Debra E. “Debbie” Booth – 57 – formerly of North Main St., Hornell, died Monday evening (November 30, 2015) at McAuley Manor where she had resided for the past five years.

Born in Cuba, NY on March 12, 1958, she was the daughter of Roy & Jessie (Young) Button.

Debbie was lifelong resident of Hornell and was a graduate of Hornell High School (class of 1976).  She had been employed as a bartender at the former Blue Angel Restaurant for several years.  She later became a “Stay At Home Mom” raising her three children.

She was an avid NASCAR fan and also enjoyed watching NFL football and rooting for the Buffalo Bills.

Debbie was preceded in death by her father, Roy Button who died in 1999.

Surviving are 2 daughters, Regina Masterson of Hornell and Billie Jo Booth of Hornell; 1 son, Adam (Shannon) Simms of Avoca; her mother, Jessie Button of Perry; 2 brothers, Mike (Marcia) Button of Perry and Jeffery (Cheryl)  Button of New Mexico; 3 sisters, Bonnie (Steve) Willey of Perry, Laurie (Herb Bowman) Button of Florida, and Tammy Stewart of Perry; 5 grandchildren, Chelsea Clymo, Alexa Clymo, Jade Dubois, Ethan Speed and Jeffery Simms; several nieces & nephews.

At Debbie’s request there will be no calling hours.  A Memorial Service will be held on Saturday at 10:00 AM the Dagon Funeral Home, 38 Church St., Hornell, NY with Pastor Calvin Smith officiating.

Debbie’s family request that memorial contributions in her name be made to Huntington’s Disease Society of America, 505 8th Ave., Suite 902, New York, NY 10018.  Memorial forms will be available at the Dagon Funeral Home.

Dale E. Wing – 85 – of Burleson, TX, formerly of Arkport, died Friday morning (October 30, 2015), following a brief illness.

Born in Hornell on April 19, 1930, he was the son of Leonard and Mabel (Woodworth) Wing.

Dale attended Arkport Central School and later had many years of training in the aircraft industry.

He was a 20 year veteran of the US Air Force and had been stationed in many locations, including Japan, New York, England and Florida.  He also served a tour of duty in Vietnam.  He retired in 1968 as a Chief Master Sergeant.  Following his honorable discharge from the military, Dale served as a Field Representative with Pratt and Whitney Aircraft. Throughout his career, he served in many locations including California, Texas, Holland, Germany and Missouri.  He retired in 1985 following 15 years of service.

Dale was an avid runner and athletic walker for most of his life.  He loved to travel and go to new and exciting places.  He enjoyed listening to music and events with family.

He was married on April 7, 1956 to the former Josephine “Josie” Solinas, who died December 31, 1989.  He later married the former Leonora “Lee” Baird who died January 1, 2011.  Dale was also preceded in death by 9 brothers and sisters.

Surviving are his son, Tom (Rene’) Wing of Fresno, CA; his daughter, Toni (John) Wing-Jenkins of Burleson, TX; 7 grandchildren; 15 great-grandchildren; 1 great-great-grandchild; and many nieces and nephews.

Dale will be remembered as a man who lived by his own terms and considered his children to be his greatest accomplishment.  He will be sadly missed by his family and friends.

The family of Dale E. Wing will receive friends on Thursday from 12:00 PM – 1:00 PM at the Dagon Funeral Home, 38 Church St., Hornell, NY, where funeral services with full military honors will be held at the conclusion of calling hours at 1:00 PM with Father John Cullen officiating.  Burial will be in Heritage Hill Cemetery, Arkport, NY.

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

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

Kevin Patrick Doran – 77 – died Wednesday (October 21, 2015) at his home following a long illness, surrounded by his loving family.

A native and life-long resident of Hornell, he was born on December 27, 1937, to the late William and Molly Doran.

Kevin was a graduate of Hornell High School (class of 1955) and later graduated from Loras College in Dubuque, Iowa.  He taught for several years at Hornell High School before turning his attention to radio full- time, serving as owner and general manager of WLEA and WCKR since the early 1970s.

