Hornell, NY  /  Almond, NY

Ronald K. “Ron” George – 70 – of 500 Residence Way, Hornell, formerly of Almond, NY, died Monday evening (November 28, 2022) at Elderwood at Hornell Nursing Facility, following a long illness.

Born in Hornell on October 30, 1952, he was the son of Kenneth & Helen (McGuire) George.

Ron grew up in West Almond and was a graduate of Angelica High School (class of 1970).  He later earned his Associate’s Degree in Electrical Technology from Alfred State College (SUNY Alfred — class of 1972).

Following his graduation from Alfred State College, Ron enlisted in the US Army National Guard.  His military career took him from Private to 1st Sergeant, retiring after 21 years of service to his country.  The same year that he enlisted in the National Guard, he also began working for New York State Electric & Gas (NYSEG) working in many capacities, including building maintenance, 1st Class Lineman, 1st Class UC&M, Line Supervisor, Construction Manager, Manager Training and Manager Special Projects, retiring after 35 years of service.

He was a communicant of St. Brendan’s Church of Almond and was also a member of the Hornell American Legion and the Hornell AMVETS.  He was a lifetime member of the Almond Volunteer Fire Department, serving as Fire Chief for several years.  He also served on the Almond Town Board.

Ron was an outdoorsman who enjoyed hunting (deer & small game) and fishing.  He also enjoyed boating and, along with his wife, Lucille, loved spending weekends actually living on their boat on Seneca Lake.

He was preceded in death by his son, Bradley George who died in January, 1980 and his father, Kenneth George who died in January, 1977.

Ron was married on April 6, 1974 to the former Lucille Kellogg who survives.  Also surviving are his son, Kurtis (Emily) George of Canisteo; his grandsons, Ryan, Kaleb and Ethan; his mother, Helen (Robert) Shoemaker of Nunda; 2 brothers, Dennis (Ellen) George of Almond and Michael (Lorraine Pangrazio) George of Oakfield, NY; 1 sister, Marianne (Michael) Bracken of Almond; many cousins, nieces & nephews.

The family of Ronald K. “Ron” George will receive friends on Thursday from 1:00 PM until 3:00 PM at the Dagon Funeral Home, 38 Church St., Hornell, NY.  A Memorial Service will be held at the conclusion of calling hours at 3:00 PM with Deacon Robert McCormick officiating.  Final interment will be in Woodlawn Cemetery, Almond, NY.

Ron’s family request that in lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in his name be made to the Alzheimer’s Association, 435 East Henrietta Road, Rochester, NY  14620 or to the Almond Fire & Rescue, 1 Marvin Lane, Almond, NY  14804.  Memorial forms will be available at the Dagon Funeral Home.

In recognition of Ron’s service to his country as a member of the Army National Guard, the American Flag at the Dagon Funeral Home will be flown at half-staff.

Jonathan E. “Jon” Murphy – 25 – of North Water St., Rochester, NY died unexpectedly on Monday (November 21, 2022) at his home.

Born in Hornell on January 4, 1997, he was the son of Joseph & Bobbi (Clair) Murphy.

Jonathan resided in Hornell until the age of 14 when his family moved to the Rochester area.  He attended Victor High School and later graduated from Tri-Valley Central School (class of 2015) in Grahamsville, NY.  Following high school graduation, Jon attended Fingerlakes Community College in Canandaigua, NY.

He lived in Florida for about 4 ½ years and attended University of Central Florida.  While in Florida, Jonathan was employed at Sun Protection of Florida (SPF) installing commercial and residential awnings.

Moving back to the Rochester area about 6 months ago, Jonathan had been employed at Graystone Construction and also as an installer for Rochester Colonial of Rochester.

Being very spiritual, Jonathan was a participant at St. Irenaeus Ministries Catholic Church of Rochester and was a member of the Rochester Diocese Young Adults Group.  He also enjoyed attending the Notre Dame Retreat House in Canandaigua, NY.

Jon had an appreciation of music and loved playing guitar.  He enjoyed attending concerts of his favorite bands such as the Dave Matthews Band.  He loved woodworking and creating beautiful Celtic Crosses, artistic plaques and Rosary Beads. He spent endless hours at Maker’s Space creating gifts and pieces to sell.  He donated all of the proceeds to charity.  Jonathan had a deep love of the outdoors and kayaking, always taking his dogs on hikes. He enjoyed working out, including many years of Crossfit, and coffee shops. Most of all, Jon loved his family.

