Alfred, NY

Douglass T. Turner – 82 – of Alfred, NY died Monday afternoon (February 3, 2020) at Strong Memorial Hospital in Rochester, following a long illness.

Born in Chicago, IL on July 14, 1937, he was the son of Laurent & Alice (DeGraffenried) Turner.

Douglass was a veteran of the US Army, serving his country from 1957 – 1962.  He had been employed at the NYS Department of Health in Albany, NY and had resided in Alfred for the past 10 years.

Surviving are his son, Aaron Turner of California and his daughter, Buffy Turner of Florida.

At Douglass’ 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.

Andrea V.  Bidell – 68 – of 31 Hart St., Hornell, died unexpectedly early Friday morning, January 31, 2020, at her home.

Born in Jackson, MS on February 27, 1951, “Andy” was the daughter of Joseph and Virginia (Hughes) Williams.

In her younger years, Andrea resided in many locations due to her father’s career in higher education, including Mississippi, Indiana, South Dakota, and even Thailand.  During her high school years, she lived in the Buffalo area and was a graduate of Sweet Home High School in Amherst, NY (class of 1969).  In 1973, she received her Bachelor’s Degree in Childhood Education from Buffalo State College where she met her beloved husband.

On July 28, 1973, Andrea married Frederick W. “Fred” Bidell, Jr.  They resided in Fort Collins, CO for nearly seven years where they purchased their first home.  Upon returning to New York, they lived in Swain for three years before moving to Hornell, where they have made their home for the past 36 years.

For many years, Andrea served as the Director of the Hornell Area Arts Council.  She went on to work as Director of Alumni Affairs and Annual Giving at Alfred State College.  More recently, she worked as Executive Director of Alumni Services and the Annual Fund at St. Bonaventure University.

Andy had been a member of the Hornell United Presbyterian Church.  She enjoyed gardening (both flowers and vegetables), hunting for and collecting antiques, watching cooking shows, making her family’s favorite meals, and honeymooning with Fred in Maine.  She was an avid reader and instilled a love of reading, and the arts, in her children.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Joseph and Virginia Williams.

Surviving are her husband, Frederick “Fred” Bidell, Jr.; two sons, Benjamin “Ben” (Kate) Bidell of Grand Island, NY and Zachary “Zach” Bidell of Cheektowaga, NY; one daughter, Elizabeth “Liz” Bidell of Brooklyn, NY; one brother, Joseph (Ann) Williams of Hawaii; one sister, Lana (Steve) Hollmann of Minnesota; one granddaughter, Liliane “Lili” Bidell; and dozens of nieces, nephews, in-laws, and other extended family.At Andrea’s request, there will be no calling hours.  A memorial service will be held on Saturday, February 8, 2020 at 11:00 am at the Hornell United Presbyterian Church with Rev. Katherine Griffis officiating.

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

Andrea’s family request that in lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in her name be made to the Hornell Area Humane Society, 7649 Industrial Park Rd., Hornell, NY 14843.

Julia M. “Julie” Bossard – (69) – formerly of Hornell & Arkport, died early Thursday morning (January 30th, 2020) at her home surrounded by her children, following a long illness. Julie was diagnosed with cancer last March & fought with pride & dignity until the very end.

Born in Hornell on August 17th, 1950, she was the daughter of James & Annie (Roselli) Eveland.

Julie grew up in Hornell & attended St. Ann’s school. She later graduated from Hornell High School (class of 1969).

She had been employed for a time as a receptionist for Richard Andolina DDS & for about 20 years was employed through GST BOCES as a teacher’s aide & worked in the Adolescent Psychiatric Care Unit in St. James Hospital in Hornell where she retired in 2012.

Julie was a member of Our Lady of the Valley Parish & a communicant if St. Ann’s Church. She was an avid golfer & a member of the Hornell Golf Club. She enjoyed dancing & riding motorcycles. Julie loved to go to different fall festivals & craft shows to find her handmade one of a kind jewelry that she loved to collect. She loved being at the lake & the beach & would spend her days in the sun. Julie also enjoyed being with her dog, Henley, who she loved to walk & take for rides.

