Bertha E. “Bert” Nickel – 84 – of 15 Meadowbrook, Arkport, NY died Thursday morning (November 8, 2018) at Noyes Memorial Hospital in Dansville following a brief illness.

Born in Wetmore Township, PA on April 28, 1934, she was the daughter of W. Ervin & Fern (Boyd) McKee.

Bert grew up in East Kane, PA and was a graduate of East Kane High School (class of 1952).

While living in East Kane, she met Robert R. “Bob” Nickel whom she married on October 8, 1955.  Shortly after they were married, Bert & Bob moved to Niagara Falls, NY where they resided for about 5 years.  In 1960, they moved to Jamestown, NY where they lived before moving to Allegany, NY in 1971.  From 1972 – 1979 they resided in Fairmont, WV where Bert was employed as a cook at a Mormon Nursing Facility.  Bert had resided in Arkport since 1979. She and her husband, Bob, operated an appliance repair service called B & B Appliance after Bob retired. Bert was in charge of everything except the actual appliance repair.

For many years, Bert operated a baby-sitting service out of her home, helping to raise many neighborhood and area children. She volunteered her time at the Arkport Presbyterian Church serving as a baby sitter during Sunday church services and for Mothers of Preschoolers (MOPS). She also volunteered as an unofficial member of the Arkport Fire Department. Any time the fire whistle blew during daytime hours, her phone would ring and Bert would jump in her car and go down to care for and watch over the fire fighters’ children and grandchildren.

Bert was a member of Our Lady of the Valley Parish and a communicant of St. Ann’s Church.  She enjoyed sewing, crocheting, reading and had a deep affection for all animals, especially her pet dog & cats. She loved working at anything — gardening, feeding and housing the wild birds, chipmunks, rabbits, and squirrels that frequented her yard.

Affectionately known as “GG” by most children, Bert had a deep love of her family as well as her many friends and neighbors.  She will be sadly missed by all those whose lives she touched!

She was preceded in death by her husband, Robert R. “Bob” Nickel who died January 13, 2001; her granddaughter, Cheyanna Nickel who died February 20, 2017; a great-grandson, Anthony Jason Bogging, JR; her brother, Samuel McKee; her sister, Florence LaJean Stanley.

Surviving are a son, Robert “Rob” (Mary) Nickel of Ft. Walton Beach, FL;  three daughters, Denise (Jim) Kemp of Covington, GA, Melinda “Mindy” (David) Gates of Arkport and Michele (Terry Muchler) Nickel of Hornell; 12 grandchildren; 7 great-grandchildren; several nieces & nephews, and an “adopted” grandson.

The family of Bertha E. “Bert” Nickel will receive friends on Monday from 3:00 PM – 5:00 PM at the Dagon Funeral Home, 38 Church St., Hornell, NY where funeral & committal services will be held at the conclusion of calling hours at 5:00 PM with Rev. Bruce Incze officiating.  Burial will be in Heritage Hill Cemetery, Arkport, NY.

Bert’s family request that in lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in her name be made to the American Diabetes Association, PO Box 13067, Alexandria, VA   22312.  Memorial forms will be available at the Dagon Funeral Home.

Harold L. Kittell – 94 – of Dansville, formerly of Maple St., Hornell, died Thursday afternoon (November 8, 2018) at the Livingston County Center for Nursing & Rehabilitation in Mt. Morris, NY, following a brief illness.

Born in Canisteo, NY on February 3, 1924, he was the son of Leon & Nellie (Gay) Kittell.

Harold was a graduate of Canisteo Central School and a Veteran of the US Army, serving his country during WWII.

He was employed for 36 years at New York State Electric & Gas (NYSEG), retiring in 1984 as a Chief Lineman.

Harold had been a member of the Hornell VFW and was also a 72 year member of the Hornell American Legion. Throughout the years, he was an avid golfer and a longtime member of the Twin Hickory Golf Club. In his retirement years, he also enjoyed keeping a well-supplied bird feeder in his yard to provide for the many feathered friends (and squirrels!) that depended on him.

