Sylvia J. George

Sylvia George PhotoSylvia J. George – (62) – of 45 Sawyer St., Hornell, died Thursday afternoon (October 27, 2016) at her home, following a long and courageous battle with cancer.

Born in Hornell on May 24, 1954, she was the daughter of Arthur & Natalia (Carson) Tucker.

Sylvia grew up in Almond, NY and was a graduate of Alfred-Almond Central School (class of 1973).  She had been employed for several years as a cashier at a convenience store / gas station in Almond and later served as a custodian at Alfred-Almond Central School.

She was a member of the First Baptist Church in Hornell.  She enjoyed reading novels (especially Danielle Steel) and was also a Miami Dolphin Football Fan.  In her younger years, Sylvia enjoyed bowling and bowled in several women’s leagues at the Hornell bowl.

Sylvia was preceded in death by 2 sisters, Faith Bolds and Laura McCormick; 2 brothers, John Tucker and Frank Tucker; her stepson, Franklyn George, Jr.

She was married on July 14, 1984 to Franklyn “Frank” George who survives.  Also surviving are 2 sons, John (Kristi) Faulkner of Starke, FL and Michael Faulkner of Bath, NY; 1 daughter, Lynda (Kenneth) Cabral of New Port Richie, FL; her step-children, Danielle (Matt) Kosek of South Wales, NY and Chad (Tamara) George of East Aurora; 5 brothers, Richard Tucker of Rome, NY, Ronald (Sherry) Tucker of Henrietta, Robert Tucker of Olean, James Tucker of Norfolk, VA and David Tucker of Texas; 2 sisters, Mary (Mel) Greene of Hornell and Sally Ormsby of Hornell; special friends, Debbie & Joe Price and Tina & Jim Welch; 14 grandchildren; many nieces, nephews & cousins.

The family of Sylvia J. George will receive friends on Friday from 4:00 PM – 7:00 PM at the Dagon Funeral Home, 38 Church St., Hornell, NY where funeral & committal services will be held on Saturday at 1:00 PM with Rev. John Faulkner officiating.  Burial will be in Woodlawn Cemetery, Almond, NY.

Sylvia’s family request that in lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in her name be made to the Wilmot Cancer Center, C/O Strong Memorial Hospital, 601 Elmwood Ave., Rochester, NY 14642.  Memorial forms will be available at the Dagon Funeral Home.

Michele C. “Shelly” Levee

Michele Levee PhotoMichele C. “Shelly” Levee – 46 – of 5 Conklin St., Hornell, joined her Heavenly family Friday evening (October 21, 2016) at her home following a courageous six year battle with breast cancer.

Born in Hornell on August 18, 1970, she was the daughter of Robert & Suzanne (Jackman) Levee.

Shelly spent most of her life in Canaseraga and was a graduate of Canaseraga High School (class of 1988). During her lifetime she was employed at Forbes Custom Products in Dansville; Hooker Mobile Home Sales in Hornell and Alstom Transport of Hornell.

She was an avid NASCAR fan (especially Jimmy Johnson) and also enjoyed watching Motocross. Shelly especially loved spending time with her family, especially her children.

She will be greatly missed by her family & friends and leaves behind her fiancé, Ken Burnett with whom she resided; twin daughters, Savannah & Sierra; her parents, Robert & Suzanne Levee, all of Hornell; 1 brother, Christopher (Karri Yates) Levee of West Almond; her maternal grandmother, Winifred Jackman of Hornell; her uncle, Tom Levee Canaseraga.

At the family’s request there will be no calling hours. Private burial will be at the convenience of the family.

Those wishing to pay their respects may do so at the family home, 5 Conklin St., Hornell, NY on Wednesday from 5:00 PM – 7:00 PM.

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

Michele’s family request that in lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in her name be made to Guthrie Cancer Treatment Center, 2 Guthrie Dr., Corning, NY 14830.

Michael E. Sutton

Michael SuttonMichael E. “Mike” Sutton – 67 – of 8514 Bishopville Road, Arkport, died Thursday (October 13, 2016) at Strong Memorial Hospital after a long illness.

