Hornell, New York

Joseph M. “Joe” Dropp – 75 – of 6660 Laine Rd., Hornell (Town of Hornellsville), died Saturday evening (January 28, 2023) at Strong Memorial Hospital in Rochester, following a long illness.

Born in Hornell on January 7, 1948, he was the son of Joseph & Rita (Harrington) Dropp.

Joe grew up in Hornell and was a graduate of Hornell High School (class of 1966).  Following high school, he served for two years as a member of the US Army and was stationed in Vietnam for a year during the Vietnam Conflict.

Following his honorable discharge from the Army, Joe returned to the Hornell area and began his career with the railroad.  For over 30 years, he served as a plumber & carpenter foreman for the former Erie Railroad, Erie-Lackawanna Railroad and Conrail.  He later served in the security department of the former Morrison-Knudson (MK) and later Alstom Corporation.  Throughout the years, Joe also worked part time as a barber for Angie’s Barber Shop in Hornell.

He was a member of Our Lady of the Valley Parish and a communicant of St. Ignatius Loyola Church and later St. Ann’s Church.  He was also a member of the Hornell VFW and the Hornell American Legion.

Joe was a true outdoorsman who enjoyed hunting (deer & small game) and fishing (streams).  He also loved his time spent working outdoors — doing yard work, mowing and cutting trees.  He was skilled mechanic & carpenter and could fix just about anything.  

In addition to his parents, Joe was preceded in death by 2 brothers, Gerald “Jerry” Dropp and Thomas “Tom” Dropp; his sister, Patricia “Pat” Dropp; and his granddaughter, Hannah Elizabeth Rose Logan.

He was married on June 29, 1969 to the former Mary Ellen Crandall who survives.  Also surviving are 4 daughters, Debra “Deb” (Phil) Logan of Almond, Colleen (David) Brownell of Hornell, Bridgett (Peter) Galfusz of Williamsburg, VA and Erin (Bil) Panter of Henrietta, NY; his brother, Michael (Patrice Campbell) Dropp of Cortland; his sister, Rita Elizabeth “Liz” Ramsey-Dropp of Warren, PA; 11 grandchildren; 2 great-grandchildren; several nieces & nephews.

The family of Joseph M. “Joe” Dropp will receive friends on Friday from 4:00 PM – 7:00 PM at the Dagon Funeral Home, 38 Church St., Hornell, NY.  The US Army will conduct Military Honors at the conclusion of calling hours at 7:00 PM.  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.

Joe’s family request that in lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in his name be made to Tunnel to Towers Foundation, 2361 Hylan Boulevard, Staten Island, NY  10306. Memorial forms will be available at the Dagon Funeral Home.

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

Norman G. “Norm” Allen, Jr. – 58 – formerly of Rochester, died early Thursday morning (January 26, 2023) at City Rehab & Nursing (formerly Hornell Gardens) where he had resided for the past 5 years.

Born in Rochester on October 23, 1964, he was the son of Norman & Sharon (O’Neil) Allen SR.

Norm grew up in the Rochester area and was a graduate of Gates-Chili High School (class of 1982).  He had numerous jobs throughout the years including serving as a dock worker for Forward Air of Rochester, NY.

He was an avid Minnesota Vikings (NFL) fan and also was a self-proclaimed “Treckkie” as he enjoyed both the Star Trek TV Series and the Star Trek movies.

In addition to his parents, Norm was preceded in death by his sister, Bonnie Englant and his brother, Rick Allen.

Surviving are his son, Nick Kalmbacher; his brother, John Allen; 1 niece, Brandy Orbaker; 4 nephews, Bryan Hofschneider, Timothy Englant, Ricky Allen & Joey Allen; along with several grandchildren.

At Norman’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.

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

Robert J. “Bob” Falzarano – 78 – of 5 Cook St., Hornell, died Friday afternoon (January 20, 2023) at Taylor Health Care Center in Bath, following a long illness.

Born in Hornell on September 28, 1944, he was the son of Dominic & Dolores (Smith) Falzarano.

Bob grew up in Hornell and was a graduate of Hornell High School (class of 1963).  While in high school, he worked part time as a printer for F.A. Owens Printing in Dansville, NY and continued working there for about 5 years following graduation.

On November 27, 1965 he married Susan “Susie” Hornbeck.

Beginning as an optician’s apprentice, he began his career as an optician working for his father-in-law, Frank Hornbeck at Hornbeck’s Opticians in Hornell for about 4 years.  Moving to Dansville in 1970, he operated Hornbeck’s Opticians in Dansville for about 10 years.