Kevin was a life-long and active member of Our Lady of the Valley Parish and a communicant of St. Ann’s Church.  He was also an Oblate of St. Benedict Abbey in Still River, MA, where his son, Fr. James, is a monk.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his brother, Stanley Doran.

He was married to Mary Margaret (Gibbs) Doran, his wife of 49 years, on February 19, 1966, who survives him.  Also surviving are his five children:  Brendan of Jersey City, New Jersey; Brian of Hornell; Fr. James (William), O.S.B., of Still River, Massachusetts; Maura (Thomas) Knoell of Phoenix, Arizona; and Andrew (Aleksandra) of Rockville, Maryland; 7 grandchildren; and numerous nieces and nephews.

Family & friends are invited to pay their respects on Friday, (October 23, 2015) from 2:00 PM until 6:00 PM at the Dagon Funeral Home, 38 Church St., Hornell, NY.  A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Saturday (October 24, 2015) at 11:00AM at St. Ann’s Church in Hornell, with burial in St. Mary’s Cemetery.

The Doran family wishes to thank the many people who assisted him in his final illness, especially the Hornell Fire Department, the staff at St. James Hospital and at Hornell Gardens, and the many nurses and aides who assisted in his care.

It was Kevin’s wish that instead of sending flowers, family and friends request Masses celebrated for the repose of his soul.

Alvina E. Fenti – (88) – of Ardmore, OK, formerly of 22 Hart St., Hornell, died Tuesday evening (October 13, 2015) in Ardmore, following a long illness.

Born in Allentown, Pa. on May 30th, 1927, she was the daughter of Arthur & Ann (Knauss) Bechtel.  From 1949 – 1981, she resided in Bishopville, NY and resided in Hornell from 1981 until moving to Oklahoma about 11 years ago.

Alvina was employed for several years as a telephone operator for NY Telephone Company.  For many years she was employed as Unit Secretary at St. James Mercy Hospital and also as a receptionist for Dr. Collins & Dr. Foreman.

For many years, Alvina served as a volunteer for Southern Tier Hospice and also
St. James Mercy Hospital.  She was a member & past president of the Mental Health Association of Steuben County.

She was married on August 25th, 1946 in Angola, Indiana (later renewing their vows in St. Ann’s Church) to Jessamine “Jess” Fenti who died February 12, 2002.  She was also preceded in death by her brother, John Bechtel; 1 sister, Dolores Hunt.

Surviving are 3 sons, James Fenti of Salamanca, Paul (Diane) Fenti of Bolivar and David (Diedre) Fenti of Ardmore, OK; many grandchildren; great-grandchildren; nieces & nephews.

At Alvina’s request there will be no calling hours.  A private graveside service will be held at the convenience of the family.

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

Alvina’s family request that in lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in her name be made to St. Ann’s Academy, PO Box, 446, Hornell, NY 14843.

Harold A. “Roby” Robinson – (90) – of 7760 Bills Rd., Hornell, died Monday afternoon (October 12, 2015) at the Taylor Health Care Center in Bath, following a long illness.

A native & lifelong resident of the Hornell area, he was born on November 8, 1924 and was the son of William & Emma May (Loohn) Robinson.

Roby attended Harding Hill Country School and later attended Arkport Central School.  He dropped out of school in the 9th grade to help out by working on the family farm.

Throughout the years, Roby was employed at numerous companies, including working briefly at the former Erie Railroad, driving a bread truck and at Carrier Air Conditioning in Syracuse.  He later was employed at Griffin General Tire in Hornell where he did front end alignments and brake jobs.  Harold was also a general carpenter and did general roofing in the Hornell – Arkport area.  For many years he owned and operated T&R Used Cars in Hornell.  He retired in 1993.

Roby was a former member of the Hornell Moose Lodge and also the Arkport Rod & Gun Club.  He enjoyed hunting & fishing and also playing cards — especially poker, gin rummy and phase ten.  He was an avid gardener and loved raising vegetables and working in his yard.  Until recently, Harold continued to mow his own lawn and loved spending time on his riding lawn mower.

