Maureen A. Murphy – 81 – of Jamestown, NC, formerly of Hornell, passed away peacefully in her sleep Sunday (January 18, 2015) in North Carolina, following a long illness.

Born in Waterloo, NY on October 3, 1933, she was the daughter of Harold “Jack” & Evelyn (Dunsmore) Babcock.

Maureen lived her early years in Geneva, NY before her family moved to Hornell when she was still in grade school.  She was a graduate of Hornell High School (class of 1951) and later earned her Associate’s Degree in Hematology from Alfred State College.  She eventually earned her Bachelor’s Degree from Empire State College.

She was employed for many years as a phlebotomist / hematologist in the laboratory department at St. James Mercy Hospital, retiring as Director of Laboratory Services.  For many years, she owned & operated Pen & Scroll Book Store on Main St., Hornell.

While living in Hornell, Maureen was a member of Our Lady of the Valley Parish and a communicant of St. Ann’s Church.  She was an avid Buffalo Bills Football fan and for many years was (along with her husband, John) a season ticket holder.  She has resided in North Carolina for the past 10 years.

Maureen was married to John K. Murphy who passed away in 1994.  She was also preceded in death by her brother, David Babcock.

Maureen loved her family and friends unconditionally.  She is survived by her 5 sons, Shawn Murphy of Louisville, KY, Garth (Tracey) Murphy of Jamestown, NC, David (Shana) Murphy of Hornell, Andrew (Marcia) Murphy of Baumont, CA and Matthew (Kari) Murphy of Jacksonville, NC; her grandchildren, Erin (Oliver) Masaba, Ryan Nasca, Kristen Murphy, Regan Murphy, Austin Murphy, Jakob Murphy, Ethen Murphy, Elizabeth Murphy, Shane Murphy, Connor Murphy, Tyler Johnson, Brody Murphy, Oliver Murphy and Emmit Murphy.

The family of Maureen A. Murphy will receive friends on Saturday from 1:00 PM – 3:00 PM at the Dagon Funeral Home, 38 Church St., Hornell, NY, where a Memorial Service will be held at the conclusion of calling hours at 3:00 PM with Deacon Robert McCormick officiating.

Joan M. Speca – (81) – of 110 Elizabeth St., Hornell, formerly of Alfred, died Friday afternoon (December 26, 2014) after a long illness.

Born in Buffalo, NY on August 26, 1933, she was the daughter of Ralph & Edith (Ludwig) Slaven.

Joan grew up in Snyder, NY where she graduated from high school.  She attended Alfred State College (SUNY Alfred) and years later returned to Alfred State College to complete her education.

She was employed for about 25 years as a secretary in the Registrar’s Office of SUNY Alfred.

Joan loved to travel, enjoyed working in her flower garden and was an avid reader (mostly novels).  For many years she enjoyed going on her daily walks, long before it became fashionable.

She was married to William Speca who died in 2002.  Joan was also preceded in death by her son, James “Jamie” Speca who died in 1984 and her brother, Neil Slaven.

Surviving are 1 son, Michael (Nancy) Speca of Calgary Alberta, Canada; 1 daughter, Sharon Pierce; 1 brother, Terrence (Chris) Slaven of Phoenix, AZ; 1 sister, Mary Slaven of Buffalo, NY; 4 grandchildren, Michelle (Russ) Thomas, Sean (Lynn) Pierce, Lucas Pierce and Riley Pierce; her dear friend, Tony Hawkins; 8 great-grandchildren; several nieces & nephews.

The family of Joan M. Speca will receive friends on Friday from 4:00 PM – 6:00 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 6:00 PM with Deacon Robert McCormick officiating.  Burial will be in St. Mary’s Cemetery.

Joan’s family request that memorial contributions in her name be made to the 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.

Marianne A. Sivertsen – (70) – of 9255 County Road 15 B, Canaseraga, passed away early Friday morning (December 26, 2014) with family at her side at her home in Birdsall, NY following a long illness.

Born in Hornell on December 6, 1944, she was the daughter of Louis & Marian (Nicholson) Albert.

Marianne lived in the Hornell – Almond area until the sixth grade when her family moved to Marion, OH.  She graduated from Marion Catholic High School (class of 1963) and later attended (2 years) at Ohio State University.  Moving to California in 1966, Marianne received her Associates Degree in Liberal Arts from Alan Hancock College in Lompoc, CA.

For about 4 years, she was employed at Anaconda Aluminum in Columbia Falls, MT, primarily in the Service Department.  She also served as manager of the Kalispell Bar & Grill and as a bartender & waitress at the Outlaw Inn, both in Kalispell, MT.

