James J. “Jim” Bush- 89- passed away April 12, 2022, at the Treasure Coast Hospice House in Stuart, FL.

Born March 18, 1933, in Silver Springs, NY, to Arthur and Anna Bush.  Jim was the youngest of 11 children and was raised on the family farm.

Jim was a master mechanic in the Operating Engineers Union for many years working all over NY State.   He later moved to Florida but continued to work in the construction business.

On May 1, 1954, he married the love of his life, Mary Ann Leven, from Dansville, NY.   They moved to Warsaw, NY, and later Rochester to raise 7 children: Cynthia, Janet, James Jr., Catherine, Donald, Michael and Edward.

Jim enjoyed spending time with his family, golfing, playing cards, and an occasional trip to the Casino.  He was known in his family as the maker of the best hot fudge ever!!   He kept his recipe a secret until he was in his 80s.   Now his great-granddaughters, Ellasyn and Kyla, have mastered the recipe.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Mary Ann; his sons James Jr. and Michael.  He was also preceded in death by his parents; 5 brothers; 5 sisters; and his beloved 4-legged friend, Terry.

Surviving are his children, Cynthia (Greg) Nelson of Dansville, Janet (Joseph) McMichael of Alfred Station, Catherine (Docker) Reaney of Stuart, FL, Donald of Boca Raton, FL and Edward of Wilton Manors, FL; 7 grandchildren, Kim (Byron) Ellsworth of Bath, Debra (Brad) Cannon of Andover, Thomas McMichael of Alfred Station, Nicole VanNorman of Almond, NY, Andrew (Ashley) Nelson of Bradford, OH, Erica Nelson of Rochester, NY and Cameron Bush of Boca Raton, FL; 8 great-grandchildren, Brianna Marvin of Corning, Brynn Ellsworth of Bath,  Dylan, Ellasyn, and Kyla Cannon, all of Andover, Kaidyn VanNorman of Almond, Matthew Nelson and Ayden Weinstock of Bradford, OH; his sister-in-law, Ann Bush of Rochester, brother-in-law, James Gillen of Warsaw, NY, and several nieces and nephews.

The family of James J. Bush will receive friends Saturday, August 6^th, 2022 from 11:00 AM – 12:00 PM (Noon) at the Dagon Funeral Home, 38 Church St., Hornell, NY.  A Memorial Service will be held at the conclusion of calling hours at 12:00 Noon with Deacon Bob McCormick officiating.   There will be a “Celebration of Life” luncheon immediately following at the Arkport American Legion, 1 Carter St., Arkport, NY.

Jim’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

Dorothy A. Ermy, 86, of 1190 County Route 66, Hornell, died Tuesday, July 26^th at Strong Memorial Hospital’s ICU, Rochester, NY, following a brief illness.

Born in Hornell on December 31, 1935, she was the daughter of Frank & Edna (Norton) Secondo.

Dorothy grew up in Hornell and was a graduate of Hornell High School (class of 1954).  During high school she served as a waitress at the former Cards Drug Store and for 17 years she worked at the former Merrill Hosiery in Hornell.  For 25 years, Dorothy was employed as a baker at the Hornell High School, baking delicious treats for the students including her famous peanut butter cookies which are still fondly remembered by alumni.  She retired in 2002.

A faithful child of God, Dorothy was a member of Our Lady of the Valley Parish and a communicant of St. Ann’s Church.  She had a deep love of St. Ann’s Church and was an active member of the St. Ann’s Adoration Chapel.  She was also a member of the Ladies of Columbus, Catholic Daughters of America, Carducci Lodge – Sons of Italy and the Hornell Association.

Dorothy loved spending time in the kitchen cooking and baking for family & friends.  She will fondly be remembered for her “mouthwatering” Chocolate Chip, Christmas, and Italian Cookies which she often created for weddings of family & friends.  A collection of her favorite recipes was gathered by her son Anthony, and he created a recipe book titled “Seventy Plus Years of Baking – With Love”.

In her spare time, Dorothy enjoyed watching movies on television, especially those shown on the Lifetime Channel and the Hallmark Channel.  More recently she enjoyed “Metflix” (her pronunciation)!  She also loved spending time crocheting, creating beautiful afghans which she lovingly gave to her grandchildren, great-grandchildren and great-great-grandchildren.

