Hornell, New York

Joseph “Joe” Beckerman – 72 – a lifelong resident of Hornell, died Wednesday evening (April 26, 2023) at Elderwood at Hornell Nursing Facility where he had resided for the past 2 ½ years.

A native & life resident of Hornell, he was born on November 25, 1950 and was the son of Kenneth & Eleanor (Nugent) Beckerman.

Joe was a graduate of St. Ann’s School and later graduated from Hornell High School (class of 1969). Following high school graduation, he began working at the Hornell Wholesale Grocery, a family owned beer distributorship in Hornell. Beginning as a driver and beer deliveryman, Joe served as a sales representative for several years and eventually, following the death of his father, became president of the company, working alongside his brothers.

Having a deep love of horses, Joe owned many race horses (harness racing) throughout the years and had several sire-stake champions. He enjoyed traveling to watch his horses racing at many racetracks, including Batavia Downs, Buffalo Raceway, Syracuse Raceway, Monticello Racetrack, Saratoga Racetrack and Vernon Downs, just to mention a few. Joe was a “hands-on” owner and was highly respected in the world of harness racing.

Joe was a member of Our Lady of the Valley Parish and a communicant of St. Ann’s Church. He enjoyed the time spent having coffee and “holding court” with several of his buddies when they met daily at several local restaurants simply to “shoot-the-bull.”

In addition to his parents, Joe was preceded in death by his wife, Kathleen “Kathy” Beckerman who died in 2010; 2 daughters, Jacqueline “Jackie” Beckerman and Mary Jo Beckerman; 2 brothers, Kenneth Beckerman and Edward “Eddie” Beckerman; 1 sister, Sandra “Sandy” Marcello.

Surviving are 2 sons, Michael “Mike” Beckerman of Myrtle Beach, SC and Christopher “Chris” Beckerman of Myrtle Beach; 3 grandsons, Reilly, Brennan, and Behren Beckerman, 2 brothers, John (Jennifer) Beckerman of South Lyon, MI and Robert “Bob” (David Chapman) Beckerman of Rochester; his brother-in-law, Tony Marcello of Churchville, NY; several nieces & nephews.

At Joe’s request there will be no calling hours. Private services will be held at the convenience of the family with final interment in St. Ann’s Cemetery.

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

Joe’s family request that in lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in his name be made to a charity of the donor’s choice.

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

Hornell, New York

Francis E. “Fran” Smith – 89 – of 11 Marick Park Dr., North Hornell, died early Friday morning (April 21, 2023) at his home, surrounded by his family, following a short illness.

Born in Hornell on February 11, 1934, he was the son of Edward & Margaret (Wallace) Smith.

Fran grew up in Hornell and was a graduate of St. Ann’s School and later graduated from Hornell High School (class of 1952). While in high school, he was employed at the Hornell Country Club as a caddie and greenskeeper, helping his father who served as Head Greenskeeper.

Following high school graduation, Fran enlisted in the United States Marine Corps and served his country from 1953 – 1955 during the Korean Conflict. While serving in the Marines, he was stationed at Camp Pendleton Marine Corps Base in Southern California.

After being honorably discharged from the US Marines, Fran returned to the Hornell area and began his career with the New York State Department of Transportation (NYSDOT). He began as a Laborer and eventually served as a Principal Accounting Clerk; retiring in 1995 with over 40 years of service. Fran later served as a “Ranger” at the Twin Hickory Golf Club, talking with the golfers and being outdoors.

Fran was a member of Our Lady of the Valley Parish and had been a communicant of St. Ignatius Loyola Church and St. Ann’s Church. He was a 59 year member and former Commander of the Hornell American Legion and also a member of the Ancient Order of Hibernians. Every Memorial Day weekend Fran and Sandy paid respect to our veterans by placing flags on their graves. Fran was a member of the Hornell Alumni Association and always enjoyed participating in the planning of their class reunions; as recent as 2020.

In his younger years, Fran served as a coach in the Hornell Grasshopper Baseball League. He was an avid golfer and a longtime member of the Hornell Twin Hickory Golf Club. Fran enjoyed camping throughout New York State and more recently loved the time spent at Sun Valley Campsite in Canaseraga. He was a true outdoorsman who enjoyed hunting (deer, pheasant & rabbit) and fishing (streams & lakes). Fran loved tending to his vegetable garden and flower garden and simply “puttering around” in the yard. He was also a die-hard New York Yankee fan (MLB) and Buffalo Bills fan (NFL) who for many years was a Buffalo Bills season ticketholder.

However, Fran’s greatest joy was simply being the best husband, father, brother, grandfather, great-grandfather and friend that he could possibly be. To him, family was everything. Through dance recitals, sporting events, birthday parties, graduations, weddings, and more, Fran was always there for his family. He was trustworthy, honest, humble, and loyal, and he had such a great sense of humor. His family will forever cherish his selfless devotion to them.

