitcase in which to carry their clothing.

John was a spiritual man who believed strongly in God and cherished his personal relationship with Him.  He was a member of many service and fraternal groups, including the VFW, American Legion, DAV, Moose and Lions.  He served on many boards, including Livingston Mutual Insurance Company, Schuyler County Chamber and St. Joseph’s School Board.  In 2012, John was the recipient of the Watkins Glen chamber of Commerce’s Prestigious Catholic Award.  He was a Roman Catholic.
Surviving are his wife, Sandy; sons, Johnny (Carola) Senka of Arkport and Jeff Senka of Odessa, NY; his daughter, Debbie (Don) Ames of Montour Falls, NY; his sister, Jean (Mike) Howe of Bloomfield, NY; his brothers, Joe (Kim) Katsur of Wayland and Bob (Bonita) Katsur of Wasilla, AK; his grandchildren, Grace Ames, Everett Ames, Ava Senka and Johnny Senka; many nieces, nephews and valued friends.

The family of John T. Senka will receive friends on Monday from 3:00 PM until 7:00 PM at the Dagon Funeral Home, 38 Church St., Hornell, NY.  A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Tuesday at 11:00 AM at St. Ann’s Church in Hornell, NY.  Burial with full military honors will follow at the Bath VA Cemetery, Bath, NY at 1:00 PM.

John’s life was, in many ways, about service.  He used his time, resources and faith to serve those in need.  He would love to inspire others to be of service and make a difference in the life of a family member, friend or stranger, a person, a fellow human being.  So, we ask that, in lieu of flowers, you decide where you can best serve the needs of others and do that in honor of John’s spirit of concern and generosity.
 
In honor of John’s military service, the American Flag at the Dagon Funeral Home will be flown at half-staff.

Patrick E. “Pat” Mahany, JR – 64 – of Colorado, formerly of Arkport, died unexpectedly Friday (July 3, 2015) as a result of injuries sustained in a helicopter accident.

Born in Hornell on December 8th, 1950, he was the first born son to Patrick Edwin Mahany, Sr. and Phyllis Isabelle (Milliard) Mahany.  He was the eldest of five siblings: Timothy (deceased), Sean, Michelle and Kevin. Patrick is survived by wife Karen and three children, Kathleen Celeste, Shawna Suzanne, and son Ryan Patrick. Patrick was a proud grandfather to Maxwell Allen, McKenzie Anne, Michael Ryan, Jackson Ryan, Grayson Sean, and great-grandfather to Matthew Allen.

Patrick grew up on the family’s potato farm in Arkport, New York. He worked on the farm with his father, coached his brother’s little league, and competed in horse competitions with the family’s quarter horses and thoroughbreds. Patrick was known in and around Arkport as Patty, and was also known for continuously getting into mischief with his brothers. He graduated high school from Arkport Central School in 1968 where he played soccer and was named most valuable player.

Patrick enjoyed his sports cars and rotated through many of them including a Ford Falcon convertible and an MGB. He bought his first Corvette off the showroom floor after he returned from Vietnam in 1972. Though he was much older than the younger ones, his siblings remember him as a loyal and loving brother who stood up to bullies and always brought fun, laughter, and light to family gatherings.

He had a zest for life and did all of his activities, whether it was hiking, skiing, water skiing, soccer, watching the Denver Broncos, and driving his sports cars with passion and exuberance.

Knowing he would be drafted into the military, Patrick joined the Army in 1969 and graduated flight school in 1970. He served one tour in Vietnam from April 1970 to April 1971 where he flew 1200 combat hours. He was shot down three times and earned a Bronze Star and a Purple Heart. Once he returned from combat, he was stationed in Fort Knox until getting out of the military in 1974, and then joined again in 1975 for three years. He once landed his helicopter on the farm in New York in exchange for 100 pound sack of potatoes for his commander. Always coming back home to visit his parents, Patrick is a member of the Arkport American Legion to this day.

After his military career, Patrick worked a variety of flying jobs including private and personal pilot, flew men and equipment to offshore oil rigs in Gulf of Mexico, fought fires in California and Arizona, long lines school in Washington in 1981, transported oil explorers and scientists in Alaska, the Forest Service in Moab, Utah, Life Flight for Rocky Mountain Helicopters in Florida. He joined Flight for Life in June 1987 until September 1998, took a short break and returned December 1999 to present. He was based out of St. Anthony’s North in Westminster from 1987 until moving to St. Anthony Summit Medical Center in Frisco, Colorado in 2004.

