Mary Ann Losecco – 88 – of 1190 County Route 66 (The Woodlands), Hornell, died Thursday morning (February 11, 2021) at St. James Hospital, following a long illness.

Born in Hornell on July 26, 1932, she was the daughter of Frank & Edna (Norton) Secondo.

Mary Ann, affectionately known as “Mama Losecco” grew up in Hornell and was a graduate of St. Ann School and Hornell High School (class of 1950).

Throughout the years, Mary Ann worked at various jobs, including the former Reitnauer Grocery, Richtmyers Grocery and Tasty Pastry of Hornell.  She also served as a cook in the cafeteria at Alfred State College and operated the Snack Bar at the former Bethesda Community Hospital.  In addition, Mary Ann worked at the lunch counter at the former Dunn’s Drug Store and served as a cook at the former Ponce DeLeon Restaurant.  For many years, “Mama Losecco” helped her son, Fran, serving as cook & baker at Fran’s Locker Room and Losecco’s Family Market.  She was especially known for her Italian Dishes such as meatballs & pasta along with her homemade soups.  Her goal was to make sure that no one ever walked away hungry!!

She was a member of Our Lady of the Valley Parish and a communicant of St. Ann’s Church.  She had been a member of the Ladies of Columbus and also the Catholic Daughters of America.  Mary Ann loved spending time in her kitchen, cooking (especially Italian dishes) and baking for her family and friends.  Throughout the years, she enjoyed “keeping up the house”, both inside and outside, especially shoveling snow, mowing the lawn and doing yard work.  She also loved joining her husband and son rooting for the Miami Dolphins.

Mary Ann was married on October 6, 1951 to Francis “Frank” Losecco who died in 2016.  She was also preceded in death by her daughter, Tina Marie Losecco (died 1972); and her brother, Carl Secondo.

Surviving are 2 daughters, Regina “Gina” Gurrola of Mesa, AZ and Theresa (Chuck) Hallas of Hornell; 1 son, Francis “Fran” (Lynda) Losecco of Canisteo; 1 brother, Frank Secondo of Mesa, AZ; 4 sisters, Dorothy Ermy of Hornell, Joanne Porcaro of Hornell, Janice (Stan) Davis of Mesa, AZ and Patty Lenhart of Mesa, AZ; 7 grandchildren; 7 great-grandchildren (one on the way); several nieces & nephews.

Due to COVID-19, there will be no prior calling hours.  A Memorial Mass will be celebrated on Friday at 10:00 AM at St. Ann’s Church with final interment at St. Mary’s Cemetery.

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

The Memorial Mass for Mary Ann Losecco will be streamed via YouTube and can be viewed on the Dagon Funeral Home Facebook page on Friday at 10:00 AM by visiting www.facebook.com/dagonfuneralhome.  The video will remain available for viewing on our Facebook page for 30 days.

Mary Ann’s family request that in lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in her name be made to the Comfort Care/Hospice of St. James Hospital, 7329 Seneca Road North, Hornell, NY 14843.

Mary M. “Margie” Secondo – 79 – of 26 Crosby St., Hornell, passed away Monday, February 8, 2021 at St. James Hospital Comfort Care, Hornell NY, following a long illness.

She was born in Hornell on April 7, 1941, the youngest daughter of Gustava and Margaret (Hebenstreit) Pollinger.

Growing up in Hornell, Margie attended the former St. Ann School and graduated from Hornell High School (class of 1959).  After graduation, she was trained at the former St. James Mercy Hospital as a surgical tech. Margie worked in the surgical unit full time for several years and part time while raising her young family before becoming a teacher’s aide with the Hornell City School District.  She began her career with the district as a special education aide at the Lincoln School and then became a computer aide at both the Bryant and Intermediate schools. Margie retired in 2003 after thirty-three years.  Upon retirement, she babysat her grandchildren for several joyful and memorable years.

She was a member of Our Lady of the Valley Parish and a communicant of St. Ann’s Church and former communicant of St. Ignatius Loyola Church.  Margie played an active role (floral arrangements and crown) for the May Crowning Ceremony at the former St. Ignatius Church and was a Cub Scout Den Leader for several years. Margie was also a member of the Ladies of Columbus.

In addition to her parents, she was predeceased by her sister and brother-in-law, Carolyn & Ronald Quinlan; brother and sister-in-law, Richard & Jean (Quartz) Pollinger; sister-in-law, Josephine (Secondo) Didsbury; brother-in-law, Thomas Smith.