In addition to her parents, Julie was preceded in death by her first husband, Daniel Swift who died in 1973 & her second husband, Steven “Boz” Bossard who died in 2002. She also had lost her sister-in-law, Cathy Bossard, to her own battle with cancer in 2006.

Surviving are her son, Daniel (Angela Webster) Swift of Millerton, NY; her 3 daughters, Jennifer (Jeff) Walsh of Conifer, CO, Natalie (Nathan) Donahue of Howard, NY & Rachel (Devin Webb) Bossard of Corning; 6 brothers; & 7 grandchildren, Danny Swift, Reghan Swift, Hayden Swift, Jack Walsh, Raelyn Webb, Glenna Webb & Morrison Webb; her mother-in-law, Mary Bossard; along with several very loved nephews & nieces.

At Julie’s request there will be no calling hours. Private services will be held at the convenience of the family.  A “Celebration of Life” will be held at a day & time to be announced.

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

Julie’s family request that in lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in her name be made to the Cathy Bossard Scholarship at Hornell Alumni Association at PO BOX 135, Hornell, NY 14843.

Domenica H. “Maggie” Montemarano – 98 – of 41 ½ Oak St., Hornell, died Friday afternoon (January 24, 2020) at St. James Mercy Hospital, surrounded by her loving family.

Born in Hornell on February 4, 1921, she was the daughter of Antonio & Carmella (DeGaetano) Colomaio.

Maggie grew up in Hornell and was a graduate of St. Ann’s School and later graduated from Hornell High School (class of 1939).  During WWII, she resided in Buffalo for two years working for Bell Aircraft making airplane parts for the Department of Defense.

Returning to Hornell, Maggie had been employed at Woolworth’s (Five & Dime), Koskie’s Music and for 15 years worked in the cafeteria at Hornell High School preparing delicious meals for the high school students.  She retired 34 years ago.

While working for the “Five & Dime”, Maggie met Anthony “Tony” Montemarano who was attending Alfred State College.  Their relationship began when Tony asked if he could walk her home.  After continuing to see each other at the store, Tony finally built up enough courage to ask her mother if they could see a movie together.  Maggie’s mother agreed, but only if Tony had her daughter home by

9:00 PM.  Both mom & dad waited up for them to get home that evening.  Maggie’s mom & dad loved Tony and they always made sure to save some food for him!  Tony & Maggie were married in St. Ann’s Church on January 9, 1943.

Maggie spent her entire life caring for her beloved family.  Known as an amazing cook, Maggie was extremely honored to feed her family and friends with her homemade meals.  She always made sure that everyone had enough to eat and she would never eat until everyone else was fed.

She was a member of Our Lady of the Valley Church and a communicant of St. Ann’s Church.  She could be seen every week at 4:30 Mass on Saturday sitting in the back row alongside family members.  Maggie & Tony were instrumental in establishing St. Ann’s Bingo which, for many years, was held following Sunday Mass.

She was a former member of the Carducci Lodge (Son’s of Italy) and for many years served as an election inspector for the City of Hornell.  In recent years, she, along with her sisters, could be seen at her daily visits to Wegman’s Grocery.

Maggie was preceded in death by her husband of 74 years, Anthony “Tony” Montemarano; her brothers & sisters-in-law, Peter (Betty) Colomaio and Matt (Mary) Colomaio; her brother-in-law, Harold Robbins;  her in-laws, Jen (Joseph) Calabrese, Louise (Russell) Reed and Philomena (Philip) Comella.

Surviving are 2 sons, Francis (Ellen) Montemarano of Punta Gorda, FL and Joseph Montemarano of Arkport; 1 daughter, Mary Montanarella of Rochester; her sisters, Helen Robbins of Hornell, Mary (Ezio) Fiacco of Hornell and Rose (Joseph) DiCosimo of Hornell; 2 granddaughters, Gina (Jason McKinney) Montanarella and Kara (Rob) Kuehne; 4 great-granddaughters, Cecelia Ebersold, Lila Ebersold, Harper Kuehne and Quinn Kuehne; many nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews, great-great nieces and great-great nephews.

