Hornell, NY / Athens, PA

Judy M. (Felt) Fuller – 77 – of Hornell, formerly of Athens, PA was called home Friday evening (December 15, 2023) at St. James Hospital, Hornell, NY, following a long illness.

Born in Sayre, PA on May 23, 1946, she was the daughter of Ralph & Marjorie (Walsh) Felt. They were thrilled to welcome a baby girl after having five lively sons.

Growing up in Athens, Judy was a graduate of Athens High School (Class of 1964). She attended Penn State University.

Judy was a hard worker and dedicated business owner. Spending time with family was most important to Judy. She spent a happy childhood with her parents, brothers, grandparents, and cousins. She was a devoted Aunt to her 13 nieces and nephews. It brought her much joy to spend time with her 3 grandchildren and, most recently, her great-grandson. Judy was a lover of animals, especially her dog Annie, her constant sidekick who brought her much comfort during tough times. She enjoyed baking, reading, sewing, gardening, and decorating for the holidays. Spending the day shopping and having lunch with her daughter was one of Judy’s favorite pastimes.

Judy was a loyal servant of Christ. She served as an active member of her church congregation, most recently, the Sayre Christian Church and the Hornell United Presbyterian Church.

In addition to her beloved parents, Ralph & Marjorie Felt, Judy was preceded in death by her infant brother, Ralph “Butchie” Felt, Jr.; her sister-in-law, Darlene Felt and nephew, Michael Felt; sister-in-law, Phyllis Felt; and her companion of 10 years, Chip Johnston.

Judy is survived by her devoted daughter and son-in-law, Michele and Sean Gaffney of Hornell, NY; adoring grandchildren, Ryan (Emily) Gaffney of Hornell, NY, Hope Gaffney of Buffalo, NY, & Lily Gaffney of Hornell, NY; her sweet great-grandson, Robert “Baby Bobby” Gaffney; 4 loving brothers, Jack (Elaine) Felt of Sayre, PA; Robert Felt of Athens, PA, Joseph Felt of Haymarket, VA, & James (Kitty) Felt of Sayre, PA; special niece, Tammy Mastrantuono of Waverly, NY; fellow grandparent, Robert Fuller of Athens, PA with whom she made many trips to Hornell for family events and holidays; her little buddy, Annie; along with her extended Felt family, Wellsboro family and friends.

The family of Judy M. Fuller will receive friends at the Sayre Christian Church, 427 South Keystone Ave., Sayre, PA on Friday, January 5, 2024 from 12:00 PM to 1:00 PM where a memorial service will take place at the conclusion of calling hours at 1:00 PM. Interment will be at Tioga Point Cemetery, Athens, PA.

For those wishing to make memorial contributions in her name, Judy’s family suggests they be made to your local animal shelter.

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

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

Bolivar, New York

Kenneth “Ken” Moller-Stillson – 73 – of 1st Street Ext., Bolivar, NY, died Friday afternoon (December 15, 2023) at Olean General Hospital.

Funeral arrangements are incomplete at the Dagon Funeral Home, 38 Church St., Hornell, NY.

Hornell, NY

Maria Stiles – 61 – of 19 Locust Dr., Hornell, died Tuesday morning (December 12, 2023) at her home, following a courageous battle with cancer.

Born in Hornell on July 2, 1962, she was the daughter of Wesley & Rosemary (Kuhn) Hamilton.

Maria grew up in Hornell and was a graduate of St. Ann’s School (class of 1976) and later graduated from Hornell High School (class of 1980). While in high school, she enjoyed many activities including playing flute for the HHS Band and was a member of the JV Cheerleading Team and later Varsity Cheerleading Teams.

Following high school graduation, Maria was employed for about 11 years as a sales clerk for JC Penney Clothing in Hornell. For 23 years she served as a dental assistant for John P. Meyer DDS, retiring due to illness. She enjoyed people and loved her years working with the public.

Maria was a member of Our Lady of the Valley Parish and a communicant of St. Ann’s Church. She was a member of the Hornell Alumni Association and a former member of the Hornell Association. As an adult, Maria enjoyed many years of dancing for Miss Lisa’s Dance Studio.

As country music fan, Maria and her husband, Dan, attended countless country concerts and rock & roll concerts throughout the years. Having a deep love of family, they enjoyed many, many years of taking “beach vacations” to Myrtle Beach, SC, Florida and Virginia Beach.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Wes & Rosemary Hamilton; her brother, John Hamilton; and her sister-in-law, Jennifer Hamilton.