He was married on September 4, 1948 to the former Joan Ludden who died in 2006. Harold was also preceded in death by his 2 sisters, Ruth Irland and Phyllis Light; his brother, Ronald Kittell.

Survivors include his dear friend & companion, Maxine Dartt and her loving family; his brother, Thomas (Luella) Kittell of Canisteo; along with several nieces & nephews, and special neighbors from both Hornell and Dansville.

The family of Harold L. Kittell will receive friends on Sunday (today) from 1:00 PM until 3:00 PM at the Dagon Funeral Home, 38 Church St., Hornell, NY where funeral & committal services will be held at the conclusion of calling hours at 3:00 PM with Deacon Robert McCormick officiating. Burial will be in St. Mary’s Cemetery.

Although Harold was not baptized Catholic, he always supported his wife, Joan’s, Catholic faith. Therefore, Harold’s family request that in lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in his name be made to either St. Ann’s Church, 27 Erie Ave., Hornell, NY 14843 or St. Ann’s Academy, PO Box 446, Hornell, NY 14843. Memorial forms will be available at the Dagon Funeral Home.

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

Josephine M. “Jo” Nosky – of 2 Seventh St., Canisteo, died unexpectedly Thursday morning (November 1, 2018) at her home.

Born in Hornell, she was the daughter of Dominic & Teresa (LaFaro) Nasca.

Jo attended St. Ann’s School and later graduate from Hornell High School. While in high school, she was employed at the former JC Penny’s in Hornell. Following high school, she was employed as an operator for the former AT&T. She later returned to JC Penny’s where she worked for about 25 years.

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 Catholic Daughters, Ladies of Columbus and also the Ladies Auxiliary of the Sons of Italy.

She was preceded in death by her son, Robert Conlan who died in 2017.

Josephine was married on August 13, 1959 to James “Jim” Nosky who survives. Also surviving are her son, Dominic Conlan of Hornell; several nieces, nephews & cousins.

At Josephine’s request there will be no calling hours. Family & friends are invited to attend a Mass of Christian Burial on Monday 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.

Larry F. White – 76 – of 7555 Airport Rd., Hornell, passed away on October 18, 2018, following a long illness.

Born in Hornell on May 12, 1942, he was the son of Frank & Wilma (Varnes) White.

Larry grew up in Hornell and attended Hornell High School. He left high school during his junior year to join the United States Marine Corp. where he served as a member of the 3rd Marine Air Wing.

After serving in the United States Marine Corp., Larry returned to the Hornell area for a time and was employed as an operating engineer and heavy equipment operator, building many of the roads throughout New York State.

Moving west in the late 1960’s, Larry resided in several locations including Utah, Wyoming and Colorado and worked as a heavy equipment operator for several oil companies on several oil fields. He returned to the Hornell area in 1999.

Larry had been a member of the Hornell Elks Lodge, Hornell VFW, Hornell Moose Lodge and the Hornell Association. He enjoyed the outdoors and was an avid hunter & fisherman.

He was preceded in death by his sisters, June Frances White, Judith Ann White and Gail Davis; his brothers Kevin White and Jerry White.

Surviving are his son, Brick (Kristen) White; his daughter, Kimberly Ann White; 2 brothers, Michael (Linda) White and Chris (Tammy) White; 2 sisters, Evonne (Donald) Patterson and Doris (Walter) Mills; 2 grandchildren; several nieces & nephews.

At Larry’s request 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.

Larry’s family request that in lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in his name be made to The Vincent House, 310 Second Ave., Wayland, N.Y. 14572

Pearl T. White – 93 – of 17 Park Ave., Arkport, died early Sunday morning (October 14, 2018) at St. James Mercy Hospital following a brief illness.

Born in Arkport on November 7, 1924, she was the daughter of Everett & Mary (Hoffstetter) Wyant.

A lifelong resident of Arkport, Pearl was a graduate of Arkport Central School (class of 1942) an later graduated from Hornell Business School.

She had been employed for a time as a secretary at the former Arkport Lumber Company and for many years took time to raise her family as a “Stay At Home Mom”. Pearl returned to the workforce and for many years served as a bank teller at the former Arkport State Bank and later at Security Trust in Hornell. She retired in 1984.