He was preceded in death by his father, Joseph E. Murphy (died 2002) and his brother, Joseph T. Murphy (died 2006).

Surviving are his fiancé, Aaliyah Butler of Rochester; his mother, Bobbi (Andy Carter) Murphy of Crystal River, FL; 3 sisters, Kelli (Gary Thummler) Donlon of Rochester, Jamie (Sara Mobley) Murphy of Fort Worth, TX and Laura (Ben) Monell of Neversink, NY; his nieces & nephews, Shaelyn Donlon, Maeve Donlon, Norah Donlon, Colin Monell, Caitlyn Monell and Christian Monell.

The family of Jonathan E. “Jon” Murphy will receive friends on Wednesday from 4:00 PM  –  6:00 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.

Jonathan’s family request that in lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in his name be made to American Foundation for Suicide Prevention, supporting.afsp.org. Jon was passionate about this charity and planned on participating in the Out of the Darkness walk.

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

Joshua W. “Josh” Flaitz – 46 – of Route 21, Almond, NY, died Monday (November 21, 2022) at Strong Memorial Hospital in Rochester, following a long illness.

Born in Hornell on June 4, 1976, he was the son of William Flaitz and the former Kathleen Morse.

Josh grew up in the Hornell-Almond area and was a graduate of Alfred Almond Central School.  He later received his Associate’s Degree in Business Administration from Alfred State College (SUNY Alfred). Graduating from college was one of Josh’s proudest accomplishments.

When Josh was about 7 ½ years old, he was diagnosed with Behr Optical Atrophy Syndrome, a rare disease that weakens the optic nerves.  By the age of 15, he was totally blind.  He also had to contend with many other health issues, including Type #1 Diabetes.

Before losing his sight, he enjoyed riding dirt bikes and developed a love for motorcycles and cars.  Although blind, Josh finished high school, graduated from college and for many years worked with his father, Bill Flaitz, at Wild Bill’s Used Cars in Almond.  Josh never felt sorry for himself.  He had a love for the ooutdoors and even loved splitting wood.

He enjoyed going to car races with his dad, often traveling to Woodhull Raceway and Canandaigua Race Track along with other racetracks in Pennsylvania.  Throughout the years, Josh got to know many drivers and mechanics and would often share stories with them.  Josh always also looked forward to going on bike rides.  On any given sunny day, you would see Josh with his dad riding their tandem bike through Almond.

Josh also loved animals and going on rides in his side-by-side with his dad.  His favorite past time was having a great meal; having seconds was never enough. Above all, Josh had the biggest heart and always knew how to make you laugh.

Josh was preceded in death by his half-brother, Eric Winkleman; grand parents, George and Dorothy Flaitz and Charles Ritter; two uncles, Brian Flaitz and Thomas Morse.

Surviving are his father, William “Bill” Flaitz of Almond; his mother, Kathleen (Thom) Davies of Florida; 2 sisters, Heidi Fuller (Daniel Weathers) of Alabama and Rachel (Matthew) Dailey of Wellsville; 1 brother, Lucas Flaitz of Alabama; his maternal grandmother, Carol Ritter; nieces, Kayla, Alysa, and Isabel; nephews, Matthew, Steven and Jake; aunts, Georgeanne (Jim) Carter, Mary Lou (Dennis) Kasa, Linda Sue (Gary) Recktenwald, Cynthia McKibben (Bob), Carol (Lavern) Warriner; uncles, Thomas (Monica) Flaitz, Scott (Mona) Morse; and several cousins as well.

At Josh’s request there will be no calling hours.  A “Celebration of Life” will be held at the Arkport Legion on a date and time to be announced.

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

Josh’s 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 the Society for the Blind, 1238 S Street, Sacramento, CA 95811

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

David A. “Dave” Markel – (75) – of 6202 Gypsy Hill Road, Hornell, died Monday afternoon (November 14, 2022) at Strong Memorial Hospital in Rochester, NY, following a brief illness.

Born in Hornell on May 17, 1947, he was the son of Andrew & Margaret (Snowden) Markel.