On February 23, 1980, Maria was married in St. Ann’s Church to Daniel “Dan” Stiles who survives. Also surviving are her daughter, Theresa Marie (Brian Butler) Stiles of Hornell; 3 sisters, Ann (Roger) Hamilton Leclaire of Hudson Falls, NY, Patricia (Ethan) Allen of Jacksonville, NC and Christine (Don) White of New Berlin, NY; 2 brothers, Mike (Lisa) Hamilton of Alfred Station, NY and Joseph Hamilton of Charlotte, NC; many aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces & nephews.

The family of Maria Stiles will receive friends on Saturday from 1:00 PM until 3:00 PM at the Dagon Funeral Home, 38 Church St., Hornell, NY. A Funeral Service will be held at the conclusion of calling hours at 3:00 PM with Deacon Robert McCormick officiating. Burial will be in St. Mary’s Cemetery.

Maria’s family request that in lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in her name be made to either the Hornell Humane Society, 7649 Industrial Park Road, Hornell, NY 14843 or to the Ann & Carl Myers Cancer Center, C/O Noyes Memorial Hospital, 111 Clara Barton St., Dansville, NY 14437. Memorial forms will be available at the Dagon Funeral Home.

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

Almond, New York

Wilma F. Root – 92 – of 1 South Main St., Almond (where she has resided for the past 75 years), died Friday afternoon (December 8, 2023) at the Highland Park Rehab & Nursing Facility in Wellsville following a long illness. She had resided at Manor Hills Nursing facility in Wellsville for the past year.

Born in North Bingham, PA on March 9, 1931, she was the daughter of Irving & Bess (Empson) Mullen.

Wilma grew up in the Almond-Andover area and attended Alfred-Almond Central School. She had been employed for a time at Loohn’s Cleaners and later in the food service department of Alfred State College (SUNY Alfred). In her younger years, Wilma was an excellent seamstress who made much of her own clothing. She was also skilled at upholstering furniture as well as knitting & crocheting.

She enjoyed being outside doing yard work and took great pride tending to her flower garden and trimming trees & bushes. She also loved visiting the casinos in Salamanca & Atlantic City and especially enjoyed playing the slot machines where she was known to WIN BIG on occasion.

On January 16, 1959, Wilma married Theodore “Ted” Root who died March 12, 2012 following 53 years of marriage. She was also preceded in death by her son, T. Donald “Donnie” Root; her grandson, Eric Drake; her siblings, Harlan Mullen, Onalee Robinson, Robert Mullen, Ruth “Minnie” Changose, Roger Mullen, Alvah Mullen and infant Virginia Mullen.

Surviving are 2 sons, Jerry (Kathy) Drake of Almond and Guy (Eileen) Drake of Wellsville; her step-daughter, Terri Jean Root Jackson of Olathe, KS, 1 brother, James “Jim” (Virginia) Mullen of Wellsville; her grandchildren, Paul (Terri) Drake, Mary Bess (Shawn) Clark, Matthew (Christine) Drake, Michelle Drake, Brian (Clarissa) Drake, Greg (Taren) Drake, Ashley Hirt and Nate (Emily) Hirt; several great-grandchildren, great-great grandchildren, nieces & nephews.

At Wilma’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.

Wilma’s family request that in lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in her name be made to the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society, 1311 Mamaroneck Avenue, (Suite 310), White Plains, NY 10605.

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

Hornell, New York

Kenneth W. “Ken” Kruse – 57 – of Upper Glen Ave., Hornell, died unexpectedly Wednesday afternoon (December 6, 2023) at St. James Hospital where he was taken by Hornell City Ambulance after being stricken at home.

Born in Poughkeepsie, NY on January 28, 1966, he was the son of John & Marion (Murcko) Kruse.

Ken grew up in Poughkeepsie and was a graduate of Spackenkill High School (class of 1984). He later attended Dutchess Community College.

He resided in Staatsburg, NY for about 15 years and was employed as a field Technician for Verizon. He has resided in the Hornell area for the past 4 years.

Ken had a deep affection for all animals — especially his 7 canine companions (dogs), Lola, Chico, Daisy, Shiraz, Buttercup, Trixie & Kali. He enjoyed watching movies on TV, playing video games and listening to music.

Preceded in death by his first wife, Cheryl Kruse.

