Helen J. Kerr – (91) – formerly of 6 Dogwood St., Bath, NY passed away early Saturday morning (December 16, 2017) at the Steuben Center Nursing Facility in Bath, NY where she had resided for the past 9 months.

Born in Hornell on July 18, 1926, she was the daughter of Ira and Ruth (Hooker) Weaver. She resided in Hornell for her entire life before moving to Bath in 2000.

Helen was a graduate of Hornell High School (class of 1945). She had been employed for 22 years at Alfred State College (SUNY Alfred).

She enjoyed traveling and had visited many countries and most of the United States. She was an avid reader and collected bells & music boxes as hobbies. Helen was a life member of the Hornell Moose Lodge and Hornell VFW. She was also a member of the CSEA-AFSCME, National Rifle Association & Hornell Alumni Association.

Throughout the years, Helen had volunteered for many organizations such as Bethesda Community Hospital, St. James Hospital, Bath VA Hospital, Campfire, Meals on Wheels, nursing homes, etc.

Helen was preceded in death by her parents; her former husband (and father of her 10 children) who died in 1988; her son, Jack W. Kerr, Jr. who died June 22, 2017; her “daughter-in-law”, Judy Lewis; 1 sister, Evelyn Weaver Grimaldi; 2 brothers, Earl G. Weaver and Ronald L. Weaver; her sons-in-law, Robert Allaway and Richard Flanagan; her brothers in law, John Grimaldi & Robert Baker; her sister-in- law, Vivian Weaver.

Surviving are her TREASURES, 3 daughters, Lucinda “Cindy” Flanagan of Bath, Elizabeth Allaway of Daphne, AL and Susan (Mark Bell) Potter of Daphne, AL; 6 sons, Greg (Linda) Kerr of Hornell, Stephen Kerr of Bradford, NY, David (Kelly Stedman) Kerr of Bath, Karl (Fran) Kerr of Bath, Daniel (Deb Stanford) Kerr of Hornell and James Kerr of Bath; 1 sister, Doris Baker of Tigard, OK; her sister-in-law, Martha Weaver of Savannah, GA; 25 grandchildren; 30 great-grandchildren; 7 great-great-grandchildren; several nieces & nephews.

At Helen’s request there will be no calling hours. A private “Celebration of Life” Memorial Service will be held at the convenience of the family.

Helen’s family request that memorial contributions in her 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 or to a charity of the donor’s choice.

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

Barbara Lee Margeson – 74 – 5567 Cook Hill Rd., Hornell (Town of Hartsville) died Friday, December 15^th, 2017 at her home, following a long illness.

Born in Hornell on October 28, 1943, she was the daughter of Theron “Nick” & Betty Jean (Campbell) Knickerbocker.

Barbara grew up in Hornell and was a graduate of Hornell High School (class of 1962). She was married on June 30^th, 1962 to William I “Bill” Margeson who survives. Throughout the years, Barbara & Bill resided in Hornell-Hartsville area.

She had been employed at the former Mullen Slaughter House for several years and was employed at St. James Mercy Hospital as a cook and also in the laundry department. For many years she worked at Transportation Transit Associates (TTA) as an electrician, installing electrical components and wiring harnesses along with lighting components . She retired in 2008.

Barbara thoroughly enjoyed raising her children and in more recent years loved baby-sitting her grandchildren and great grandchildren. She also enjoyed rooting for the Buffalo Bills.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her sister, Margaret Louise Knickerbocker; father-in-law, William J Margeson; her brother-in-law, Paul Starr; and great granddaughter, Hailey Reilly.

In addition to her husband Bill, survivors include her daughter, Stephanie (Raymond) France of Hartsville; 3 sons, William I. (Michelle) Margeson Jr. of Hornell, Kevin (Heidi) Margeson of Hartsville and Kelly (Kimberly) Margeson of Hornell; her mother-in-law, Roberta Margeson; 2 sisters, Brenda Starr of Belmont and Deborah (Joseph) D’Agostino of Forestville; 7 grandchildren, Ashley (Gregory) Gibson, Amanda (Tyler Murphy) Margeson, Danielle (Shawn) Reilly, Adam Margeson, Kyle Margeson, Kaiden Margeson and Keaton Shaut; 3 great-grandchildren, Bentley Howe, Peyton Gibson and Michael Reilly; several nieces and nephews; and also her extended grandchildren Dylan Wentworth, Haley Bown, Faith Bown and Ethan Brown.

A special “Thank-You” to Annette Gibson and Kathy Brown for all of their time and dedication.