David grew up in Hornell and was a graduate of Hornell High School (class of 1966).  Following high school graduation, he attended Wanakena Ranger School (College of Environmental Science and Forestry) in Wanakena, NY.

For about 4 years, Dave was employed as an “Electrical Apprentice” for the former Erie Railroad.  In 1968 he was drafted into the US Army during the Vietnam Conflict and served his country for 2 years before re-enlisting and fulfilling his dream of becoming a Green Beret.  He was honorably discharged in 1971.

Following his honorable discharge from the military, Dave returned to the Hornell area and resumed his employment with the railroad.  For about 5 years, he served as a Journeyman Electrician for the former Erie Railroad, Erie-Lackawanna Railroad and Conrail.  He later worked as a Maintenance Electrician for the Groveland Correctional Facility in Sonya, NY.  He retired in 2009.

David was an outdoorsman who truly loved and appreciated and the beauty of nature.  He was an avid hunter (deer & small game) and also enjoyed fishing.  He was an avid New York Yankee fan and also loved visiting the casinos, especially in Salamanca and Finger Lakes.  Dave was a longtime member of the Hornell American Legion, the Carducci Lodge (Sons of Italy) and the National Rifle Association (NRA).

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his brother, Robert Markel; sister-in-law, Patricia “Pat” Raynor) Markel.

David was married on May 5, 1973 to the former Angela Daniels who survives.  Also surviving are his daughter, Pam (Craig Button) Markel of Hornell; 2 sons, Greg (Jenn Close) Markel of Portmouth, NH and Tim Markel of Painted Post; 3 brothers, John (Betty) Markel of Hornell, Steve Markel of Hornell and Tom (Kathy) Markel of Arkport; 1 sister, Ruth Watier of Lockport; his half-sister, Barbara (Richard) Mazzerese of Endicott; sister-in-law, Mary Markel of California; several nieces & nephews.

The family of David A. “Dave” Markel will receive friends on Thursday 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 Friday at 10:00 AM at St. Ann’s Church.  Burial with Military Honors will follow at St. Mary’s Cemetery.

Dave’s family request that in lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in his name be made to the Hornell Alumni Association, PO Box 135, Hornell, NY 14843.  Memorial forms will be available at the Dagon Funeral Home.

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

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

Michael McDonald Holbrook, age 57, of 11 W. VanScoter Street, Hornell NY, died unexpectedly Saturday afternoon, November 5, 2022, at his home.

Born in Hornell on November 9, 1964, he was the son of William Holbrook and Pauline (McDonald) Holbrook.

Michael grew up in Hornell.  His family discovered that he loved music and had perfect pitch when he was age 3.  From ages 4 to 8, his dedicated mother drove him five days a week to SUNY Geneseo to work with Dr. Rosedale, a renowned Professor of Speech Therapy.   Aided by the Hornell Barbershoppers, Michael attended the Institute of Logopedics (children’s speech) in Wichita, Kansas from the age of 8 to 22, where he learned to speak, read, write, and play the piano and violin.

Following graduation, Michael returned to Hornell where he resided with his mother for many years while working for the Steuben ARC in Bath.  In his 30’s Michael began independent living at the Hornell Community residence. Over the years, Michael made many friends among the residents and staff in his group home and was very proud to earn money through his work at the Steuben County ARC Industrial Workshop in Bath and the Livingston County ARC Hilltop Industries in Mt. Morris.  He rode the bus daily to work.  No matter where he was, Michael would check in with the VanScoter Street staff to find out what was on the menu for dinner.

Michael was a creature of habit and he loved his routines.  He watched classic TV shows such as Wheel of Fortune and Jeopardy daily and listened to music from the 60’s, 70’s and 80’s that his brother Bill recorded for him.  He was well known throughout the Hornell community and could be seen regularly attending Hornell Dodgers’ games and local band concerts, swimming at the YMCA, going to the American Legion and Elks Club and attending Kanona Fire Department dinners, usually in the company of his mother, and his brother, J.P.   Michael loved to sing in church and often celebrated his birthday with the Hornell Barbershoppers.   He would walk to his mother’s house on Adsit Place, checking in to say hello at the Hornell Fire Station and Police Department, and would go to church at St. Ann’s, and eat Sunday brunch at Country Kitchen.  Michael was a member of Our Lady of the Valley Parish and even had his very own pew reserved for him at St. Ann’s Church.