Ken was married on May 21, 2009 to the former Christina McKenna who survives. Also surviving are 3 children, Kenny Kruse, Daniel Kruse & Jillian Kruse; his step-daughter, Mariah Lynn; his parents, John & Marion Kruse; his sister, Mary Slocum; his brother, John Kruse; 3 grandchildren; nieces & nephews.

At Ken’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.

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

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

Hornell, New York

John G. Fortuna – 78 – of 105 North Church St., Hornell, NY died Monday morning (December 4, 2023) at his home, surrounded by his loving family.

Born in Hornell on May 9, 1945, he was the son of John J. & Seraphina (Carretto) Fortuna.

John grew up in Hornell during, as he always said, “in the best of times” with his posse of friends. He was a graduate of St. Ann’s School and later graduated from Hornell High School (class of 1963). While in high school, John was a proud member of the Hornell Red Raider baseball team.

He was employed for 19 years as a welder at Foster Wheeler Energy Corporation in Dansville and was affectionately known as the “Best Welder in the World!” While at Foster Wheeler, John served as President of the International Association of Machinists Union. He was later employed for about 20 years at Alstom Transportation Corporation in Hornell, starting as a welding technician and eventually working his way up to head of welding technicians and manager of manufacturing.

John was a member of Our Lady of the Valley Parish and a communicant of St. Ann’s Church. He was also a member of the G. Carducci Lodge Sons of Italy.

Without a doubt, John was the “best handyman” around. He loved to do household repairs and there wasn’t anything that he couldn’t build or fix. You name it — John could do it!! He always took great pride in his work!

An avid golfer, John enjoyed playing a round or two of golf with his friends in the Wednesday Travel League. However, golf wasn’t the highlight of the day, it was the many laughs, good times and camaraderie that he enjoyed the most.

John’s love of sports, especially the game of baseball, is what developed the strongest bond within his family. Baseball brought the entire family so much joy and happiness for many years but most all it brought PRIDE. He taught his sons the game and loved coaching them, but his true joy was watching them play. From Grasshoppers, to the professional level, and everything in between John took tremendous pride in his son’s accomplishments. For many years, John served as a baseball coach in the American Legion Baseball League, teaching baseball to the young men in the Hornell and the surrounding area. “Love is the most important thing in the world, but baseball is pretty good too!!”—Yogi Berra

He was an avid Baltimore Oriole fan (MLB) and a huge Green Bay Packers fan (NFL) for over 50 years. His love of sports defined his life and the only thing more important and precious to him was his family — especially his children.

He was preceded in death by his parents, John & Seraphina Fortuna, both of whom were Italian immigrants arriving to the United States by boat through Ellis Island. He was also preceded in death by his brother, Gaeton, who died at 3 months of age.

John was married to the former Mary Milford who survives. Also surviving are his daughter, Patricia “Patti” (Richard) Clancy of Hornell; his sons, Michael Fortuna of Hornell and Donald (Renae) Fortuna of Hornell; his step-son, James (Katie) Mazza of Nunda; his sister, Lucy Booth of Eden Prairie, MN; his grandchildren, Patrick (Joan) Clancy of Hornell, Natalie and Adrianna Fortuna of Hornell; step-grandson, Jamier Scott Mazza; step granddaughter Jaiden Bently; his niece, nephew, aunt and several cousins.

At John’s request there will be no calling hours. Family & friends are invited to a Mass of Christian Burial will be at 10:00 AM Thursday, December 14, 2023 at St. Ann’s Church. Immediately following the Mass, please join us to celebrate John’s life at the Hornell Golf Club. Private graveside services will be held at St. Mary’s Cemetery at the convenience of the family.

John’s family request that in lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in his name be made to “Smile Train Fund”, PO Box 96208, Washington, DC 20090-6208.

A Special Heartfelt “Thank-You” from John’s family goes out to Lena and Loving Home Care (especially Heather Flaitz) along with all of their staff who helped provide such loving care for John during his illness.

Alpharetta, GA / Hornell, NY

Shawn M. Angell – 46 – of Alpharetta, GA, formerly of Hornell died Thursday (November 23, 2023) at the Wellstar North Fulton Hospital, following a brief illness.

Born in Hornell on April 29, 1977, he was the son of Richard “Rick” & Debra “Debi” (Towner) Angell.