The family of Domenica H. “Maggie” Montemarano will receive friends on Monday from 4:00 PM until 7:00 PM at the Dagon Funeral Home, 38 Church St., Hornell, NY.  A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10:00 AM on Tuesday at St. Ann’s Church with burial in St. Mary’s Cemetery.

Maggie’s family request that in lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in her name be made to St. Jude Children’s Hospital, PO Box 1000 – Dept. 300, Memphis, TN  38148.  Memorial forms will be available at the Dagon Funeral Home.

Joanne M. Nilsen – (83) – of 10 West Ave., Arkport, died early Tuesday morning (January 14, 2020) at her home, following a long illness.

Born in Hornell on March 23, 1936, she was the daughter of Carl & Rose (Gallese) Marino.

Joanne grew up in Hornell and was a graduate of St. Ann’s School and later graduated from Hornell High School (class of 1953).  Following high school, she enrolled at Buffalo General Hospital School of Nursing and following her graduation in 1956, she received her nurse’s license.

She was a veteran of the US Navy, serving her country from 1957-1958 as a US Navy Nurse.  Following her honorable discharge from the US Navy, Joanne moved to Brooklyn, NY.  She was employed as a nurse at the Brooklyn VA Medical Center for 38 years where she worked in every department, including Operating Room, Emergency Room and Psych Unit.  She retired in 1996.

In 2003, Joanne returned to the Hornell – Arkport area.  She was a member of St. Ann’s Church and also a member of the Ladies of Columbus.  She enjoyed reading and working on crossword puzzles and also loved rooting for the New York Giants and the New York Yankees.

She was married on October 17, 1962 to Robert “Bob” Nilsen who died February 3, 2016.  Joanne was also preceded in death by her daughter, Abigail Nilsen who died in 1971; 2 brothers, Charles “Chuck” Marino and Anthony “Tony” Marino.

She was married on October 17, 1962 to Robert “Bob” Nilsen who died February 3, 2016.  Surviving are 4 sons, Sam (Jit) Nilsen of Windham, NY, Bryan (Linda) Nilsen of Staten Island, John (Coleen) Nilsen of Baldwinsville, NY and Nicholas (Erin) Nilsen of Webster; 3 sisters, Cheryl Raschiatore of Rochester, Nicoletta Barrie of Rochester and Marylynn Marino of Rochester; her aunt, Lucy Wiley of Hornell; 6 grandchildren; several nieces & nephews.

The family of Joanne M. Nilsen will receive friends on Sunday from 5:00 PM – 7:00 PM at the Dagon Funeral Home, 38 Church St., Hornell, NY.  A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Monday at 10:00 AM at St. Ann’s Church with burial in St. Mary’s Cemetery.

Joanne’s family request that memorial contributions in her name be made to St. Ann’s Academy, PO Box 446, Hornell, NY 14843.  Memorial forms will be available at the Dagon Funeral Home.

In recognition of Joanne’s service to her country while serving in the US Navy, the American Flag at the Dagon Funeral Home will be flown at half-staff.

John T. George – 83 – of 313 Arlington Pl., Hornell, died early Friday morning (January 10, 2020) at his home, following a long illness.

Born in Troupsburg, NY on July 2, 1936 and was the son of Vincent & Etta (Hurlbert) George.

John grew up in Hornell and attended Hornell High School.  He was a Veteran of the US Air Force, serving his country from 1961 – 1963.  While in the Air Force, John had been stationed in Louisiana and also Japan.

A resident of Rush, NY for over 20 years, John had been employed as a truck driver for several companies in the Rochester area, including Zweigles Corporation and also Manson News.  Returning to the Hornell area about 20 years ago, John had been a member of the Hornell American Legion and the Hornell Moose Lodge.

John had a deep affection for animals and all wildlife.  He enjoyed building birdhouses and also feeding the birds, squirrels and other wildlife.  He will be sadly missed by his beloved “canine companions”, Benji & Gracie.

He was preceded in death by 3 sisters, Loretta Alexander, Mary DiCosimo & Marjorie Damrath; 3 brothers, James “Jimmy” George, Frank George & Victor George.