Born in Woodhull, NY on May 19, 1949, he was the son of Robert and Helen (Watson) Sutton.

Mike graduated from high school in Bradenton, FL and lived in several locations across the United States before settling in the Arkport area 27 years ago. He was employed for 22 years as an electrician at Alstom Transport.

He enjoyed hunting & fishing and attending car shows with friends and family. He was also a talented woodworker, making furniture for his loving family.

In addition to his parents, Michael was preceded in death by his daughter, Michelle Sutton; two brothers, Lynn Sutton and Randy Sutton; and one sister, Vicki Giddens.

Mike was married in Sarasota, FL on April 12, 1975 to the love of his life, Linda Creighton who survives. He was a loving husband, father, and friend. Michael never met a stranger who didn’t instantly become a friend. He will be remembered for his kindness toward everyone.

In addition to his wife, Linda, surviving are two sons, Chris Sutton and Randy (Heather) Sutton; one daughter, Nichole (David) Preston; grandchildren, Philip (Brittany) Sutton, Cody Sutton, Kaylee Sutton, Sierra Sutton, and Lindsay Preston; great-grandchildren, Nash Sutton and Boe Sutton; one brother, Robert Sutton; one sister, Valorie Wetherington.

Friends and family are invited to honor Michael’s life on Saturday (October 22, 2016) from 1:00 PM until 4:00 PM at the Hornell Moose Lodge on Seneca St., Hornell, NY.

Funeral arrangements are in care of the Dagon Funeral Home, 38 Church Street, Hornell, NY 14843.

Marion L. Brewer

Marion Brewer PhotoMarion L. Brewer JR – 80 – of 33 Washington St., Hornell, died Wednesday evening (October 12, 2016) at Hornell Gardens following a long illness.

Born in Hornell on April 10, 1936, he was the son of Marion & Sarah (Smith) Brewer.

Marion grew up in Hornell and was a graduate of Hornell High School (class of 1955). From the time he was eleven years old, Marion held various jobs such as a paperboy, pinsetter at Seneca Lanes and as a ballpark vendor at maple City Park.  His personal hobbies included hunting, photography, fishing and sports.  He also served as his brother, Bob’s personal bodyguard while at dances at Lake Demon.

He was a veteran of the US Army, serving his country from 1956 – 1958 and for a time had been stationed in Germany.

Following his honorable discharge from the US Army, Marion worked for Ontario Industries as a shipping-receiving Foreman. He then went on to the Hornell Police Force and served for 23 years, first as a patrolman and later as sergeant. He was considered an expert marksman – especially with a pistol, having trained with the FBI.  Marion later served as a trainer/instructor of fellow officers on the Hornell Police Department. Following his retirement from the Hornell Police Department, he served 30 years as Head of Security for St. James Mercy Hospital in Hornell.

Marion was a member of Our Lady of the Valley Parish and was a communicant of St. Ann’s Church where he often filled in as an usher. He was a New York Yankee fan and was also an avid Cleveland Browns fan.

He was married to the Love of His Life, the former Marilyn “Midge” Jimerson who died April 2, 2009. He was also preceded in death by his sisters, Patricia Palmiter and Norma Hurd, along with two infant siblings.

Surviving are his daughter, Debbie (Casey) Cameron of Hornell; 4 sons, Karl (Laura) Brewer of Rochester, Mike (Rainy) Brewer of Arkport, Eric Brewer of Hornell and Gary Brewer of Hornell; his brothers, Randie (Darlene) Brewer of Hornell, David Brewer of Hornell, Joseph (Linda) Brewer of Dover, DE, James “JB” (Geri) Brewer of Avon, Robert (Karen) Brewer of San Antonio, TX and Tracy (Luly) Brewer of San Diego, CA; 3 sisters, Suzanne (Ernie) Kelly of Ocala FL, Joanie (Peter) Sowinski of Pultney N.Y. and Deanna (Don) Cook of North Hornell; 7 grandchildren; 1 great-grandchild; many nieces & nephews.

The family of Marion L. Brewer will receive friends on Tuesday from 4:00 PM – 7:00 PM at the Dagon Funeral Home, 38 Church St., Hornell, NY. A Memorial Mass will be celebrated on Wednesday at 10:00AM at St. Ann’s Church.

