Anthony J “Tony” Montemarano – 95 – of 41 ½ Oak St., Hornell, died early Wednesday morning (May 3, 2017) at Elderwood at Hornell, surrounded by his loving family.

Born in Naples, Italy on August 1, 1921, he was the son of Francis & Carmella (Petito) Montemarano.

Tony’s family moved to the United States in 1927 when he was six years. He grew up in Lyons, NY and was a graduate of Lyons High School (class of 1939). While in high school, Tony was a member of the football, basketball & baseball teams. He later graduated from Alfred State College with an Associate’s Degree in Business Administration.

While in college, Tony would often go with friends to the local “Five & Dime” store after school. Here, he met his future wife, Domenica “Maggie” Colomaio. Their relationship began when Tony asked if he could walk her home. After continuing to see each other at the store, he built up enough courage to ask her mother if they could see a movie. Her mother agreed, but only if Tony had her daughter home by 9:00 PM. Both mom & dad waited for them to get home that night. Domenica’s father loved Tony and always told her to make sure to save some food for him! They were married on in St. Ann’s Church on January 9, 1943.

In his younger years, Tony was employed as a salesman at the former Murray Stevens Clothing Store in Hornell. For nearly 40 years, he was employed at the New York State Department of Transportation (NYSDOT), first as a mechanic and heavy equipment worker, and working his way up to the position of Supervisor of the Parts Department. He also taught “55 Alive”, a driver’s education course for the state. He served as President of CSEA Union and later served as president of CSEA Retirees. He retired in 1986.

Tony was a member of Our Lady of the Valley Parish and a communicant of St. Ann’s Church where he served as an usher and was a member of the St. Ann’s Parish Council for many years. He also served on the St. Ann’s School Board. He was a 4th Degree member of the Hornell Knights of Columbus where he served as Grand Knight and Faithful Navigator and was the recipient of the “Man of the Year” award. He was a former member of the G. Carducci Lodge (Sons of Italy). Tony had also been a member of the Maple City Sound Board which helps organize musical entertainment in town.

He had a lifelong association with the Boy Scouts of America and Cub Scouts of America. He first served as a Scout Master and later as Commissioner of the Hornell Chapter of Boy Scouts of America and Cub Scouts of America. He was honored by receiving the Silver Beaver Award and the Saint George Medal.

Tony enjoyed the outdoors and was a lifelong hunter, hunting deer, rabbit, turkey & pheasant. He enjoyed working in his vegetable garden and simply taking care of his lawn. He enjoyed watching golf on TV and rooting for the New York Yankees.

He was preceded in death by 2 sisters, Genevieve “Jen” Calabrese and Louise Reed; his in-laws, Peter & Betty Colomaio, Harold Robbins, Mary Colomaio, Joseph Calabrese, Russell Reed and Philip Comella.

Surviving are his wife of 74 years, Domenica “Maggie” Montemarano; 2 sons, Francis (Ellen) Montemarano of Punta Gorda, FL and Joseph Montemarano of Arkport; 1 daughter, Mary Montanarella of Rochester; 1 sister, Philomena Comella of Lyons, NY; his in-laws, Helen Robbins of Hornell, Mary & Ezio Fiacco of Hornell, Rose & Joseph DiCosimo of Hornell and Matt Colomaio of Hornell; 2 granddaughters, Gina (Jason McKinney) Montanarella of Rochester and Kara (Rob) Kuehne of Rochester; 4 great-granddaughters, Cecilia Ebersold. Lila Ebersold, Harper Kuehne and Quinn Kuehne; many nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews, great-great nieces & great-great nephews.

The family of Anthony “Tony” Montemarano will receive friends on Saturday from 11:00 AM until 1:30 PM at the Dagon Funeral Home, 38 Church St., Hornell, NY, followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 2:00 PM at St. Ann’s Church. Burial will be in St. Mary’s Cemetery.

Tony’s family request that in lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in his name be made to: St. Ann’s Academy, PO Box 446, Hornell, NY 14843 or to the Alzheimer’s Association, 435 East Henrietta Rd., Rochester, NY 14620. Memorial forms will be available at the Dagon Funeral Home or click here to print a memorial form.

