Hornell, New York

Peter A. “Pete” DiRaimondo, Jr., 76, of North Hornell, NY passed peacefully at home on December 27, 2024 after a long courageous battle with cancer.

Born in Brooklyn, NY on June 8, 1948, he was the son of the late Anna and Peter DiRaimondo, Sr.

After graduating from John Jay High School, Pete was drafted into the U.S. Army.  He served for two years and served two terms in Viet Nam.  Peter was honorably discharged in 1970.  While on holiday leave, he met his wife, Rosalie and they were married in 1972.

Peter later attended the Aeronautics School of Engineering for aircraft mechanics while working full time at the U.S. Postal Services.  He worked as a postal letter carrier in Brooklyn and relocated to Hornell in 1986 with his family where he lived for the past 38 years.

He was a trustee of the Village of North Hornell and served multiple terms.  He enjoyed serving his community and working with his fellow trustees.

Peter was an avid scuba diver in his younger days, and he also loved to hunt, fish, ski and go boating & camping, especially with his band family.  He loved his espresso and would offer to make anyone a cup especially at camp adding some Sambuca for a kick!

Having learned to play the drums at an early age, Pete was a member of several bands in Brooklyn.  When he moved to Hornell, he joined 78 RPM with whom he enjoyed playing Big Band music which was his all-time favorite.

Peter is survived by his wife, Rosalie of 52 years; his son, Peter DiRaimondo, III of New Jersey and grandchildren, Landon, Owen, and Ellie; his daughter, Rosanna (Adam) Knotts of Corning, NY, and grandchildren Arabella, Adaline, Isaac; his sister, Andrea (Gene) Scafidi of Taylorsville, NC; his brother, Frank of Hornell, NY, as well as several nieces and nephews.  He loved all of his cousins dearly, especially those with whom he grew up.

“Peter danced to the beat of his own drum.”

The family of Peter A. “Pete” DiRaimondo, Jr. will receive friends on Thursday from 4:00 PM until 7:00 PM at the Dagon Funeral Home, 38 Church St., Hornell, NY.  A Funeral Service with Military Honors will be held at the funeral home on Friday at 1:00 PM with Deacon Robert McCormick officiating.  Burial will follow at St. Mary’s Cemetery.

Pete’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 or to Care First Hospice, 3805 Meads Creek Rd., Painted Post, NY  14870.  Memorial forms will be available at the Dagon Funeral Home.

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

In recognition of Pete’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.

Bolivar, New York

Theodore Lee “Ted” Abbey – 63 – of County Road 5B, Bolivar, died unexpectedly Wednesday (December 19, 2024) at his home.

Born in North Hornell on December 25, 1960, he was the son of Leroy & Jeanette (Burdick) Abbey.

Ted grew up and attended school in Hornell.  Throughout the years, he resided in many locations including Sykesville, MD and Gamber, MD.  While living in Maryland, he was employed served as a dump truck driver and excavator operator for a construction company installing swimming pools.  He later lived in Newport News, VA where he worked as a welder in the Shipyards for several years.

He returned to New York State about 5 years ago, settling in Honeoye and had resided in Bolivar for the past few months.

Ted was a longtime NFL football fan and enjoyed rooting for the Washington Redskins (now the Washington Commanders).

He was preceded in death by his parents, Leroy & Jeanette Abbey; and his sister, Debbie Bennett.

Surviving are his brother, Richard “Rick” Abbey of Hornell; 2 nieces; several great-nieces & great-nephews; along with his longtime companion, Karen Robens of Newport News, VA.

At Ted’s request there will be no calling hours.  A “Celebration of Life” will be held on a date and time to be announced.

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

Ted’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.

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

Hornell, NY  /  Wellsville, NY

Timothy C. “Tim” Ost – 67 – of Hornell died early Sunday afternoon (December 15, 2024) at his home, surrounded by his loving family, following a long illness.

Born in Wellsville on October 27, 1957, he was the son of Charles & Julia (Kemp) Ost.

Tim grew up and raised his family in Wellsville and was a graduate of Wellsville High School (class of 1975).  He worked in the construction field for most of his adult life and had been employed for a time at LaForge Excavating in Wellsville. In the early 2000s he joined International Union of Operating Engineers Local 17 of Buffalo, from which he retired. He took special pride in all of the projects he was part of, including the pipeline and the Sea Lion exhibit at the Buffalo Zoo.

Throughout the years, Tim resided in several locations including Wellsville, Canisteo and Hornell.  He often reminisced of his time spent as a drummer with the Wellsville Blue Devils Drum and Bugle Corps’. Tim was an avid Buffalo Bills fan.  He had a green thumb and loved tending to his plants. He loved his family and cherished the times he spent traveling with them.

