Barbara Anne “Barb” Larsen – 84 , Alfred, Actress, Comedienne of life and Theater Director, Barbara Larsen passed away Late Thursday Evening (December 30, 2021) at the age of 84 following a courageous battle with cancer.

Born in Buffalo, NY on August 11, 1937, the “spoiled princess with Shirley Temple Curls” was the daughter of Walter & Eleanor (Grimm) Bollhorst. 

Barb grew up in Orchard Park, NY and was a graduate of West Seneca High School (class of 1955).  She later earned her Degree in Speech and Theater from Ithaca College (class of 1959), while also finding her Future Husband.

She was married on April 4, 1959 to John A. Larsen.  They soon moved to Alfred, New York where Barb worked as a speech therapist for the Hornell School System.  She then followed in her husband’s footsteps changing from Assistant Director and Costume designer for plays and musical casts with over 90 Students in 1977 to continue creating a Dynamic and Statewide Award Winning Theater Department as Director of the Theater, Alfred State College (SUNY Alfred). Barb retired after 20 years of service, but never left her passion for theater. 

Barb adored spending a lifetime on and off the professional stage, from many Star studded Summer Stock productions at the Gateway Playhouse in Bellport, Long Island to a TV performance of The Father, with Thom Christopher (One Life To Live). Often performing with her husband, the couple created the Only Dinner Theater in the area for many years at the Big Elms, in Hornell. These performances are still fondly remembered by local theater goers, especially their husband and wife production of, I Do I Do.

Barbara’s most loved role in the theater was in the Solo Production of, A Place On Earth, winning her a State Actress Award, as well as many memorable standing ovations.

Outside of the theater world, Barbara was a voracious reader, known for reading most everything available at box of books. If not reading, she would be found nurturing her creative talents and her “Very green thumb” working in her beautiful flower garden or Plant Room. Weeds were not her friend, but a gorgeous bloom was her love. She also loved to laugh and make others laugh. Loved watching her mentor Carol Burnett and inspiring others with their creative dreams. Also known for her incredible cooking, baking and canning, family recalls only one kitchen fail- a green tomato pie. Her talents also lead to perfecting Pine Needle Basket weaving, shopping online, enjoying her Pet Boxers and making family and friends laugh.

Barbara always missed her husband John who passed. October 20, 2003. 

Those she loved dearly, who will carry on her enthusiasm for life and its unfolding story are 2 sons, Scott Larsen and wife Diane of Fort Edward, NY and Todd Larsen and partner Steven Kowall of Hollywood, CA; 2 grandchildren, Kristen Larsen of San Francisco and Jonathan Larsen and wife Cora of Saratoga Springs, along with 2 great-grandchildren. 

Barb requested there be no calling hours.  A “Celebration of Life” will be held in the Spring 2022.

Funeral arrangements are in care of the Dagon Funeral Home

The family requests that in lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in her name be made to the John & Barb Theater Scholarship Fund, C/O Theater Department, SUNY Alfred, Alfred, NY 14802 or the Alfred Ambulance Fund, C/O A.E. Crandall Hook & Ladder, Box 582, Alfred, NY 14802 

Frederick Fain – 72 of Puffer Road, Cameron, died unexpectedly Sunday (December 26, 2021) at St. James Hospital.

Funeral arrangements are incomplete at the Dagon Funeral Home, 38 Church St., Hornell, NY.

Ezio Anthony Fiacco, 92, of 38 Oak Street, Hornell, NY, passed away on December 26^th at St. James Mercy Hospital, surrounded by his loving family.

Born in Torrice, Italy on June 29^th, 1929, he was the son of the late Stephen and Mary (Panfili) Fiacco.

Ezio immigrated to the United States in 1938 at the age of nine. His family settled in Hornell, NY where he attended St. Ann’s School and graduated from Hornell High School in 1948.

In 1951, he was drafted into the U.S. Army where he proudly served his country during the Korean War, eventually attaining the rank of Corporal, as a paratrooper with the 187^th Airborne Infantry Regiment (Rakkasans).  He was a recipient of the Army of Occupation Medal, Korea Defense Service Medal, Combat Infantryman Badge, United Nations Korea Medal, and Good Conduct Medal.