Patrick served as the Base Manager, the Program Safety Officer, and a member of the Hospital Safety Committee. He was instrumental in bringing night vision goggles to the flight program and getting them approved by FAA to make night flying safer for himself and the crew. He knew that the safety of the crew ensured the safety of those they were transporting in the many critical situations they were asked to fly in. Above all, Patrick served his crew members and colleagues in any capacity he could and fought hard for their voices to be heard and their needs to be met.

He embodied the spirit of service to others, whether it be his crew and colleagues, whom he greatly loved, or the people he and his crew worked to save daily. At any given time, Patrick could be found watching weather reports and DTC updates for road conditions to be prepared for any critical situation. He was not only a skilled pilot from years of experience, but was also a trusted one with each crew member who had full confidence in his skill and abilities.

Outside of work and hospital committee duties, Patrick was elected Vice President of Local 109 Pilot’s Union and worked tirelessly to speak on behalf of the pilots and represent their needs to Air Methods. He was also an active member of the Vietnam Helicopter Pilots Association where he attended large and small gatherings of his combat brethren. Patrick was an extremely proud Veteran and was adamant for Veteran’s rights and benefits.

Patrick’s legacy of flying lives on with his son, Ryan, a Blackhawk pilot for the U.S. Army. Patrick was an accomplished pilot with 45 years of flying experience and wisdom he humbly imparted, but only when asked. Ryan’s Army Aviation buddies saddled up to Patrick on a number of occasions, bourbon in hand, asking questions about his career. He imparted valuable wisdom to his son and his buddies by opening up his home and heart, and of course taught them a few songs from Vietnam.

Patrick selflessly gave his love to his family and friends. People describe his presence when he entered a room, though they likely heard his booming voice first, and he always brought a vibrant and contagious joy that set everyone at ease. His gregarious and boisterous personality left an impression on everyone he met, even for a moment. His mustache was most memorable and distinguished, along with his ever present Flight for Life or Denver Broncos cap.

He was a beloved husband of 12 years to Karen Sue Tullberg Mahany. They fell deeply in love and married on June 22nd, 2003. They parented their four dogs and enjoyed taking them on daily hikes in the mountains of Summit County. They enjoyed traveling in the RV to Lake of the Ozarks or visiting family, and getting out on the boat in the summer months.  Above all, Patrick was a friend to many and hero to all.

“No greater love hath a man, than to lay down his life for a friend.” John 15:13

The family of Patrick E. Mahany JR will receive friends on Friday from 2:00 – 4:00 PM and from
6:00 PM – 8:00 PM at the Dagon Funeral Home, 38 Church St., Hornell, NY where a Memorial Service will be held on Saturday at 10:00 AM with Deacon Robert McCormick officiating.  Burial with full Military Honors will follow at St. Mary’s Cemetery.

Pat’s family request the in lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in his name be made to the Frisco Helicopter Donation Fund, c/o Wells Fargo Bank, P.O. Box 4340, Frisco CO 80443, acct. #6307517174 or the Patrick Mahany Memorial Fund via youcaring.com.  Memorial forms will be available at the Dagon Funeral Home or click here to print a memorial form.

In recognition of Pat’s military service, the American Flag at the Dagon Funeral Home will be flown at half-staff.

James W. Kurtz – 92 – a resident of Taylor Nursing Facility, formerly of Alderman Rd, Hammondsport, died Friday evening (July 10, 2015) at Ira Davenport Hospital in Bath, were he had been a patient for the past 2 days.

Born in Lowellville, OH on April 13, 1923, he was the son of Harry & Grace Kurtz.

Jim spent most of his younger years in Berlin Center, OH where attended Berlin Center High School.  He had been employed for over 25 years at Rockwell Standard in Newton Falls, OH.

A resent of the Bath-Hammondsport area for over 30 years, Jim had been employed at the former Phillips Lighting for several years and also engaged in general farming on his son’s farm in Hammondsport.

