Michael McDonald Holbrook, age 57, of 11 W. VanScoter Street, Hornell NY, died unexpectedly Saturday afternoon, November 5, 2022, at his home.

Born in Hornell on November 9, 1964, he was the son of William Holbrook and Pauline (McDonald) Holbrook.

Michael grew up in Hornell.  His family discovered that he loved music and had perfect pitch when he was age 3.  From ages 4 to 8, his dedicated mother drove him five days a week to SUNY Geneseo to work with Dr. Rosedale, a renowned Professor of Speech Therapy.   Aided by the Hornell Barbershoppers, Michael attended the Institute of Logopedics (children’s speech) in Wichita, Kansas from the age of 8 to 22, where he learned to speak, read, write, and play the piano and violin.

Following graduation, Michael returned to Hornell where he resided with his mother for many years while working for the Steuben ARC in Bath.  In his 30’s Michael began independent living at the Hornell Community residence. Over the years, Michael made many friends among the residents and staff in his group home and was very proud to earn money through his work at the Steuben County ARC Industrial Workshop in Bath and the Livingston County ARC Hilltop Industries in Mt. Morris.  He rode the bus daily to work.  No matter where he was, Michael would check in with the VanScoter Street staff to find out what was on the menu for dinner.

Michael was a creature of habit and he loved his routines.  He watched classic TV shows such as Wheel of Fortune and Jeopardy daily and listened to music from the 60’s, 70’s and 80’s that his brother Bill recorded for him.  He was well known throughout the Hornell community and could be seen regularly attending Hornell Dodgers’ games and local band concerts, swimming at the YMCA, going to the American Legion and Elks Club and attending Kanona Fire Department dinners, usually in the company of his mother, and his brother, J.P.   Michael loved to sing in church and often celebrated his birthday with the Hornell Barbershoppers.   He would walk to his mother’s house on Adsit Place, checking in to say hello at the Hornell Fire Station and Police Department, and would go to church at St. Ann’s, and eat Sunday brunch at Country Kitchen.  Michael was a member of Our Lady of the Valley Parish and even had his very own pew reserved for him at St. Ann’s Church.

Michael’s family was very important to him.  Whenever the family would gather, Michael would repeatedly say: “I’m not missing my family, am I?”

His father predeceased him in 1989.  Michael is survived by his mother Pauline Holbrook, sister Debby (Alexander Hoke) Holbrook of Juneau, Alaska, brother Dennis (Michele) Holbrook of East Aurora, NY, brother Bill Holbrook of Juneau, Alaska, brother J.P. Holbrook of Hornell, brother Paul (Jill) Holbrook of East Aurora, NY; nephews Hayden, Ryan, Patrick, Zander, Billy, and Emilio; nieces Heather, Jessica, Caitlin, Ashley, Hannah, Erin and Emma; grandnieces Ariana, Emery and Mackenzie; and grandnephew Dylan.   He also leaves behind the family that he loved at his VanScoter Street home.

The family of Michael M. “Mike” Holbrook will receive friends on Monday, November 21, 2022 from 5:00PM until 7:00PM at Dagon Funeral Home.  Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Tuesday, November 22, 2022 at 10:00AM at St. Ann’s Church with burial in St. Mary’s Cemetery.

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

Michael’s family request that in lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in his name be made to:  The Allegany-Steuben ARC (https://thearcas.org/get-involved/donate/) or YMCA of Hornell, NY (https://www.hornellymca.com/donate) or Hornell Area Wind Ensemble (https://www.hornellareawindensemble.org).

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

Angela Rose “Angie” Ninos – (97) – of 34 Hillcrest Dr., Alfred, NY died Monday afternoon (October 31, 2022) at Jones Memorial Hospital, following a brief illness.

Born in Delianuova, Italy on September 30, 1925, she was the daughter of Arcangelo & Josephine (Gongemi) Italiano.  Angie’s family moved to the United States when she was 9 years old and settled in Bolivar, NY. Her family owned and operated the Chef Bar & Grill for years.  She was a graduate of Bolivar High School (class of 1946).

Angie was married on October 8, 1949, to John E. Ninos who predeceased her on February 18, 2019.

Angie was a resident of Alfred since 1949.  She & John owned and operated the University Diner, (AKA The Dog Cart), and in 1950 purchased the Collegiate Restaurant.  They operated both restaurants, (Angie serving as a cook) until 1953, when the University Diner was destroyed by fire.  They “retired” in 1996 when they sold the business to their son, John, and his wife Chelly, but continued to stay active and lend a helping hand for many years to come.