Vera L. Lisi, 99 years old, of Napa, CA (formerly of Hornell) died on December 5 following a long illness. 

Born in England on January 4, 1915, she was the daughter of William & Ethel (Watson) Littlefair.

At the age of 15, Vera’s family left England and eventually settled in Buffalo, NY where she resided for 30 years.  Vera graduated from high school and later attended cosmetology school.  While living in Amherst, she owned & operated a hair salon for many years.

She married Arnold Febrey who died in 1957.  She was the mother of three daughters, Jane (David) Leue, Anne Febrey and Judi DeSantis.  In 1960, she married Anthony “Tony” Lisi and they lived in Hornell, NY for over 30 years. 

For several years Vera was a cosmetician at Key Drug and later worked as a real estate agent for Real, Inc.   While living in Hornell, she served on the Board of Directors of the Hornell Public Library and was a member of the Hornell Fortnightly.  Vera was a former member of Christ Episcopal Church and had also attended St. Ann’s Church. 

Her husband, Tony, died in 1993.  In 2000, Vera moved to Napa, California with her granddaughter, Beth (Brian) Dunn.  She lived with them and her great-granddaughter, Erin, until June 2013.  During that time, she enjoyed spending time with her family and attending many of Erin’s school and extracurricular activities.  

Charles “Charlie” Jones, JR – 81 – of 7 Hakes Ave., Hornell, died Friday morning (December 12, 2014) at his home, following a brief illness.

A native of Piper, AL, he was born February 10, 1933 and was the son of Charles & Eva Jane (Coleman) Jones.

Charlie grew up in Piper, AL and was a graduate of Bibb County Training School in Centerville, AL (class of 1950).  At the age of 17, he joined the US Air Force and served his country for about 10 years.  While in the Air Force, Charlie was stationed in several places including Japan, Guam & Panama.

Living most of his adult life in Brooklyn, NY, Charlie was employed for about 30 years as a Union Representative for the AFLCIO, retiring in 1998 after 30 years of service.  He has resided in Hornell for the past 10 years.

Charlie was a member of the Jehovah Witness Organization and a member of Kingdom Hall in Canisteo. He enjoyed watching sporting events and was a Chicago Bears Football Fan and an LA Lakers Basketball Fan.

He was married to the former Lillian Whitehall who died 15 years ago.  Charlie was also preceded in death by 2 sisters and 3 brothers.

Surviving are 4 brothers, James, Sylvester, Clayton & Curtis; 2 sisters, Gaynell & Alma; many nieces, nephews, grand-nieces & grand-nephews.

At Charlie’s request there will be no prior calling hours.  A private Memorial Service was held at Kingdom Hall.

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

Hayden Bentley Kidder, newborn son of Samantha Barrett and Brad Kidder of 157 Hornell St., Hornell died Tuesday morning (December 2, 2014) at St. James Hospital shortly after entering this world.

Although Hayden was only her for a few short hours, he was truly loved by his parents and his entire family.  He is now with the Angels in Heaven.

In addition to his parents, Brad & Samantha, survivors include his sister, Kyla Kidder; paternal grandparents, Barry Kidder of Howard and Deb Travis of Howard; maternal grandparents, Michael Barrett of Florida and Michelle LaForge of Wayland; paternal great-grandparents, Lindy & Margaret Kidder of Howard and Ruth Travis of Canisteo; maternal great-grandparents, Al & Elaine LaForge of Mitchellsville, NY; aunts, uncles & cousins.

Private funeral services will be held at the Dagon Funeral Home, 38 Church St., Hornell, NY at the convenience of the family

Andrea J. “Spook” (Testani) Gordon – 46 – of New York City, formerly of Hornell, passed peacefully from this world Sunday night, November 30, 2014, following a valiant battle with colon cancer. She was surrounded by her husband, family and close friends, in the comfort of her own home.

Born and raised in Hornell, Andrea left Hornell High School a year early in 1985, after completing her high school education in 3 years. She earned her B.A. in Theatre from Elmira College in 1989, and her MFA in Directing from Wayne State University in Detroit, MI in 1992.