In addition to his parents, Fran was preceded in death by his brothers, Charles Smith (and wife Ann), James Smith (and wife Donna); his sister, Helen Ann O’Rourke (and husband, Ronald).

He was married on September 6, 1958 to the former Sandra Oxx who survives. Also surviving are 2 sons, Daniel (Sharon) Smith of Arkport and Kevin (Debbie) Smith of Hornell; 1 daughter, Kathleen Lynn of Rochester; 1 brother, Paul (Mary Jo) Smith of Elizabethtown, PA; 8 grandchildren, Ryan (Danielle) Smith, Aryn (Mark) Bailey, Lauryn (Tyler Crouch) Smith, Jessica (Devin) White, Shawn (Bobbie) Smith, Colleen Smith, Leigha (Rob Eisenhardt) Smith and Christopher Lynn; 7 great-grandchildren with “three on the way”; and several nieces & nephews.

The family of Francis E. “Fran” Smith will receive friends on Wednesday from 4:00 PM – 7:00 PM at the Dagon Funeral Home, 38 Church St., Hornell, NY. A Mass of Christian burial will be celebrated on Thursday at 10:00 AM at St. Ann’s Church with burial in St. Mary’s Cemetery with full Military Honors.

Fran’s family would especially like to thank Rhonda Peterson, MD for her extraordinary compassionate care and support throughout Fran’s illness. Fran’s family requests that in lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in his name be made to Twin Tiers Honor Flight, P O Box 1770, Binghamton NY 13902 and CareFirst Hospice, 3805 Meads Creek Rd., Painted Post NY 14870. Memorial forms will be available at the Dagon Funeral Home.

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

In recognition of Fran’s service to his country as a member of the US Marines, the American Flag at the Dagon Funeral Home will be flown at half-staff.

Canisteo, New York

Michael J. LePosa – 56 – of 28 Second St., Canisteo, NY died unexpectedly Monday afternoon (April 17, 2023) at his home.

He was born in New Jersey and was the son of William & Kay LePosa. Mike resided in Rochester for most of his adult life and had been employed as a sheet metal worker at Advantech Industries.  He has lived in Canisteo for the past four years.  He was a veteran of the US Army.

Surviving are his wife, Eliza; his son, Michael T. LePosa; his mother, Kay LePosa; 2 brothers; 2 sisters.

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.

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

Arkport, NY  /  Fremont, NY

Margaret A. Callahan – 74 – of State Route 21, Arkport, NY (Town of Fremont) died unexpectedly Monday afternoon (April 10, 2023) at her home.

Born in North Hornell on March 29, 1949, she was the daughter of Lawrence & Arlene (King) Callahan.

Margaret grew up in Fremont and was a graduate of Arkport Central School (class of 1967).  Following high school graduation, she attended Alfred State College where she studied secretarial science and stenography.  Margaret later graduated from Alfred University where she eventually earned her Master’s Degree in Education.

She was employed for a time at Canisteo Central School where she taught several business courses and for several years Margaret was employed as a professor, teaching business courses at Alfred State College.  She eventually retired from teaching to take care of her parents.

Margaret was a self-proclaimed “Home Body” who enjoyed reading (especially novels) and watching her favorite TV shows.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her brother, John Callahan.

Surviving are her brother, Lawrence “Larry” (Claire) Callahan of Clay, NY; 2 nephews, Paul Callahan and Michael Callahan; 1 niece, Kara Brooks.

At Margaret’s request there will be no calling hours.  Private services will be held at the convenience of the family with final interment in Fremont Cemetery.

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

Margaret’s family request that in lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in her name be made to a charity of the donor’s choice.

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

Canisteo, New York

Frances R. “Fran” Wilke – (97) – of 11 Fifth St., Canisteo, NY (Canisteo Manor), died Wednesday afternoon (April 12, 2023) at her home, following a long illness.

Born in Waterbury, CT on September 7, 1927, she was the daughter of Raymond & Harriet (Lawton) Reichenbach.

Fran grew up in Bucks Hill (Waterbury), CT and was a graduate of Crosby High School (class of 1945). She resided in Bucks Hill until 1968 when she moved to Old Saybrook, CT.

She had been employed for a time at the New London Federal Savings and Loan in New London, CT and later worked as a sales person at Amazing Grace book store in Old Saybrook, CT.

A resident of the Canisteo area since the 1990s, Fran was a member of the Gospel Tabernacle Church in Canisteo. She enjoyed bible study and prayer groups as well as praying for the needs of other people. An accomplished artist, she created many beautiful paintings which she gave to family & friends. In her younger years, Fran belonged to a high school rifle club and was considered an excellent marksman. She enjoyed her time living at the Canisteo Manor where she made many friends and enjoyed participating in the activities.