He was a member of the Bethel Assembly of God Church where he and his wife were active in the pre-school program.  He was an avid fisherman and was also a “die-hard” Cleveland Browns Football Fan.

Jim was preceded in death by his son, Ron Kurtz who died in 2005; his brother, Robert Kurtz; 2 sisters, Jean Zarlingo and Esther Marino.

He was married for 70 years to the former Ruth Walters who survives.  Also surviving are 2 sons, Danny (Mary) Kurtz of Lake Havasu City, AZ and David (Karen) Kurtz of Medford, OR; many grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces & nephews.

The family of James W. Kurtz will receive friends on Thursday from 1:00 PM – 2:00 PM at the Bethel Assembly of God Church in Bath where funeral services will be held at the conclusion of calling hours at 2:00 PM with Rev. Craig Buckley officiating.  Burial will be in McDowell Cemetery, Wayne, NY.

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

Frank David Rizzuto – (88) – of 8 Holly Court, Arkport, died late Tuesday evening (July 7, 2015) at his home following a long illness.

Born in Flushing, NY on July 12, 1926, he was the son of Frank & Jane (Guerera) Rizzuto.

Frank grew up in Flushing and was a graduate of Bayside High School (class of 1944).  From 1945-1946 he served in the United States Merchant Marine (USNR) and from 1953-1954 served in the US Army and was stationed in Korea.  He was a Sergeant in the 8th Army Artillery.

He graduated from Alfred University in 1951 with a Bachelor of Arts Degree and in 1952 graduated with a Masters of Education Degree.   Frank later took advanced graduate studies at Seton Hall University in New Jersey.

Frank was employed as a Senior High School Social Studies & English teacher at Roscoe Central School in Roscoe, NY from 1954-1962.  From 1962-1965, he taught English at Nanuet Senior High School in Nanuet, NY. 

In 1965, Frank was named Assistant Principal at Nanuet Senior High School and in 1976 was named Principal, serving in that capacity until 1979.  From 1978-1982, Frank served as Director of Secondary Education of Nanuet Schools and in 1980 was named Principal of A. MacArthur Barr Middle School in Nanuet.  He retired in 1985 and moved to Hornell.

Frank served as President of the Roscoe Teachers Association, Vice President of the Sullivan County Teachers Association, President of the Rockland County School Administrators, President of the Rockland County Public School Athletic League and President of the Rotary Club of Nanuet.  He was a member of St. Aedan’s Parish Council in Pearl River, NY and a member of the Rockland County District Attorney Council on Drug Abuse.

While living in the Hornell/Arkport area, Frank was a member of Our Lady of the Valley Parish and a communicant of St. Ann’s Church where he served on the St. Ann’s Parish Council and also a member of the Adoration Chapel for many years.  He served as Chairman of the Polio Plus Committee, was a member of the Hornell Rotary Club, was Chairman of the Buildings & Grounds Committee and Chairman of the Hornell Chapter of the American Red Cross.

Frank was Co-Chairman of the St. James Hospital Cardiac Rehabilitation Program, a member of the Capital Campaign Committee of St. James Hospital, a member of the Board of Directors of the St. James Mercy Foundation and a member of the St. James Mercy Volunteers. He was a member of the Board of Directors of the Hornell Public Library; a member of the Board of Directors of the Hornell Area Arts Council and an Associate of the Sisters of Mercy in Rochester, NY.

He was a member of the Hornell Rotary Club where he was awarded the Paul Harris Medal and served as a guest speaker of the Hornell Fortnightly Club.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his brothers, Louis & August Rizzuto.

Frank was married on July 9, 1955 in St. Ann’s Church by Monsignor Gannon to the former Rose Ann Trentanelli who survives.

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

The family of Frank David Rizzuto will receive friends on Friday 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 Saturday at 11:00 AM at St. Ann’s Church with burial in St. Mary’s Cemetery with full military honors.

Frank’s family request that in lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in his name be made to either St. Ann’s Academy, PO Box 446, Hornell, NY 14843 or to American Heart Association, PO Box 3049, Syracuse, NY 13220 or to Caring Voice Coalition, 8249 Meadowbridge Rd., Mechanicsville, VA 23116.  Memorial forms will be available at the Dagon Funeral Home or click here to print a form.