Pearl was a member of Our Lady of the Valley Parish and a communicant of St. Ann’s Church. She will be remembered as a quiet, gentle & kind woman who always opened her home to family & friends. She was a true homemaker who enjoyed cooking and baking and raising her family. Pearl was also an extremely strong woman who was a Breast Cancer survivor (over 20 years) and also survived Colon Cancer.

She was married on June 8, 1948 to Robert W. White who died March 3, 1991. Pearl was also preceded in death by her son, Daniel White who died in 2004; her daughter, Barbara Rauber who died in 2016; and also her five siblings.

Surviving are her daughter, Patricia White of Arkport; her son, David White of Dansville; 3 grandchildren, Kevin Rauber, Tim Rauber and Anna Rauber; several nieces, nephews & special friends.

At Pearl’s request there will be no prior calling hours. Family & friends are invited to attend a Mass of Christian Burial on Friday at 10:00 AM at St. Ann’s Church. Burial will be in Heritage Hill Cemetery, Arkport, NY.

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

Pearl’s family request that in lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in her name be made to either The Vincent House, 310 Second Ave, Wayland, NY 14572 or to Faith in Action Steuben County, PO Box, 117, Hornell, NY 14843.

Barbara A. “Barb” Niver – 64 – 51 Wood St., Hornell, passed away peacefully Thursday morning (October 11, 2018) at her home.

Born in Hornell on August 25, 1954, she was the daughter of Elmer & Veronica (Carey) Stocum.

Barb grew up in Hornell and was a graduate of Hornell High School (class of 1972). In 1973 she graduated from the Hornell BOCES Nursing Program with an Associate’s Degree in Nursing.

She was employed as a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) at Noyes Memorial Hospital in Dansville from 1974 – 1976. For several years, Barb served as an LPN at St. James Mercy Hospital, primarily in the Pediatrics department. While working at St. James Mercy Hospital, she also was employed as a Steuben County Home Health Care Visiting Nurse, helping families throughout the area.

Growing up Catholic, Barb had been a communicant of St. Ignatius Loyola Church. She enjoyed knitting & crocheting and loved making beautiful baby blankets & Afghans and donating them to the St. James Mercy Hospital Pediatrics Unit. Throughout the years, she enjoyed spending summers at the Stocum family cottage at Keuka Lake. Barb’s favorite pastime, however, was simply being a “Full Time Grandma”.

In addition to her parents, Barb was preceded in death by her son, Jeremy R. Niver who died September 10, 1996.

Surviving are 2 daughters, Tanarra (Ryan Davis) McDermott of Hornell and Jolene (Alan) Schlick of Hornell; 1 brother, Richard (Kimberly) Stocum of Canisteo; 1 sister, Eileen Stocum of Cameron Mills; her former husband & best friend, Raymond Niver of Canisteo; 4 grandchildren, Collin (Sarah) Ross of Hammondsport, Courtney (Peter) Flynn of Ionia, MI, Brendan McDermott of Hornell and DezaRay Burley of Hornell; 1 great-grandson, Wyatt Flynn; several nieces & nephews.

The family of Barbara A. “Barb” Niver will receive friends on Monday from 3:00 PM – 6:00 PM at the Dagon Funeral Home, 38 Church St., Hornell, NY. A Memorial Service will be held at the conclusion of calling hours at 6:00 PM with Deacon Robert McCormick officiating. Final interment will be in St. Mary’s Cemetery.

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

William H. “Bill” Walters – 48 – of Cunningham Creek Rd., Canisteo, died early Thursday morning (October 4, 2018) at his home, following a long illness.

Born in Rochester, NY on September 14, 1970, he was the son of Charles & Catherine (McDonald) Walters.

Bill grew up in Rochester and attended Charlotte High School. While living in Rochester, he was employed by the City of Rochester Parks Department providing lawn & garden maintenance throughout the city. He had also worked at The Garden Factory of Rochester in the same capacity.

A resident of the Hornell – Canisteo area since 1992, Bill was employed at Marcus Farms of Arkport maintaining & pruning future Christmas Trees.