Angie had a deep love of the Alfred Community, and in return, she was loved and respected by the citizens of Alfred.  In 1986 both Angie and John were recognized by the Alfred University Alumni Association and named Honorary Alumni.  On December 12, 1993, they both received Honorary Doctorate Degrees from Alfred University.  She was a communicant of St. Brendan / St. Jude Parish and a communicant of St. Jude Church.

In addition to her husband, Angie was preceded in death by her sister Anne LaBella, of Olean, NY.

Angela is survived by her brother Arcangelo “Mike” Italiano, of Glens Falls, NY and four sons, James (Karrie) Ninos of Alfred, Michael Ninos of Murphys, CA, John (Chelly) Ninos of Alfred, and Nikolas (Kara) Ninos of Buffalo; 8 grandchildren, Jill (Bryan) Crandall, Johnny (Ashleigh) Ninos, Kolby (Kristen) Ninos, Trevor Ninos, Jody (Chuck) Skipper, Austin Williford, Aristotle Ninos, and Nikolas Ninos; 5 great-grandchildren; Iliana Ninos, Tyler Crandall, Austyn Crandall, Layla Crandall, Finley Ninos, and several nieces & nephews.

The family of Angela “Angie” Ninos will receive friends on Saturday, November 12, 2022 at St. Jude Parish Church from 10:00 AM until 12:00 (Noon) located at St. Jude Parish Church, Lower College Drive, (SUNY Alfred Campus), Alfred, NY.  A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at the conclusion of calling hours at 12:00 Noon with burial in Alfred-Rural Cemetery, Alfred Station, NY.

The family would like to invite all to The Lake Lodge, 6197 Terbury Rd, Alfred Station, NY following the ceremony for a celebration of Angie’s life.

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

Angie’s family request that in lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in her name be made to St. Jude Parish Church.

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

James R. Frost

Rebecca “Becky” D. Smith – (50) – of 381 Seneca Rd., North Hornell passed away unexpectedly Saturday afternoon (October 29, 2022) following a lengthy illness.

Born in Urbana, NY on August 24, 1972, she was the daughter of Melvin Varner and the former Beverly Wolfanger.

Becky grew up in the Cohocton area and was a graduate of Wayland Central School (class of 1990).

She had been employed in the housekeeping department at St. James Mercy Hospital and for many years served as a receptionist for Dr. Nasar Chaudhry.

In 2009, Becky decided to further her education and enrolled at Alfred University, majoring in Court Reporting.  In 2011, she started a career that she is the proudest of and enlisted in the US Army.  She was stationed at Hunter Army Air Field in Savanna, GA and later deployed to Kuwait where she served for 9 months.  When she returned to the United States, she was briefly stationed at Hunter Army Air Field where “specialist” SPC Rebecca served as a computer technician with the Criminal Investigative Division of the US Military. She most recently was stationed at Ft. Belvoir in Washington, DC where she retired as a Sergeant.

Becky was a member of the Wayland American Legion and the Hornell American Legion.  Hobbies & interests include: enjoyed being with friends enjoying the views of Keuka Lake at our local breweries along the wine trail, spending time with her grandchildren was her biggest joy, along with her faith in God that kept her strong.

She was married on August 7, 2011 to Marc M. Smith who survives.  Also surviving are 2 sons,  Gregg Mark of Wayland and Connor Mark (Alissa Brado) of Dansville; her step-daughter, Raven Smith of North Hornell, her father & step-mother, Melvin (Nancy) Varner of Cohocton; her mother & step-father, Beverly (Wilbur) Dunning of NC;  her siblings, Heidi Goodman, Bridgett Herndon, Roger Varner, Jim Varner, Jeff Varner and Mark Varner, Jessica Dunning and Michael Whiting; several nieces and nephews; and her grandchildren Landen and Logan Mark.

The family of Rebecca “Becky” Smith will receive friends on Saturday from 12:00 (Noon) until 3:00 PM at the Dagon Funeral Home, 38 Church St., Hornell, NY.  A Memorial Service with military honors will be held at the conclusion of calling hours at 3:00 PM with Deacon Robert McCormick officiating.

Becky’s family request that in lieu of flowers, donations for gas cards to be donated to Cancer Services of Steuben County. The cards will go to local families fighting cancer to assist them receiving treatments. Donations may be directly made to St. James foundation “Cancer Services.” Memorial forms will be available at the Dagon Funeral Home.

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

To leave an online condolence or print a memorial form, visit www.dagonfuneralhome.com

Gilbert “Gil” W. Yates (“Coach”) – 94 – of 8232 Cream Hill Rd., Arkport, died Sunday morning (October 30, 2022) at his home.