Reba Norton Mahany – 83 – of 9696 Oak Hill Rd., Arkport, died Monday afternoon (May 1, 2017) at Strong Memorial Hospital in Rochester, following a brief illness.  She has resided at Updyke Willow Ridge Nursing Facility since January, 2016.

Born in Wellsville, NY on October 11, 1933, she was the daughter of Lyle & Katherine (Jones) Norton.

Her family resided for a time in Allentown, NY later Alfred, NY, eventually moving to Arkport.  She was a graduate of Arkport Central School (class of 1951) and later graduated from Hornell Business School (Federal Commercial School).  She had resided in Arkport for most of her adult life and had been employed for a time at Crowley’s Dairy and also as secretary at the former Marion Rohr Corporation.

Reba was married on October 23, 1954 to R. Murray Mahany who died September 5, 2014.  She was involved in farming her entire adult life and in a “Joint Venture” with her husband, three sons and her son-in-law, owned & operated Poverty Knob Farms in Arkport raising potatoes, oats, wheat, corn, green beans and alfalfa.

Being recognized by Cornell University for her hard work of raising six children and still tirelessly working on the family farm, she was honored by actually having a potato — the “Reba Potato” named after her.  In 1993, the Mahany family received the State of New York Governor’s “Outstanding Farm Family Award” presented by Gov. Mario Cuomo.  Reba and Murray were also honored when they were presented with the “Industry Leadership Award” by the Empire State Potato Growers.

Reba was a former member of Our Lady of the Valley Parish and a communicant of St. Ann’s Church.  For the past 22 years, she was a communicant of St. Mary’s Church of Canaseraga.

In addition to her husband, Murray, she was preceded in death by 4 sisters, Rita Smith, Muriel Kame, Charlene Kramer and Karen Clancy.

Surviving are 3 sons, Robert (Debora) Mahany of Dansville, Gary (Patricia) Mahany of Arkport and Gregory (Karen Meade) Mahany of Arkport; 3 daughters, Brenda (Dennis) Acomb of Dansville, Linda (Mark) Mahoney of Hornell and Susan (Rick Wilcox) Cotter of Dansville; her former son-in-law, Daniel Cotter; 18 grandchildren; 6 great-grandchildren; several nieces & nephews.

The family of Reba Norton Mahany will receive friends on Friday from 3:00 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 11:00 AM at St. Mary’s Church in Canaseraga.  Reba will be buried next to her husband at Heritage Hill Cemetery in Arkport overlooking the fields that she loved.

Reba’s family request that in lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in her name be made to a charity of the donor’s choice.

Ronald E. “Ron” Acor – (78) of 4481 Bush Hill Rd., Canisteo, died Saturday evening (April 29, 2017) at St. James Mercy Hospital where he was taken by Canisteo ambulance following a long illness.

Born in Rochester, NY on July 10, 1938, he was the son of Elmer & Ruth (Walworth) Acor.

Throughout his lifetime, Ron resided in many locations and lived in Hornell from 1970 until moving to Canisteo in 1990. He had been employed for 24 years for the Steuben County Department of Public Works, retiring as a supervisor.

He was a member of the Hornell Association where he served on the Board of Directors and also a member of the Hornell Moose Lodge. One of his favorite pastimes was playing cards.

Ron was preceded in death by his wife, the former Roberta Strout and also his sister, Eleanor “Rosie” Smith.

He was married in 2003 to the former Mary Leigh Cocca who survives. Also surviving are
3 daughters, Wendy (Dave) Quail of Arcadia, FL, Rosemary Acor of Hornell and Darla Acor of Hornell; 4 sons, Mike Acor of Hornell, Ron (Debbie) Acor of Canisteo, Jeff (Kathy) Acor of Berea, OH and Paul Acor of Almond; 3 step-daughters, Pennie (Colin) Burgess of Hyde Park, Jackie Shufelt of Rocky Mount, VA and Susie (Ricky) Ives of Wellsville; 4 sisters, Patty Holler of Rochester, Sally Harder of Wayland, Judy Swisher of Dansville and Mary Mensinger of Wayland; 1 brother, Gary Forrester of Springwater, over 22 grandchildren, over 17 great-grandchildren and several nieces & nephews.

At Ron’s request there will be no prior calling hours. Friends are invited to attend a Memorial Mass on Thursday at 10:00 AM at St. Ann’s Church.