Dorothy was married on May 1st, 1954, to Anthony S. “Butch” Ermy who died April 27, 2007.   She was also preceded in death by her brother, Karl Secondo, two sisters: Mary Ann Losecco and Janice Davis, and her daughter-in-law Cynthia Ermy.

Surviving is her son, Anthony Ermy of Crestview FL and two daughters, Judy (Tim) Ordway of Hornell and Maria Gallese-Delvecchio; her brother Frank Secondo of Mesa, AZ and two sisters, Joanne Porcaro of Hornell and Patty Lenhart of Mesa, AZ; ten grandchildren, Michelle (Leonard) Williams, Port St Lucie FL, Jennifer (Ronald) Harris, Mountain House CA, Michael Ermy, Crestview FL, Edward (Michele) Ordway, Highland Ranch CO, Daniel (Lindsay) Ermy, Crestview FL, Jennifer (Kevin) Pegg, Chesterfield MO; Ashley (Karl) Scaggs, Huntington MD; Karlene Gallese, Rochester NY; Gianna Gallese, Cleveland Ohio, Carmen Gallese, Rochester NY; eleven great-grandchildren; six great-great-grandchildren; many nieces & nephews.

The family of Dorothy A. Ermy will receive friends on Monday, August 1st from 4:00 PM – 8:00 PM at the Dagon Funeral Home, 38 Church St., Hornell, NY.   A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Tuesday, August 2nd at 10:00 AM at    St. Ann’s Church with burial in St. Mary’s Cemetery.

The Mass of Christian Burial for Dorothy Ermy will be streamed via YouTube and can be viewed on the Dagon Funeral Home Facebook page on Tuesday at 10:00 AM by visiting www.facebook.com/dagonfuneralhome.  The video will remain available for viewing on our Facebook page for 30 days.

Dorothy’s family request that in lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in her name be made to St. Ann’s Academy, 41 Genesee St., Hornell, NY 14843.  Memorial forms will be available at the Dagon Funeral Home.

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

Wayne H. “Bo” Hammerstone – 60 – of 8656 County Route 46, Arkport, (Town of Fremont), died Monday morning (July 25, 2022) at his home, following a long illness.

Born in Doylestown, PA on February 28, 1962, he was the son of Wayne & Marianne (Housworth) Hammerstone.

Wayne grew in Upper Black Eddy, PA and attended Palisades High School.  For about five years, he had been employed as a machine operator at Riegel Paper Mill in Milford, NJ.

Moving to the Arkport area in the early 1990s, he worked as a driver for Patton Trucking.  For many years, Wayne was employed as a carpenter, working for Local #281Union, primarily framing and as a sheet-rock installer.

Wayne was a former member of the Arkport American Legion and enjoyed hunting (especially deer) and in his younger years loved fishing.  He was an avid Buffalo Bills football fan — especially during the Super Bowl years.  He also enjoyed watching NASCAR & Dirt Track Racing on TV.

He was preceded in death by his brother, Kevin Hammerstone.

On December 10tn, 1988 Wayne was married to the former Cheryl Falk who survives.  Also surviving are his daughter, Jennifer Hammerstone of Towanda, PA; his son, Kyle (Mary Ashworth) Hammerstone of Hornell; his step-son, Timothy (Jodi) Leary of Morrisville, PA; his mother, Marianne Schaible of Troy, PA; 2 sisters, Brenda Hammerstone of Ottsville, PA and Dawn Boyer of Frenchtown, NJ; 4 grandchildren, Nicole Hammerstone-Somers, Nicholas Hammerstone, Rian Hammerstone and Riley Hammerstone; 1 step-granddaughter, Kelsey Leary; several nieces & nephews.

At Wayne’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.

Wayne’s family request that in lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in his name be made to the American Cancer Society, 13 Beech St., Johnson City, NY 13790.

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

Scio, New York

Wallace A. “Pete” MacDonald – 86- passed away July 23, 2022 surrounded by his loved ones.

Born June 23, 1936 in Farmington, CT, Pete had an early affinity for agriculture that was fostered by his work with dairy cows.  This love of farming led him to major in animal science/agricultural education at U-Conn where he obtained his Master’s degree.  This is also where Pete met the love of his life, Kathleen (nee Daley).