Michael’s family was very important to him.  Whenever the family would gather, Michael would repeatedly say: “I’m not missing my family, am I?”

His father predeceased him in 1989.  Michael is survived by his mother Pauline Holbrook, sister Debby (Alexander Hoke) Holbrook of Juneau, Alaska, brother Dennis (Michele) Holbrook of East Aurora, NY, brother Bill Holbrook of Juneau, Alaska, brother J.P. Holbrook of Hornell, brother Paul (Jill) Holbrook of East Aurora, NY; nephews Hayden, Ryan, Patrick, Zander, Billy, and Emilio; nieces Heather, Jessica, Caitlin, Ashley, Hannah, Erin and Emma; grandnieces Ariana, Emery and Mackenzie; and grandnephew Dylan.   He also leaves behind the family that he loved at his VanScoter Street home.

The family of Michael M. “Mike” Holbrook will receive friends on Monday, November 21, 2022 from 5:00PM until 7:00PM at Dagon Funeral Home.  Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Tuesday, November 22, 2022 at 10:00AM at St. Ann’s Church with burial in St. Mary’s Cemetery.

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

Michael’s family request that in lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in his name be made to:  The Allegany-Steuben ARC (https://thearcas.org/get-involved/donate/) or YMCA of Hornell, NY (https://www.hornellymca.com/donate) or Hornell Area Wind Ensemble (https://www.hornellareawindensemble.org).

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

Angela Rose “Angie” Ninos – (97) – of 34 Hillcrest Dr., Alfred, NY died Monday afternoon (October 31, 2022) at Jones Memorial Hospital, following a brief illness.

Born in Delianuova, Italy on September 30, 1925, she was the daughter of Arcangelo & Josephine (Gongemi) Italiano.  Angie’s family moved to the United States when she was 9 years old and settled in Bolivar, NY. Her family owned and operated the Chef Bar & Grill for years.  She was a graduate of Bolivar High School (class of 1946).

Angie was married on October 8, 1949, to John E. Ninos who predeceased her on February 18, 2019.

Angie was a resident of Alfred since 1949.  She & John owned and operated the University Diner, (AKA The Dog Cart), and in 1950 purchased the Collegiate Restaurant.  They operated both restaurants, (Angie serving as a cook) until 1953, when the University Diner was destroyed by fire.  They “retired” in 1996 when they sold the business to their son, John, and his wife Chelly, but continued to stay active and lend a helping hand for many years to come.

Angie had a deep love of the Alfred Community, and in return, she was loved and respected by the citizens of Alfred.  In 1986 both Angie and John were recognized by the Alfred University Alumni Association and named Honorary Alumni.  On December 12, 1993, they both received Honorary Doctorate Degrees from Alfred University.  She was a communicant of St. Brendan / St. Jude Parish and a communicant of St. Jude Church.

In addition to her husband, Angie was preceded in death by her sister Anne LaBella, of Olean, NY.

Angela is survived by her brother Arcangelo “Mike” Italiano, of Glens Falls, NY and four sons, James (Karrie) Ninos of Alfred, Michael Ninos of Murphys, CA, John (Chelly) Ninos of Alfred, and Nikolas (Kara) Ninos of Buffalo; 8 grandchildren, Jill (Bryan) Crandall, Johnny (Ashleigh) Ninos, Kolby (Kristen) Ninos, Trevor Ninos, Jody (Chuck) Skipper, Austin Williford, Aristotle Ninos, and Nikolas Ninos; 5 great-grandchildren; Iliana Ninos, Tyler Crandall, Austyn Crandall, Layla Crandall, Finley Ninos, and several nieces & nephews.

The family of Angela “Angie” Ninos will receive friends on Saturday, November 12, 2022 at St. Jude Parish Church from 10:00 AM until 12:00 (Noon) located at St. Jude Parish Church, Lower College Drive, (SUNY Alfred Campus), Alfred, NY.  A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at the conclusion of calling hours at 12:00 Noon with burial in Alfred-Rural Cemetery, Alfred Station, NY.

The family would like to invite all to The Lake Lodge, 6197 Terbury Rd, Alfred Station, NY following the ceremony for a celebration of Angie’s life.