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

Ron’s family requests that in lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in his name be made to the Hornell Humane Society, 7649 Industrial Park Rd., Hornell, NY 1843.

Larry E. Clark – (62) – of 53 John St., Hornell, died Monday morning (April 24, 2017) following a long illness.

Born in North Hornell on January 1, 1955, he was the son of Kenneth & Erma (Weaver) Clark.

Larry resided in the Hornell / North Hornell area for most of his life and was a graduate of Hornell High School (Class of 1973).  Following graduation from high school, he worked various jobs in the Hornell area and also traveled to Colorado where he resided for about 6 months.  In 1976, he decided to further his education and enrolled at Alfred State College where, in 1978, he graduated, earning his Associate’s Degree in Plumbing & Heating.

For about 5 months, Larry served as Superintendent of Buildings and Grounds for St. Ann’s Parish, overseeing and maintaining St. Ann’s Church, St. Ann’s Rectory, St. Ann’s School, St. Ann’s Cemetery and St. Mary’s Cemetery.  In October of 1978, he began his career at National Fuel and, throughout the years, was employed in various capacities, including meter reader and backhoe operator.  He retired in 2008 as Regulator & Measurement Technician following 30 years of service.

Pamela Jane Clancy, 59, of Delmar, New York, died peacefully on April 19, 2017 after a long illness.

Born in born in Hornell, NY on April 4, 1958, she was the daughter of Thomas and Barbara Scott Clancy. Pam was the beloved sister of Thomas Clancy, Jr. and sister-in-law of Anna Clancy. She leaves countless aunts, uncles, cousins and friends.

Pam graduated from Berlin (NH) High School and Plymouth State University. Upon graduation, she quickly settled in her lifelong vocation as a teacher at the Academy of Holy Names in Albany, NY, where she continued to teach until 2016. In her thirty-six years at Holy Names she received recognition as the school’s Teacher of the Year, and as the Albany Times Union Teacher of the Week. More importantly, she touched the lives of innumerable students in the classroom, and in the after-school and summer programs she created and ran. In the words of one student, “She taught us to be brave, to love learning, to write in cursive (despite strong resistance!), to care for others, and to be strong.”

Pam cherished her role as Holly, Kate & Laura’s aunt. She spoiled them, and blessed them with the opportunity to participate in Holy Names’ summer programs where they loved spending time with their aunt. She was “Bean” to them, and always will be.

A funeral will be held at St. Ann’s Church in Hornell, NY on May 20th at 10:00 AM with a short ceremony following at St. Mary’s cemetery. A memorial celebration of Pam’s life will be held on June 10th, 11:00 AM at the Academy of the Holy Names, Lower School chapel in Albany, NY

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

Pam’s family request that in lieu of flowers, donations in her name be made to Becky’s House, C/O St. Peter’s Hospital Foundation, 319 South Manning Blvd., Albany, NY 12214.

Morgan Leigh Reeve – 8 ½ month old daughter of Andrew Reeve of Hornell and Jillian Nolan of Bath, was taken by Angels to be with Jesus in Heaven on Saturday afternoon (April 15, 2017) at Strong Memorial Hospital in Rochester where she bravely fought for life since her birth on July 19, 2016.

Although Morgan was only with us a short while, she was loved by all of her family, will live in our hearts and will never be forgotten.

Surviving are her father, Andrew (Angela Allen) Reeve of Hornell; her mother, Jillian Nolan of Bath; her twin sister, Marley Jade Reeve; her half-brother, Cyle Howell; 2 half-sisters, Elaina Westbrook and Braelyn Foster; paternal grandmother, Alberta Reeve of Hornell; maternal grandparents, Vern & Darleen Fassett of Alabama; several aunts & uncles.

There will be no calling hours. Private services will be held at the convenience of the family.

Funeral arrangements are entrusted to the Dagon Funeral Home, 38 Church St., Hornell, NY.

Margaret Ann “Peggy” Roski – (96) – formerly of 301 West 45th St., New York City, died early Monday morning (April 3, 2017) at Updyke’s Nursing Facility in Hornell, where she had resided for the past 4 ½ years.

Born in Hornell on July 25, 1920, and was the daughter of Stanley & Genevieve (Simchick) Roski.