After being honorably discharged from his military service in 1953, he returned home to Hornell, where he resumed his career at Stern and Stern Textile Mill. He retired in 1994 as Manager of the Weaving Department after 46 years of service to the company in various roles. He also assisted his family at Fiacco’s Bakery in Hornell for many years, as well as working at the bar owned by his cousins, the Lisi’s.

Ezio is survived by his wife of 68 years, Mary (Colomaio) Fiacco, whom he married at St. Ann’s Church on August 1^st, 1953; his two children, Stephen (Gerri) Fiacco of Warren, NJ and Richard (Kirsten) Fiacco of Corning, NY; his five grandchildren, Derek, Kyle, MaryClaire, Matthew, and Gina Fiacco; his two brothers Robert Fiacco of Hornell, NY and Stephen Fiacco of Brockton, MA; brother-in-law Leo Tuite of Brockton, MA; and many nieces and nephews.

Ezio was preceded in death by his twin sisters who died at birth, and his beloved sister, Edda (Fiacco) Tuite, of Brockton, MA.

He was a member of Our Lady of the Valley Parish and a communicant of St. Ann’s Church in Hornell, where he served as an altar boy and usher for many years, and could be seen sitting in the back row of Mass with his extended family. His other memberships included the Knights of Columbus Hornell Council 243, Arthur H. Cunningham American Legion Post 440, Carducci Lodge (Sons of Italy), and the Hornell Moose Lodge.

He enjoyed woodworking, daily walks, tending to his lawn, bushes, and garden, and watching New York Yankees games. Above all else, he loved spending his retirement with his grandchildren, attending their school activities and sporting events, and telling them stories of his childhood in Italy, military service in Korea, and travels stateside and abroad for his career.

A private family viewing will be held at Dagon Funeral Home.  Family & friends are invited to attend a Mass of Christian Burial on Saturday January 1^st, 2022 at 11:30 AM at St. Ann’s Church. Burial with military funeral honors will be at Bath National Cemetery.

Due to recent New York State mandates, everyone attending the Funeral Mass will be required to wear a facemask.  Thank you for your cooperation.

A “Celebration of Life” will be held in June, 2022 at a time & place to be announced.

Ezio’s family requests that in lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in his name be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, PO Box 1000 – Dept. 300, Memphis, TN 38148.

Robert C. “Bob” D’Apice – 73 – of 17 Meadowbrook Dr., Arkport, died unexpectedly Friday afternoon (December 24, 2021) at Noyes Memorial Hospital in Dansville, following a brief illness.

Born in Hornell on October 8, 1948, he was the son of Robert & Genevieve “June” (Cole) D’Apice.

Bob grew up in Hornell and was a graduate of Hornell High School (class of 1967).  Following high school graduation, he was employed for a time at Gleason’s in Rochester prior to working at the Erie Lackawanna Railroad.

He was a Veteran of the US Army, serving his country from 1968 – 1970 during the Vietnam era.  While in the Army, Bob was stationed in Korea.

Following his honorable discharge from the military, Bob returned to the Hornell area and resumed working for the railroad.  It was at that time that he served a four year apprenticeship to become a licensed electrician and later becoming employed at Corning Glass Works.

Along with his wife, Pat, Bob established D’Apice Market on River St., Hornell, which they owned & operated for several years.  As a licensed electrician, Bob established B/D Electric of Hornell, a full electrical supply store.  For the past 30 years, he served as an electrical inspector for Atlantic-Inland Inc., N.Y.

A resident of the Arkport area since 1975, Bob was a member of Our Lady of the Valley Parish and a communicant of St. Ann’s Church.

Bob was currently a member of the American Legion and past commander of the Arkport American Legion where he served as a member of the American Legion Honor Guard. Through the years he served on several committees at the county level, in 2015-16 Bob served as the Steuben County American Legion Commander. Currently he was assistant sergeant of arms, executive committee and delegate to the district. In addition to his American Legion Service he has also served as the Steuben County Sons of American Legion Commander and has served as the SAL Chair Liaison of the county American Legion.

Bob was an avid Buffalo Bills Football fan and also loved rooting for the Ohio State Buckeyes.  A true “family man” he loved the time that he spent with family and especially loved camping during the summer months.