Born in Lyons, NY on September 4, 1928, he was the son of Charles & Margaret (Taylor) Yates.

Gil grew up in Marion, NY and was a graduate of Marion Central School (class of 1948).  While in high school, he excelled in sports and “lettered” in baseball, basketball & soccer.

Following his high school graduation, Gil enlisted in the United States Air Force and served his country for four years during the Korean Conflict.  While in the Air Force, he worked in Air Force Security Service and had been stationed at the Scott Air Force Base in Illinois, Lackland Air Force Base in Texas, Brooks Air Force Base in Texas, Elmendorf Air Force Base in Alaska and the Nome Airport (formerly Marks Air Force Base) in Alaska.  He received his honorable discharge in 1952.

Following his discharge from the military, Gil enrolled at Brockport State College (under the GI Bill), Majoring in Physical Education and received his Bachelor’s Degree in 1956.  After graduation from Brockport, he taught Phys. Ed. at Fredonia State College for one year where he also coached golf and basketball.  Gil decided to continue his education and enrolled at the University of Indiana where he earned his Master’s Degree in Physical Education while also serving as a Teacher’s Assistant.

After receiving his Master’s Degree, Gil moved to Ellicottville, NY where he served as Phys. Ed. teacher at Ellicottville Central School for 3 years.  He moved to Arkport, NY in 1961 and began a 30+ year career at Arkport Central School.  During those 30+ years, Gil served as Athletic Director and coached basketball (12 years), soccer (28 years) and track (3 years).  He retired in 1989.

For over 20 years, Gil served as a high school umpire for the girls’ softball program.  He also umpired for girls’ softball tournaments throughout the area, such as in the Cinderella Softball League.

Gil was a member of Our Lady of the Valley Parish and a communicant of St. Ann’s Church.  He had also been a member of the Hornell Moose Lodge and the Arkport American Legion receiving his 50-year membership award.   He was an avid golfer and was a member of the Hornell Golf Club and he enjoyed playing cards, especially poker & euchre, and always looked forward to monthly trips to the casino when possible.

He was married on July 9, 1960 to the former Diane Nitsche who died November 29, 2008.  Gil was also preceded in death by 2 sons, Gary Yates who died October 26, 1979 and Robert Yates who died March 8, 2020; his son-in-law, Jim Perry who died March 6, 2017; and 2 sisters, Evelyn Payne and Dorothy Meyers.

The family would also like to acknowledge the loving memory of Christine Rhone who passed September 3, 2021.  The two of them sharing ten years of companionship and laughter.  Additionally, in order to enjoy life to its fullest and maintain his independence as much as possible, the family would also like to thank and acknowledge the assistance of the Tender Loving In Home Care team.

Surviving are 4 daughters, Sharon (William) Meinking of Alfred, Mindy Perry of Hartsville, Brenda Abrams of Bath and Cyndi (Ron) Gula of Fulton, MD; 2 sons, Michael (Shari) Yates of North Tonawanda and Daniel (Terry) Yates of Batavia; his daughter-in-law, Rose Yates of Millbury, OH; 1 sister, Helen (Clark) Dingman of Marion, NY; 15 grandchildren; several nieces & nephews.

The family of Gilbert “Gil” W. Yates 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 will be celebrated on Friday at 10:00 AM at St. Ann’s Church with burial in Fremont Cemetery.

Gil’s family requests that in lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in his name be made to the Hornell Humane Society, 7649 Industrial Park Rd., Hornell, NY 14843 or the Arkport American Legion, 1 Carter Street, Arkport, NY 14807.  Memorial forms will be available at the Dagon Funeral Home.

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

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

Patricia L. “Pati” Piper – 74 – of 947 East Avenue, Rochester, NY 14607, formerly of Hornell, NY, died Friday evening (October 28, 2022) at St. John’s Nursing Facility in Rochester, NY following a long illness.

Born in Wilkes-Barre, PA on April 22, 1948, she was the daughter of Dr. Donald & Dr. Patricia (Judge) Lewis.

Pati grew up in Forty Fort, PA and was a graduate of  Forty Fort High School (class of 1966). She earned her Bachelor’s Degree in Music from King’s College in Wilkes-Barre and later earned her Master’s Degree from the Eastman School of Music in Rochester.

For 35 years, Pati was employed as a music teacher at the Hornell High School and served as director of the HHS Musicals. She was an extremely popular teacher who was loved and respected by the students and faculty alike. In 1995, she (along with her husband, Steve) was honored by having the HHS yearbook dedicated to her. She retired in 2007.