Tim was very compassionate and accepting to all, including the many friends of his children that crossed his path throughout the years. Most of all, Tim took special pride in his grandchildren and bragged of them often.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Charles & Julia and his step-father, Don Parker.

Surviving are his children, Jennifer Ost of Pottsville, PA, Joshua Ost (Jessanne) of Arkport, Amber (Justin) Campbell of Canisteo, Nathan (Alisha) Ost of Howard and Logan (Charlene) Ost of Hornell; his former wife, close friend and mother of his children, Kimberly (Rubel) Jenkins; his brother, Jim (Earleen) Ost of Wellsville; his grandchildren, Brandon, Myranda, Madison, Landyn, Riley, Bently, Marcus, Julia, Gianna, Jazmyne and Avery; several nieces & nephews.

Tim was always a man of faith.  He was a former member of the First United Methodist Church and takes comfort knowing where he will rest eternally.  Tim shared his favorite verse often: 2 Timothy 2:15 – ‘Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth’.

At Tim’s request there will be no calling hours.  Private services will be held at the convenience of the family, officiated by Rev. Dudley Jenkins.  A “Celebration of Life” will be held on Sunday, January 5th, 2025 at 1:00 PM at the Canisteo Fire Company.  All are welcome!!

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

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in his name may be made to the Hornell Humane Society, 7649 Industrial Park Road, Hornell, NY  14843.

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

Avoca, New York

Norman R. “Norm” Smith – 77 – of Lake Road (Smith Pond), Avoca, NY, died Wednesday morning (December 11, 2024) at St. James Hospital in Hornell following a long illness.

Born in Wayland, NY on July 1, 1947, he was the son of George & Lucille (Fogel) Smith.

Norm grew up in Springwater and was a graduate of St. Joseph’s School Elementary School and attended Wayland Central School. He later served his country as a member of the US Army Reserves.

He had been employed for several years as a laborer and later equipment operator for CP Ward Construction Company of Rochester and for about 16 years worked as an equipment operator for the Town of Springwater Highway Department. He “retired” from full-time work after serving as an equipment operator for the New York State Department of Transportation (NYSDOT) in Dansville. Following his “retirement,” he served as a Bus Driver for the Livingston Area Transport for about 2 years and also worked part-time security for ALSTOM in Hornell.

Growing up, Norm was a communicant of St. Joseph’s Parish in Wayland. He was a longtime member of the Springwater Fire Department and the Springwater Ambulance Service. A true outdoorsman, Norm enjoyed nature and, in his younger years, enjoyed hunting & fishing (especially on Hemlock Lake). In recent years he treasured his time spent of Smith Pond. Norm was also very involved in Civil War Re-Inactment — usually playing the part of a Confederate doctor.

He was preceded in death by his parents, George & Lucille Smith.

Norm was married on June 22, 2002 to the former Cynthia “Cindy” Grein who survives. Also surviving are his children, Tracy (Steve) Callari of St. Petersburg, FL, James (Daphne) Smith of Atlanta, NY and Katie Smith; his step-children, Shelly Sheff of Hornell and Mike (Yvonne) Mills of Hornell; 4 sisters, Joan (Mike) Wagner of Sparta, Judy Carney of Mt. Morris, Barb (Dan) Sontag of Tonawanda and Beverly (Doug) Rex of Dansville; many grandchildren; great-grandchildren; nieces & nephews.

At Norm’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.

Norm’s family request that in lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in his name be made to either the Howard Volunteer Fire Department, 3622 County Route 70A, Avoca, NY 14809 or the Hornell Humane Society, 7649 Industrial Park Road, Hornell, NY 14843.

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

Hornell, NY

Thomas G. “Tom” Brewer – 67 – of East Van Scoter St., Hornell, died suddenly Wednesday (December 4, 2024) at Corewell Health Hospital in Wayne, MI while traveling out of state.

Born in North Hornell on March 21, 1957, he was the son of the late Gerald “Jerry” & Nancy (Girondo) Brewer.

Tom was a lifelong Hornell resident. He attended St. Ann School and was a graduate of Hornell High School (class of 1975).

Upon graduation, Tom enlisted in the United States Air Force, where he proudly served his country and was stationed at Shaw Air Force Base in South Carolina. He was honorably discharged August 1979 after four years of dedicated service.

After his service, Tom embarked on a career as a welder and was employed at Foster Wheeler for many years. He was then hired at the former Morrison-Knudsen (MK) in Hornell until a back injury changed his career path to education. At that time, Tom returned to school, earning an Associate’s degree at Alfred State College before transferring to Alfred University where he earned Bachelor’s degree in education. He received his Master’s degree in Education from Elmira College. Tom was employed as an elementary school teacher at the Former St. Ann School in Hornell for a number of years. He was then hired at Groveland Correctional Facility, teaching pre-GED classes until his retirement in 2022.