He was married on March 4, 1972 to the former Patricia “Pat” Taylor who survives.  Also surviving are his daughter, Crystal (Robert) Henshaw of Arkport; 2 brothers, Randy (Connie) D’Apice of Hornell and Andrew D’Apice of Pensacola, FL; 1 sister, Anna Baker of Hornell; 2 grandchildren, Jacob Henshaw and Chloee Henshaw of Arkport; niece Deanna D’Apice of Hornell; nephews Daniel D’Apice of Hawaii and Peter Persichilli of Hornell.

The family of Robert C. “Bob” D’Apice will receive friends on Thursday from 2:00 PM  –  4:00 PM at the Dagon Funeral Home, 38 Church St., Hornell, NY.  Funeral services with full military honors will be held at the conclusion of calling hours at 4:00 PM with Deacon Robert McCormick officiating.  Burial will be in Heritage Hill Cemetery, Arkport, NY.

Due to recent New York State mandates, everyone attending calling hours or the funeral service will be required to wear a face mask.

Bob’s family request that in lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in his name be made to St. Ann’s Academy, 41 Genesee St., Hornell, NY or the Hornell Area Humane Society, 7649 Industrial Park Rd., Hornell, NY  14843.   Memorial forms will be available at the Dagon Funeral Home.

In recognition of Bob’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.

Geneseo, New York

Judie A. Perez, 71, of Geneseo, NY died peacefully at home with her family by her side on December 18th, 2021.

Judie was born in 1950 in Idaho, and was the daughter of Andrew & Virginia (Anderson) Trease.  She lived in several locations including Nevada, Idaho, Alaska, and New York. She had resided in the Geneseo area for the past 9 years.

She married the love of her life, Nelson, in 1969 in Elko, Nevada. She resided in Nevada and Alaska for most of her life before moving to Geneseo, NY to be closer to her son & his family.

Judie is survived by her loving husband, Nelson; their son and daughter-in-law Victor (Amy) Perez; grandchildren Megan (Joseph) Semmel, Victoria and Katharine Perez and her sister Christine and several nieces and nephews.

In addition to her parents, Judie was preceded by 3 sisters, Candice “Candi”, Dorothy, and Peggy.

Due to COVID-19 no prior calling hours will be held at this time. Funeral services will be held privately at the convenience of the family. A celebration of life will be held on a later date at the Loon Lake Chapel.

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

In lieu of flowers, please make donations to the Livingston County Hospice, 2 Murray Hill Drive, Attn: Hospice Agency, Mt. Morris, NY 14510.

Thank you to the many friends and family that have supported us during this difficult time.

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

Joseph  N. “Joe” Brazen – 65 – of 90 Hartshorn St., Hornell, died early Friday morning (December 17, 2021) at Strong Memorial Hospital following a long illness.

Born in Scranton, PA on august 12, 1956, he was the son of Joseph & Edna (Rosofsky) Brazen.

Joe grew up in Hornell and attended Hornell High School where he was a member of the HHS Wrestling Team and the HHS Soccer Team.  He later played in the Men’s Soccer League in Alfred, NY.

He was a veteran of the United States Marine Corp, serving his country from 1974 – 1978 (Active Duty) and from 1978 – 1980 (Reserves).  While serving in the Marines, Joe was stationed in many locations, including Okinawa, Japan and the Philippines.

Following his honorable discharge from the Marines, Joe was employed for about 3 years at Alfred State College (SUNY Alfred) working in the Food Service Department.  He was later employed as a machinist at General Marble in Hornell and for about 20 years worked at Polly-O in Campbell, NY.  He retired in 2020.

Joe was an avid golfer & fisherman and also enjoyed watching NFL Football.

He was preceded in death by his sister, Kim Chase who died in 2008.

Surviving are his mother, Edna Brazen of Hornell; his brother, Brandon (Jackie) Chace of Hornell; his nephew, Kyle (Joanna) Porter of Virginia Beach, VA.

At Joe’s request there  will be no calling hours.  Private services will be held at the convenience of the family with final interment in the Bath National Cemetery, Bath, NY.

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

Joe’s family request that in lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in his name be made to the Wounded Warrior Project, P.O. Box 758516, Topeka, KS  66675-8516