Marion’s family request that in lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in his 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.

The Family of Marion Brewer would like to thank the Hornell Gardens for their passionate care during his stay.

In recognition of Marion’s military service, the American Flag at the Dagon Funeral Home will be flown at half-staff.

Robert J. Rink

Robert Rink PhotoRobert J. “Bob” Rink – 83 – of 457 Seneca Rd., North Hornell, died unexpectedly Saturday afternoon (October 1, 2016) at St. James Mercy Hospital, after being stricken at home.

Born in Hornell on March 18, 1933, he was the son of Frank & Mary (Burns) Rink.

Bob resided in Bradford, PA in his early years and was raised by his grandmother, Anna Burns, following the death of his mother. He returned to Hornell at the age of seven to live with his father and family.

He was a graduate of Hornell High School (class of 1951). Following graduation from high school, Bob enlisted in the U.S. Army and served his country from 1953-1955. After being honorably discharged from the Army, Bob enrolled at St. Bonaventure University and then graduated from Alfred University where he earned his Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration in 1960.

Bob resided in California for approximately 2 years and was employed as a broker for E.F. Hutton. He returned to Hornell and worked as a stock broker for Loeb Rhodes. In the early 1960’s, Bob purchased the Philip J. Rockwell Insurance Agency in Hornell which eventually became Rink Insurance Agency and later the Rink-Partridge Insurance Agency. All in all, Bob served the Hornell area’s insurance needs for nearly 50 years, retiring about seven years ago.

He was a member of Our Lady of the Valley Parish and a communicant of St. Ann’s Church. Throughout the years Bob had also been a member of the Hornell Rotary, the Hornell Kiwanis and the American Legion. He enjoyed fresh water fishing especially with his grandkids and was an avid Buffalo Bills Fan.

Bob will be remembered as a wonderful husband, father, brother & grandfather. He will especially be remembered for his wit, humor and ability to tell a great story. He simply enjoyed a good laugh and took pride in putting a smile on the face of anyone and everyone around him. He truly “loved life” and lived life to the fullest! He will be sadly missed by everyone that had the pleasure of knowing him!

He was preceded in death by two sisters, Elizabeth (Betty) Calnan and Anna Marmo and his granddaughter, Taylor Murray.

Bob married Eleanor Ormsby on August 22,1959 and recently celebrated 57 years of marriage. Also surviving are three daughters, Kristine (Cooper) Murray of Apex, NC, Cheryl (Drew) Morton of Austin, TX and Diane (Kevin) Michaelson of Ridgewood, NJ; seven grandchildren, Spencer Murray, Turner Murray, Cooper Murray, Ally Morton, Sydney Morton, Henry Michaelson and Brynn Michaelson; one brother, Tom (Martha) Rink of Arkport, NY; one sister, Lucille Brown of Rochester, NY; and numerous nieces, nephews & cousins.

The family will receive friends on Wednesday from 4:00 PM – 7:00 PM at the Dagon Funeral Home, 38 Church St., Hornell, NY. Private services will be held at the convenience of the Rink family.

In lieu of flowers, the family has requested memorial contributions be made in Bob’s name 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 military service to his country, the American Flag at the Dagon Funeral Home will be flown at half-staff.

John J. O’Driscoll

John O'Driscoll PhotoJohn J. O’Driscoll – 89 – a resident of Manor Hill Assisted Living in Wellsville, formerly of 4 Maplewood Ave., North Hornell, died Sunday, October 2, 2016 at Jones Memorial Hospital after a brief illness.

Born in Beacon, NY on May 15, 1927, he was the son of the late John O’Driscoll and Wilma O’Driscoll Henderson. John graduated from St. Joachim’s Catholic School, Beacon High School, and American University in Washington, DC.

John worked at the National Biscuit Company in Beacon until he joined the US Navy as a corpsman during World War II and again during the Korean War. After his stint with the Navy, John went to work for the Travelers Insurance Company in New York City. In 1989, he retired after 38 years with Travelers to beautiful North Hornell, which he had seen from the troop train while in the Navy. It was then that he knew he would be back to the area someday – and he did! John was a member of Our Lady of the Valley Parish and a communicant of St. Ann’s Church.