Fran was preceded in death by her sister & brother-in-law, Jean & William Molin; her grandsons, Brett Wilke and Christopher Wilke; her nephew, Kerry Molin; and her former husband, Raymond Wilke.

Surviving are 2 sons, Kenneth (Susan) Wilke of Summerfield, FL and Michael (Wendy) Wilke of Old Saybrook, CT; 4 daughters, Sarah (Larry) Newhart of Andover, Paula (Rick) Riviezzo of Woodstock, VT, Katherine (Rob) Thomas of Caywood, NY and Gretchen (Bennett) Whipple of Swannanoa, NC; 9 grandchildren; 9 great-grandchildren; 2 nieces; her “honorary granddaughter,” Mari Hammond.

At Fran’s request there will be no calling hours. A Memorial Service will be held at the Gospel Tabernacle Church at the convenience of the family.

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

Fran’s request is that in lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in her name be made to Pregnancy Resource Center of the Valleys, 22 Liberty St Bath, NY 14810.

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

Hornell, NY / Arkport, NY

Edward J. “Eddie” Beckerman – 68 – a resident of Perry Ira (Individual Residential Alternative) Group Home in Perry, NY died Sunday evening (April 9, 2023) following a long illness.

Born in Hornell on April 21, 1954, he was the son of Kenneth & Eleanor (Nugent) Beckerman.

Eddie lived in the Hornell – Arkport area until 2004 when he moved to Springwater Ira Group Home in Springwater, NY and has resided in Perry for the past 1½ years. 

An avid John Wayne fan, Eddie loved watching John Wayne movies and owned a collection of John Wayne DVDs.  He enjoyed having good meals, especially chicken, mashed potatoes and ice cream.  He loved simply being around people and relaxing in his recliner.

Eddie had an amazing knack for remembering the names of people, even if he hadn’t seen them in many years.  He also loved the time spent going for rides in the car with his brothers.

In addition to his parents, Eddie was preceded in death by his brother, Kenneth “Ken” Beckerman; his sister Sandra “Sandy” Marcello; his sister-in-law, Kathy Beckerman; his nieces, Jacqueline “Jackie” Beckerman & Mary Jo Beckerman; and his longtime caregiver, Ella O’Dell.

Surviving are 3 brothers, Joseph “Joe” Beckerman of Hornell, John (Jennifer) Beckerman of South Lyon, MI and Robert “Bob” (David Chapman) Beckerman of Rochester; his brother-in-law, Tony Marcello of Churchville, NY; several nieces & nephews.

There will be no calling hours.  Private services will be held at the convenience of the family with burial in St. Ann’s Cemetery, Hornell, NY.

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

Eddie’s family request that in lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in his name be made to Perry Ira Activities Fund, 344 South Main St., Perry, NY  14530.

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

Buffalo, NY

Alfred “Brian” Miller – 84 – of Buffalo, NY, formerly of New Jersey, died March 27, 2023 at the Highpoint on Michigan Health Care Facility in Buffalo, NY.

Born in Belfast, Ireland on February 17, 1939, he was the son of George & Elizabeth (Beattie) Miller.  He resided in the United States for most of his life, living in many locations and working numerous jobs, primarily as a butcher.

In addition to his parents, Brian was preceded in death by his wife, Carolyn; 1 son, Glen; 1 daughter, Karen.

Surviving are 2 sons, Brian and Mark along with several siblings.

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.

Brian’s family request that memorial contributions in his name be made to a charity of the donor’s choice.

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

Christopher L. “Chris” Fenti – 53 – of 6390 County Route 68 (Crosby Creek Rd.), Hornell died Saturday morning (March 25, 2023) at Noyes Memorial Hospital in Dansville, following a long illness.

Born in Hornell on August 10, 1969, he was the son of Frank & Sue (Furlong) Fenti.

Chris grew up in Hornell and was a graduate of Hornell High School (class of 1987).  While in high school, he majored in welding in the BOCES Program.

Following high school graduation, Chris was employed as a certified welder at the Foster-Wheeler Corporation  in Dansville for several years and later worked as a welder for Alstom Transportation in Hornell.  For a time, Chris served as a welder for the Dresser-Rand Corporation in Wellsville, later transferring to the Dresser-Rand Olean Division.  Most recently he was employed as a welder for the Cutco Corporation in Olean, retiring in 2018 due to ill health.