He was married on February 23, 1945 to the former Betty Case who died in 2008.  He was also preceded in death by 5 brothers and 3 sisters.

Surviving are 2 daughters, Diane Robinson of Arkport and Linda (Monte) Noble of Hornell; 1 son, Richard (Lisa) Robinson of Hornell; 2 grandchildren, Kristen (Richard) Mason of Savona and Jeremy Turner of Elmira; 1 step-grandson, Matthew (Jessica) Flint of Syracuse; several nieces & nephews.  He will also be missed by his loving cat, “Gizmo”.

At Roby’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.

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

Joseph “Joe” R. Tolan died peacefully at his home, surrounded by loved, ones after a brief illness on September 3, 2015.  He was 73.

Joe was born on October 22, 1941 in Hornell, New York, to Genevieve (Johnson) Tolan and Raymond John Tolan, who predeceased him. 

Raised by loving parents (not to mention the nuns at St. Ann’s School), he demonstrated respect and service to others, as well as generosity with his time and talents.  Joe graduated from Hornell High School, attended St. Bonaventure College and Cornell University in preparation for a lifetime career in public service. 

He was inducted into the Order of the Arrow of the Boy Scouts of America, was honorably discharged from the United States Army after serving as a Military Police Officer in Livorno, Italy, and was selected as Engineer of the Year by The New York State Association of Transportation Engineers.

Joe and Susan (Hall) married on December 28, 1991 in Canisteo, New York.  They relocated to North Carolina in 1996. 

Joe is survived by his wife, Susan, daughter and granddaughter Jill Tolan and Eve Khalil of Miami, Florida, daughter Olivia Anne Tolan of Basel, Switzerland; sister Mary (Robert) Mosier of Plover, Wisconsin, nephews Christopher (Robin Gose) Mosier of Austin, Texas and Michael (Rachel) Mosier of Mt. Vernon, Iowa; mother- and father-in-law Kay and Bob Hall of Big Flats, New York, sister- and brother-in-law Sandy and Kevin Sullivan of Rock Hill, South Carolina.

Joe spent more than fifty years in public service, beginning his long career as an Engineer with New York State Department of Transportation, continuing at the City of Charlotte Storm Water Services and concluding at the Town of Indian Trail. 

He was a loyal follower of the Buffalo Bills, Buffalo Sabres, Notre Dame football, and St. Bonaventure basketball.  Throughout his life, Joe was also a hunter, fisherman, NASCAR fan and most importantly, loved a good St. Patrick’s Day celebration.

A memorial service honoring Joe will be held Saturday, October 10 at 11:00 AM at Dagon Funeral Home, 38 Church Street, Hornell, New York, with a luncheon at the American Legion in Canisteo, New York following the service.  Joe will be laid to rest in the family plot in Canisteo, New York. 

A celebration of Joe’s life was also held September 9 at the Weddington United Methodist Church in North Carolina. 

The family would like to thank Shelby, Ashley, and Lola of Hospice and Palliative Care Charlotte Region, and Mari of Home Instead for their comforting care.  In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Hospice and Palliative Care Charlotte Region, 1420 E. Seventh Street, Charlotte, North Carolina 28204, or to the charity of your choice.

May joy and peace surround you, contentment latch your door,
and happiness be with you now, and bless you ever more.

Cleo M. Stillman – of Arkport, died early Monday morning (September 14, 2015).

Born in Buffalo, NY on April 21, 1933, she was the daughter of William & Mary Catherine (Greene) Doering.

Cleo grew up in Buffalo and was a graduate of  Buffalo Academy of the Sacred Heart (class of1951).  She later graduated from Sister DeMaralek School of Nursing.

She moved to the Hornell area in the late 1950’s and, throughout the years, had been employed as a waitress for several area restaurants including the Beacon Inn, Ponce DeLeon Restaurant, Arkport Inn, Big Elms Restaurant, Hornell Country Club, Lone Gable and RX’s 60-40 Southside.