Survivors include the “Love of His Life”, the former Janet Lyke; 1 son, Richard (Susan) Stanton of Prattsburg, NY; 5 daughters, Lorie (Paul) Mosbacher of Wayland, Elaine (Michael) Hicks of Valoise, NY, Susan L. Stanton of Honeoye Falls, NY, Michelle (Jeff) Wrightman of Kentucky and Shirley Bottomley of Hornell; 8 grandchildren; 6 great-grandchildren; several nieces & nephews.

At John’s request there will be no calling hours.  A Memorial Service with full military honors will be held on Saturday at 2:00 PM at the Dagon Funeral Home, 38 Church St., Hornell, NY with Deacon Robert McCormick officiating.  Final interment will be in the Bath National Cemetery.

John’s family request that in lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in his name be made to the Hornell Humane Society, 7649 Industrial Park Road, Hornell, NY 14843.

In recognition of John’s service to his country as a member of the US Air Force, the American Flag at the Dagon Funeral Home will be flown at half-staff.

John A. Thompson – 54 – of 5 Maple Ridge, Almond, NY, died Tuesday evening (January 7, 2020) at Strong Memorial Hospital in Rochester, as a result of injuries sustained in a one-car accident on December 13, 2019.

Born in Hornell on January 5, 1966, he was the son of Dale & Cora (Mills) Thompson.

John grew up in Almond where he attended Alfred-Almond Central School.  He resided in Shallotte, NC for about 2 years where he attended Shallotte High School during his freshman & sophomore years.   He returned to Almond where he graduated from Alfred-Almond Central School (class of 1985).  He later received his Associate’s Degree in Land Surveying from Alfred State College (SUNY Alfred).

For several years he was employed as a land surveyor for Passero Surveying Company of Rochester.  More recently, he worked as a surveyor for Ravi Engineering & Surveying of Rochester.

John had been a member of Alfred Station 7^th Day Baptist Church.  He was a “die hard” Buffalo Bills fan and in his younger years enjoyed hunting.  John had a love of music and especially enjoyed playing classic rock and country music REALLY LOUD!!!  One of John’s favorite pastimes was simply watching vintage TV shows such as Hogan’s Heroes, MASH, Star Trek & Bonanza.  He also loved watching old western movies, especially John Wayne movies.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his brother, Sam Thompson.

John was married on July 22, 1989 to the former Martha Biehl who survives.  Also surviving are 3 daughters, Cora (Josh Ritenburg) Thompson of Dansville, Tamara (Michael) Chaffee of Wellsville and Patricia (Chris) Patterson of Hornell; 3 sisters, Lisa (Robert) Prisco of Bath, ME, Debbie Thompson of Hornell and Amy (Dan) Mack of Cuba, NY; 1 brother, George (Michelle) Thompson of Clarksville, TN; 6 grandchildren; 2 step-grandchildren; several nieces & nephews.

The family of John A. Thompson will receive friends on Monday from 4:00 PM – 7:00 PM at the Dagon Funeral Home, 38 Church St., Hornell, NY where a Funeral Service will be held on Tuesday at 12:00 Noon with Pastor Ken Chroniger officiating.  Burial will be in Woodlawn Cemetery, Almond, NY.

John’s family request that in lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in his name be made to the Alfred Station 7^th Day Baptist Church, PO Box 7777, Alfred Station, NY 14803.  Memorial forms will be available at the Dagon Funeral Home.

Eric C. Ford – 51 of 3997 Fenton Ave., Greenwood, died unexpectedly Monday evening (January 6, 2020) at St. James Mercy Hospital, where he had been taken after being stricken at home.

Born in Fayetteville, NC on April 12, 1968, he was the son of Robert & Sharon (Springer) Ford.

Eric grew up and resided in several places in California, primarily living in Riverside, CA, where he attended Riverside High School.

Moving to New York State in 1998, he lived for a time in Avoca, Bath, South Corning, Canisteo and for the past two years has resided in Greenwood.

While living in Bath, Eric served as a bouncer for several local bars.  He served as a driver for Rensenbeger Transport in New York State and also worked as a welder for Mercury Aircraft in Bath.