In recognition to Frank’s service to his country, the American Flag at the Dagon Funeral Home will be flown at half-staff.

Michael A. Foley – (81) – of 10641 Homage Ave., Whittier CA, formerly of Rochester, died Wednesday morning (June 10, 2015) at his home, following a long illness.

Born in Rochester, NY on November 15, 1933, he was the son of John & Margaret I. (Murphy) Foley. 

Mike grew up in Rochester and has resided in California since 1957.  He had been employed by Eastman Kodak in Rochester for 5 years, in LA as a dock worker at T.I.M.E  D-C Freight Lines from 1959-1981.  He later worked for Commerce Consolidators for about 7 years, retiring in 1993.

Mike was a life time member of the Moose Club of the Rochester, Bullhead City and La Habra Chapters; life time Member of the Sons of the American Legion; life time Member of the American Legion; member of the Alliance for Retired American – Charter Member; member of the Good Sam Club and member of the Teamster Retirees Association.
 
He was preceded in death by his parents, John & Margaret Foley, his son, Michael E. Foley; and also his brothers, John Foley & Timothy W. Foley.

Mike was married on December 27, 1951 to the former A. Jean Howe who survives.  Also surviving are 1 daughter, Patricia Jean (Ric) Saavedra of Saipan, Northern Mariana Islands; 1 sister, Margaret McKinney of Victor, NY; his in-laws, Carol Foley of Henrietta, Francis (Barbara) Howe of South Dansville, Dean “Ed” (Carie) Howe of Arkport and Randy Howe of Daytona Beach, FL; 1 grandson, Aaron Nakahara; 5 step-grandchildren, Isaac, James, Abigail, Elizabeth and Marcos; several nieces, nephews and 2 great grandsons.

At Mike’s request there will be no calling hours.  Funeral & Committal Services will be held on Saturday (June 27, 2015) at 1:00 PM at the Dagon Funeral Home, 38 Church St., Hornell, NY with Deacon Robert McCormick officiating.  Burial will be in Heritage Hill Cemetery, Arkport, NY.

David G. Stryker – 73 – of 8373 State Route 961F, Arkport, died unexpectedly Tuesday morning (June 9, 2015) following a brief illness.

Born in Thurston, NY on January 9, 1942, he was the son of Harlowe & Delores (Bates) Stryker.

Dave grew up in Wheeler, NY and attended Haverling High School in Bath.  He had been employed for several years doing general farm work on area farms and also serving as a backhoe operator digging graves & setting cemetery vaults.

He was a career Veteran of the US Army, serving his country for about 24 years.  As a combat veteran, Dave was stationed in many locations throughout the world, including Kentucky, Vietnam, Guam, Japan, Germany, Washington and California. He retired in 1986 as a 1st Sergeant.

Following his retirement from the US Army, David was employed for several years as an auto mechanic for Harwood Service Station in Hornell and also worked for the Democrat & Chronicle Newspaper, delivering newspapers throughout the Honeyoye, Bristol & Canandaigua area.

David was an avid Buffalo Bills and New York Yankee fan.  He was a true outdoorsman who enjoyed hunting, fishing and spending time in the woods.  He truly loved caring for and spending time with his family.

In addition to his parents, Dave was preceded in death by many brothers & sisters.

He was married on October 9, 1965 to the former Janice Hadley who survives.  Also surviving are 1 son, David Stryker of North Hornell; 1 daughter, Annette (Terry) Connery of Wisconsin; 2 brothers, Harlow (Pat Clarke) Stryker of Bath and Dan (Andrea) Stryker of Prattsburg; 2 sisters, Deanna (Vince) Chapman of Painted Post and Arlene Jackson of Bath; his grandchildren, Erin Stryker, Ashley Stryker, Kjrsten Okland, Joseph Sprague, Jalena Sprague and Jaice Sprague; his great-granddaughter, Rebecca Romero; several nieces & nephews.

At David’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. 

Dave 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.  Click here to print a memorial form.

Karl W. Secondo – 77 – of 8590 County Rt. 13, Bath, NY died unexpectedly on Sunday (June 7, 2015) at his home.

Born in Hornell on January 18, 1938, he was the son of Frank & Edna (Norton) Secondo.  He has resided in the Bath area since 1983.