Alfred became their home in 1960 at the conclusion of their honeymoon as Pete had a job waiting for him as a professor of dairy science at Alfred Ag Tech (now Alfred State College).  This is where they made their home and raised their three children, Dan (Jessie) MacDonald, Tim (Donna) MacDonald, and Patricia (Alan) Eshelman on the landmark EIEIO farm.  The farm set the stage where his six grandchildren (Anna, Erica, Olivia, Aidan, James & Benjamin) climbed on the hay bales, found new kittens, and listened to “Bampa’s” lessons.

He is also survived by his sister Anne Jednorowicz, along with many nieces and nephews.  Pete is pre-deceased by his sisters Mary Guild, Muriel Judd, and Dossy Colevecchio.

Pete was known for his treasured flock of sheep, his skill with knitting needles, his passion for education, and his quick opinion.  He loved to sing to his favorite musicals, kick up his heels to a lively tune, and arrange flower bouquets for the church.

Throughout his life, Pete was involved in many board positions, including the New York State School Board, Rural Schools Association, Empire State Sheep Producers, and the New York State BOCES School Board.  He also was an active 4-H leader and livestock and dairy judge.

The family of Wallace A. “Pete” MacDonald will receive friends on Tuesday from 4:00 PM until  6:00 PM at the Dagon Funeral Home, 38 Church St., Hornell, NY.  A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Wednesday at 11:00 AM at St. Jude’s Church on the SUNY Campus, reception to follow.  A private burial with immediate family will follow on Thursday at Alfred-Rural Cemetery.

Pete’s family request is that in lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made in Pete’s name to the CCE Allegany County 4-H Program, 5435 County Road 48, Belmont, NY 14813 or to the Bolivar–Richburg WEE Center, 100 School St., Bolivar, NY  14715.  Memorial forms will be available at the Dagon Funeral Home.

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

Mary Ann Parmley – (79) – formerly of Morton Hill Road, Hornell, died Friday afternoon (July 22, 2022) at Strong Memorial Hospital in Rochester, following a long illness.

Born in Hornell on December 19, 1942, she was the daughter of Dominic & Domenica “Dee” (DeGaetano) Gallicchio.

Mary Ann grew up in Hornell and was a graduate of St. Ann School and later graduated from Hornell High School (class of 1960).

She resided in Mt. Morris, NY for several years and was employed as a secretary at Kodak Corporation.  After relocating back to Hornell, she was employed for many years with the City of Hornell, working directly with the mayor and the Urban Renewal Project.  With a driven personality, Mary Ann established Covered Wagon Train (Trucking), Covered Wagon Travel (Travel Agency) and Covered Wagon Tours, officially retiring in 2017.

Mary Ann was a member of Our Lady of the Valley Parish and a communicant of St. Ann’s Church.  She was a former member of Catholic Daughters of America and the Ladies of Columbus.  She was also an active member of the Hornell Alumni Association.

Having many interests, Mary Ann enjoyed her time spent bowling in several bowling leagues at the Hornell Bowl.  In her youth, she excelled at roller skating, even going on to win multiple competition awards. She also loved traveling and visiting many places throughout the United States.  For over 20 years, she enjoyed her annual trips to beautiful Cape May, NJ while sipping Appletinis!  A fan of NASCAR and local racing, she was also an active sponsor.

Surviving is her brother, Francis “Poncho” Gallicchio of Hornell, many nieces, nephews, great-nieces & great-nephews, as well as her entire, extended family.

The family of Mary Ann Parmley invite you to join them in honoring her memory on Friday (July 29th) at 10:00 AM at St. Ann’s in Hornell.  Immediately following will be a gathering of family and friends at the Main Place in Hornell.

Mary Ann’s family request that in lieu of flowers, memorial contributions be made in her name at www.dementiasociety.org

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

Hornell, New York

Harold H. “Cookie” Loper – 74 – of 7748 Old Big Creek Road, Hornell (Town of Fremont) died Wednesday afternoon (July 20, 2022) at Strong Memorial Hospital in Rochester, following a long illness.