Throughout his adult life, Eric enjoyed riding motorcycles and had traveled by motorcycle throughout the United States.  He was an avid outdoorsman who enjoyed hunting & fishing.  He also enjoyed classic cars and watching TV shows about building & restoring classic cars.  Eric loved listening to music and especially enjoyed classic rock and country music.

He was preceded in death by his mother & sister.

Eric was married October 8, 2011to the former Tammy Davis who survives.  Also surviving are his son, Micheal Ford of Greenwood; his daughter, Cassandra Losaw of Canisteo; his step-sons, Shane Davis of Greenwood; Andrew Webster, Joshua Webster & Dylan Webster; 2 brothers, Robert Ford of California and John Youngs of Bath; and his half-brother, David of New Mexico; several nieces & nephews.

At Eric’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. 

Eric’s family request that in lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in his name be made to the Greenwood Volunteer Fire Department & Ambulance Fund, Greenwood, NY.

Joan E. Youngdale – 91 – of 66 Platt St., Hornell, passed away peacefully at her home, following a lengthy illness.

Born in Utica, NY on September 24, 1928, she was the daughter of William & Dorothy (Colmus) Carroll.

Joan grew up in Utica where she attended Blessed Sacrament Catholic School and was a graduate of Utica Free Academy High School with High Honors in 1943.   Following High School graduation, she was employed for several years at a New York State Dairy Lab, testing milk and milk products from farms and milk processing companies.   She held a NYS certification and license as a Dairy Lab Technician.

For over 10 years, Joan worked as an insurance code inspector for Utica Mutual Insurance Company.  After getting married she accepted a position from 1972 to 1979 as a reading aide for special needs students attending the Utica School System.  After moving to Hornell in the summer of 1979, she began working for the  Hornell City School System as a library clerk at Columbian School and then for Hornell High School retiring in 2001 having provided 22 years of service.  Joan enjoyed talking with children that she had directly worked with as kindergarteners now seeing them as high school students.

Joan was a member of Our Lady of the Valley Parish and a communicant of St. Ann’s Church.  While living in Utica, she was a member of Gamma Chi Sorority of Utica, an organization which gave nursing scholarships and other opportunities to well deserving, underprivileged young ladies in the 1950’s.

Joan enjoyed many outdoor activities throughout the years.  She especially enjoyed camping.  Whether in a tent or a tent camper she didn’t care.  She loved the Adirondacks and New York State Parks camping in most but finally settling on Sacandaga Lake at Moffitt’s Beach as her favorite camping spot.  In her earlier years you would find Joan on a Saturday night at one of the many square or round dances in the Utica area.  She also loved being at hockey games where you could “yell as loud as you wanted to and no one around you cared”.  She regularly visited dude ranches in the Adirondacks horseback riding, hiking and swimming.  She traveled the United States extensively in her youth, traveling with the Young Women’s Christian Association.  Several favorite trips were Yosemite, Grand Canyon, San Francisco, Boston, Washington D.C., and New York City.  Joan was an avid reader who preferred non-fiction historical books.   She enjoyed gardening, picnicking and held a special fondness for really good food.

Joan was married to her one and only love, Charles “Charlie” Youngdale on January 23, 1960 at Our Lady of Lourdes in Utica, N.Y.  Charlie died March 9, 2005.  She was also preceded in death by her sister Norma Clarke, her brother William “Bill” Carroll, Jr.

Surviving are 2 daughters, Joanne (Glenn) Schrager of Oakland Park, FL and Carroll Clark of Hornell; her son-in-law, Gary Clark of West Almond; 1 sister, Nancy Burns of Utica, NY; several nieces & nephews.

The family of Joan E. Youngdale will receive friends on Wednesday from 4:00 PM – 6:00 PM at the Dagon Funeral Home, 38 Church St., Hornell, NY.  A Memorial Service will be celebrated at the conclusion of calling hours at 6:00 p.m. Deacon Robert McCormick officiating.  Final interment in Woodlawn Cemetery, Canisteo, NY.

Joan’s family request that in lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in her name be made to St. Jude Children’s Hospital, PO Box 1000 – Dept. 300, Memphis, TN   38148.  Memorial forms will be available at the Dagon Funeral Home.