Having a deep love of music, Pati played several musical instruments and was known for her beautiful singing voice. She cherished the 48 summers that she and Steve spent at their summer home at The Chautauqua Institution on beautiful Chautauqua Lake, NY where she served as a vocalist in the Chautauqua Choir.

In addition to her parents, Pati was preceded in death by her sister, Marie Lewis and her brother-in-law, Tim Houlihan.

She was married on August 16, 1974 to Stephen “Steve” Piper who survives.  Also surviving are 3 sisters, Cynthia Larsen of Princeton, NJ, Jessica Houlihan of Princeton, NJ, Susan (Steve) Berthel of Brookfield, IL, and her brother Don (Catherine) Lewis of Santa Barbara CA.

Pati’s request was to “keep the obituary brief” and to not have public calling hours.  Private services will be at the convenience of the family.

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

Pati’s family request that in lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in her name be made to the Westfield Stray Cat Rescue, 59 E.Main St., Westfield, NY 14787.

Nathan A. Randall “Nate” Smith – 37 – formerly of Cass St., Hornell, died unexpectedly on Monday (October 24, 2022) in Hornell.

Born on Malmstrom Air Force Base in Great Falls, MT on July 2, 1985, he was the son of Jeffrey Smith and the former Christyne Marie Armaly.

Being the son of a military father, Nate grew up in many locations throughout the world, including Wyoming, Germany, New Mexico, California and Portugal.  He resided in Hornell for several years and attended Hornell High School.

Throughout the years, Nate was employed as an independent contractor and was highly regarded in all areas of construction, especially roofing, siding and dry-walling.  More recently he was employed as a Landslide Litigator Technician for GSI GeoStabilization International of Kentucky.

Nate was an excellent fisherman who especially enjoyed fishing at Loon Lake with his children.  He was a die-hard Dallas Cowboys Football fan (NFL) and also enjoyed playing basketball in the Gus Macker 3 on 3 Tournament in Hornell.

He was married on July 21, 2012 to the former Denielle Troy who survives.  Also surviving are his children, Connor Bancroft, Peyton Smith and Lila Smith; his father & step-mother, Jeffrey Smith & Karen Monroe of Loon Lake; his mother, Christyne Marie Armaly of McAlester, OK; his siblings, Janina (Devyn) Kwiatkowski, Lian (Damon) Drake, Wesley Smith, Taylor (Adam) Harris and Zane Simonowicz; his maternal grandmother, Charlotte Stratton of  McAlester, OK; his maternal grandparents, Gerald & Edith Jackson of Arkport, NY; his paternal step-grandparents, Phil Monroe and Barbara Monroe; several nieces & nephews.

At Nate’s request there will be no calling hours.  A “Celebration of Life” will be held on Sunday from 5:00 PM until 9:00 PM at the Hornell American Legion where family and friends will have an opportunity to share stories and memories of Nate.

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

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

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

Betty Lou Haywood – 52 – of 60483 State Route 415, (The Caboose), Avoca, NY, died unexpectedly early Thursday morning (October 20, 2022) at her home.

Born in Vineland, NJ on March 18, 1970, she was the daughter of William & Betty (Gandy) Haywood.

Betty grew up in Millville, NJ and attended Millville High School.  She later graduated from Arthur P. Shalick High School in Pittsgrove, NJ.  She resided in Vineland, NJ for about six years before moving to the Avoca area 2 weeks ago.

An avid sports fan, Betty enjoyed rooting for the Dallas Cowboys (NFL); the San Francisco Giants (MLB) and the Detroit Red Wings (NHL).  She also loved crafts, especially creating beautiful “Latch Hook” designs which she gave to family & friends.  Betty was an avid reader, owning many romance novels over the past several years.

Despite dealing with several health issues and disabilities, Betty always seemed to have a smile on her face and a bright outlook on life.  She will be sadly missed by everyone that had the pleasure of knowing her.

She was preceded in death by her father, William Haywood, Sr.

Surviving are her fiancé, Bob Maslinski of Avoca; her daughter, Amber (Mark) Woods of Essex Junction, VT; her mother, Betty Haywood of Millville, NJ; 2 brothers, Alfred “Al” (Theresa Rodgers) Gandy of Millville, NJ and William Haywood, Jr. of Port Norris, NJ; 3 grandchildren, Kaylee & Madelyn Woods and Scarlett DePalma-Stroud; 2 step-children from a previous marriage, Bob DePalma & Ashley DePalma; several nieces & nephews.

At Betty’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.

Betty’s family request that in lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in her name be made the Lupus Foundation of America.