At Barbara’s request there will be no prior calling hours.  Private services will be held at the convenience of the family with burial in Rural Cemetery.

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

Barbara’s family request that in lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in her name be made be to CareFirst Hospice, 3805 Meads Creek Road, Painted Post, NY 14870.

Patricia A. “Pat” Burleson – 67 – of 7748 Old Big Creek Rd., Hornell (Town of Fremont) died Saturday afternoon (December 9, 2017) at Arnot Ogden Hospital in Elmira, following a brief illness.

Born in Bath, NY on September 24, 1950 and was the daughter of George & Mable Ann (Simmons) Brayshaw and the step-daughter of Albert Freeman.

Pat grew up in South Hornell and was a graduate of Canisteo Central School (class of 1968). She later earned an Associate’s Degree in Human Services from Alfred State College.

An avid WWE Wrestling fan, Pat loved watching Wrestle Mania on Television. She also spent countless hours crocheting and making beautiful afghans which she gave to family members. She loved shopping and was affectionately known as a “shopaholic”

She was preceded in death by her first husband, John Ackley Sr. who died in 1996 and also her second husband, Robert Burleson who died in 2000. She was also preceded in death by her grandson, Casey Monahan who died in 2017 as well as her step-brother, Hank Freeman.

Surviving are dear friend and companion, Harold Loper; 2 sons, John Ackley, Jr. of Hornell and Jim (Debbie) Burleson of Waterloo, NY; 2 daughters, Jennifer Pierson of Hornell and Joanna (Chris) Stevens of Canisteo; 10 grandchildren; 17 great-grandchildren; several nieces & nephews.

The family of Patricia A. “Pat” Burleson will receive friends on Thursday from 4:00 PM until 6:00 PM at the Dagon Funeral Home, 38 Church St., Hornell, NY where funeral & committal services will be held at the conclusion of calling hours at 6:00 PM with Pastor Alan Bliss officiating. Burial will be in Hillside Cemetery, Canisteo.

Pat’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. Memorial forms will be available at the Dagon Funeral Home.

Dale R. Nye – 65 – of 6501 Whitford Road, Alfred Station, NY died unexpectedly Saturday afternoon (December 2, 2017) in Alfred Station.

Born in North Hornell on February 25, 1952, he was the son of Russell & Genevieve (Bacon) Nye.

Dale grew up in the Alfred – Almond area and was a graduate of Alfred-Almond Central School (class of 1970). He had been employed for several years as a laborer for the New York State Department of Transportation (NYSDOT) and later as a mechanic for Conrail. For several years Dale worked as a heavy equipment operator for Buffalo Crushed Stone in Alfred Station.

He resided in North Carolina for several years and continued working as a heavy equipment operator, returning to the Alfred area in 1992. Most recently, Dale was employed as a truck driver for Emerson Express and later for Southern Tier Express. He retired about 3 years ago.

Dale was a member of the Wellsville VFW and was an avid Pittsburg Steelers fan. He was a true outdoorsman who enjoyed hunting & fishing. He also loved attending “tractor-pull”, “horse-pull” and “truck-pull” competitions.

In addition to his parents, Dale was preceded in death by his former wife, Barbara Nye; 2 brothers, Ben Nye and Bill Nye; 2 sisters, Janice Burdick and Joanne Burdick.

Surviving are 5 sons, Brian (Shelly) Robinson of San Diego, Ca, Raymond (Jennifer Lippens) King of West Almond, Jamie Nye of Goldsboro, NC, Jarad Nye of Dansville and Justin (Becky Wheeler) Nye of Wayland; 1 daughter, Deanna (Christopher) Norton of Springwater; 6 sisters, Betty (Ralph) Allen of Alfred Station, Shirley Green of Alfred, Claudene (Kirk) Munsell of Lake Placid, FL, Linda (Steve Harvey) Trescott of Greece, NY, Ruth (Dave) Kimble of Loveland, CO and Debbie (Joe) Price of Alfred Station; 2 brothers, Virgil (Pat) Nye of Genesee, PA and Jim (Pam) Nye of Loveland, CO; 17 grandchildren; 4 great-grandchildren; several nieces & nephews.

At Dale’s request there will be no calling hours. A Memorial Service will be held on Saturday at 11:00 AM at the Almond Union of Churches, Main St., Almond, NY with Rev. Charles Emerson officiating.

Funeral arrangements are in care of the Dagon Funeral Home, 38 Church St., Hornell, NY 14843.