John is survived by his cousins, Patricia Carlson of Lafayette, MN; Margaret and Harrison Slocum of Wallkill, NY; many second cousins.

At John’s request, there will be no prior calling hours. Family and friends are invited to attend a Mass of Christian Burial on Wednesday, at 2:00 PM 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 14843.

John Henry Guenther

John Guenther PhotoJohn Henry Guenther – 63 – of 7828 Route 21, Hornell, (Town of Fremont), died early Wednesday morning (September 28, 2016) at his home, following a brief battle with cancer.

A native & lifelong resident of Hornell, he was born February 24, 1953 and was the son of Henry & Agnes (Carrier) Guenther.

John was a graduate of Hornell High School (class of 1971) where he excelled at sports — especially baseball & football. He also “made his mark” on the baseball diamond while playing Little League Baseball, Babe Ruth League Baseball and Older Babe Ruth League Baseball. During his high school years he was known to make a daily appearance at Abby’s Pool Hall where he became an extremely proficient pool player as well as a great ping-pong player.

Following high school, John attended SUNY Morrisville and later graduated from Alfred State College with a degree in horticulture. Throughout the years he was a self-employed landscaper and was always very proud of his contribution to the landscaping on the Hornell Broadway Mall.

John was an avid golfer and was a longtime member of the Hornell Country Club (later Hornell Golf Club). He was a member of the Hornell Association, Hornell Elks Lodge, Hornell Moose Club as well as the Hornell American Legion, Arkport American Legion and Hornell VFW. He thoroughly enjoyed his times meeting up with his friends at these great fraternal organizations.

He always loved watching sporting events on TV and especially enjoyed rooting for his beloved Miami Dolphins. In his younger years, John enjoyed attending his daughter’s sporting and school events.

In addition to his parents, John was preceded in death by his sister, Elsa Wechter.

Surviving are three daughters, Elsa Guenther of Rochester, NY, Kristen Guenther of Nashville, TN and Katie Guenther of Hornell; 2 brothers, William “George” Guenther of Crystal Beach, FL and David (Patience) Guenther of Estero, FL; his former wife, Terry (Jay) Pullman of Arkport; his niece Molly (Scott) Houck and his nephew, Kyle Wechter.

At John’s request there will be no calling hours or services. Funeral arrangements are in care of the Dagon Funeral Home, 38 Church St., Hornell, NY.

John’s family requests that in lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in his name be made to Care First Hospice, 11751 East Corning Road, Corning, NY 14830.

Joanne M. Campbell

Joanne Campbell PhotoJoanne M. Campbell – (85) – of 335 Cleveland Ave., North Hornell, died Tuesday afternoon (September 27, 2016), at Elderwood at Hornell Nursing Facility, following a long illness.

A native & life resident of Hornell, she was born August 15, 1931 and was the daughter of John & Mary (Pokrawaska) Sydelko.

Joanne was a graduate of St. Ann’s School and later graduated from Hornell High School (class of 1949). While in high school and following graduation, she had been employed at the former Dunn’s Drug Store in Hornell as a sales clerk. From 1983 – 1996, Joanne served as a teacher’s aide with the Hornell BOCES Program.

She was a member of Our Lady of the Valley Parish and had been a communicant of the former St. Ignatius Loyola Church and later St. Ann’s Church

Joanne was preceded in death by 3 sisters, Jennie Tsibulsky, Tess Prince and Anne Locker; 1 brother, Peter Sydelko.

She was married on August 29, 1951 to Frederick “Fred” Campbell who surives. Also surviving are 1 daughter, Sue Moster of Sunrise, FL.; 3 sons, Fred Campbell of Canisteo, Mike (Carolin) Campbell of Hornell and Jim (Kim) Campbell of Alfred Station; 6 grandchildren; 1 great-grandson; several nieces & nephews.

At Joanne’s request there will be no prior calling hours. Family and 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 St. Mary’s Cemetery.