In 1994, Bob & Susie moved to Northville, MI where both were employed for about 10 years at an Optical Company which sold optical chemicals & dyes. They were also involved in research & development for several optical companies.  In 2004 they moved to Lehigh Acres, FL where Bob served as a lab technician for an optical company for about 10 years.  They moved back to the Hornell area about 5 years ago.

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

An excellent baseball player during his younger years, Bob continued his love for the game and was an avid New York Yankees Fan.  He also enjoyed woodcarving and was known for making beautiful bird houses, wishing wells and other works of art.

In addition to his parents, Bob was preceded in death by his sister, Donna Marts who died in 2000 and his nephew, Frankie Hornbeck.

Surviving are his wife, Susan “Susie” Falzarano; 4 sons, Christopher Farrell of Rochester, David Falzarano of Colorado Springs, CO, Jeffrey (Krista) Falzarano of Aurora, CO and Michael Falzarano of Castle Pines, CO; his daughter, Mary (Travis Hall) Falzarano of Norfolk, NY; 7 brothers, Mike Falzarano of Tipton, PA, Dick (Patty) Falzarano of Rome, NY, Don Falzarano of Hornell, John Falzarano of Hornell, Tony Falzarano of Burns, NY, Phil (Julie) Falzarano of Friendship, and Mark (Felicia) Falzarano of Baton Rouge, LA; 2 sisters, Michele Coates of Wellsville and Judy (Jay) Dreyer of Canisteo; 11 grandchildren;  many nieces & nephews.

At Bob’s request there will be no calling hours.  Private services will be held at the convenience of the family with final interment in St. Mary’s Cemetery.

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

Bob’s family request that in lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in his name be made to either St. Jude Children’s Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN  38105 of to the Covenant House, 461 Eighth Avenue, New York, NY‎ 10001.

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

Gerald R. “Jerry” Brewer – 88 – of 192 East Avenue, Hornell, died early Thursday morning (January 19, 2023) at the Highland Park Nursing Facility in Wellsville, NY, following a long illness.

Born in Hornell on July 20, 1934, he was the son of Charles and Margaret (Sisko) Brewer.

Jerry was a lifelong resident of Hornell and graduated from Hornell High School (Class of 1953).  He was employed at Foster Wheeler Energy Corp. in Dansville for 35 years.

An avid sports fan, Jerry was dedicated to youth sports in Hornell.  He served as a board member, coach, and umpire at the Hornell Little League for many years and was also active in the Grasshoppers, Midget Football, and Babe Ruth leagues.  Jerry enjoyed bowling, bow hunting, and watching/yelling at the TV during every NFL game, especially when watching his two favorite teams, the Miami Dolphins and the Dallas Cowboys.  He was also a longtime member of the Hornell Knights of Columbus.

Jerry was a member of Our Lady of the Valley Parish and a communicant of St. Ann’s Church where, throughout the years, he served as an usher and Eucharistic Minister.  He was also a member of the Pastoral Council, helped tend the cemeteries, and was devoted to his weekly hour in the Adoration Chapel.  Jerry devoutly practiced his Catholic faith attending Mass and sharing his time and talents.

Jerry was happiest when living his faith and being with his family.  He especially loved watching his children and grandchildren’s sporting and musical events, and he loved family holidays and celebrations.  He was a great handyman and loved to fix things.  He did this in his own home and for his family and friends.  Jerry will be remembered for his love of helping people.

He was married at St. Ann’s Church on June 27, 1953 to the former Nancy Girondo who died March 11, 2003.  Jerry was also preceded in death by his parents, Charles & Margaret Brewer; his mother-in-law & father-in-law, Frank and Josephine Girondo; one sister, Joyce Lockwood; his in-laws, Tony & Helen Girondo, Dominic & Roberta Girondo, Sophie & Bill Goldstein, Gary Lloyd, Arthur Lockwood, and Arthur Burritt.

Jerry is survived by three sons, Tom (Jeanne) Brewer of Hornell, Paul (Brittany) Brewer of Hornell, & Mark (Richard McGowan) Brewer of Rochester, NY; his grandchildren, Nicole McIntosh of Canaseraga, Chris (Melanie) Brewer of Hornell, and Krista Brewer of Hornell, Jacob Brewer of Las Vegas, NV, Jaren Brewer of Newport News, VA (USAF); great-grandchildren, Jenna, Julionna, & David McIntosh of Canaseraga, Christian & Brendan Brewer of Hornell, Amelia  & Natalie Broughton of Hornell; and great-great grandchildren, Charlotte Graham & Eleanor London of Canaseraga; brothers and sisters, Charles (Margaret) Brewer of Hornell and Dolores Burritt of Fremont; sister-in-law, Mary Jane Lloyd; many nieces, nephews, and godchildren.