Cleo had been a member of Our Lady of the Valley Parish and a communicant of St. Ann’s Church.   She enjoyed being a homemaker, was a great cook.  Her kitchen was always warm with music, good friends, good food & drink and now those good, good memories will always remain and we will reminisce and smile! She enjoyed crafts and also loved to decorate her home — especially for the holiday seasons. What a talent she possessed.

Cleo had a deep love of animals and throughout the years raised several dogs & cats and was always willing to take in a “stray”.  She found such comfort and peace in her love of all animals, large & small.  She had an appreciation for music and possessed a beautiful singing voice, but was hesitant in sharing her gift in public.  Cleo was a loyal Buffalo Bills Football fan and New York Yankees Baseball fan. 

She was extremely proud of her Scottish – Irish heritage and will be remembered for her wonderful sense of humor and her infectious laughter. How intelligent she was and how she enjoyed dressing well and “fixing-up,” for sure!
 
She was preceded in death by her daughter, Bridget Bannen Smith; her dear friend, Sharon Perkins and so, so many friends that God has welcomed home before her.  Now, welcome Cleo – what a beautiful, loving and fun gathering that will be! The Heavens will be rumbling!

Surviving are several cousins, including her caregivers, Kathleen, Jake & Addi Updyke; several nieces & nephews.  Her “extended family” includes her many friends in the Hornell community as well as some special friends at Hornell Gardens.  Also Fr. Peter — what a kind man.  Cleo loved his hearty laughter and his fancy sandals.

At Cleo’s request there will be no prior calling hours.  A Memorial Mass will be celebrated at St. Ann’s Church on a day and time to be announced. Final interment will be in St. Mary’s Cemetery.

Cleo, you certainly have been welcomed & rewarded by God into Heaven and all of your loved ones that have gone before you are now there to greet you.  Your dues have been paid in full.  There are no words that can express our sadness that you departure has left us.  How important you are and how much you will be missed.  BUT THIS IS ABOUT YOUR TRIP TO A BETTER PLACE & NOT ABOUT US.  So, until we meet again, “May God Hold You in the Palm of His Hand”.  With the greatest love, respect & admiration, we say “good-bye” for now to you, Cleo, FOREVER YOUNG!

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

Cleo’s family would like to thank the Hornell Ambulance drivers as well as the wonderful E.R. doctors & nurses and the
2nd floor nurses at St. James Mercy Hospital for the wonderful care given to her.  May God bless you all!  Also, Cleo says “Thank-You Butterscotch”.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in her name may be made to the Hornell Humane Society, 7649 Industrial Park Road, Hornell, NY 14843.

Frances Ann Perkins, 81, died peacefully at home, September 8, 2015, after a long, courageous battle with cancer.

Born to Frank and Ann (Whittemore) June in Jasper, NY, she lived her childhood years in Jasper. After her Mother remarried and moved to Dansville, Fran and her brother Billy lived with their adopted grandparents, Maude and Arthur Whiting. Their dearly beloved Grandpa, Earl June, lived in nearby Canisteo.
 
She was married to Willard Gray, and they settled in Groveland where she enjoyed being a homemaker. She was an excellent cook and baker who made delicious and picture perfect, pies, cakes and cookies. Her specialties were apple and rhubarb pie, bread and cinnamon rolls. Fran loved reading, crocheting, hand embroidery, interior decoration, gardening, crafts and flower arranging.  While living in Groveland, she was a member of the Sparta First Presbyterian Church.
 
Fran was a stay-at-home Mom before going out to work at Craig Develop- mental Center and SUNY Geneseo, where she was a member of CSEA Local 922. She later went to GCC becoming a Certified Home Health Aide.
 
She later married Jack Perkins and has lived in Dansville since then.
 
Fran was a loving, caring, generous, energetic, person who made friends easily. She defied the odds against her on many occasions.
 
She was predeceased by her beloved brother Bill, and husbands, Willard Gray and Jack Perkins, and special friend Allan Anderson.
 