A native & lifelong resident of the Hornell area, he was born December 31, 1947, and was the son of Harold & Thelma (Young) Loper.

A self-proclaimed “Work-A-Holic”, Cookie left school at an early age and throughout the years worked many jobs.  He served as a route & deliver driver for the Hornell Evening Tribune; a driver & delivery man for Canada Dry; cut & pruned trees for the electric company (NYSEG); and for many years owned & operated Loper’s Hauling & Tree Service where “No Job Too Big or Too Small.”

He loved spending time outdoors pruning & cutting trees and was the proud owner of many Husqvarna Chain Saws.  Even after losing his leg to diabetes, Cookie continued operating his tree service.  It was only after diabetes took his other leg that he was finally forced to retire.

Cookie was a longtime member of the Hornell Eagles Club.  He loved spending time watching TV, especially old Western movies and Western TV Shows.  His favorite was “The Rifleman.”

In addition to his parents, Cookie was preceded in death by his infant daughter, Tammy Sue Loper; his 2 longtime companions, Jacqueline “Jackie” Howard and Patricia “Pat” Burleson.

Surviving are 3 sons, Harold (Alison Tweed) Loper III of Hornell, Jason (April) Loper of Hornell and Jeffrey Loper of Hornell; 3 daughters, Shelly Wilson of Dansville, Angela (Jeffrey) Hatch of West Edmenston, NY and Tracy (Sharneatra) Lopez of Florida; 2 brothers, Kenneth Loper of Bath and Robert (Doris) Loper of Texas; his grandchildren, Ashley Hatch, Dylon Loper, Hannah Robinson, Anthony Loper, Allison Robinson, Alexa Loper, Ace Loper, Kaydi Loper, Andrew Falco, Madison Stever, Charlee Stever and Logan English; 2 great-grandchildren, Stella Loper and Hazel Whitsell; several nieces & nephews.

The family of Harold H. “Cookie” Loper will receive friends on Saturday, (August 6, 2022) from 4:00 PM  –  6:00 PM at the Dagon Funeral Home, 38 Church St., Hornell, NY.  A funeral service will be held at the conclusion of calling hours at 6:00 PM with Deacon Robert McCormick officiating.  Burial will be in Hillside Cemetery, Canisteo, NY.

Cookie’s family request that in lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in his name be made to either the American  Diabetes Association, PO Box 13067, Alexandria, VA   22312 or the American Heart Association, PO Box 3049Syracuse, NY  13220.  Memorial forms will be available at the Dagon Funeral Home.

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

Swain, NY / Grove, NY

Onalee W. Morris – (97) – formerly of 10433 County Rd. 16, Swain, NY (Town of Grove) died Tuesday morning (July 18, 2022) at Hornell Gardens where she had resided for the past five years.

A native & lifelong resident of the Town of Grove, she was born September 25, 1924, and was the daughter of Glenn & Blanche (Barney) Ludwig.

Onalee was a graduate of Nunda High School (class of 1942).  She had been employed for a time at the former Blum’s Shoe factory in Dansville and for 32 years (1972-2004) served as the Town Clerk for the Town of Grove.

She was a former member of the Garwoods Methodist Church and more recently attended the Dalton Assembly of God Church in Dalton, NY.  She was a former member of the Ladies Auxiliary of the Canaseraga American Legion.

Onalee was married on May 12, 1950 to Calvin Morris who died February 8, 1985.  She was also preceded in death by her grandson, Jacob Morris; her granddaughter, Stephanie Sanford; and her brother, Arland Ludwig.

Surviving are her son, Richard (Susan) Morris of Swain; her daughter, Mary (Donald) Pike of Dalton, 3 grandchildren; 7 great-grandchildren; 2 great-great grandchildren; several nieces & nephews.

At Onalee’s request there will be no prior calling hours.  A Memorial Service will be held on Saturday, August 13, 2022 at 11:00 AM at the Assembly of God Church in Dalton, NY.  Final interment will be in Union Cemetery, Dalton, NY.

Onalee’s family request that in lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in her name be made to either the Assembly of God Church, Dalton, NY or the Nunda Ambulance Fund, Nunda, NY.

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

Catherine M. Hamblin – 50 – of 120 East Washington St, Bath, formerly of Hornell, died Friday afternoon (July 8, 2022) at Mt. Sinai Hospital in New York City, following a long illness.