Margie was married on December 7, 1963 to Jerry D. Secondo who survives. Also, surviving are her son, Michael (Susan) Secondo of Bronxville NY; her daughter, Eileen (James) Marino of Hornell NY; four grandchildren, Juliet & Natalie Marino of Hornell, Ignatius (Nate) Marino of Rochester NY, Reid Secondo of Boston, MA; step-granddaughter, Hilary Marshall of Newport, RI; brother-in-law and wife, Tom (Mary) Secondo of Hornell, NY; sister-in-law, Carole (Secondo) Smith of Pulteney; brother-in-law, Bernie Didsbury of Arizona.  Also surviving are many nieces and nephews from the Secondo, Pollinger, and Quinlan families.

She enjoyed playing bunco and cards, having coffee with the girls at the Texas Cafe and JC’s Cafe, traveling (especially to Newport RI), playing the piano, and family gatherings around the holidays. However, her greatest joy was watching her children & grandchildren in sporting events (swimming & soccer), musical events (choir & band concerts), high school plays and many dance recitals.

Margie will be remembered as the family seamstress, for her delicious pies, cookies and cakes, and as being a beloved wife, mother, grandmother and friend.  She will be sadly missed and forever loved by those touched by her friendly smile.  A friend to all, Margie had a genuine way of making people feel welcome, and anyone who knew her was touched by her compassion and friendship.

The family of Mary M. “Margie” Secondo will receive friends on Sunday from 4:00 PM – 6:00 PM at the Dagon Funeral Home, 38 Church St., Hornell, NY.  A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11:00 AM on Monday at St. Ann’s Church with burial in St. Mary’s Cemetery.

Margie’s family would like to express their gratitude for the outstanding care and support she received during the last 3 months of her life, especially to Dr. Picco and staff, supportive relatives, and true friends.  A special thank you to the staff at Comfort Care / Hospice at St. James Hospital who provided such comfort to Margie in her final days.

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

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in Margie’s name may be made to Comfort Care / Hospice at St. James Hospital, 7329 Seneca Road North, Hornell, NY 14843 or Our Lady of the Valley Parish, 27 Erie Avenue, Hornell, NY 14843.  Memorial forms will be available at the Dagon Funeral Home.

Yolanda Patricia Chirgwin Hogan, age 99, and a resident of Hornell, NY for over 70 years, passed away peacefully at her home on February 7, 2021 with family members at her side.  She was a shining light in the world.

Yolanda was born on September 3, 1921, in Buenos Aires, Argentina, to William Cresswell Chirgwin (a British Emissary to Argentina) and Alice Slooman Chirgwin. She was proud of her British citizenship, her ties to Argentina and especially her U.S. citizenship.

She was predeceased by her loving husband and former Mayor of Hornell, Francis P. “Dye” Hogan in 1976 and by her loving sister and best friend, Joan Chirgwin Usera, in 2014.  Sadly, at the age of four, her mother died in childbirth, along with her infant brother, Jon Siers Cary Chirgwin.

Following the death of her mother, she and her sister returned to England.  They attended boarding school and when they were not in school their paternal grandmother in England cared for them.  Upon graduation, Yolanda returned to Buenos Aires to attend nursing school.  When she graduated, she was offered a nursing position in Curacao, an island off the coast of South America.  It was there that she met the “love of her life,” Francis P. Hogan.  They were married six weeks later in Curacao and returned to Hornell, N.Y. in 1945 to live and raise their family.

“Dye” and “Pat” raised eight children, all of whom survive her, including:  Patricia Lewis of Hornell, NY (whom she lived with and was her caregiver, along with granddaughter Michelle Burch), Michael (Rita) Hogan of Bluffton, SC, Kevin (Mary Jo) Hogan of Jamestown, NC, Shawn (Holly) Hogan of Hornell, NY, John (Shawna) Hogan of Valley Cottage, NY, Sheila (Jim) Rucinski of Olean, NY, Bernadette (Nick) Oliveri of Kenmore, NY and Christopher (Mary Helen) Hogan of Grafton, WI.  Her treasured 21 grandchildren and her beloved 28 (soon to be 29) great-grandchildren also survive her.  Grandma Hogan or GG, as she was called, loved every baby that was born as much as the first.  She nurtured and cared for all of her family members with unending warmth and affection.  Several nieces and a nephew also survive her.

Yolanda P. Hogan was a steadfast friend, a great travel companion, a book-lover, a crossword solver, a collector of fine antiques, an animal lover (especially Boo and Morgan), a consummate cook/baker (especially her delectable French bread), an avid walker (due to never having a driver’s license), a good Democrat, a Michigan Wolverines and Buffalo Bills fan, a spontaneous giggler, a Bingo and Bunco groupie, and especially, a giver of everything she had to others.