Jerry’s family would like to extend a heartfelt, sincere thank you to the staff at Updyke’s Willow Ridge for the wonderful and loving care he received over the last three years.

To honor Jerry’s wishes, there will be no calling hours.  A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Monday at 10:00 AM at St. Ann’s Church, Hornell NY.  Burial will be in St. Mary’s Cemetery, Fremont, NY.

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

Jerry’s family requests that, in lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in his name be made to the Alzheimer’s Association Rochester & Finger Lakes Region Chapter, 200 Meridian Centre Blvd, Suite 110, Rochester, NY 14618.

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

Eleanor Marie “Ellie” Hughes – 60 – of 5425 State Route 36, Canisteo, NY died Thursday evening (January 12, 2023) at St. James Hospital following a long illness.

Born in Newark, NY on June 9, 1962, she was the daughter of Glen & Margie Petty.

Ellie grew up in Marion, NY and was a graduate of Marion High School (class of 1982).  She has resided in Canisteo area for the past 6 years.

She was a NASCAR fan whose favorite drivers were Kevin Harvick Dale Earnhardt, Jr. and Richard Petty.  Ellie enjoyed spending time in the kitchen cooking her favorite dishes.  She also enjoyed reading about Indian life and wolves.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her brother, Bill Petty.

Ellie was married on February 8, 2001 to Jamie Hughes who survives. Also surviving are 2 daughters, Kim (Jessie) Jones of Kentucky and Misty Woodems of Kentucky; 1 brother, Richard Petty of Marion, NY; 4 grandchildren; several nieces & nephews.

At Ellie’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.

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

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

Paul Bernard Farrell, 67, of 2354 County Route 54, Hornell, NY (Town of Fremont) died Monday afternoon, January 9, 2023, at his home.

Born in Buffalo, NY on June 28, 1955, he was the son of James and Mary Agnes (Dolan) Farrell.

Paul grew up in Grand Island, NY and graduated in 1974 from Grand Island High School.  Having a deep love for cooking and the culinary arts, Paul earned a degree in Food Service Management from Erie County Community College.  He completed his internships at the Culinary Institute in Hyde Park, NY and at Windows on the World at World Trade Center in New York City.  Paul began his career as a Sous Chef at the Buffalo Launch Club on Grand Island. From there he continued to pursue his culinary career in the Dallas Ft. Worth area in the food service industry.  He and his wife, Elaine, also owned and operated a catering business, Farrells’ Foodworks, in that area for over 20 years.  In 2004 Paul and his family moved to Bentonville, AR where he worked as the Corporate Chef for Club Marketing Services.

Paul enjoyed singing, dancing, and music, especially Jimmy Buffet.  He had a terrific smile and a laugh that was contagious.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his sister, Mary Margaret Gilbert.

Surviving are two daughters, Alanna (Kade) Woodell of Rogers, AR and Elise (Kyle) McCarthy of Tokyo, Japan; his former wife, Elaine Scherb Farrell of Bentonville, AR; his special friend, Catherine Moore; two sisters, Eileen Farrell Kelchlin of West Seneca, NY and Patricia Farrell Blakey of Ellenton, FL; two brothers, James (Luisa) Farrell of Huntersville, NC and Peter Farrell of Destin, FL; one granddaughter, Jane Woodell, and two twin grandsons “on the way;” four nieces, Mireia Saad, Amanda Bible, Samantha Zenicki, and Paige Farrell; three nephews, Todd Tanner, Peter Farrell Jr., and Matthew Blakey.

At Paul’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.

If desired, memorial contributions in Paul’s name may be made to: Samaritan Church, 1211 W.Hudson Rd., Rogers, AR 72756.

Hornell, New York

Harold M. “Skip” Wood, Jr. – (80) of 24 Marick Park Drive, North Hornell, died Tuesday afternoon (January 3, 2023) at St. James Hospital following a long illness.

A native & life resident of Hornell, he was born December 9, 1942, and was the son of Harold & Jeanette (Severson) Wood, Sr.