Born in Rochester on May 5, 1972, she was the daughter of David VanValkenburg and Alice Hackett.

Catherine grew up in Hornell and was a graduate of Hornell High School (class of 1991).  Following high school graduation she resided in an ARC Home on Pearl St., Hornell for several years.

In the 1980s through the 1990s, Catherine competed in Special Olympics where she competed in swimming, track & field, volleyball and basketball.  She also enjoyed attending the Hornell Sports Night dinner which benefitted Special Olympics.

For many years, Catherine worked in the kitchen at Steuben ARC in Bath.  She enjoyed watching sporting events on TV and was a die-hard Atlanta Braves fan and actually knew the birthdays and batting averages of the entire Atlanta Braves roster.  She will be remembered as a girl with a big heart who made friends easily.  She will be sadly missed by her family & many friends, especially those at Walgreens in Hornell.

She was preceded in death by her mother, Alice who died in 1998.

She was married on December 8, 2018 to Kenneth “Ken” Hamblin who survives.  Also surviving are her father, David VanValkenburg of Atlanta, NY; 2 sisters, Robin (Bobby Austin) VanValkenburg of Fillmore, NY and Peggie (Thomas) Taylor of North Hornell; her nieces & nephews, Jessica Crandall, Jamie VanValkenburg, Alisha Conley, Tynia Conley and Carter Conley; 1 great-niece, Indigo Leggett; 2 great-nephews, Jared Leggett and Sammy Conley.

At Catherine’s request there will be no calling hours.  A “Celebration of Life” will be held on Saturday (July 16, 2002) beginning at 1:00 PM at James Street Park, Hornell, NY.  Those wishing are welcome to bring a “dish to pass.”

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

Catherine’s family request that in lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in her name be made to either the NYS Special Olympics or the ARC of Steuben.

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

Hornell, New York

Nessadena A. “Nessa” Ortiz-Price – 40 – formerly of State Route #21, Hornell, died unexpectedly on Wednesday (May 18, 2022) at Ira Davenport Hospital in Bath, NY.

Born in Buffalo, NY on October 23, 1981, she was the daughter of Pedro Ortiz and Pamela Lee.

Nessa was born of native Indian heritage, was a member of the Seneca Nation.  She had resided in the Hornell – Almond area for the past 4 years and had been a member of the Alfred Union Church.

Surviving are her husband, Darrin Price; her daughters, Genevieve Price, April Gregor, Marisa Gonzales and Yasmine Rodriguez; her son, Antonio; her mother, Pamela Lee; her “Surrogate Mom”, Robin Zaczek; 2 brothers, Christopher Seth and Peter Longboat.

There will be no calling hours.  A Memorial Service will be held at the Alfred Union Church at a time & date to be announced.

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

Edna K. Brazen – 90 – of 90 Hartshorn St., Hornell, died Saturday morning (July 2, 2022) at Elderwood at Hornell Nursing Facility following a long illness.

Born in Scranton, PA on March 1, 1932, she was the daughter of John & Mary  (Bryndza) Rosofsky.

Edna grew up in Scranton, PA and was a graduate of Scranton, High School.  Shortly after high school graduation, she married Joseph Brazen and together moved to Hornell in the early 1950s.

She was a member of Our Lady of the Valley Parish and a communicant of St. Ann’s Church.  Edna enjoyed making a “Friendly Wager” and loved visiting the casinos in Atlantic City, Salamanca, Las Vegas and taking cruises where gambling was permitted.  In her younger years, she could often be found playing bingo in and around the Hornell area.  She was also a Buffalo Bills fan and enjoyed working in her vegetable garden.

Edna was preceded in death by her husband, Joseph Brazen who died in 1992; her daughter, Kim Chace who died in 2008; her son Joe Brazen who died in 2021.

Surviving are her son, Brandon (Jackie) Chace of Hornell; several nieces & nephews.

At Edna’s request there will be no calling hours.  Private services will be held at the convenience of the family with final interment at the Bath National Cemetery next to her husband.

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

Edna’s family request that in lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in her memory be made to the American Cancer Society, 13 Beech St., Johnson City, NY  13790.

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