Donald L. “Don” Criss – 83 – of 16 Emmett St., Hornell, died Friday evening (October 14, 2011) at Strong Memorial Hospital in Rochester, following a brief illness.

Born in Coudersport, PA on October 24, 1927, he was the son of John & Loretta (Rupp) Criss.

Don grew up in the Angelica – Belfast area and attended Angelica High School.  He has resided in Hornell for nearly 65 years.

He was employed for many years as an electrician for the former SKF Industries in Hornell, retiring about 19 years ago.  Throughout the years, Don enjoyed riding motorcycles, hunting and taking daily walks.

Don was married on October 9, 1948 to the former Doris Johnson who died August 15, 2005.  He was also preceded in death by 3 brothers, Richard Criss, Robert Criss and Ronald Criss.

Surviving are 2 sons, John (Carolyn) Criss of Corning and Tim (Kristina) Criss of Shaftsbury, VT; 1 daughter, Diana (Rich) Smith of Deltona Beach, FL; 1 brother, Harold (Sarah) Criss of Bath; 8 grandchildren; 3 great-grandchildren; several nieces & nephews.

At Don’s request there will be no calling hours.  Private services will be held at the Dagon Funeral Home, 38 Church St., Hornell, NY with Deacon Robert McCormick officiating.  Burial will be in Riverside Cemetery, Belfast, NY.

Michael A. Stepanian, SR. – (97) – of 71 Church St. Court, Hornell, died Thursday morning (September 29, 2011) at Robert Packer Hospital in Sayre, PA following a brief illness.

Born in Niagara Falls, NY on November 5, 1913, he was the son of Zakar & Helen (Kasbarian) Stepanian.

Mike grew up in Niagara Falls and was a graduate of Niagara Falls High School.  He resided in Florida for most of his life where he was employed in the Hotel & Restaurant business in many capacities, including waiter & Maître d.

He has resided in Hornell since 2006.

Mike was a member of the First Baptist Church in Hornell.  He was a lifelong golfer and enjoyed taking his daily walks.

He was preceded in death by his first wife, Ina and his second wife, Tressie

Surviving are 2 sons, Michael (Audrey) Stepanian of Hornell and Robert (Patricia) Stepanian of Concord, NC.

There will be not prior calling hours.  A Memorial Service will be held on Monday at 3:00 PM at the First Baptist Church in Hornell with Rev. Michael Stepanian, JR and Rev. Jerry Springston officiating.

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

Louis L. “Louie” Bellanca – 91 – of 16 Pardee St., Hornell, died early Thursday morning (September 22, 2011) at the home of his daughter in East Fallowfield, PA.

Born in Mt. Morris on November 28, 1919, he was the son of Gaetano & Michela (Cordia) Bellanca.

Louie grew up in Mt. Morris and was a graduate of Mt. Morris Central School (Class of 1938).  He later received his Associates Degree in Farm Machinery Maintenance & Repair from Alfred State College.

He was a veteran of the US Army during WWII serving in the Pacific Theater of Operations.  He was the recipient of the Purple Heart Medal. 

Following his discharge from the US Army, Louie had been employed for a time at the former Erie Railroad and later as a mechanic at Peck’s Motor Sales.  For 25 years he was employed as a postal clerk for the US Postal Service, retiring in 1985.

William P. “Bill” Booth – 57 – of 1 Meadows Park, Arkport, died Monday evening at St. James Mercy Hospital, following a long illness.

Born in Hornell on July 15, 1954, he was the son of Wilson & Mary (Bullock) Booth.

Bill grew up in Hornell and attended St. Ann’s School and later Hornell High School.  He had been employed for several years as a handyman at the Hornell Knights of Columbus.  For about 15 years he worked in the Specialty Department of Gunlocke Corporation in Wayland making beautiful furniture.  Later, Bill served as an instructor at Groveland Correctional Facility teaching woodworking to the inmates. 

He had been a communicant of St. Ann’s Church and volunteered countless hours “ringing the bell” at Christmas time raising money for the Hornell Salvation Army.  Bill enjoyed collecting clocks, rooting for the Buffalo Bills and loved spending time with his family, especially his grandson.

Elwin Howard “Hud” McKibben – 91 – a resident of Hornell Gardens, formerly of 60 Erie Ave., Hornell, died Friday morning (September 16, 2011) at St. James Hospital.

A native & life resident of Hornell, he was born March 4, 1920 and was the son of Lawrence & Florence (Johe) McKibbin.