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

Angie’s family request that in lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in her name be made to St. Jude Parish Church.

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

James R. Frost

Rebecca “Becky” D. Smith – (50) – of 381 Seneca Rd., North Hornell passed away unexpectedly Saturday afternoon (October 29, 2022) following a lengthy illness.

Born in Urbana, NY on August 24, 1972, she was the daughter of Melvin Varner and the former Beverly Wolfanger.

Becky grew up in the Cohocton area and was a graduate of Wayland Central School (class of 1990).

She had been employed in the housekeeping department at St. James Mercy Hospital and for many years served as a receptionist for Dr. Nasar Chaudhry.

In 2009, Becky decided to further her education and enrolled at Alfred University, majoring in Court Reporting.  In 2011, she started a career that she is the proudest of and enlisted in the US Army.  She was stationed at Hunter Army Air Field in Savanna, GA and later deployed to Kuwait where she served for 9 months.  When she returned to the United States, she was briefly stationed at Hunter Army Air Field where “specialist” SPC Rebecca served as a computer technician with the Criminal Investigative Division of the US Military. She most recently was stationed at Ft. Belvoir in Washington, DC where she retired as a Sergeant.

Becky was a member of the Wayland American Legion and the Hornell American Legion.  Hobbies & interests include: enjoyed being with friends enjoying the views of Keuka Lake at our local breweries along the wine trail, spending time with her grandchildren was her biggest joy, along with her faith in God that kept her strong.

She was married on August 7, 2011 to Marc M. Smith who survives.  Also surviving are 2 sons,  Gregg Mark of Wayland and Connor Mark (Alissa Brado) of Dansville; her step-daughter, Raven Smith of North Hornell, her father & step-mother, Melvin (Nancy) Varner of Cohocton; her mother & step-father, Beverly (Wilbur) Dunning of NC;  her siblings, Heidi Goodman, Bridgett Herndon, Roger Varner, Jim Varner, Jeff Varner and Mark Varner, Jessica Dunning and Michael Whiting; several nieces and nephews; and her grandchildren Landen and Logan Mark.

The family of Rebecca “Becky” Smith will receive friends on Saturday from 12:00 (Noon) until 3:00 PM at the Dagon Funeral Home, 38 Church St., Hornell, NY.  A Memorial Service with military honors will be held at the conclusion of calling hours at 3:00 PM with Deacon Robert McCormick officiating.

Becky’s family request that in lieu of flowers, donations for gas cards to be donated to Cancer Services of Steuben County. The cards will go to local families fighting cancer to assist them receiving treatments. Donations may be directly made to St. James foundation “Cancer Services.” Memorial forms will be available at the Dagon Funeral Home.

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

To leave an online condolence or print a memorial form, visit www.dagonfuneralhome.com

Gilbert “Gil” W. Yates (“Coach”) – 94 – of 8232 Cream Hill Rd., Arkport, died Sunday morning (October 30, 2022) at his home.

Born in Lyons, NY on September 4, 1928, he was the son of Charles & Margaret (Taylor) Yates.

Gil grew up in Marion, NY and was a graduate of Marion Central School (class of 1948).  While in high school, he excelled in sports and “lettered” in baseball, basketball & soccer.

Following his high school graduation, Gil enlisted in the United States Air Force and served his country for four years during the Korean Conflict.  While in the Air Force, he worked in Air Force Security Service and had been stationed at the Scott Air Force Base in Illinois, Lackland Air Force Base in Texas, Brooks Air Force Base in Texas, Elmendorf Air Force Base in Alaska and the Nome Airport (formerly Marks Air Force Base) in Alaska.  He received his honorable discharge in 1952.

Following his discharge from the military, Gil enrolled at Brockport State College (under the GI Bill), Majoring in Physical Education and received his Bachelor’s Degree in 1956.  After graduation from Brockport, he taught Phys. Ed. at Fredonia State College for one year where he also coached golf and basketball.  Gil decided to continue his education and enrolled at the University of Indiana where he earned his Master’s Degree in Physical Education while also serving as a Teacher’s Assistant.