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

Dorothy A. “Dotty” Argay – (80) – of 14 Elm St., Canisteo, NY died Thursday evening (October 13, 2022) at St. James Hospital, following an extended illness.  She was a loving wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother and friend to all.

Born in Brooklyn, NY on October 4, 1942, she was the daughter of Frank & Mildred (Murphy) Fogarty.

Dotty’s early years were spent in Brooklyn, NY and her grade-school years in Levittown, NY.  She lived in Lake Ronkonma, NY during her teen-age years and was a graduate of Sachem High School in Lake Ronkonma.  While living in Lake Ronkonma, she was a communicant of St. Joseph’s Church.

She resided in Hornell for about three years before moving to Canisteo nearly 50 years ago.  She treasured living in Canisteo and considered it her “Little Piece of Paradise.”  For over 30 years, Dotty owned & operated Dot’s Day Care in Canisteo.  She genuinely adored children and influenced the lives of countless children and parents.  She also influenced the lives of young girls while serving as a Girl Scout Leader.

Dotty was a communicant of St. Joachim’s Church of Canisteo where she taught Religious Education and served on the parish council.  She was also a member of the St. Joachim Church Altar & Rosary Society and a member of the “cleaning crew.”

She had been a member of the Canisteo American Legion Auxiliary for 30 plus years where she served as an officer.  She was an avid reader and loved working in her flower garden.  She also enjoyed spending Friday evenings playing “Michigan Rummy” with her Friday Night Ladies Card Club.

Among all things, Dotty cherished the time that she spent with her husband & children camping, as well as spending time with her grandchildren and great-grandchildren which brought her great joy & happiness.

She was married on December 9, 1972 to William S. “Bill” Argay who died May 22, 2018.   She was also preceded in death by her sister, Denise Fogarty; brother-in-law, Wayne Powers and her beloved canine companion, “Shotz.”

Surviving are her five children: Dianne (John) Heckel of Canisteo, Maureen Cone of Daytona Beach, FL, Sharon (Paul) Pacholski of Ocala, FL, Christopher (Rosanna) Argay of Canisteo and Jennifer (Rob) Larkin of Garnerville, NY; 12 grandchildren, Willie Rideout and girlfriend Nicole Foster, Kristen (Ed) LaFleur, Jonathon (Melanie) Crider,  Samantha (Pete) Lehman, Jeremy Crider, Michael Heckel and girlfriend Brittany Guie, T.J. (Cianna) Rideout, Lizzy Loop, Caden Argay,  Brianna Larkin, Robert Larkin, & Alyvia Argay; 10 great-grandchildren, Eddie LaFleur, Evan Rideout , Carter Lehman, Kendall LaFleur, Jayke Crider , Jocelyn Rideout , Lucas Lehman, Morgan Lehman, Grayson Rideout, and Xavier Rideout; 3 sisters, Ellen Powers of Hornell, Maureen (Ron) Palmer of Canisteo and Fran (Dana) Lemme of Mt. Dora FL; 1 brother, Frank (Cindy) Fogarty of Sorrento, FL; several nieces & nephews.

The family of Dorothy A. “Dotty” Argay will receive friends on Saturday from 12:00 Noon  –  2:00 PM at the Dagon Funeral Home, 38 Church St., Hornell, NY.  A Memorial Service will be held at the conclusion of calling hours at 2:00 PM with Rev. Norma Roberts officiating.  Final interment will be in Hillside Cemetery, Canisteo, NY.  Family & friends are also invited to attend a “Celebration of Life” to be held at the Canisteo Fire Hall (4:00 PM  –  6:00 PM) following the graveside service.

Dotty’s family request that in lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in her name be made to the Bath VA Hospital, Hospice Unit, 76 Veterans Ave., Bath, NY 14810.  Memorial forms will be available at the Dagon Funeral Home.

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

Hornell, New York

Gregory “Greg” Boyd – 70 – of the Lincoln Gardens Apartments, Hornell, died unexpectedly Wednesday (October 12, 2022) at his home.

Born in Washington, DC on September 2, 1952, he was the son of Robert & Viola (Ford) Boyd.

Greg grew up in Washington, DC where he attended high school.  He was a veteran of the US Army, serving his country during the Vietnam era.  He has resided in Hornell for the past 2 years.

In addition to his parent, he was preceded in death b his son, Gregory Boyd; his brother, Larry Boyd; 2 sisters, Gloria Holmes and Eleanor Holmes.

Surviving are 2 sons, Marvin Boyd and Leon Boyd; 2 brothers, William Boyd and Ronald Holmes; 2 sisters, Gail Holmes and Karen Holmes.

At Greg’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.

Greg’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.