Peggy grew up in Hornell and, as a young girl, was a member of Girl Scouts of America and also Camp Fire Girls. She was a graduate of St. Ann’s School and later graduated from Hornell High School (class of 1938). Peggy enjoyed acting in high school and landed the leading female role of her senior play, “Seventeen” by Booth Tarkington. Following high school, she enrolled in the former Feagin School of Dramatic Art in Rockefeller Center in New York City, graduating with a two year degree.

Throughout the years, Peggy held numerous jobs including working in Theater in many capacities, including actress, usher and later as theater treasurer (box office). She worked as an actress and traveled with many “Road Companies” including Clare Tree Major (Children’s Theater of New York). She served as “Dramatic Counselor” at Summer Camp and as an actress with Summer Stock Theaters. Peg was also involved with the Experimental Playhouse of the Air (Vanguard Theater) and also volunteered at the Stage Door Canteen (USO) during WWII. In addition to her acting and theater career, Peggy worked as a sales clerk in many NYC stores, including Macys, Abercrombie & Fitch and the former Sterns Store.

Peggy was truly a “world traveler”, having traveled the globe visiting countries such as Russia, China, Japan, Israel, Indonesia, Switzerland, Germany, Africa, Australia, Cuba, South America, just to name a few. She returned to Hornell about 11 years ago.

While in New York City, she was a communicant of both Holy Cross Church and St Malachi’s Church & Actors Chapel. In Hornell, Peggy was a member of Our Lady of the Valley Parish and had been a communicant of the former St. Ignatius Loyola Church and more recently St. Ann’s Church.

Surviving are her sister, Rose Conklin of Hornell; 3 nephews, Dennis (Margaret) Conklin, Kevin (Jean) Conklin and Patrick (Joanne) Conklin; 1 niece, Gail Conklin; many great nieces & great nephews.

The family of Margaret Ann “Peggy” Roski will receive friends on Saturday from 11:00 AM until 12:30 PM at the Dagon Funeral Home, 38 Church St., Hornell, NY. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 1:00 PM at St. Ann’s Church with burial in St. Ann’s Cemetery.

Peggy’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 or click here to print a memorial form.

Mary E. Kelleher – 83 – of 27 McDougall Ave., Hornell, died Friday morning (March 31, 2017) at Highland Hospital in Rochester following a long illness.

A native & life resident of Hornell, she was born August 14, 1933 and was the daughter of George & Bernadine (Green) Phillips.

Mary was a graduate of St. Ann’s School and later graduated from Hornell High School (class of 1951). Following high school, she enrolled in and graduated from St. James School of Radiology and became a certified X-ray Technician.

She had been employed as an X-ray Technician at the former Karl Clinic in Hornell and for several years worked as an X-ray Technician at the former Bethesda Community Hospital. Following the closing of Bethesda Hospital, Mary began working as a Teacher’s Aide at the North Hornell School, a position she held for over 20 years retiring about 10 years ago.

Mary was communicant of Our Lady of the Valley Parish and an active member of St. Ann’s Church. For most of her adult life, she attended Daily Mass and recited the Rosary. She enjoyed spending time in the Adoration Chapel and for many years was a member of the “Cleaning Crew,” making sure that the church was spotless. In her younger years, Mary served as a member and past president of the St. Ann’s School Mother’s Club. She was also a former member of the Ladies of Columbus.

As a proud mother & grandmother, Mary enjoyed attending her children & grandchildren’s school events and sporting events. When her children were young, she served as a Campfire Leader and also a Cinderella Softball Coach. In recent years, Mary enjoyed meeting up with her friends at their bi-weekly card club and weekly coffee club.

She was married on September 21, 1957 to William “Buddy” Kelleher who died in 2004. She was also preceded in death by her brother, Thomas Phillips; 2 sisters, Ann Rohan and Sara Wheeler.