Skip was a graduate of Hornell High School (class of 1960) and later graduated from Alfred State College where he majored in Data Processing.  He later earned his Bachelor’s of Science Degree from Alfred University.

He was a veteran of the United States Air Force, serving from 1961-1964.  He was stationed in England for 3 ½ years.

Skip was employed for 31 years as a Technical Specialist at SUNY Alfred, teaching computer programming.  He retired in 1997.  Throughout the years he was also a self employed contractor in the Hornell area.

He was a member of the United Presbyterian Church and a member of the Hornell American Legion.  Skip enjoyed hunting and, in his younger years, loved playing golf.  In recent years, he loved attending his grandchildren’s sporting events

In addition to his parents, Skip was preceded in death by his brother, Jeff Wood; his sister, Margaret “Peg” Phillips.

He was married on August 27, 1966 to the former Kathy Buono who survives.  Also surviving are his son, Harold “Scott” (Susan) Wood, III of North Hornell; 1 sister, Jeanne Wood of Montour Falls; 3 grandchildren, Logan (Jocelyn) Wood, Jordan (Kate) Wood and Lindsay Farris; his brother-in-law, Jack Phillips; 6 great-grandchildren; several nieces & nephews.

The family of Harold M. “Skip” Wood, Jr. will receive friends on Saturday from 2:00 PM – 4:00 PM at the Dagon Funeral Home, 38 Church St., Hornell, NY.  Funeral services with military honors will be held on at the conclusion of calling hours at 4:00 PM with Rev. Craig Brittingham officiating.  Burial will be in the Bath National Cemetery.

Skip’s family request that memorial contributions in his name be made to the National Juvenile Diabetes Association, 26 Broadway (14th Floor), New York, NY 10004.  Memorial forms will be available at the Dagon Funeral Home.

The American Flag will be flown at Half-Staff at the Dagon Funeral Home in recognition of Skip’s service to his country while serving in the US Air Force.

Diane E. Viera – 64 – of 14 Sullivan St., Arkport, died unexpectedly Wednesday morning (December 28, 2022) at St. James Hospital, following a brief illness.

Born in Ogdensburg, NY on May 2, 1958, she was the daughter of Martin & Shirley (Smith) Davis.

Diane grew up in Arkport and was a graduate of Arkport Central School (class of 1976).  She later received her Master’s Degree in Nursing, becoming a Licensed Registered Nurse and ultimately a Clinical Documentation Specialist.

With nursing career that spanned over 40 years, Diane was employed for 28 years at Noyes Memorial Hospital in Dansville, working her way to the position of Director of the Emergency Room.  For several years she served as a Clinical Documentation Specialist St. James Mercy Hospital and for 9 years as a Clinical Documentation Specialist for Strong Memorial Hospital in Rochester.

Diane was a member of the Arkport American Legion where her father, Marty Davis, had served as commander.  She was an avid Buffalo Bills Football fan and an honorary member of the “Bills Mafia.”  Diane enjoyed crafts, especially stitching (embroidery), braiding & number dots.  She also enjoyed spending time working in her flower garden.

Along with her husband, Henry, Diane loved taking cruises and throughout their marriage enjoyed 9 cruises together.  Their favorites were aboard the Royal Caribbean Cruise Line.  They were fortunate to have visited such exotic places as Hawaii, Jamaica, Aruba, Barbados, Caribbean, Virgin Islands, Bermuda, Cayman Islands, Panama, Cozumel and Belize.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her sister, Susan “Sue” (Davis) Mohammad who died July 2, 2022.

Diane was married on July 28, 2000 to Henry L. Viera who survives.  Also surviving are her son, Randy Jamison of Arkport; her grandson, Tyler Jamison; 2 brothers, Tim Davis of Grand Island, NY and Kevin (Bonnie) Davis of Arkport; 2 sisters, Patty Davis of Grand Island, NY and Sheila (Barry) Henry of Arkport; several nieces & nephews.

At Diane’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

Diane’s family request that in lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in her name be made to Hearts for the Homeless by visiting www.heartsforthehomeless.com

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

Bernice “Bernie” (Hurchla) Lucas – 80 – of Hornell, died Tuesday morning (December 27, 2022) at her home, following a long illness.

Born in Johnson City, NY on September 21, 1942 she was the daughter of Joseph & Mary (Maio) Hurchla.

Bernie was the beloved wife of the late Robert “Bob” Lucas; loving mother of Robert (Linda) Lucas, Joseph (Andrea) Lucas, Andrew “AJ” (Teri) Lucas; sister to Liz Finch of Binghamton, NY and Elsie Thompson of Lilburn, Georgia; cherished grandmother of Jared and Mackenzie Lucas; beloved aunt to several nieces and nephews.