Dale’s family request that in lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in his name be made to either the Almond Union of Churches, Main St., Almond, NY 14804 or to the Alfred Station Fire Department, Route 244, Alfred Station, NY 14803 or the American Cancer Society, 13 Beech St., Johnson City, NY 13790.

Robert B. “Bob” Levee, Jr – 67 – of 1190 County Route 66, Hornell, formerly of Canaseraga, died early Friday morning (November 24, 2017) at Strong Memorial Hospital in Rochester, following a long illness.

Born in Hornell on February 17, 1950, he was the son of Robert & Virginia (Butler) Levee SR. For most of his life, Bob resided in Canaseraga and has lived in the Town of Hornellsville for the past three years.

Bob grew up in Canaseraga and attended Canaseraga High School. He had been employed for about 2 years as an attendant at the former Craig State Developmental Center and later served briefly as a truck driver for the Town of Burns. For 27 years, Bob was employed as a delivery bulk truck driver for Burnwell Gas in Dansville and for about 10 years worked as a sprayer for Gunlocke Corporation in Wayland, retiring about 18 years ago due to ill health.

He was a member of the Trinity Episcopal Church of Canaseraga and was a life member of the Canaseraga Fire Company & Rescue Squad. Bob was a past-president of the Fire Company and had served as Fire Chief and also served a four-year term as Ambulance Captain. It was during his four year term as Ambulance Captain that the very first defibrillator was installed — saving many lives throughout the years.

Bob was a former member of the Dansville Moose Lodge and a former member of the Canaseraga Rod & Gun Club. Throughout the years he enjoyed hunting and fishing when his health allowed. His greatest joy, however, was spending time with his family, especially his grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his daughter, Michele Levee who died October 21, 2016 and also his niece, Pula Bartoo.

Bob was married on July 5, 1969 to the former Suzanne Jackman who survives. Also surviving are his son, Christopher (Tammy) Levee of Arkport; 1 sister, Roberta Johnson of Alabama; 2 brothers, Tom Levee of Canaseraga and Ray Levee of Canaseraga; 4 grandchildren, Robert James Levee, Anthony Michael Levee, Savanah Elizabeth Levee and Sierra Christine Levee; several nieces & nephews.

At Bob’s request there will be no prior calling hours. Family & friends are invited to attend a Memorial Service on Friday (December 8, 2017) at 11:00 AM at the Trinity Episcopal Church of Canaseraga with Father Eric Thompson officiating.

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 the Canaseraga Ambulance Corp. (Replacement Fund), Main St., Canaseraga, NY 14822.

Robert R. “Bob” Lewis – (70) – of 7477 Seneca Road North, Hornell, formerly of Cohocton, NY died Wednesday evening (November 22, 2017) at the VA Medical Center, Bath, NY following a courageous battle with cancer.

Born in Rochester on July 9, 1947, he was the son of William & Lorraine (Vetter) Lewis.

Bob grew up in West Webster, NY and attended R.L. Thomas High School. He was a Veteran of the US Navy, serving his country during the Viet Nam era.

He was married on January 30, 1967 to the former Rita Tiano who survives. They resided in the Webster area for several years before moving to Cohocton in 1974 where they lived for 36 years.

Bob was employed for about 2 years at Gardner Electric in Webster and later worked for XL Equipment installing Laundromat throughout New York State. He also owned & operated two Laundromats — the Wayland Laundry Basket and also the Prattsburg Laundromat. While living in Cohocton, Bob owned & operated Bob Lewis Electric, a plumbing, heating & electric business. He retired in 2010 when he and his wife moved to Hornell.

A former member of the Cohocton American Legion, Bob enjoyed hunting, fishing and working on model trains.

In addition to his wife, Rita, survivors include 2 sons, Brian (Sharon) Lewis of Zephyrhills, FL and Robert (Kelly) Lewis of Dansville; 1 daughter, Barbara (Frank) Brzozowski of Hornell; 1 sister, Jean Alaimo of Louisiana; 1 grandson, Roy Riley; 5 granddaughters, Jessica Riley, Kara Brzozowski, Kelsey Brzozowski, Katrina Lewis and Danielle Lewis; several nieces & nephews.

At Bob’s request there will b 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.

Bob’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.

John A. Dessena – (89) – formerly of 43 East Main St., and 2 Holly Terrace, Hornell, died Friday morning (November 17, 2017) at Hornell Gardens, following a long illness.

