Catherine A. McKenna – (92) – a resident of Livingston County CNR in Mt. Morris, NY, formerly of 16 Meadowbrook, Arkport, NY, died Saturday evening (September 6, 2014) at Living County CNR, where she had resided for the past 4 years.

Born in Poughkeepsie, NY on November 27, 1921, she was the daughter of John & Ruth (Bates) McKenna.

Catherine attended St. Peter’s Elementary School in Poughkeepsie and later graduated from Poughkeepsie High School.  She went on to earn her Bachelor’s Degree in Nursing from St. Francis School of Nursing in Poughkeepsie and her Master’s Degree in Nursing from Catholic University of New York in Washington, DC.

Throughout the years, Catherine resided in several locations, including Arkport, Wilkes-Barre, PA, Farmingdale, NY, Kentucky, Tennessee and New Jersey.

She taught in Diploma, Associate’s Degree & Baccalaureate Nursing Programs in New York State, New Jersey, Tennessee, Kentucky and Pennsylvania.  She retired from St. James Mercy Hospital School of Nursing.

While living in the Hornell – Arkport area, Catherine was a member of Our Lady of the Valley Parish and had been a communicant of both St. Ignatius Loyola Church and St. Ann’s Church.  While in Poughkeepsie, she was a communicant of St. Peter’s Church.

In addition to her parents, Catherine was preceded in death by her sister, Magdalan Prince; 8 brothers, Patrick McKenna, James McKenna, Richard McKenna, Thomas McKenna, Joseph McKenna, Peter McKenna, John McKenna and William McKenna.

Surviving are 1 sister, Barbara Skinner of Concord, NC; 1 brother, Robert (Carol) McKenna of Pleasant Valley, NY; many nieces & nephews.

At Catherine’s request there will be no calling hours.  A Memorial Service will be held in Poughkeepsie at the convenience of the family.

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

R. Murray Mahany – 81 – of 9696 Oak Hill Rd., Arkport, died unexpectedly early Friday morning (September 5, 2014) at Strong Memorial Hospital in Rochester.

Born in Easton, ME on July 2, 1933, he was the son of Eldon & Delia (Long) Mahany.

Murray grew up in Easton, ME and was a graduate of Easton High School (class of 1950).  He later attended (2 years) the University of Maine, majoring in Agriculture.  He has resided in Arkport since 1952.

He has been involved in farming his entire adult life, and in a “Joint Venture” with his three sons & a son-in-law, operated Poverty Knob Farms in Arkport, raising 600 acres of potato (for potato chips); 55 acres of oats; 400 acres of wheat; 1250 acres of corn; 180 acres of green beans; 150 acres of alfalfa; which totaled 2635 total acres of crop land.  He “retired” (as much as he could) in 1996.

Murray was always working for the betterment of the community.  He served for about 20 years on the Dansville Town Board and served on numerous local, county & state boards. Some of these included 27 years as a member and 6 years as chairman of the Steuben County Soil & Water Conservation Dept.; 4 year director of the NYS SWCD Division IV; 1 year as president of the NYS Soil & Water Conservation Association; 1 year member of the NACD Water Resources Committee; 3 year member of the NYS Fish & Wildlife Board (Region 8); 25 year member of the Steuben County Farm Bureau; 11 year member of the Empire State Potato Growers; 3 year member of the Cornell University Foundation Seed Board; 4 year member of the ASCS; 15 year member of the WNY Potato Growers; 35 year member of the Cornell University  IPM Program and 1 year member of the Susquehanna River Basin Commission.

Anna L. LaPiana – 97 – formerly of North Hornell, died Monday (September 1, 2014) at her home in Zephyrhills, FL.

Born in Conesus, NY on November 21, 1916, she was the daughter of George & Wilhemina (Wassink) Conlon.

A veteran of WWII, Anna served 4 years as a member of the US Navy Waves.  She later served 3 years in the US Navy Reserves Inactive Corp.  

Anna resided in the Hornell-North Hornell area for about 37 years, moving to Florida in 1983.  She volunteered over 20,000 hours at Zephyrhills Hospital and was a member of St. Joseph’s Catholic Church of Zephyrhills.

Anna was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Charles LaPiana; brother, James Conlon; sister, Rosemary Bush.

Surviving are her son, James (Lucinda) LaPiana; daughter, Shirley (Russell) Martin; sister, Margret Myers; many nieces & nephews. 

The family of Anna L. LaPiana will receive friends on Monday from 12:00 (noon) until 1:00 PM at the Dagon Funeral Home, 38 Church St., Hornell, NY where a funeral service will be held at the conclusion of calling hours at 1:00 PM with Deacon Robert McCormick officiating.  Burial will be in St. Mary’s Cemetery.

Thelma  I.  Norton – (87) – formerly of 11 Fifth St., Canisteo, died Wednesday afternoon (August 27, 2014) at Hornell Gardens where she had resided for the past 2 ½  years.

Born in Hornell on November 1, 1926, she was the daughter of Willis & Rose (Smith) Stephens. 

Thelma attended Hornell High School and was a lifelong resident of the Hornell-Canisteo area.  She was a member of the Canisteo American Legion Auxiliary and was especially fond of her beloved cat, Casper.