Karl grew up in Hornell and was a graduate of Hornell High School (class of 1956).  Following his high school graduation, he enlisted in the US Marine Corp where he served his country for three years. 

In 1959, following his honorable discharge from the Marine Corps, Karl began working as a police officer for the Canisteo Police Department.  He was a graduate of Police School in Watkins Glen and also Advance Police School at Geneseo where he took classes in criminal investigation.  In 1962 he left the Canisteo Police Department to become Police Chief of the Hammondsport Police Department, a position he held for the next 9 years.  In 1971, Karl left the Hammondsport Police Department and began his new career with the Steuben County Sheriff’s Office as a Deputy Sheriff.  In 1975, he began taking classes with the FBI Academy and later became an FBI Investigator for the Sheriff’s Department.  During this time, Karl also served as an Investigator for the District Attorney’s Office.  He retired in 1997 as Steuben County Undersheriff. 

Karl was a member of the Bath Elks Lodge, the Bath American Legion and also the FBI Academy Association.  He had a deep love of music (especially Elvis Presley) and, in his younger years, enjoyed dancing (especially the “Jitter-Bug”).  He loved spending time in the kitchen and was a very good cook.  Although Karl’s love of law enforcement seemed to be the main focus of his life, it never out-weighed his love of his family.  He had many, many friends and always had a positive impact on everyone that knew him. 

Surviving are his son, Fran (Charlene) Secondo of Corning; 2 daughters, Christine Secondo of Batavia and Lisa (Fred) Stephen of Rochester; their mother, Barbara; 1 brother, Frank Secondo of Arizona; 5 sisters, Mary Ann (Frank) Losecco of Hornell, Dorothy Ermy of Hornell, Joanne (Leo) Porcaro of Hornell, Janice (Stan) Davis of Arizona and Patty Lenhart of Arizona; 7 grandchildren, Tony Secondo, Caitlin (Robert) Hall, Amanda (Bruce) Hawkesworth, Joshua Secondo, Megan McLaughlin, Lauren McLaughlin & Casey McLaughlin; 3 great-grandchildren, Arianna Hall, Greysen Hall & Jackson Hall; several nieces & nephews.  He will also be sadly missed by his faithful companion, “Nico”.

The family of Karl W. Secondo 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, along with full military honors, will be celebrated on Friday at 10:00 AM at St. Ann’s Church.  Burial will be in the Bath National Cemetery, Bath, NY.

Karl’s family request that in lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in his name be made to the American Diabetes Association, PO Box 13067, Alexandria, VA 22312 or to the American Heart Association, PO Box 3049, Syracuse, NY 13220.  Memorial forms will be available at the Dagon Funeral Home or click here to print a memorial form.

In honor of Karl’s military service, the American Flag at the Dagon Funeral Home will be flown at half-staff.

Charles Richard “Dick” Crandall – (91) – formerly of 385 Fairview Ave., Hornell, died Friday evening (May 29, 2015) at McAuley Manor where he had resided for the past 4 years.

A native & life resident of Hornell, he was born January 21, 1924, and was the son of Charles & Mary (Whitworth) Crandall.

Dick grew up in Hornell and was a graduate of Hornell High School where he served as class president of the class of 1943.  While in high school, he was a 4 year member of the Red Raider Football Team and was captain of the team during his senior year. 

He was a veteran of WWII, serving in the US Army Air Force.  As a 1st Lieutenant, he served as Co-Pilot, flying B-24 Bombers in over 200 missions.  He was featured, by name, in two books, “Aluminum Trail” and “Somewhere We Will Find You” about the pilots & co-pilots of WWII.  For many years he has been a member of the Hornell American Legion.

Following his honorable discharge from the service, Dick worked for about 13 years at the Erie Railroad Shops.  For several years he owned & operated the Kendall Service Station in Hornell.  For 20 years, he was employed at the New York State Conservation Department, serving as fire inspector and as instructor for forest rangers.  Throughout the years, Dick made many appearances with Smokey the Bear on Television Shows and in Schools, promoting fire safety.

Dick enjoyed and excelled in horseshoe pitching, playing in and winning many tournaments & competitions.  He was instrumental in the formation of the Hornell Horseshoe League and also served as president of the NYS Horseshoe Association for 3 years.  He had been an avid bowler and bowled in many leagues.  For several years, Dick served as an instructor in the Hornell Junior Bowling League. 