A native & life resident of Hornell, he was born April 13, 1928 and was the son of Joseph & Mary (DeGaetano) Dessena and the stepson of Teresa Marie (Scaglione) Dessena.

John attended St. Ann’s School and was a graduate of Hornell High School (class of 1946). He was a veteran of the US Army, serving his country from 1946 – 1948. While in the Army, he was stationed for a time in Japan.

He was employed for about 44 years at the Erie Railroad, Erie Lackawanna Railroad and Conrail in many capacities. He began his railroad career by working in the Erie Shops and retired in 1988 as Division Engineer with Conrail.

John was a member of Our Lady of the Valley Parish and a communicant of St. Ann’s Church. He also had been a member of the Hornell Knights of Columbus, the Carducci Lodge (Sons of Italy) and the National Rifle Association.

He was a true outdoorsman who thoroughly enjoyed hunting (both with a rifle and with bow & arrow) and also loved fishing. For many years, John enjoyed long distant running and later he enjoyed taking daily walks.

He was married on June 28, 1952 to the former Julia Marino who died April 20, 1993. He was also preceded in death by his son, John Dessena JR who died February 3, 2015.

Surviving are two sons, Rich (Kathy) Dessena of Hornell and Carl (Terri LaVerde) Dessena of Hornell; 1 sister, Leona Dessena of Hornell; 1 brother, Joseph (Adele) Dessena of Hornell; 5 grandchildren, Lauren (Brian) Prunoske, James (Crystal Montoya) Dessena, Kaelyn (Matt Wilcox) Dessena, Matthew Dessena and Sam Dessena; 1 great-grandson, Zachary Prunoske; several nieces, nephews & cousins.

The family of John A. Dessena will receive friends on Friday (Nov. 24, 2017) from 4:00 PM until
7:00 PM at the Dagon Funeral Home, 38 Church St., Hornell, NY. A Memorial Mass will be celebrated on Saturday (Nov. 25, 2017) at 11:00 AM at St. Ann’s Church with final interment in St. Mary’s Cemetery.

In honor of John’s service to his country by serving in the US Army, the American Flag will be flown at half-staff at the Dagon Funeral Home.

John’s family request that memorial contributions in his name be made to either the American Diabetes Association, PO Box 11454, Alexandria, VA 22312 or the Alzheimer’s Association, 435 East Henrietta Road, Rochester, NY 14620. Memorial forms will be available at the Dagon Funeral Home.

Penny L. Meyer – 58 – of 1 Willow St., North Hornell, NY died late Saturday evening (November 11, 2017) at her home, surrounded by her family following a long illness.

Born in Wellsville, NY on February 10, 1959, she was the daughter of James & Marjorie (Mix) Stidd.

Penny grew up in Perry, NY and attended Perry High School. Throughout the years she resided in many locations, including Perry, NY, Galion, OH, Tucson, AZ, Hornell, NY, and has resided in North Hornell for the past 18 years.

For many years, Penny was employed as a waitress at several restaurants. She was one of Jehovah’s Witnesses and attended Meetings at the Kingdom Hall where she enjoyed studying the Bible and listening to Bible based talks. She enjoyed sewing, crochet and home decorating. Penny’s greatest joy, however was simply spending time with her family — especially her children and grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her father, James “Jim” Stidd.

Penny was married on May 19, 1984 to Daniel Meyer who survives. Also surviving are 2 sons, Joseph (Andrea) Meyer of Hornell and Shane Meyer of Buffalo; 2 daughters, Amanda (Jamie) Shelley of Arkport and Alex (Richard) Mitchell of North Hornell; her mother, Marjorie “Marge” Stidd of Perry, 2 brothers, Gary (Becky) Stidd of Caledonia, NY and Greg (Leslie) Stidd of Cincinnati, OH; 2 sisters, Pam (Dean) Harris of Perry, and Patty (Joe) Teeter of Groveland, NY; 4 grandchildren, Conrad Meyer, Jamison Shelley, Mila Shelly and Jude Mitchell; several aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces & nephews.

At Penny’s request there will be no prior calling hours. Family & friends are invited to attend a Memorial Service on Saturday (November 18, 2017) at 3:00 P.M. at the Kingdom Hall of Jehovah Witnesses, Dunning Road, Canisteo, NY with Clint Connell officiating.

Funeral arrangements are in care of the Dagon Funeral Home, 38 Church St., Hornell, NY 14843.

Penny’s family request that in lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in her name be made to Kingdom Hall of Jehovah Witnesses, Dunning Road, Canisteo, NY 14823.