A true outdoorsman, Bill was an avid fisherman and enjoyed fishing at the nearby lakes and also the Thousand Islands. He also loved hunting — especially deer hunting. Bill enjoyed watching football on TV and loved rooting for his favorite team, the Buffalo Bills. Having a deep affection for all animals, Bill owned many dogs and throughout the years thoroughly enjoyed his “canine friends.”

In addition to his parents, Bill was preceded in death by his longtime companion, Vida Hughes who died several years ago.

Surviving are 2 sisters, Carol (Debbie) Hummel of Rochester and Linda Walters of Rochester; 2 brothers, Michael (Anne) Walters of Rochester and Charles (Tammy) Walters of Rochester; several nieces & nephews.

The family of William H. “Bill” Walters will receive friends on Thursday (October 11, 2018) from
4:00 PM – 6:00 PM at the First Bible Baptist Church, 990 Manitou Rd., Rochester, NY. A Memorial Service will be held at the conclusion of calling hours at 6:00 PM with Rev Kevin Summerlin officiating.

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 the Hornell Humane Society, 7649 Industrial Park Road, Hornell, NY 14843.

Patricia Marie “Pat” Quant – 77 – of 40 Geneva St., Bath, formerly of Hornell died unexpectedly Tuesday afternoon (October 2, 2018) at Arnot Ogden Hospital in Elmira, NY.

Born in North Hornell on May 23, 1941, she was the daughter of Harold & Rena (Thompson) Tuller.

Pat grew up in Buffalo, NY and attended school in the Buffalo area. She moved back to Hornell at the age of 17 and attended Hornell High School. She has resided in Bath for the past seven years.

While living in Hornell, Pat had been employed for many years as a health caregiver, first for Friendly Homes in Canisteo and later as a private duty caregiver for senior citizens in the Hornell area.

For many years Pat was a member of the East Avenue United Methodist Church where she served as Sunday School Secretary and president of the Mizpah Ladies Club. While living in Bath, she was a member of the Centenary United Methodist Church and was a member of the United Methodist Women’s Club.

Pat enjoyed listening to country music, working on jigsaw puzzles and also spending time attending and supporting various church activities. She also loved collecting anything that had to do with Santa Claus — especially figurines. She also spent countless hours creating needlepoint and embroidery “works of art”.

She was married at the Hornell East Avenue United Methodist Church on August 20, 1977 to Arthur Quant who survives. Also surviving are her brother, Charles Arthur Tuller of Bath; several nieces, nephews, great nieces & great nephews. She will also be sadly missed by her canine companion, Licorice.

At Pat’s request there will be no calling hours. Family & friends are invited to attend a Memorial Service on Monday at 10:00 AM at Hornell United Methodist Church, Webbs Crossing Road, Hornell, NY  with Rev Lenny Fuller & Rev. Eleanor Collingsworth officiating. Final interment will be in Rural Cemetery.

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

Pat’s family request that in lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in her name be made to the American Diabetes Association, PO Box 13067, Alexandria, VA 22312.

James A. “Jim” Sloan – 86 – formerly of Johnson City, NY, died Wednesday morning (September 26, 2018) at Elderwood at Hornell Nursing Facility, where he had resided for the past seven years.

Born in Binghamton, NY on May 25, 1932, he was the son of James & Gertrude (Gorman) Sloan.

Jim grew up in Binghamton and was a graduate of Binghamton Central School (class of 1949). He later earned his Associate’s Degree in Mechanical Design from Broome County Community College.

A resident of Johnson City, NY for many years, Jim had been employed as a draftsman for IBM Corporation in Endicott, NY. He had been a communicant of St. James Catholic Church of Binghamton, served on the Alter and Rosary Society for St. Ambrose Catholic Church and for many years served as a volunteer for Meals on Wheels. He also volunteered his time by “ringing the bell” for the Salvation Army at Christmas time. Throughout his lifetime, Jim enjoyed fishing, listening to music, and rooting for the New York Yankees.

Jim was preceded in death by his wife, Ellen and also several brothers & sisters.