Surviving are 5 daughters, Katie Kelleher of Rochester, Mary Margaret (McLeod) Chisi of Rochester, Liz (Dave) Willsey of Hornell, Pam (Michael) Murphy of Fairport and Patty (Ken Hampson) Kelleher of Rochester; 1 son, William “Bill” (Kristen) Kelleher of Fairport; 3 brothers, James (Nancy) Phillips of Arkport, George Phillips of Endicott, NY and Michael Phillips of Hornell; 2 sisters, Susan Anderson of Hornell and Margie (Kirby) Noye of Pittsford, NY; 9 grandchildren, Adam (Rachel) Willsey, Brian Willsey, Lauren (Kirk) Luvison, Annie Willsey, Temwa Chisi, Sibongile Chisi, Thembi Chisi, Emma Kelleher & Grace Kelleher; 2 great-grandsons, Benjamin Willsey and Jonathan Willsey; several nieces & nephews.

The family of Mary E. Kelleher will receive friends on Sunday (today) 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 on Monday at 10:00 AM at St. Ann’s Church with burial in St. Mary’s Cemetery.

Mary’s family request that in lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in her name be made to the Palliative Care Unit at Highland Hospital, 1000 South Ave., Rochester, NY14620 or to Visiting Nurse Hospice, 2180 Empire Blvd., Webster, NY 14580. Memorial forms will be available at the Dagon Funeral Home or click here to print a form.

Anna Dankoff – (91) – of Hornell died Saturday morning (March 25, 2017) at Hornell Gardens where she had resided for the past year.

Born in Lockport, NY on May 6, 1925, she was the daughter of George & Barbra (Gregorich) Jancetic.

Anna grew up in Lockport where she attended school. Throughout the years, she resided in several locations including Akron, OH, Tucson, AZ, California, South Carolina, Reno, NV and Hornell.

She was married to Elza Bess who died in 1982 and later was married to Walter Dankoff who died in 2008. Anna was also preceded in death by her son, Richard Bess who died in 1995 along with several brothers & sisters.

Surviving are 2 sons, Kenneth (Juanita) Bess of Hornell and Dennis Bess of California; 1 daughter, Marilyn (George) Foster of South Carolina; 1 sister, Caroline (Dick) Dye of Lockport, NY; several grandchildren, great-grandchildren, great-great-grandchildren; nieces & nephews.

At Anna’s request there will be no calling hours. Final interment will be in Sunset Lawn Memorial Park Cemetery in Sacramento, CA.

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

Betty J. Butler – (88) – formerly of 109 Front St., Hornell, died Thursday afternoon (March 23, 2017) at Elderwood at Hornell where she had resided for the past two years.

A native & life resident of Hornell, she was born March 7, 1929, and was the daughter of James & Catherine (Campbell) Vosburg.

Betty was a graduate of Hornell High School (class of 1946). She had been employed for a time at the former Keiser Glove Factory and Merrill Hosiery. For about 25 years, Betty was employed as a seamstress at the former Marion Rohr Corporation in Hornell.

She was married on February 14, 1948 (sixty years) to Newell “Nate” Butler who died July 3, 2008. She was also preceded in death by her son, James Butler who died in 1999; 2 grandsons, Shane Andrew Butler who died in 1981 and Mark Andrew Butler who died in 2002; along with her 9 brothers & sisters.

Surviving are 2 daughters, Beverly (Jerry) Bertram of Canisteo and Barbara (Pete) McMichael of Almond; 2 sons, Andrew “Andy” (Pat) Butler of Hornell and Richard “Rich” (Diane) Butler of Hornell; 11 grandchildren, Cathy Baker, Christopher (Donna) Bertram, Amy Butler, Paul Butler, Nicole Butler, Brian (Sue) Butler, Chad Butler, Cliff (Bria) McMichael, Curk McMichael, Andrea (Randy) Smith & Amanda (Ted Quant) Butler; 16 great-grandchildren, Kelsie Baker, Callie Baker, Robert Butler, Liam Mulhollen, Kennedy (Cameron) Lawrence, Devyn Butler, Riley Butler, Cohen McMichael & Haylee Smith , Charlee Quant, Baby Boy Quant (expected in July), Emily Kuhn, Thomas Kuhn, Kayla Kuhn, Stephen Jefferds and Billy Jefferds; several nieces & nephews.

The family of Betty J. Butler will receive friends on Tuesday from 2:00 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 Deacon Robert McCormick officiating. Burial will be in Rural Cemetery.

Betty’s family request that in lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in her name be made to Alzheimer’s Association, 435 East Henrietta Road, Rochester, NY 14620. Memorial forms will be available at the Dagon Funeral Home or click here to print a form.