Winifred D. Winnie” Hornbeck – (95) – of 5848 Dineen Road, Hornell, died Thursday evening (November 2, 2017) at Hornell Gardens where she had resided for the past two years.

Born in Bristol, England on March 21, 1922, she was the daughter of Alfred & Alice (Hart) Caddick.

Winnie was a “war bride” when she married Charles R. Hornbeck on April 1, 1946. Charles was serving in the US Army at the time. She was a veteran of the “Land Army” in England during WWII.

She was in her early 20’s when she moved to the United States with Charles. They lived in Rochester for 3 years before moving to Hornell in 1949. The resided on Fulton Street for 42 years and moved to Dineen Road in the early 1990’s.

Winnie was a member of the Hornell Welcome Wagon Club for several years and became a Blue Bird and Camp Fire Leader. He had been employed as the former Acme Store, Stearns Poultry, Hornell YMCA and served as a nanny to Shannon & Morgan McCormick. She volunteered her time as a Foster Grandparent at St. Ann’s School for 18 years, retiring in September of 2007.

She enjoyed singing and was a member of the Sweet Adeline’s. She also enjoyed reading, knitting, working with children and traveling to England to visit her family.

Winifred was preceded in death by her husband, Charles Hornbeck who died June 2, 1995; her daughter, Linda; 3 sisters, Alice Skuse, Irene York and Lillian Cuff of England.

Surviving are her daughter, Diane (Ray) Gayhart of Hornell; her brother, Alen (Margaret) Caddick of Australia; several nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews and cousins in England.

The family of Winifred D. Hornbeck will receive friends on Monday from 4:00 PM – 6:00 PM at the Dagon Funeral Home, 38 Church St., Hornell, NY, where funeral & committal services will be held at the conclusion of calling hours at 6:00 PM with Deacon Robert McCormick officiating. Burial will be in St. Mary’s Cemetery.

Winifred’s family request that in lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in her name be made to St. Ann’s Academy, PO Box 446, Hornell, NY 14843. Memorial forms will be available at the Dagon Funeral Home.

James E. “Jim” Drake – 77 – of 31 Oak Hill St., Arkport, NY died October 26, 2017 at Elderwood at Hornell, following a short illness.

Born in Jasper, NY on June 6, 1940, he was the son of Burdett & Viola (Davis) Drake.

Jim grew up in Jasper and was a graduate of Jasper Central School (class of 1958) where he participated on many sports teams. Throughout the years, Jim resided in several locations, including Jasper, Hornell and Arkport.

Following high school graduation, Jim was employed for a time by the Town of Jasper as a member of the Jasper Highway Department. He was later employed in many capacities including conductor & brakeman for the former Erie Railroad, Erie-Lackawanna Railroad, Conrail & Norfolk Southern Railroad. He retired in 2002 following 40 years of service.

Jim was a member of the Arkport American Legion, past member of the Arkport Fire Department and former Zoning Officer for the Arkport Village. He was an avid sports fan, enjoyed hunting and watching NASCAR racing.

In addition to his parents, Jim was preceded in death by his sister, Joyce Paddock; his brother, Lyle Drake; and sister in law, Joanne Drake.

Jim was married on October 7, 1961 to the former Brenda Dennis who survives and still resides in Arkport. Also surviving are 3 daughters, Yvonne (Tom) Rechichi of Arkport, Dawn (Steve) Mess of Arkport, Jodi (Ryan) Howe of Arkport; 1 son, Dennis (Wendy) Drake of Arkport; 3 brothers, Harold Drake of Canisteo, Charles (Carolyn) Drake of Las Vegas, NV and Edsel (Marla) Drake of Salamanca, NY; 1 sister, Marilyn (Paul) Harvey of Salamanca, NY; 12 grandchildren; Chelsey Wyant of Rochester, Kyleigh (Justin) Recktenwald of Arkport, Ashley, Jordan, Austin and Bryar Drake of Arkport, Jaden and Jenna Mess of Arkport, Bradley Mess of Wellsville, Steven Mess of Norridgewock ME., Logan and Kaleb Howe of Arkport, and several nieces & nephews.

At Jim’s request there will be no calling hours. A private memorial service for family will be held at the convenience of the family. Family & friends are invited to a “Remembrance Dinner” held on Saturday (November 4, 2017) at 1:00 PM at the Arkport American Legion.

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 either the Hornell Humane Society, 7649 Industrial Park Road, Hornell, NY 14843 or to the Arkport Central School Library Fund, 35 East Ave., Arkport, NY 14807.