Surviving are 4 children, Catherine Sloan of Newport, RI, Thomas and his wife Renee Von Raub of Orlando, FL, Helen Bevelacqua of Orlando, FL; and James C. Sloan of De Funiack Springs, FL; 2 grandchildren, Thomas Marcus Von Raub and Crystal Appel; 1 great-granddaughter, Chloe Rose Appel and his first wife, Rhea Baskin of De Funiack Springs, FL.

At Jim’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.

Jim’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.

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

Robert F. “Bob” Hillman – 93 – of 18 Pardee St., Hornell, died early Wednesday morning (September 19, 2018) at his home, following a long illness.

Born in Hornell on March 9, 1925, he was the son of Robert C. & Rose Patricia (McCarthy) Hillman and the stepson of Anna (Stewart) Hillman.

Bob grew up in Hornell and was a graduate of St. Ann’s School and Hornell High School (Class of 1943). He received his Associate’s Degree in Accounting from Alfred State College; his Bachelor’s Degree from Scranton University; and his Master’s Degree from Alfred University. He also completed certification work at St. Bonaventure University.

Bob was a veteran of the US Navy, serving his country during WWII as a Turret Gunner on a torpedo bomber which participated in the invasion of the Philippines at Lingayen Gulf. His ship, the aircraft carrier “The Bismarck Sea” was sunk by two Japanese Kamikaze planes during the battle for Iwo Jima at 6:30 PM on February 21, 1945. Rescued after three hours in the water, Bob was taken to a troop transport at Iwo Jima where he witnessed the American Flag flying over Mount Suribachi the next day. The historic scene was immortalized by the Pulitzer Prize winning photo by Joe Rosenthal entitled “FLAG RAISING AT IWO JIMA”. He was authorized to wear the Combat Air Crewman Wings, the Distinguished Flying Cross and the Air Medal. He was a member of the Royal Order of the Golden Dragon for crossing the International Date Line and survived the initiation from Pollywog to Shellback for crossing the equator.

He was employed at the Erie Railroad Accounting Bureau of Hornell and Scranton, PA for 16 years and also as an accountant for the State Workman’s Insurance Fund in Scranton, PA. Bob returned to Hornell and taught Office Practice and Business Machines for the Steuben Allegany BOCES for 24 years and was a member of the BOCES Teacher’s Union. He also served on the negotiation team when it affiliated with the National Education Association. He retired in 1990.

Bob was a member of Our Lady of the Valley Parish and a communicant of St. Ann’s Church. He was also a Third Degree member of the Knights of Columbus and a former member of the Hornell Elks Lodge, Hornell Moose Lodge, Hornell VFW and the Hornell American Legion. Bob was a long time member of the City of Hornell Planning Board, resigning in 1998 to spend the winter months in Florida with his wife and son, James.

Some of Bob’s particular interests was spending time at a hunting/summer camp that he shared with four other friends & relatives. He also enjoyed gardening and spending time with his friends at the Euchre Club and the Perkinsville Poker Club. He also loved rooting for the New York Yankees and Notre Dame. He absolutely loved spending time with his family, especially his grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his 2 brothers, Leo Hillman and John Hillman.

Bob was married on April, 1964 to the former Eleanor Trowbridge who survives. Also surviving are 3 sons, Robert (Janet) Hillman of Bradenton, FL, David (Kathleen) Hillman of Hornell and James Hillman of Florida; 2 daughters, Chris (Jack) Geary of Cleveland, OH and Kim (John) Weyand of Hornell; his sister, Rosemary Walton of Ashville, NC; his sister-in-law, Isabelle Hillman of Hornell; 6 grandchildren, Sara Hillman, Robert “R.J.” Hillman, Heather Hillman, Shawn (Heidi Schmidt) Hillman Jacob Weyand and Spencer Weyand; many nieces & nephews.

The family of Robert F. “Bob” Hillman 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 10:00 AM at St. Ann’s Church. Burial with full military honors will follow at St. Ann’s Cemetery.

Bob’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. Memorial forms will be available at the Dagon Funeral Home.

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