Hud was a graduate of Hornell High School (class of 1938).  He was employed for 47 years at the former Erie Railroad, Erie Lackawanna Railroad and D&H Railroad, retiring about 25 years ago as a conductor. 

He had been a member of the Hornell Association, the former Hornell Eagles Club and the United Transportation Union (UTU).  A true outdoorsman, Hud enjoyed hunting, fishing and working in his vegetable garden.  He was an avid Buffalo Bills fan and a New York Mets fan.  He also enjoyed collecting arrow heads.

Carol A. Wellington – 68 – of 42 Fulton St., Hornell, died Saturday afternoon (September 10, 2011) at McAuley Manor, following a long illness.

A native & life resident of Hornell, she was born January 26, 1943, and was the daughter of Oscar “Bill” & Lucille (LaFaro) Fawcett.

Carol was a graduate of Hornell High School (class of 1961).  She had been employed as a hostess at the former Big Elms Restaurant for several years.  For 32 years, Carol served as a Teacher’s Aid with Hornell Area BOCES, retiring 6 years ago.

She was a member of Our Lady of the Valley Parish and a communicant of St. Ann’s Church.  She was also a member of the Ladies Auxiliary of the Sons of Italy (Italian American Women’s Club) and also a member of AZB Sorority.

For many years, Carol was deeply involved with Special Olympics.  She volunteered countless hours traveling throughout New York State taking the Special Olympians to track meets.  Carol was instrumental and one of the founders of the Hornell Cinderella Softball League where she served as a coach for many years.  She also coached Hornell Junior Varsity Basketball for several years.

Carol enjoyed a “friendly wager” and loved visiting the casinos in Salamanca & Niagara Falls.  She had a deep love of animals and throughout the years enjoyed the company of her pet dogs.  She always looked forward to her Friday night rendezvous with the other members of Six-Pack Alley.  She will be sadly missed by everyone that had the pleasure of knowing her.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Bill & Lucille Fawcett.

Carol was married in St. Ann’s Church on October 13, 1962 to George Wellington who survives.  Also surviving are her daughter, Kim (Will) Schmitt of Hornell; 3 sisters, Joan Dunn of Hornell, Nancy Kull of Georgia and Mary Lou Fawcett of Painted Post; her “Special Sis”, Margie Fawcett Terry of Hornell; 3 grandchildren, Andrew (Sally) Schmitt, Brian Schmitt and Kyle Schmitt; 3 aunts, Janice Fawcett, Anna LoCoco and Rose LaFaro; several nieces & nephews.

The family of Carol A. Wellington will receive friends on Wednesday 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 at 11:00 AM on Thursday with burial in St. Mary’s Cemetery.

Carol’s family request that memorial contributions in her name be made to either the Hornell Humane Society, 7649 Industrial Park Drive, Hornell, NY 14843 or to the American Cancer Society, 13 Beech St., Johnson City, NY 13790.  Memorial forms will be available at the Dagon Funeral Home.

Gladys Petrelli – 87 – of 61Delaware Ave., Hornell, died Friday morning (September 9, 2011) at St. James Mercy Hospital following a long illness.

Born in Torrice, Italy on March 4, 1924, she was the daughter of Frank & Felice (Orologio) Petrillo.

Gladys has lived in the United States since she was four years old.  She grew up in Hornell and was a graduate of Hornell High School (class of 1942).

She had been employed for a time at a shoe manufacturing company in Endicott, NY.  For 43 years she was employed at the former Huguet’s and later Stern & Stern Textiles as a “warper”, retiring in 1987.

Gladys was a member of Our Lady of the Valley Parish and a communicant of St. Ann’s Church.  She was a member of the Ladies of Columbus and also a member of the Ladies Auxiliary of the Sons of Italy (Italian American Women’s Club). 

She was an avid reader and would read anything, including books, magazines & newspaper articles.  There was nothing that she wouldn’t read.  Gladys had many friends and was active in the “Class of 1942 Annual Reunion”.  She truly enjoyed her family, especially having fun with her many nieces & nephews.

Gladys was preceded in death by 1 brother, Angelo Petrillo; 1 sister, Pat Sciotti.

Surviving are 2 sisters, Santa (Walt) Cleveland of Hornell and Mary Petrelli of Hornell; 1 brother, Dominick (Myrna) Petrelli of Wellsville; 6 nieces, Angela Fee, Mary Klindt, Lisa Grady, Angelina Huffman, Michelle Petrillo and Debbie Barrett; 8 nephews, Anthony Sciotti, Michael Petrillo, Pat Cleveland, Mark Cleveland, Dan Cleveland, Andrew Petrelli, Jeff Petersen and Roger Petersen; 18 great nieces & nephews; 9 great-great nieces & nephews; several cousins.