She was married in 1960 to Nelson Norton who died in 1979.  She was also preceded in death by her daughter, Sharon Norton; her brother, Carl Stephens and an infant sister.

Surviving are 4 daughters, Lana (Alta) York of Canisteo, Sheila (Mark) Hess of Canisteo, Karen (Jack) Gardner of Canisteo and Pamela Nicholson of Hornell; 3 sons, Michael Norton of Hornell, John (Linda) Norton of Hornell and Mark (Cindy) Norton of Wheeler, NY; several grandchildren, great-grandchildren, & great-great-grandchildren.

At Thelma’s request there will be no calling hours.  Private services were held at the Dagon Funeral Home, 38 Church St., Hornell, NY with Rev. Don Maynard officiating.  Burial was in the Hillside Cemetery, Canisteo.

The family of Thelma I. Norton request that memorial contributions in her name be made to the Canisteo Fire Department, East Main St., Canisteo, NY 14823.

Bettina “Betty” Trapani – (101) – of 91 River St., Hornell, died Saturday morning (August 2, 2014) at McAuley Manor, where she had resided for the past 11 months.

A native & lifelong resident of Hornell, she was born March 20, 1913 and was the daughter of Peter & Angeline (Cusimano) Grillo.

Betty was a graduate of St. Ann’s School, 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 of America, Ladies of Columbus, Ladies Auxiliary of the Sons of Italy and the Women of the Moose.

Bettina was employed as a seamstress at the former Merrell Hosiery for 27 years.  In her younger years she was an avid bowler and belonged to several women’s bowling leagues. 

Lois H. Furlong – 90 – of Smith Pond Rd., Avoca, formerly of Hornell, died Thursday evening at the Hart Comfort House in Wellsville, following a brief illness.

Born in Hornell on September 1, 1923, she was the daughter of Floyd & Lyda (Woodworth) Cline.

Lois grew up in Hornell and was a graduate of Hornell High School.  She had been a member of the former Spence United Methodist Church.

She was married to William “Duke” Furlong who died in 1983.  She was also preceded in death by her son, Stephen Furlong who died in 2011; 2 sisters, Beth Jones and Ruth Loohn.

Surviving are her children, William Furlong, JR of Chattanooga, TN, Sue Fenti of Avoca and David Furlong of Duluth, GA; 1 sister, Jean Van Wee of Canisteo; grandchildren, nieces & nephews.

At Lois’ request there will be no calling hours.  A Memorial Service will be held on Wednesday at 6:30 PM at the Howard Union Church in Howard, NY with Rev. Don Lester officiating. 

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

Lois’ family request that memorial contributions in her name be made to Hart Comfort Care, 141 East State St., Wellsville, NY 14895.

James J. Keenan – (83) – of 7 Pine St., Hornell, died Saturday afternoon (July 26, 2014) at McAuley Manor in North Hornell, following a brief illness.

Born in Jersey City, NJ on January 31, 1931, he was the son of James & Wilamena (Pritz) Keenan.

When he was 5 years old, Jim’s family moved to Rochester, NY.  He was a graduate of West High School (class of 1948).  He was a veteran of the Korean Conflict, serving his country in the US Navy.

Jim was employed as a firefighter in Rochester for 30 years, retiring in 1988.  He lived in Florida for about 17 years and has resided in Hornell since June, 2008.

He was married on May 4, 1957 to the former Jean Herzog who died January 18, 2014.

Surviving are 3 daughters, Mary Frances (Ronald) Spataro of Rochester, Wendy (Richard) Chapel of Geneseo and Kathleen (David) Hillman of Hornell; 1 son, James J. Keenan of Rochester; several grandchildren; 1 great-granddaughter, nieces & nephews.

Francis J. Pollizi – (77) – of 106 Hornell St., Hornell, died early Monday morning (July 28, 2014) at his home, following a brief illness.

Born in Hornell on March 8, 1937, he was the son of Anthony & Rose (Changose) Pollizi.

Francis grew up in Hornell and attended Hornell High School.  He was employed for 52 years in many capacities at the former Stern & Stern Industries, retiring in 2008 as a weaver.

He was a member of Our Lady of the Valley Parish and a communicant of St. Ann’s Church where he served as an usher for many years.  For 10 years, Francis volunteered his time at the annual Thanksgiving Community Dinner at Billy Schu’s Restaurant.

Francis will be remembered as a true “Family Man”.  He was a caring and devoted husband, a loving father, grandfather & great-grandfather.  He was extremely proud of his entire family and in recent years took great joy in his grandchildren & great-grandchildren.  He always had a smile on his face and never had a cruel word to say.  He will be sadly missed by his family and many friends.

Patrick E. “Pat” Mahany – 88 – Poags Hole Rd., Arkport, died early Thursday morning (July 24, 2014) after living a long and full life.

Born in Easton, ME on August 6, 1925, he was the son of Eldon & Delia (Long) Mahany.