Shawn grew up in Hornell and attended Hornell High School until transferring to Haverling High School in Bath during his sophomore year. While in high school (both Hornell and Bath) he excelled in sports, especially football, swimming & baseball. He set several high school swimming records while swimming with the Haverling Rams and was elected into the Haverling Rams High School Hall of Fame.

Following high school, Shawn earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration from the Coastal Carolina University in Myrtle Beach SC. He served his internship and was employed for several years at Disney World in Orlando, FL.

Moving to Georgia over 20 years ago, Shawn resided in the Roswell / Alpharetta areas and served as Regional Sales Manager for Benco Dental Supply Company.

As an avid sports fan and loving father & family man, Shawn enjoyed coaching his children in youth football, youth softball and youth baseball. He loved rooting for the Buffalo Bills (NFL) and the Atlanta Braves (MLB) and also enjoyed “hoisting a few” with his many friends.

Shawn loved to travel — especially to New York City and to Disney World. His favorite time of the year was the Christmas Season and he would spend countless hours baking homemade Christmas Cookies using a old family recipe.

He was preceded in death by his mother, Debra “Debi” Angell (died September 14, 2020); his paternal grandparents, DeForest & Catherine Angell; maternal grandmother, Mary Towner.

Surviving are his daughter, Isabella “Bella” Angell; his son, Watson “Watts” Angell; his father, Richard “Rick” Angell of Hornell; his sister, Kristie (Brian) Babcock of Hornell; his maternal grandfather, Vernon “Red” Towner of Avoca; 2 nephews, hunter Babcock and Christian Babcock; along with several aunts, uncles & cousins.

The family of Shawn M. Angell will receive friends on Saturday, January 13, 2024 from 12:00 Noon until 2:00 PM at the Dagon Funeral Home, 38 Church St., Hornell, NY. A Memorial Service will be held at the conclusion of calling hours at 2:00 PM with Rev. Tyrone Hall officiating.

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

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

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

Hornell / Arkport

Michael L. “Mike” Townsend – 71 – formerly of Arkport and Williamsville, NY, passed away Monday morning (November 20, 2023) at his home.

Born in Kenmore, NY on April 8, 1952, he was the son of Richard and Marguerite (Thompson) Townsend.

Mike was a 1970 graduate of Sweet Home High School in Amherst, NY. He graduated from Buffalo State College in 1974 with a Fine Arts Degree, and in 1979 earned his Master’s Degree in Art Education. Mike taught in Niagara Falls at LaSalle High School and NF High School for two years before acquiring his teaching position at Lewiston-Porter School District in Youngstown, NY. He taught there from 1976 until his retirement in 2011.

While at Lew-Port, Mike taught general art before developing a program in Photography. Affectionately known as “T” by his students, he went on to teach Advanced Placement in Photography. He served as Art Department Chair, Union Steward, and Union President during his tenure at L-P. Mike also coached the Girls Gymnastics Team and both the Boys and Girls Tennis Teams. Mike was an adjudicator for NYS Summer School for Media Arts Teachers’ Association and a facilitator for Art Exhibition at the Castellani Art Museum of Niagara University. He was a supervisor of student teachers in the Art Education Department of area colleges. Mike is listed in Who’s Who in American Teachers.

In summers while off from school, Mike was a tour guide for Over-the-Falls Tours for many years, and in his retirement, served as adjudicator for the Erie County Fair Photography entries for four years. Many pieces of Mike’s personal photography are displayed at the MGM Grand Signature Suites in Las Vegas. He also enjoyed playing guitar and keyboard in a band for 33 years.

Mike was a member of the Arkport Branch of the Institute of Divine Metaphysical Research and enjoyed his brethren there, especially his brother in the faith, Lionel vanMonsjou.

In addition to his parents, Mike was preceded in death by his sister, Dawn Degman.

Mike is survived by his wife, Marianne (Racalto) Townsend; one son, Kyle (Kathryn) Townsend; daughters, Kecia (Corey) Nicholson and Katie (Bill) Bonczar of; 3 grandchildren, Barrett Nicholson, Liam & Makenna Bonczar; step-grandchildren, Rachel, Kyle, Nicholas, & Anthony; brother-in-law, Gene Degman; many in-laws, cousins, and his beloved Nutmeg.

To honor Mike’s wishes, there will be no calling hours. A “Celebration of Life” will be held on Saturday, December 9, 2023 at 12:00 Noon at the Hornell Golf Club, 473 Seneca Road, North Hornell, NY. Another “Celebration of Life” will be held on Monday December 11, 2023 from 4:00 PM until 7:00 PM at the Kenan Center, 433 Locust St., Lockport, NY.