He volunteered his time as a coach in the Midget Football League for many years and served on the board of directors for both Hornell Midget Football League and Hornell Babe Ruth League. Dick also served as president of the Hornell Alumni Association.  He had a deep love of music and played keyboard for the “Banjo Boys”.  Dick enjoyed rooting for the Buffalo Bills and the Boston Red Sox, but mostly loved rooting & cheering for his grand-children at their sporting events. 

Dick was married on July 29, 1946 to the former Anne Arvidson who died September 18, 2013.  He was also preceded in death by his son, James E. Crandall who died in 1999; 3 brothers, Carl Crandall, Harold Crandall & Robert Crandall; his great-great granddaughter, Hannah Logan

Surviving are 2 daughters, Dianne (Randy) Tyner of Bradford, NY and Mary Ellen (Joe) Dropp of Hornell; 2 sons, Richard “Rick” (Marcia) Crandall of Hartsville and Steven (Sharon) Crandall of Hartsville; many grandchildren; great-grandchildren and great-great-grandchildren; along with several nieces & nephews.

The family of Charles Richard “Dick” Crandall will receive friends on Wednesday from 4:00 PM until 7:00 PM at the Dagon Funeral Home, 38 Church St., Hornell, NY.  Funeral services will be held Thursday morning at 10:00 AM at St. Ann’s Church with Deacon Robert McCormick officiating.  Burial will be in St. Mary’s Cemetery with full military honors.

Dick’s family request that in lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in his name be made to the Hornell YMCA, 18 Center St., Hornell, NY 14843.  Memorial forms will be available at the Dagon Funeral Home.  To print a memorial form, click here.

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

Lawrence E. “Larry” Kame – 77 – of 1073 Sharps Hill Road, Arkport, died early Wednesday morning at Rochester General Hospital following a brief illness. 

Born in Hornell on October 2, 1937, he was the son of Floyd & Ruth (Bossard) Kame. 

Larry, affectionately known as “Huck”, grew up in Arkport and was a graduate of Arkport Central School (class of 1955).  He was a veteran of the US Air Force, serving his country from 1958 – 1962.  While serving in the military, he was stationed at several locations including Iceland and Morocco. 

In 1962, Larry began working for AT&T which later became New York Telephone and then Verizon.  He retired in 1992 as line manager following 30 years of service. 

Larry had been a member of the Arkport American Legion, Hornell Moose and the G. Carducci Lodge (Sons of Italy).  He was and avid New York Yankee fan but his greatest joy was spending time with his family — especially his grandchildren and great-grandchildren. 

He was married on February 27, 1960 to the former Muriel Norton who died May 1, 2002.  He was also preceded in death by his daughter, Theresa “Terri” Kame who died in 1982. 

Larry was married on December 19, 2003 to the former Joanne McMichael Rechichi who survives.  Also surviving are 2 daughters, Tracy (Don) Wagoner of Canton, GA and Lori (Tim) FitzGerald of Oak Park, CA; 2 step-daughters, Christine Yanni of Bath and Mary (Ron Campbell) Reynolds of Hornell; 1 step-son, Thomas (Yvonne) Rechichi of Arkport; 2 sisters, Irene Tychi of Hornell and Betty (Richard) Dresser of Arkport; 1 brother, Vincent (Patricia) Kame of Owego; 11 grandchildren; 5 great-grandchildren; several nieces & nephews. 

The family of Lawrence E. “Larry” Kame will receive friends on Friday from 4:00 PM – 7:00 PM at the Dagon Funeral Home, 38 Church St., Hornell, NY where a funeral service with full military honors will be held on Saturday at 11:00 AM with Deacon Robert McCormick officiating.  Burial will be in Heritage Hill Cemetery, Arkport, NY. 

Larry’s family request that in lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in his name be made to Rochester General Hospital (Cardiothoracic Intensive Care Unit), 1425 Portland Ave., Rochester, NY 14621.  Memorial forms will be available at the Dagon Funeral Home or click here to print a memorial form.

In recognition of Larry’s military service, the American Flag at the Dagon Funeral Home will be flown at half-staff.