Tom was a parishioner of Our Lady of the Valley Parish and lifelong communicant of St. Ann’s Church. He loved sports, especially cheering on his son in his younger years. He was an avid NASCAR enthusiast and thoroughly enjoyed a good card game and a little gambling fun! In his younger years, Tom also enjoyed bowling and was a member of several bowling leagues. He was proud of his Bowling Hall of Fame recognition for his perfect game of 300. However, Tom’s greatest joy was spending time with his family. He was a member of the Hornell Moose Lodge #210, American Legion Post #440, and the Hornell Amvets Post #245.

On June 22, 1977, Tom was married at St. Ann’s Church to the former Jeanne Evans who survives. Also surviving is his daughter, Nicole (John Gilbert) McIntosh of Canaseraga, NY; his son, Chris (Melanie) Brewer of Hornell; 2 brothers, Mark (Richard McGowan) Brewer of Rochester and Paul (Brittany) Brewer of Hornell; grandchildren, Jenna, Julionna, David, Olivia, Sophia, Christian, & Brendan; great-grandchildren, Charlotte & Eleanor; sister-in-law, Terry (Allen) Forshee of Canisteo; brothers-in-law, Robert (Juli) Evans of Canisteo and Scott (Nancy) Evans of Hornell; beloved cousins in St. Louis; several aunts, uncles, nieces & nephews and his beloved canine companion, Jethro.

In addition to his parents, Gerald & Nancy Brewer, Tom was preceded in death by his in-laws, Robert & Patricia Williamson.

To honor Tom’s wishes, there will be no calling hours. Private services and burial will be held by the family. A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, January 18, 2025 at 12:00 noon at the Hornell Moose Lodge, 66 Seneca St., Hornell, NY.

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

Memorial contributions in Tom’s name may be made to St. Ann’s Academy, PO Box 446, Hornell, NY 14843.

To leave an online condolence or share a memory, please visit www.dagonfuneralhome.com or www.facebook.com/DagonFuneralHome.

Arkport, New York

Lloyd Laverne Halbert, Jr. – 71 – of 51 West Ave., Arkport, died Monday evening (December 2, 2024) at Strong Memorial Hospital in Rochester, following a long illness.

Born in Dansville on April 6, 1953, he was the son of Lloyd & Florence (Stauffer) Halbert.

Lloyd grew up in Dansville and was a graduate of Dansville High School (class of 1971).  He was an expert mechanic and had worked in several garages including Les Stauffer’s in Burns, NY.  For over 40 years, Lloyd served as a cross country truck driver, driving for transport companies such as Bugman & Sons Milk Hauling of Dalton, NY, Covered Wagon Train of Hornell, Hartland Express and John Giles Trucking of Arkport.

An avid outdoorsman, Lloyd enjoyed deer hunting (both bow hunting & rifle hunting) and also loved camping, boating & fishing — especially at Canandaigua Lake & Keuka Lake.  When his health permitted, he also enjoyed bowling in several bowling leagues at the Hornell Bowl.

Lloyd was married on March 17, 1972 to the former Linda Coddington who died July 10, 2013.  He was also preceded in death by his parents, Lloyd & Florence Halbert, Sr.; and his brother, Jerry Halbert.

Surviving are his children, Christina Seeley-Perry of Portsmouth, VA, Michael (Kristin Willis) Halbert of Arkport, Stacey Halbert of Hornell, Wendy (Daniel Copley) Davis of Greenwood, Angela (Jeremy Smith) Halbert of Avon and Landon Halbert of Avon; 3 sisters, Sandy (Jim) Bourgoine of Wayland, Irene McChesney of Sparta and Suzie Fires of Statesville, NC; 1 brother, Steve (Ester) Halbert of Dansville; 19 grandchildren; 4 great-grandchildren; several nieces & nephews.

The family of Lloyd Laverne Halbert, Jr. will receive friends on Friday (Dec. 20, 2024) from 5:00 PM  –  7:00 PM at the Dagon Funeral Home.  A Memorial Service will be held on Saturday (Dec. 21, 2024) at 11:00 AM with Deacon Robert McCormick officiating.  Final interment will be in Heritage Hill Cemetery, Arkport, NY.

Lloyd’s family request that in lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in his name be made to St. Jude Children’s Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place , Memphis, TN  38105.  Memorial forms will be available at the Dagon Funeral Home.

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

Canisteo, New York

Carol Ann Doty – 80 – of 4 Green St., Canisteo, NY died Tuesday (November 19, 2024) at Strong Memorial Hospital in Rochester, NY.

Born in Woodhull on January 29, 1944, she was the daughter of Clifford & Velma (Strait) Doty.

Carol was a cherished mother, daughter, sister, aunt, grandmother and great-grandmother who touched the lives of everyone she met with her kindness and love.