Chris was a former member of the Hornell Association and the Hornell Moose Lodge.  He was a true outdoorsman who enjoyed camping (especially at Sun Valley Campsite), hunting (deer & turkey) and fishing (lakes, ponds & streams).  Chris enjoyed playing in the Men’s Softball League in Kanona and the co-ed softball league at James Street Park. He also enjoyed coaching his daughters in the Maple City Softball League and Hornell Little League.  He loved TV shows featuring Alaska and especially loved watching Gold Rush along with going “treasure hunting” with his metal detector.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Frank and Sue Fenti.

Chris was married on July 5, 2012 to the former Sherry Mullen who survives.  Also surviving are 3 daughters, Deborah “Debbie” (Shawn) Hertzog of Hawley, PA, Hallie (Serina) Gonzalez-Fenti of Orlando, FL and Maria (Timothy Murphy) Fenti of Almond; 1 step-daughter, Sydney White of Hornell;1 brother, Frank (Nancy) Fenti of Livonia, 4 grandchildren, Katie Sue Hertzog, Katie Gonzalez-Fenti, Camden Murphy and Emersyn Murphy; several aunts, uncles, nieces & nephews.

At Chris’ request there will be no calling hours.  Private services will be held at the convenience of the family with a “Celebration of Life” to be held at a later date.

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

Chris’ family request that in lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in his name be made to the American Diabetes Association, PO Box 13067, Alexandria, VA   22312 or to a charity of the donor’s choice.

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

Hornell, New York

Elizabeth Jean “Betty” Fenton – (98) – formerly of 363 South Division St., Hornell, died Monday morning (March 20, 2023) at Elderwood at Hornell Nursing Facility where she had resided for the past 12 years.

A native & life resident of Hornell, she was born August 11, 1924, and was the daughter of Thomas & Evelyn (Feeney) Fenton.

Betty was a graduate of St. Ann’s School and later graduated from Hornell High School (class of 1942). She was a member of Our Lady of the Valley Parish and had been a communicant of St. Ignatius Loyola Church and St. Ann’s Church.

For over 40 years, Betty was employed as an operator for New York Telephone Company. She was a member of the “Pioneers” — a group of retired NY Telephone employees. Betty was a self-proclaimed “shop-a-holic” specializing on QVC (Home Shopping Network).

She was preceded in death by her brother, Jack Fenton and 2 sisters, Ruth Comstock and Catherine “Kate” Histed.

Surviving are several nieces & nephews.

The family of Elizabeth J. “Betty” Fenton will receive friends on Sunday from 5:00 PM until 7:00 PM at the Dagon Funeral Home, 38 Church St., Hornell, NY. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Monday at 1:30 PM at St. Ann’s Church with burial in St. Mary’s Cemetery.

Betty’s family request that memorial contributions in her name be made to St. Ann’s Academy, 41 Genesee St., Hornell, NY 14843. Memorial forms will be available at the Dagon Funeral Home.

To leave an online condolence or share a memory of Betty, please visit our website at www.dagonfuneralhome.com

Geneseo, NY  /  Conesus Lake, NY

Ralph J. “Jim” Coogan – 71 – of Conesus Lake died Friday evening (March 17, 2023) at Highland Hospital in Rochester, following a long illness.

Born in Hornell on January 18, 1952, he was the son of Ralph and Pearl (Clark) Coogan. In addition to his parents, Jim was preceded in death by his brother, Frederick “Fred” Coogan who died in 2019.

He was married on June 30, 1989, to Judy (Backer) Coogan who survives. Also surviving are his children, Andrea Carty of Hammondsport and Jamie (Sam) Scalise of Lakeville; his sister, Teresa Jaycox of Rochester; his grandchildren, McKenzie and Maci Scalise; several nieces and nephews, and many friends. He will also be greatly missed by his canine companions, Cooper and Lexi.

Jim grew up in Hornell and was a graduate of Hornell High School (class of 1970). While in high school, he was a member of the HHS band where he played drums and was also a member of the Hornell Drill and Drum Team.

A veteran of the US Army, Jim served his country as a First Sergeant Drill Instructor during the Vietnam Conflict, receiving a marksmanship award during training.

Following his honorable discharge from the military, Jim returned to the Hornell area and was employed for several years in the maintenance department of the former St. James Mercy Hospital. For about 15 years he worked in many capacities at the former Erie Railroad, Erie Lackawanna Railroad and Delaware & Hudson (D&H) Railroad including trainman, conductor, and in the yard office.

Jim was later employed at Kodak Corporation in Rochester. While working at Kodak, he decided to further his education and received his Bachelor’s degree in Reliability Engineering from Rochester Institute of Technology (RIT), later retiring about 5 years ago.

An avid outdoorsman, Jim loved hunting and fishing, and was an excellent marksman and a longtime member of the Springwater Rod & Gun Club.

At Jim’s request there will be no calling hours. Private services will be held at the convenience of the family. A “Celebration of Life” for family and friends will be held at a later date.

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

Jim’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.