After receiving his Master’s Degree, Gil moved to Ellicottville, NY where he served as Phys. Ed. teacher at Ellicottville Central School for 3 years.  He moved to Arkport, NY in 1961 and began a 30+ year career at Arkport Central School.  During those 30+ years, Gil served as Athletic Director and coached basketball (12 years), soccer (28 years) and track (3 years).  He retired in 1989.

For over 20 years, Gil served as a high school umpire for the girls’ softball program.  He also umpired for girls’ softball tournaments throughout the area, such as in the Cinderella Softball League.

Gil was a member of Our Lady of the Valley Parish and a communicant of St. Ann’s Church.  He had also been a member of the Hornell Moose Lodge and the Arkport American Legion receiving his 50-year membership award.   He was an avid golfer and was a member of the Hornell Golf Club and he enjoyed playing cards, especially poker & euchre, and always looked forward to monthly trips to the casino when possible.

He was married on July 9, 1960 to the former Diane Nitsche who died November 29, 2008.  Gil was also preceded in death by 2 sons, Gary Yates who died October 26, 1979 and Robert Yates who died March 8, 2020; his son-in-law, Jim Perry who died March 6, 2017; and 2 sisters, Evelyn Payne and Dorothy Meyers.

The family would also like to acknowledge the loving memory of Christine Rhone who passed September 3, 2021.  The two of them sharing ten years of companionship and laughter.  Additionally, in order to enjoy life to its fullest and maintain his independence as much as possible, the family would also like to thank and acknowledge the assistance of the Tender Loving In Home Care team.

Surviving are 4 daughters, Sharon (William) Meinking of Alfred, Mindy Perry of Hartsville, Brenda Abrams of Bath and Cyndi (Ron) Gula of Fulton, MD; 2 sons, Michael (Shari) Yates of North Tonawanda and Daniel (Terry) Yates of Batavia; his daughter-in-law, Rose Yates of Millbury, OH; 1 sister, Helen (Clark) Dingman of Marion, NY; 15 grandchildren; several nieces & nephews.

The family of Gilbert “Gil” W. Yates will receive friends on Thursday 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 Friday at 10:00 AM at St. Ann’s Church with burial in Fremont Cemetery.

Gil’s family requests that in lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in his name be made to the Hornell Humane Society, 7649 Industrial Park Rd., Hornell, NY 14843 or the Arkport American Legion, 1 Carter Street, Arkport, NY 14807.  Memorial forms will be available at the Dagon Funeral Home.

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

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

Patricia L. “Pati” Piper – 74 – of 947 East Avenue, Rochester, NY 14607, formerly of Hornell, NY, died Friday evening (October 28, 2022) at St. John’s Nursing Facility in Rochester, NY following a long illness.

Born in Wilkes-Barre, PA on April 22, 1948, she was the daughter of Dr. Donald & Dr. Patricia (Judge) Lewis.

Pati grew up in Forty Fort, PA and was a graduate of  Forty Fort High School (class of 1966). She earned her Bachelor’s Degree in Music from King’s College in Wilkes-Barre and later earned her Master’s Degree from the Eastman School of Music in Rochester.

For 35 years, Pati was employed as a music teacher at the Hornell High School and served as director of the HHS Musicals. She was an extremely popular teacher who was loved and respected by the students and faculty alike. In 1995, she (along with her husband, Steve) was honored by having the HHS yearbook dedicated to her. She retired in 2007.

Having a deep love of music, Pati played several musical instruments and was known for her beautiful singing voice. She cherished the 48 summers that she and Steve spent at their summer home at The Chautauqua Institution on beautiful Chautauqua Lake, NY where she served as a vocalist in the Chautauqua Choir.

In addition to her parents, Pati was preceded in death by her sister, Marie Lewis and her brother-in-law, Tim Houlihan.

She was married on August 16, 1974 to Stephen “Steve” Piper who survives.  Also surviving are 3 sisters, Cynthia Larsen of Princeton, NJ, Jessica Houlihan of Princeton, NJ, Susan (Steve) Berthel of Brookfield, IL, and her brother Don (Catherine) Lewis of Santa Barbara CA.

Pati’s request was to “keep the obituary brief” and to not have public calling hours.  Private services will be at the convenience of the family.

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

Pati’s family request that in lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in her name be made to the Westfield Stray Cat Rescue, 59 E.Main St., Westfield, NY 14787.