She was predeceased by her parents Clifford L. Doty, Sr. and Velma Irene (Strait) Doty; her daughter Grace Ann (Goodier) Sims; sisters Nancy L. (Doty) Baker and Mary E. (Doty) Stephens.

Carol is survived by her son Richard Goodier of St. George, SC; two daughters, Dina Shaw (Bryan) and Pamela Goodier (Tim) both of Corning, NY; brothers, Alan Doty and Clifford L. Doty, Jr. of Canisteo, NY; sisters Linda Atkins, Sharon Cardenas, Teresa Cardenas and Gloria Doty all of Arizona; and several grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces and nephews.

At Carol’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.

Carol’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.

Hornell, New York

David E. “Dave” Kline – 67 – of 199 East Ave., (River Bend Apartments), Hornell died early Monday morning (December 2, 2024) following a long illness.

Born in Corning, NY on November 26, 1957, he was the son of John & Kay (Thurston) Kline.

Dave grew up in Addison, NY and attended Addison High School.  He resided in Bath, NY for many years and has lived in the Hornell area for the past 2 years.

Throughout the years, Dave was employed as a general farm hand, working on various area farms.  He was also a talented mechanic and, for a time, worked in a garage in Bath, NY.  He enjoyed watching car races and actually served as a member of a Pit Crew at Woodhull Raceway.  He was also an avid Buffalo Bills Football Fan.

He was preceded in death by his parents, John & Kay Kline; and his brother, Richard Kline.

Surviving are his son, David Kline, Jr. of Bath, NY; his brother, John Kline of Addison; his sister, Linda Rook of Ruffin, SC; along with other family members.  He will also be sadly missed by his dear friends, Wesley & Lindsay Houghtaling.

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.

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

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

Dansville, New York

Kenneth W. “Ken” Swift  (95) died Saturday morning (November 30, 2024) at the home of his daughter and son in law following a brief illness.

Ken was a graduate of Dansville High School class of 1947.  He was a veteran of the US Army – 82nd Airborne, (1947 – 1953).  He was a retiree of New York State Electric & Gas (NYSEG).

Ken was preceded in death by his parents Paul & Florence (Graves) Swift, former wife, Lillian and his good friend, Jean Campbell.

Surviving are 2 daughters, Patricia (Rodney) Stettner of Spencerport, NY and Roberta (Warren) Krull of Norfolk,VA; 1 brother, Joseph (Joyce) Swift of Dansville;  3 grandchildren, Gregory (Afton), Alex (Shannon) and Isabel Krull; several nieces & nephews.

At Ken’s request there will be no calling hours or services.  Final internment will be in Greenmount Cemetery, Dansville, NY.

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

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in his name may be made to a charity of the donor’s choice.

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

Hornell, New York

James L. “Jim” Congdon – 71 – of Catherine St., Hornell, died Friday afternoon (November 29, 2024) at Strong Memorial Hospital in Rochester where he was transported by ambulance after being stricken at home.

Born in Hornell on April 25, 1953, he was the son of James & Jacqueline “Jackie” Congdon.

Jim grew up in Hornell and attended St. Ann’s School.  He later graduated from Hornell High School (class of 1971).  He was a veteran of the US Navy, serving his country from 1971-1973.

He was employed for several years as a machine repair technician at Kodak Corporation in Rochester and for over 15 years served as a machine repair technician at Philips Lighting in Bath, NY, retiring about 9 years ago.

Jim had been a member of the Hornell VFW, Hornell American Legion and the Hornell Moose Lodge.  He was a “Proud Grandpa” to his two grandchildren and loved driving his “Slingshot” motorcycle and spending time with his “canine companions” (dogs).

As a die-hard Buffalo Bills fan, Jim loved the Super Bowl years and loved the way the team is back to their winning ways.  He even showed his support of the Bills by having B Bills as his license plate on his motorcycle.  He also loved spending time at his campsite on Keuka Lake.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Jim & Jackie Congdon; and his nephew, Joseph Pollizi.

Surviving are his son, Gregory Congdon Woodworth of Spencerport, NY; 2 grandchildren, Justice & Chase; 4 brothers, Fran Congdon of Florida, Mike (Kathy) Congdon of Georgia, Dan (Kim) Congdon of Hornell; Mark (Bettyann) Congdon of Pennsylvania; 5 sisters, Cindy (Doug) France of Bishopville, Kelly (Mike) Pollizi of Hornell, Bobbi Congdon of Hornell, Sandra (Michael) Marion of Hornell and  Kathleen (Elmer) Smith of Hornell; many nieces, nephews and numerous other family members.

At Jim’s request there will be no calling hours.  A Memorial Service with military honors will be held at the Bath National Cemetery at the convenience of the family.

Family & friends are invited to a “Celebration of Life” to be held on Friday (December 20, 2024) from 3:00 PM until 5:00 PM at the Hornell VFW.  All are welcome!

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

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.

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