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

Mike’s family requests that, in lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital by visiting www.stjude.org in memory of Michael L. Townsend or to the Kenan Center online.

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

Becker, MN / Hornell, NY

Kevin M. Gaffney, 64, of Becker, Minnesota passed away Thursday afternoon (November 2, 2023) following a brief illness.

Born in Niskayuna, NY on October 7, 1959, he was the son of Robert and Patricia (Mullen) Gaffney.

Kevin spent the majority of his childhood in Oneonta NY before moving to Hornell NY in 1972. He was a graduate of Hornell High School (Class of 1977). Kevin then went on to graduate from SUNY Fredonia (Class of 1981). He was a competitive athlete playing soccer, basketball and track & field where he was a long, triple and high jumper at HHS. Kevin continued his love of track and field at SUNY Fredonia.

After graduating college, Kevin started his long career in the business world beginning in Sales, then starting his own business, and moving onto the role of Facilities Director for several different school districts, colleges and universities.

In the words of his father, “he marched to his own drummer.” Kevin was bigger than life with the tall tales to match. He was quick with a joke, laugh or a touch of kindness for everyone. He never lost his love of sports, including being a long suffering Minnesota Vikings fan. He loved his parents, siblings, children and his Minnesota family very much.

In addition to his parents, Kevin is survived by his three children, Kaitlin, Aubrey and Cassie Gaffney; siblings Kathleen (Michael) McDaniels, Thomas (Kathy) Gaffney, Sharon (John) Tallman, Sean (Michele) Gaffney; 13 nieces and nephews; the love of his life Barb Knutson and her children Chantel, Cassie, & Chrissie; grandchildren Courtney, Cody and Cheyenne; and many friends.

A Celebration of Life will be held on Friday, November 10, 2023 at The Main Place, 251 Main Street, Hornell NY from 2:00 PM – 4:00 PM. Please join the family as we share our memories of Kevin.

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

Kevin’s family requests that memorial contributions in his name be made to the Hornell Alumni Association, PO Box 135, Hornell NY 14843.

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

Hornell, New York

Dianna D. “Diny” Bennett – 60 – of 40 Main St., Hornell, died Sunday morning (November 5, 2023) at her home, following a long illness.

Born in Miami Dade, FL on December 15, 1962, she was the daughter of Clarence & Katherine (Chapman) Bliven.

Diny attended Scio High School and, throughout the years resided in several locations including Canisteo, Bradford, PA, Brownwood, TX, High Point, NC, Hornell and Port Orange, FL, moving back to the Hornell area in 2020.

She had been employed as a kitchen helper, food runner, bartender and cashier. She also worked for Zippo Lighter Company (Bradford, PA), Time Warner/Adelphia Cable (Coudersport, PA) 7-Eleven (Almond).

Dianna loved to crochet blankets and scarves for all of her kids and grandkids. Christmas was a special holiday and she would celebrate it as often as possible. Diny was an avid reader and sometimes would read up to 3 books a week. In her younger years, Dianna had a passion for dancing and music. She looked forward to bowling on Wednesday afternoons with the girls on the Billy Schu’s bowling team.

In addition to her parents, Dianna was preceded in death by her brother, Mitch Chapman.

Surviving are 2 sons, Craig (Lisa) Greene of Canisteo and Daniel Greene of Hornell; 1 daughter, Tracey (Hoss Coates) Greene of Hornell; the father of her children, Steven Greene; 1 brother, Bob Chapman of Williamsport, Pa; 6 grandchildren, Tegan Greene, Phoenix Pierce, Craig Greene, Jr., Khloe Greene, Ryker Greene and Colton Coates; along with several nieces & nephews.

Diny’s family would like express their deepest gratitude and appreciation to all of her doctors, nurses, hospice caregivers and many friends that helped her and took such great care of her throughout her long illness.

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

Family & friends are invited to attend a “Celebration of Life” on Tuesday, December 12, 2023 from 4:00 PM until 9:00 PM at the Hornell VFW on Canisteo St., Hornell, NY. All are welcome to come and share stories of Dianna’s life.

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

Dianna’s family request that in lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in her name be made to CareFirst Hospice, 3805 Meads Creek Road, Painted Post, NY 14870.

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