The family of Gladys Petrelli will receive friends on Monday 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 Tuesday ad 11:00 AM at St. Ann’s Church with burial in St. Mary’s Cemetery.

Gladys’ family request that memorial contributions in her name be made to either St. Ann’s Church, 27 Erie Ave., Hornell, NY 14843 or to the American Heart Association, PO Box 3049, Syracuse, NY 13220.  Memorial forms will be available at the Dagon Funeral Home.

Debora S. “Deb” Clothier – (57) – of 2327 Windfall Road, Canisteo, died Monday morning (September 5, 2011) at St. James Mercy Hospital following a long illness.

Born in North Hornell on October 19, 1953, she was the daughter of Leland “Bus” & Lena (Davis) Carnes.

Deb grew up in Hartsville and was a graduate of Canisteo Central School (class of 1972).  She was employed as a nurse’s aide at Hornell Gardens for several years and for 29 years served as a bus driver for the Canisteo Central School District.  For many years she worked as a waitress at the Kill Buck Inn in Canisteo.

Throughout the years, Deb enjoyed riding motorcycles, four-wheeling and snowmobiling.  She had a deep love for animals (especially her dogs) and also enjoyed owning & riding horses.  She enjoyed competitive “Team Penning & Sorting” which is rodeo style competition and also simply rode horses for enjoyment.

Deb was a member of the Canisteo American Legion.  She loved to spend countless hours working in her beautiful flower garden.  She enjoyed crafting & crocheting and would make beautiful baby blankets to give to family & friends to help celebrate the beginning of a new life.

She will be remembered as a loving mother, devoted sister, and a warm & loving friend to everyone who had the pleasure of knowing her.  She will be sadly missed by all.

Surviving are 2 daughters, Tamara Clothier of Canisteo and Tonya (Michael) Cooper of Cuba, NY; 3 brothers, Robert (Connie) Carnes of Wellington, CO, Jeffery (Donna) Carnes of Hartsville and Eugene (Nora) Carnes of Belfast; 1 sister, Dianne (Roger) Carney of Hartsville; 4 grandchildren, Justin Kerr, Emma Kerr, Garrett Cooper and Skyler Cooper; her dear & special friend, Bruce Watson; several nieces & nephews.

At Deb’s request there will be no calling hours or services.  Her hope is that her family & friends will not cry or feel sad when thinking of her.  Instead, she would like everyone to enjoy every minute of their lives, never take living for granted and fondly smile when remembering the wonderful times that they spent with her, knowing that she will always remain in their hearts.  As years go by, remember that while riding a horse, move up in the saddle because Deb would like to ride along with you!!

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

Felicia M. Freeman – 24 – of Flint Ave., Corning, died unexpectedly on Friday (August 26, 2011) at her home. 

She was born in Edgewood, KY on May 15, 1987 and had resided in many locations before moving to Corning  about one year ago.

Felicia was preceded in death by her mother, Kathleen. 

Survivors include 3 brothers, Michael Donahue, Christopher Donahue and Stephen Freeman; 1 sister, Lora Freeman; her father, Thomas Freeman; grandparents, Thomas & Thelma Sue Hall, Thomas Freeman, SR.

There will be no calling hours.  Private services will be held at the convenience of the family.  Arrangements are in care of the Dagon Funeral Home, 38 Church St., Hornell, NY

Beatrice A. “Bea” Lorrow – 89 – formerly of 7042 Whitney Valley Rd., Almond, died early Sunday morning (August 21, 2011) at McAuley Manor, where she has resided for the past 8 months.

Born in Angelica on June 2, 1922, she was the daughter of Clarence & Mary (Eldridge) Weaver.

Bea grew up in Alfred and was a member of the very first graduating class of Alfred Almond Central School.  She lived in Almond for most of her life.

She had been employed for several years at Westinghouse Corporation in Bath and for over 20 years was employed in the custodial department of Alfred Almond Central School.  She retired in 1986.

Bea was a member of Alfred Station Seventh Day Baptist Church and also attended the Almond Union Church.  She was an avid bowler and throughout the years bowled in several Ladies Leagues at the Hornell Bowl.  She was also enjoyed rooting for the Buffalo Bills and Buffalo Sabers. Bea enjoyed working in her flower garden and also loved fishing — especially
taking fishing trips to Black Lake with her sister.