“If you have much, give of your wealth; if you have little, give of your heart.”  –  an Arabic Proverb

She loved to travel and especially loved her numerous yearly trips to Cape Cod, MA to visit her dear sister Joan and her husband, Julio Usera.  Joan and “Peggy (her sister’s name for her) spent wonderful time antiquing, playing Scrabble and card games, drinking tea and red wine, speaking Spanish, and enjoying the beach and each other.  Despite life’s adversities, they persevered and persisted with grace, joy, love, intelligence and elegance.

At Yolanda’s request, there will be no prior calling hours.  A private family service will be held on Sat. Feb. 20^th.  A memorial mass and burial service will take place at a later date.

Arrangements are in the care of Dagon’s Funeral Home, 38 Church St., Hornell, NY.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in her memory to St. James Hospital Foundation, 7329 Seneca Rd. N., Hornell, NY 14843 or Catholic Charities Turning Point, 20 Elm St. Hornell, NY 14843.

Cynthia R. “Cindy” Gallese – 68 – of 24 Pardee St., Hornell, died early Wednesday evening (February 3, 2021) at St. James Hospital, following a brave and courageous battle with Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS).

She was born in Hornell on May 2, 1952.

Cindy grew up in Hornell and was a graduate of Hornell High School (class of 1970).  She later attended Alfred State College School of Nursing where she obtained her Licensed Practical Nursing (LPN) Degree and later her Registered Nursing Degree (RN).  Cindy eventually went on to earn her Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology.  She later taught several nursing courses at Alfred State College.

As a Registered Nurse she served the Hornell community with her heart and soul.  She had been employed for a time at Steuben County ARC, working at several group homes in the Hornell area.  For many years she worked as a registered nurse at St. James Mercy Hospital, primarily in the Adolescent Psychology Unit.  Most recently she was employed as a registered nurse at Hornell Gardens.

Cindy was a member of Our Lady of the Valley Parish and a communicant of St. Ann’s Church.  She was a former member of the Hornell Association.  Cindy was an avid reader and would read anything and everything! She also enjoyed swimming at the Hornell YMCA. She enjoyed meditation, Yoga & Qigong.

A very spiritual woman, Cindy enjoyed taking trips with her husband, Joe, to such places as Our Lady of Fatima Shrine, Lily Dale (Spiritual Community) at Chautauqua Lake, and also loved traveling to visit her children in places such as Boston and Long Island.

She was married on April 1, 1978 to Joseph “Joe” Gallese who survives.  Also surviving are 3 sons, Gary “Buddy” (Karen Robinson) Strobel of St. Augustine, FL, Joseph Gallese of Canandaigua, NY and Michael (Jessica) Gallese of Hornell; 1 daughter, Hilary (Domenic) Argentieri of Rochester; several siblings including Donna Spicer of Hornell, Jimmy (Charlene) Pond of Virginia and Milburn Pond of Mississippi; 7 grandchildren, Casey Strobel, Melody Strobel, Joseph Gallese, Brooke Gallese, Sabin Gallese, Ruby Argentieri and Lola Argentieri; several nieces & nephews.

Due to the Coronavirus Pandemic, there will be no prior calling hours.  Family & friends are invited to attend a Mass of Christian Burial on Tuesday at 10:00 AM at St. Ann’s Church.  Burial will be in St. Mary’s Cemetery.

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

Cindy’s family request that in lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in her name be made to the Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis Foundation, Upstate New York Chapter, 135 Old Cove Rd., Suite 213, Liverpool, NY 13090

William “Bill” Bobownik – (98) – of 23 Hart St., Hornell, died Saturday morning (January 30, 2021) at the Vincent House in Wayland where he resided for the past three months.

A native & lifelong resident of Hornell, he was born May 15, 1922, and was the son of George & Anna Bobownik.

He was a graduate of Hornell High School (class of 1940) and was a lifelong member of Our Lady of the Valley Parish and a communicant of St. Ann’s Church.

Bill was a Veteran of WWII, serving in the US Air Force.  He was on board the very first Troop Ship leaving the east coast (December 11, 1941) following the bombing at Pearl Harbor.

He was employed for over 11 years at the Erie Railroad Police Department.  For 22 years, he served as principal engineering technician at the New York State Department of Transportation.  He retired in 1977.

Bill was preceded in death by his sisters, Ann Downey and Mary Bobownik.

Surviving are his longtime companion, Mary Willsey of Hornell; 4 nieces & 1 nephew.

Bill’s family would like to express their gratitude to the wonderful staff and caregivers at the Vincent House for the loving care that he received during the final three months of his life.