She was predeceased by her parents Joseph and Mary (Maio) Hurchla; her husband, Robert “Rob” Lucas; her daughter Rebecca “Becky” Lucas, and her two brothers, Joseph “JR” Hurchla and Anthony “Tony” Hurchla.

A 1960 graduate of Johnson City High School, she married Bob on January 13, 1962. When Bernice and Bob started their family, she became a stay-at-home mom.  In the 1970s, Bernie became an office clerk for Tuttle & Rockwell Department Store in Hornell.  She later changed careers and became a teacher’s aide for the BOCES Program in Hornell High School.  She retired 20 years ago.

Bernie was a member of Our Lady of the Valley Parish and a communicant of St. Ann’s Church.  She was an avid reader and she especially enjoyed reading mystery and romance novels.  In her younger years, Bernie served as a coach in the Cinderella Softball League.  She was a true Buffalo Bills fan (especially during the Super Bowl years).  More recently, she was a member of the Red Hat Society.

The family would like to thank Bernie’s devoted friend and neighbor Christine Petrilli, for her compassionate and steadfast friendship with their mom along with the entire Fulton Street neighbors.  The family would also like to thank the members of the Hornell City Ambulance Service and CareFirst Hospice for the professional and sympathetic care they selflessly gave to Bernie during her final days.

The family will receive friends on Wednesday from 4 PM until 6:00 PM at the Dagon Funeral Home, 38 Church St., Hornell, NY.  A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Thursday at 10:00 AM at St. Ann’s Church.  Burial will be in Calvary Cemetery, Johnson City, NY.

Bernie’s family requests that in lieu of flowers, memorial contributions be made in her name to either CareFirst Hospice, 3805 Meads Creek Road, Painted Post, NY  14870 (carefirstny.org)  or to Special Olympics, 1 Grove St., Suite 216, Pittsford, NY  14534.  Memorial forms will be available at the Dagon Funeral Home.

Bernie loved her family, she loved her vodka, and she loved her husband.  And now she rests in peace with him.

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

Hornell, New York

Marie L. Prior, 98, formerly of 21 William Street, Hornell, passed away peacefully on December 22, 2022 at Elderwood Nursing Facility where she resided for the past 7 years.  She was surrounded by her loving family.

Born in Painesville, OH on June 10, 1924, she was a daughter of the late Paul and Rose Vedo.  On November 20, 1943 she was married to Grover J. Prior, who predeceased her on August 17, 1978 after 35 years of marriage.  She was also preceded in death by her daughter, Roseanna Thompson and her brother, Paul Vedo.

Marie resided in Hornell for most of her life and attended Hornell High School.  Following high school, she worked at the former Huguets Industries.  Along with her husband, she owned and operated Stubby’s Tavern in Hornell from 1969 until 1978.  For several years, Marie was employed as a cook in the dining hall of Alfred State College.  She later worked at St. Ann’s Parish until she was well into her 80s.   She enjoyed the day to day operations that she helped with at the parish rectory, and she retired in 2012 after many years of loyal service.

Marie was a member of Our Lady of the Valley Parish and a communicant of St. Ann’s Church where she attended Daily Mass for most of her adult life.  She was an active patron of the St. Ann’s Adoration Chapel and a member of the St. Ann’s Altar and Rosary Society.

Marie was an avid lover of country music and even attended a concert with her granddaughter when she was in her 80s.  She also enjoyed cooking, cake decorating and spending time with her family and friends.

Marie is lovingly survived by 3 sons, James (Helen) Prior of Hornell, Thomas Prior of Arkport and Michael Prior of Rochester; 9 grandchildren; 14 great-grandchildren; several nieces and nephews.

The family of Marie L. Prior will receive friends on Wednesday, December 28, 2022 from 11:00 AM until 1:00 PM at the Dagon Funeral Home, 38 Church Street, Hornell, NY.  A Funeral Service will be held at the conclusion of calling hours at 1:00 PM with Deacon Robert McCormick officiating.  Burial will be in St. Ann’s Cemetery.

Marie’s family requests that in lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in her name be made to Elderwood Nursing Facility, 1 Bethesda Drive, Hornell, NY 14843.  Memorial forms will be available at the Dagon Funeral Home.

“As the deer pants for streams of water, so my soul pants for you, my God” (Psalm 42:1).