Fran is survived by a daughter, Colleen  (Richard) Green of Perry, NY; a son, Kevin (Cheryl) Gray, of Dansville, NY; a half brother David H. (Donna) Bebout and families of Middleburg, FL, a cousin and special friend, Sybil Haley and Aunt Dorothy Clark, both of Hornell; a step-daughter, Patty (Rick) Knudsen of Dansville; two step-sons, Mike Perkins of Cornville, AZ and Marc (Ruby) Perkins of Richland, MS.
 
Those wishing to attend Fran’s memorial service may contact Colleen Green, PO Box 88, Retsof, NY 14539 or send email to csgreen@wnyti.com, to be notified of the time and place.

DeLorne R. “Rick” Martin – 68 – of 321 Erie Ave., Almond, NY, died Saturday evening (September 5, 2015) at Ira Davenport Hospital following a brief illness.

Born in Hornell on March 4, 1947, he was the son of Ralph & Mary (Vosburg) Martin.

Rick, who was also affectionately known as “DR”, grew up in Hornell and was a graduate of Hornell High School (class if 1965).  While in high school, he was a member of the Red Raider Football Team and also the HHS Track Team.

Following his high school graduation, Rick enlisted in the US Navy.  While in the Navy, he served three tours of duty in Vietnam.  As a “Helicopter Door Gunner”, Rick’s job entailed retrieving wounded soldiers from the battle field via helicopter.  He received the Bronze Star and two Purple Hearts after twice being wounded while performing his duties.  He was honorably discharged in 1977.

Throughout the years, Rick had been employed as an electrician for several railroad car refurbishing companies, including Morrison-Knudson (MK), Transportation & Transit Associates (TTA), Alstom Transportation and Siemens Transportation. He retired 6 years ago.

Rick had been a member of Our Lady of the Valley Parish and a communicant of St. Ann’s Church.  He was a life member of the Hornell VFW and a former member of the Hornell American Legion.  Rick enjoyed collecting model trains; was a baseball card collector; enjoyed hunting and in his younger years enjoyed fishing.

He was married on December 3, 1976 to the former Gail Lena Bowles who survives.  Also surviving are 3 sons, DeLorne “Ricky” (Wendy) Martin of Fremont, Richard Noyes of Hornell and Christopher Martin of Hornell; 1 sister, Lorna (Sam) Palmiter of Chester VA; 1 brother, Bill (Beverly) Raub of Friendship, NY; his brother-in-law, Larry (Suzanne) Bowles of Westminster, MD; 10 grandchildren, Cheyenne McCormck, Matthew Martin, Tiffany Martin, Ashley Baltimore, Richard Noyes JR, Brandon Noyes, Brittany Noyes, Chris Martin, Benjamin Brown and Brenden Martin; several great-grandchildren; several nieces & nephew. 

The family of DeLorne R. “Rick” Martin will receive friends on Saturday from 12:00 PM  –   2:00 PM at the Dagon Funeral Home, 38 Church St., Hornell, NY where a Memorial Service with full Military Honors will be held at the conclusion of calling hours at 2:00 PM with Deacon Robert McCormick officiating.  Final interment will be in the Bath National Cemetery.

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

 Frederick Charles Aldrich – 85 – a resident of McAuley Manor died Friday evening (September 4, 2015) at St. James Mercy Hospital in Hornell.

Throughout the years, Frederick resided in many places including Pennsylvania, Wellsville, NY, Buffalo, NY and was employed by Eaton Yalentown Corporation in Batavia, NY.

Frederick’s family includes Rick & Billie Aldrich and their 2 children and 7 grandchildren; his deceased son, Ed, and his 2 children and 4 grandchildren; Ted & Kathy Aldrich and their 7 children and 4 grandchildren; Judi & Dale Ziefel and their 5 children and 9 grandchildren; Sherri & Don Hulme and their 7 children (1 deceased) and 7 grandchildren (1 deceased); David Aldrich and his 3 daughters and 4 grandchildren; Tina & John Walczak; James & Sandy Aldrich and their 2 children and 5 grandchildren.

At Frederick’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 14843. 

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