She was a resident of New York City where she had become one of Broadway’s most successful and sought after stage managers, working with some of the biggest names in the business. Andrea, who was known to all as “Spook,” had her first Broadway credit as production stage manager in 1998, with the drama SIDE MAN. She most recently served as the production stage manager for the 2008 all-star Broadway revival of ALL MY SONS; the beloved, Tony-winning musical THE 25TH ANNUAL PUTNAM COUNTY SPELLING BEE in 2005; MATCH in 2004; and I AM MY OWN WIFE in 2003. Her other Broadway stage managing credits include FRANKIE AND JOHNNY IN THE CLAIRE DE LUNE, THE MAN WHO HAD ALL THE LUCK, DESIGN FOR LIVING, THE MAN WHO CAME TO DINNER, and UNCLE VANYA. Her reputation for her professionalism, wit and charm is legendary in the theatre community.

Andrea left her professional life to dedicate her indefatigable energy and boundless love to her greatest achievement, her two beloved boys. She had most recently started teaching a stage management class at Fordham University which accommodated her son’s school schedule.

She was preceded in death by her beloved sister Jovena in 1977 and her cherished niece Elianna in 2001.

Spook is survived by her husband, John Gordon; sons, Robert and Sean; parents, William and Ruth Testani; eight brothers & sisters, Thomas Testani, Mary “Beeb” (Frank) Kilcoyne, Roseanne (Thomas) Wall, Jim (Samantha) Testani; Matthew (Jodi) Testani; Michael (Lina) Testani; Marisa “Tooey” (Dr. Richard Ferro) Testani, and Angela (David) Remchuk; many nieces & nephews.

Spook’s family will receive friends on Saturday (December 13, 2014) from 12:00 (noon) until 3:00 PM at the Dagon Funeral Home, 38 Church St., Hornell, NY. A prayer service will be held at the conclusion of calling hours at 3:00 PM with Deacon Robert McCormick officiating.  A “Celebration of Life” will follow at the Arkport Legion.

Spook’s family request that in lieu of flowers, memorial contributions be made to the Robert and Sean Gordon Trust Fund, care of Mary “Beeb” Kilcoyne, 444 Cleveland Avenue, Hornell, NY 14843. Memorial forms will be available at the Dagon Funeral Home or click here to print a form.

Patricia A. “Raynor” Markel of Hornell, died unexpectedly Saturday afternoon (November 29, 2014).

She was the daughter of Frank & Irma (Nuwer) Raynor.

Pat had been employed at the VA Hospital.

She was preceded in death by her father, Frank and also her brother.

Pat is survived by her husband, Steven Markel.  Also surviving are her mother, Irma; 2 brothers; 1sister; her best friend, Nancy; several nieces & nephews.

At Pat’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.

Pat’s family request that in lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in her name be made to the American Heart Association, PO Box 3049, Syracuse, NY 13220.

Christopher R. “Chris” Ames – 34 – of Rochester, formerly of Hornell, died Thursday afternoon (November 13, 2014) at Strong Memorial Hospital in Rochester, following a brief illness.

Born in North Hornell on July 4, 1980, he was the son of Richard Ames and the former Susan “Susie” Rowe.

Chris grew up in Hornell and was a graduate of Hornell High School (class of 1998).  While in high school, Chris played JV Football, St. Ann’s basketball and also played in the Babe Ruth Baseball League.

Following high school, Chris worked for several years doing general construction as a carpenter / roofer with his father.  Throughout his 20’s Chris toured the country as a “free spirit” following his favorite bands such as Widespead Panic, selling Tee Shirts and other items to support his “free spirit” life style and had a huge “festival family” with whom he traveled.  He loved this life and saw more places than one could dream of in a life time.  It was what he loved to do and music was very near and dear to his heart, especially his love for the Grateful Dead band.  In 2008 he worked as a sleep technologist doing sleep studies on patients at his stepfathers business New Life Sleep Consultants in North Carolina until it closed in 2010.  For the past four years, he has resided in Rochester, working as a self-employed carpenter and sub-contracting for Jon Grant Interiors.

Stephen A. “Steve” Lamb – (62) – of 1190 County route 66, Hornell, died early Wednesday morning (October 15, 2014) at McAuley, following a long battle with Hemangiopericytoma, Anaplastic Astrocytoma, which left him totally paralyzed.

A native & life resident of Hornell, he was born May 30, 1952 and was the son of Donald & Adeline (Lester) Lamb.

Steve grew up in Hornell and was a graduate of Hornell High School (class of 1971).  Following graduation, he learned to operate heavy duty construction equipment.

For over 36 years, Steve fulfilled his dream as a firefighter for the Hornell City Fire Department.  In 1992, he was promoted to the rank of Captain, a position that he held until 2011 when he retired due to ill health.  For many years, he was a member of the International Association of Fire Fighters (IAFF).  He had also been a member of the former St. Paul’s Lutheran Church of Hornell.