Joanne’s family request that in lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in her name be made to Cystic Fibrosis Foundation, 6932 Arlington Road, 2nd Floor, Bethesda, MD 20814.

Funeral Arrangements are in care of the Dagon Funeral Home, 38 Church St., Hornell, NY 14843.

Kelly S. Bailey

Kelly Bailey PhotoKelly S. Bailey – (50) – of 23 Albion St., Hornell, died Wednesday afternoon (September 21, 2016), surrounded by her family, following a long illness.

Born in Hornell on December 18, 1965, she was the daughter of Eugene “Eggie” & Lois (Coleman) Bailey who preceded her in death.

Kelly resided in Hornell during her younger years and, while in the 10th grade moved to York, NY where she graduated from York Central School (class of 1984). She later attended Genesee Community College.

About 30 years ago, Kelly returned to the Hornell area. She had been employed at the former Ponderosa Steak House for several years and more recently was employed in the dietary department of Elderwood at Hornell Nursing Facility (formerly McAuley Manor).

Kelly was a longtime member of the Hornell Moose Lodge, Hornell VFW and the Hornell Association. She enjoyed life to the fullest, had a wonderful sense of humor and enjoyed “Raising a Glass” with her many friends.

Surviving are her longtime companion, Gerald “Jerry” Prentice with whom she resided; 1 brother, Joseph (Linda) Bailey of Hornell; 3 sisters, Cindy (Brett Zimmerman) Bailey of Keuka Lake, Patty (Roger Henry) Wigfield of North Rose, NY and Debi (Don Hollister) McCormick of Newark, NY;
4 step-sisters, Linda (Skip) Dunham of Hornell, Donna(the late Robert) Reynolds of Hornell, Lorrie (Edward) George of Almond and Becky (Alan) Conine of Rochester; her Uncle, Jim (Julie) Coleman. She is also survived by her dear friend Sharon Prentice and her children, Eric, Holly, and Ryan; her grandchildren, her great granddaughter, cousins, and several nieces & nephews.

The family of Kelly S. Bailey will receive friends on Saturday from 12:00 – 2:00 PM at the Dagon Funeral Home, 38 Church St., Hornell, NY where funeral services will be held at the conclusion of calling hours at 2:00 PM with Deacon Robert McCormick officiating. Burial will be in St. Mary’s Cemetery.

Kelly’s family request that in lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in her name be made to Wilmot Cancer Institute, C/O Strong Memorial Hospital, 601 Elmwood Ave., Rochester, NY14642. Memorial forms will be available at the Dagon Funeral Home.

Philip T. Bellanca

Philip Bellanca PhotoPhilip T. “Phil” Bellanca – 93 – of 92 Elizabeth St., Hornell, died early Sunday morning (September 18, 2016) at his home, following a long illness.

Born in Mt. Morris, NY on January 11, 1923, he was the son of Gaetano & Michela (Cordia) Bellanca.

Phil grew up in Mt. Morris and was a graduate of Mt. Morris High School. He was a veteran of WWII, serving his country as a member of the US Army.

He moved to Hornell in 1948 and, throughout the years, had been employed at several local businesses including the Erie Railroad, Erie-Lackawanna Railroad, the Icehouse, Hornell Brewery and the former Merrill Hosiery Corporation.

Phil was a member of Our Lady of the Valley Parish and a communicant of St. Ann’s Church. He enjoyed gardening, growing the best tomatoes in Hornell, and loved everything to do with cars, especially antiques. Phil was also a skilled carpenter, who could always be found building or tinkering with a variety of projects.

He was married on January 25, 1947 to the former Margaret Sciotti who died November 14, 2008. He was also preceded in death by his grandson, Timothy Lowry who died in 1984; his son-in-law, Dennis Lowry; 6 sisters; and 4 brothers.

Surviving are 2 daughters, Mary Margaret (David) Massey of Sebastian, FL and Phyllis Lowry of Whittier, CA; 4 grandchildren, Philip Massey, Brigette Seibert, Heidi Lowry and Mitchell Lowry, 4 great-grandchildren; many nieces & nephews.

At Phil’s request there will be no calling hours. 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 St. Mary’s Cemetery.

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

Phil’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.