Pat grew up in Easton, ME where he graduated from Easton High School in 1943 with “honors.”  He was a veteran of WWII, serving in the US Army.  While in the army, Pat was stationed in France, Luxemburg, and Belgium and was a recipient of the Purple Heart Medal along with numerous other medals.  His dedication for his country and fellow patriots continued to run deep through his veins his entire life.

Moving to the Arkport area in 1947, Pat established Patrick E. Mahany & Sons, Inc., a potato and grain farm located in Arkport.  He, along with his sons, operated the business until his “retirement” in 1981.  Since 1996, he has been instrumental in the day to day operation of Sun Valley Campsites in Arkport (near Canaseraga).  Since 1983, Pat has spent the winter months in Florida with his daughter, Michelle.  While in Florida, he gave a valiant attempt to golf and play tennis – “not his cup of tea.”

Pat was a member of the Arkport American Legion for 66 years, a former member of the Hornell Knights of Columbus, and a member of National Infantry Association.  In the mid 1970s, he served on the Board of Education of the Arkport Central School.

Pat was a lifelong horseman.  As a boy, he worked with horses daily to travel and work his family farm in Maine.  Pat enjoyed riding horses and was a member of the Belle Hollow Hunt Club and was “acting as Master of the Hunt.”  Throughout the years, he also raised and owned several very successful race horses, both in harness and thoroughbred racing.  Pat took pride in his ability to raise most of these horses from foals.

Pat was also an avid snow skier.  He not only skied locally, but also traveled to places such as Colorado, Maine, Vermont, and Canada to ski with close friends and family.  He enjoyed a nice warm cup of hot buttered rum and chili that his wife, Phyllis, would make for him to keep warm.  He never wore anything other than his cowboy hat while skiing, so he needed all the help he could to keep warm.  He was an active skier until he was 82 years young!

He was a member of Our Lady of the Valley Parish and a communicant of St. Ann’s Church.  In recent years, he was a member of St. Mary’s Church in Canaseraga.

Pat was married on November 26, 1947 to the former Phyllis Millard who died in 2002.  He was also preceded in death by his son, Timothy Mahany who died May 8, 2014, his grandson Anthony “Tony” Mahany who died in 1999, his brothers Vincent Mahany and Joseph Mahany.

Surviving are three sons, Patrick (Karen) Mahany, Jr. of Siverthorne, CO; Sean (Nancy) Mahany of Scottsdale, AZ; and Kevin (Christine) Mahany of Arkport; daughter Michelle (Alan) Eddison of Stuart, FL; 1 brother, Murray (Reba) Mahany of Arkport; 2 sisters, Gertrude Thompson of Seattle, WA, and Sr. Joyce Mahany of Standish, ME; several grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces and nephews.

The family of Patrick E. “Pat” Mahany will receive friends on Sunday (today) from 4:00 PM until 7:00 PM at the Dagon Funeral Home, 38 Church Street, Hornell, NY.  A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Monday at 10:00 AM at St. Ann’s Church with Father John Cullen officiating.  Burial will be in St. Mary’s Cemetery with full military honors.

Pat’s family requests that memorial contributions in his name be made to the Arkport American Legion, West Ave., Arkport NY 14807.  Memorial forms will be available at the Dagon Funeral Home or click here to print a form.

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

Ethel Loh Strickarz – 64 – of 880 North Almond Valley Rd, Arkport, NY (Town of Almond), also of Bradford, NY transitioned from this life on Wednesday afternoon (July 23, 2014) at Strong Memorial Hospital in Rochester, following a long illness.

Born in New York City on November 7, 1949, she was the beloved daughter of Huan Swee & Nelly (Liu) Loh.

Ethel grew up in Forest Hills, Queens NYC and was a graduate of Forest Hills High School class of 1965.  She was a graduate of Monroe Community College in Rochester and later attended the University of Buffalo and worked in the Human Services Health Field for the majority of her life.

Ethel began working for Arc of Steuben in February, 1981 and was very instrumental in helping Arc of Steuben grow into what it is today.  She was employed there for 29 years and retired from Arc in August, 2013 due to ill health.  At the time of her retirement she held the position of Director of Development. She found love, joy and satisfaction in helping those who were developmentally disabled and less fortunate

She was an extremely artistic and talented person who expressed her creativity through doll making, painting, poetry and jewelry design.  She also enjoyed traveling, gardening, reading, spending time with her family and being outdoors.

She was preceded in death by her father, Huan Swee Loh who died in 1985.

She was married on October 28, 1979 (34 ½ years) to David Strickarz who survives.  Also surviving are her son, Daemian Friedman of Springwater, NY; her mother, Nelly Loh of Arkport; 1 brother, Raymond Loh of Canisteo; 1 sister, Eileen (Leon) Loh-Fontier of Dresden, NY; 1 granddaughter, Katie (Sean) FitzPatrick; 2 great-grandchildren; several nieces & nephews.

At Ethel’s request there will be no prior calling hours.  Her wish was to be cremated and, at a scheduled time to be announced, provide an opportunity for family members and close friends to celebrate her life.

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

Ethel’s family request that memorial contributions in her name be made to Arc of Steuben, 1 ARC Way, Bath, NY 14810 or click here to print a form.