At Bill’s request there will be no calling hours.  A Memorial Mass will be held on Saturday at 1:00 PM at St. Ann’s Church with final interment in St. Ann’s Cemetery.

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

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in Bill’s name may be made to the Vincent House, 310 Second St., Wayland, NY 14572

Nancy J. Curran – 73 – of 23 Crosby St., Hornell, died early Saturday morning (January 30, 2021) at her home, following a long illness.

Born in Hornell on June 15, 1947, she was the daughter of Ludwig & Irene (Allis) Pauly.

Growing up in Hornell, Nancy was a graduate of Hornell High School (class of 1966).  In her younger years, she served as a crossing guard for the Hornell School District.  For many years she was employed at Dyco Electronics in Hornell, retiring bout 10 years ago.

Nancy had a deep love of her family and also enjoyed the company of her feline companions (cats), “Bandit”, “Frisky” & “Sunny”.  She had been a member of the Hornell Association.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Ludwig & Irene Pauly; and her brother, Ludwig “Louie” Pauly, JR.; her sister, Mary Lou Patton.

Nancy was married on September 6, 1969 to Charles “Chuck” Curran who survives.  Also surviving are 2 daughters, Shannon (Kyle) Bell of Westfield, PA and Kelly (Edward) Ellis of Hornell; 1 brother, William “Bill” (Betty) Pauly of Hornell; 2 sisters, Linda (Earl) Moore of Tyrone, PA and Helen (Gerry) Persichilli of Hornell; 7 grandchildren, Brittany (Reid) Welch, Jacob Seeley, Tyler Parker, Taryn Parker, Hayden Parker, Karlie Parker and Jase Ellis; several nieces & nephews.

At Nancy’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.

Nancy’s family request that in lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in her name be made to either the Hornell Humane Society, 7649 Industrial Park Road, Hornell, NY  14843 or to CareFirst Hospice, 3805 Meads Creek Rd., Painted Post, NY  14870

William T. “Bill” Pryor – 89 – of 1071 Sharps Hill Road, Arkport, died Thursday evening (January 28, 2021) at his home, following a long illness.

Born in Hornell on March 23, 1931, he was the son of Dorance & Mary (Taylor) Pryor.  However, he was raised by his “parents”, Vern & Agnes Livermore.

Bill grew up in Arkport and was a graduate of Arkport Central School (class of 1949).  He attended the University of Buffalo before enlisting in the US Marine Corps.  He served his country as a member of the US Marines from 1951-1954, spending a year in Korea fighting during the Korean Conflict.

Following his honorable discharge from the Marines, Bill returned to the Arkport area where he lived for the next two years.  From 1955-1964 he resided in Phelps, NY, and was employed as a Lineman for New York Telephone Company.  In 1964 he moved back to Arkport and continued working for New York Telephone Company in many capacities, retiring in 1988 as a manager.

Bill, along with his wife, Nancy, owned and operated Stone Hill Blueberry Farms on Stone Hill Road in Arkport where area families could enjoy the day picking their own blueberries.  For many families, this became an annual tradition.

An avid outdoorsman, Bill enjoyed hunting & fishing.  He especially loved hunting deer, turkey and small game on his own land.

He was married on April 15, 1955 to the former Nancy Fuller who died December 2, 2006.  He was also preceded in death by 2 sons, Robert “Jay” Pryor (died 1964) and Martin “Marty” Pryor (died 2020); and his sister, Marianne Remsen.

Surviving are his loving companion, Kathie Pfaff; 3 sons, Bill (Amy) Pryor of Albrightsville, PA, Todd (Yvonne) Pryor of Clifton Springs, NY and Matt (Kelli Tierney) Pryor of Arkport; 2 granddaughters, Michelle (Richard Zimmerman) Pryor of Arkport and Taylor Pryor of Clifton Springs; 1 great-granddaughter, Harper Zimmerman; nieces & nephews.

At Bill’s request there will be no calling hours.  A private graveside service with Full Military Honors will be held at Heritage Hill Cemetery in Arkport at the convenience of the family.

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

Bill’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 CareFirst Hospice, 3805 Meads Creek Rd., Painted Post, NY  14870

Jeffrey L. “Witt” White – 66 – of 202 Spring Meadow Apartments, Bath, died Sunday afternoon (January 24, 2021) at Corning Hospital, following a long and courageous battle with cancer.

Born in Bath, NY on February 1, 1954, he was the son of Leroy & Ruth (Spurling) White.