Mary Eileen Connors – 81 – of Hornell, NY passed away peacefully at home on December 31, 2019 surrounded by her family.

Born in Hornell on May 7, 1938, she was the daughter of Francis and Annabell (Hyland) Gleason.

Eileen was a graduate of Hornell High School Class of 1956 and later graduated from Mercy Hospital School of Nursing (Class of 1959). She had been a communicant of St Ignatius Loyola Church and more recently was a member of  Our Lady of the Valley Parish and a communicant of St. Ann’s Church.  She was a life member of the Hornell Alumni Association and also a member of the Ladies Ancient Order of Hiberians.

She had been employed at St. James Mercy Hospital from 1961-1963 and again in 1983-2000.  After leaving St. James, she worked for three years at Barb Todd’s Daycare where she was fondly known as Grandma Eileen.  She later served as a substitute school nurse in the Hornell City School District for many years.

Eileen battled breast cancer for nearly three decades, never complaining about her personal hardships while maintaining an unbelievably positive attitude even as the disease returned time and time again. She showed everyone around her how to handle life’s challenges with grace, dignity and a smile on her warm Irish face.

Despite the personal tragedies she endured in her life, Eileen never questioned her faith and was a regular fixture at church on Sunday. When things got tough, she prayed harder and harder.

Eileen adored her children and was happiest relishing the simple moments of sharing stories and laughing around the kitchen table or campfire. She relished the opportunity to attend her grandchildren’s upcoming sporting events, graduations, band concerts, plays and dances, always around to cheer them on or lend an encouraging word.

Having the humility to laugh at herself, she often tattling on herself for something silly she’d done or her latest misstep. She was at her brightest when flanked by sister, Annie, her “partner-in-crime.”  She enjoyed raising a glass and giving a good toast, although it was a good bet she’d leave the crowd around her roaring at her misplaced verse.

A diehard Buffalo Bills fan, she survived four Super Bowl losses, but still loved her “hometown” NFL team.

She was married February 24, 1962 at St. Ignatius Church to Gerard “Buz” Connors who died February 7, 1992.  She was also preceded in death by a son Kevin (1978); her sister and brother-in-law Ann and Chuck Smith; and three brothers-in-law, James and William Connors and John Conti; her nephew, Trooper Lawrence P. Gleason; and cousins Abbott Gabriel, Tom and Jim Gibbs.

Surviving are her daughters Colleen (Mark) Argentieri and Erin (Steve ) Reed; her sons Dan (Karen) Connors and Tom (Kathy) Connors; her “brothers” James (Linda) Gleason and Larry (Rosemary) Gleason; her nieces Susan (Brian) Butler, Bridget (Steve) Minisce, Kate (Chris) Secondo, Shannon (Jim) Kuhn and Tracy Kneer; her nephews  Scott (Laurie) Smith and Tim Gleason; and her godson, Tim Connors.  She is also survived by her grandchildren, Eric (Nicolette Tse) Argentieri,  Dan (Alyssa) Argentieri, Meaghan, Danika, Lara and Adison Connors, Connor and Callahan Reed, Nick (Rheannon) Coleman, Seanna (Jameson) Gifford and Chris Coleman; her great-grandchildren, Maveric Argentieri, Julia, Shane, Trey and Liam Simpson, Owen and Meah Starner, Raelyn and Ella Gifford and Loralai Coleman; great nieces and nephews Matthew and Luke Smith, Emily, Kayla and Tom Kuhn, Mia Butler, Anna Updyke and Scotty Minisce; her cousins Mary Margaret Doran, Mary Catherine and Kathleen Gibbs; her in-laws Katie, George and Barbara Connors and Joan Conti; many nieces and nephews.

The family of Eileen Connors will receive friends on Friday 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 Saturday at 1:00 PM at St. Ann’s Church with burial in St. Ann’s Cemetery.

Eileen’s family request that in lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in her name be made to the Hornell Alumni Association, PO Box 135, Hornell, NY 14843.  Memorial forms will be available at the Dagon Funeral Home.