Jeffrey grew up in Bath and was a graduate of  Haverling High School (class of 1973).  He had been employed as a builder & inspector for Babcock Ladder Company for about 12 years and briefly worked as a construction laborer in the Bath area.  He later was employed as a “cutter” and “stamping machine operator” for Clark Specialty in Hammondsport.

A 17 year cancer survivor, Jeffrey enjoyed collecting model cars.  As an accomplished artist, he loved drawing & sketching and was known for his beautiful line drawings.  He also enjoyed making beaded doorway & window curtains and pin striping cars.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Leroy & Ruth White.

Surviving are 3 sons, Jason (Charity) Wenban of Seminole, FL, David (Elizabeth Wellington) White of Avoca and Thomas White of Avoca; his brother, Larry D. White of Bath; his step-sister, Linda “Lynn” Sandler of Texas; 5 grandchildren, Colin White, Lilly White, Kadence White, Aryah Wellington and Eliana Wellington; several nieces & nephews.

At Jeffrey’s request there will be no calling hours.  Private services will be held at the convenience of the family with a “Celebration of Life” to be held at a future date.

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

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in his name may be made to a charity of the donor’s choice.

Hornell, New York

Bryon G. Hubbell – 43 – of 41 Washington St., Hornell, died unexpectedly on Sunday (January 24, 2021) at his home.

Born in Westfield, NY on May 17, 1977, he was the son of Scott LaFazia and Sarah Delahoy and the adopted son of Gordon & Electra (Delahoy) Hubbell.

Bryon grew up in Sherman, NY and was a graduate of Cassadaga Valley Central School.  He later attended SUNY Fredonia where he studied music and Jamestown Community College where he studied Literature.

Throughout the years, Byron resided in several locations, including Sebring, FL, Jamestown, NY and has lived in Hornell for the past year.

He was preceded in death by his adoptive parents, Gordon & Electra Hubbell; his adoptive brothers, Duncan Calhoun and Douglas Calhoun; his brother, Stephen LaFazia.

Surviving are his mother, Sarah Berg of Zephyrhills, FL; his father, Scott LaFazia of Arizona; 3 brothers, David Bansbach of South Carolina, Cory Rodriguez of Florida and George Corbett of Jamestown; 1 sister, Terra LaFazia of Las Vegas, NV; several aunts, uncles, nieces & nephews.

At Bryon’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.

In lieu of flowers, nemorial contributions in Bryon’s name may be made to the charity of the donor’s choice.

Jacob C. “Jake” Whiteman, AKA “Uncle Money” – 28 – of Hornell died unexpectedly Sunday morning (January 10, 2021) in Hornell.

A native & life resident of the Hornell area, he was born on February 6, 1992.  He attended Hornell High School and later received his General Education Diploma (GED).

Throughout the years, Jake had been employed at Hornell Furniture Outlet (HFO) as a delivery person; as a cook at Applebee’s’ Restaurant and in the kitchen of Elderwood at Hornell Nursing Facility.  He had a deep appreciation of the outdoors and enjoyed camping & fishing.  He also loved playing video games.

Jake was affectionately known as the “Family Jokester” and the “Life of the Party.”  He was always ready with a smile and his goal was to make you laugh.  Jake was looking forward to serving as “Best Man” for his lifelong pal, Joey Livengood and organizing his bachelor’s party which was to be held in Las Vegas, NV in the near future.  Joey is engaged to Jake’s sister, Haley.

He was preceded in death by his maternal grandfather, Archie Knight; his paternal grandparents, Tom & Nancy Whiteman.

Jake was married on November 16, 2015 to the former Kaitlin “Kait” Dioguardi who survives.  Also surviving are his son & “Best Bud”, Dean Whiteman; his mother, Karen (William) Sutfin of Hornell; his father, David (Lisa) Whiteman of Hornell; his siblings, Joseph (Jean) Whiteman of Hornell, Heather (Curtis) Stanford of Hornell, Haley (Joseph Livengood) Whiteman of Hornell, PVT Robert Bush, SC, Roben (Eric James) Brown of Hornell, Natasha Judkins of Hornell, Jessica Davis of Bath, Taylor Davis of Hornell, Andrew (Megan) Sutfin of Rochester, Naomi (Martin) Nelson of Dahlgren, VA and Angela (Nick) Speegle of DuPont, WA; maternal grandmother, Gertrude Knight of Canisteo, his lifelong friend & “brother”, Jeremiah Wilder; his biological father, Thomas Jackson Jr; many cousins, nieces & nephews.

There will be no prior 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. 

Jake’s family request that in lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in his name be made to the Suicide Prevention Center of New York, 44 Holland Ave., Albany, NY 12229.