Hornell, New York

Matthew L. “Matt” Feenaughty – (42) – of 104 Elm St., Hornell, died Thursday morning (September 12, 2024) at his home, surrounded by his loving family, following a long illness.

Born in North Hornell on February 26, 1982, he was the son of Larry Feenaughty and Judy Feenaughty Patterson.

Matt grew up in Hornell and attended Hornell High School. He served as a delivery driver of medical supplies for PROCAIR in Hornell for about 10 years. He was later employed for 10 years in the Sales Department and later in the Finance Department Simmons-Rockwell in Bath, NY. Most recently he worked as Universal Banker at M&T Bank in Nunda, NY.

An avid New York Mets fan, Matt enjoyed playing softball in the local Men’s Softball League. He also enjoyed the outdoors and the time spent camping especially at the Yogi Bear Campsite in Bath, NY. He was a true “Family Man” who loved spending time with his wife and riding bikes & swimming in the backyard pool with his children.

He was preceded in death by his paternal grandfather, Lawrence Feenaughty; his paternal grandmother, Carol Feenaughty; and his maternal grandmother, Dorothy Thompson who he loved dearly.

The past 20 years were spent with the “Love of His Life,” Melissa Rawleigh Feenaughty who he married on August 25, 2024. He is also survived by 2 sons, Maddox & Mason; 1 daughter, Morgan; his father & step-mother, Larry (Kris) Feenaughty of Hornell; his mother & step-father, Judy (Glenn) Patterson of Hornell; his brother, Larry (Stacey) Feenaughty, Jr. of Middlesex, NY; his sister, Traci (Leslie) Howington of Hornell; 3 step-sisters, Stacey Zinck, Natasha (Joe) Wilcox and Melinda Patterson; 1 step-brother, Douglas Bailey; his mother-in-law & father-in-law, Shirley & Dennis Rawleigh of Canaseraga; his brother-in-law, Jake Rawleigh of Ossian, NY; several aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, cousins; 2 great-nephews. He will also be sadly missed by his English Bulldog, “Ruby.”

The family of Matthew L. “Matt” Feenaughty will receive friends on Thursday (September 19, 2024) from 5:00 PM until 7:00 PM at the Dagon Funeral Home, 38 Church St., Hornell, NY. Private services will be held at the convenience of the family.

Matt’s family request that in lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in his name be made to the Rochester Regional Center for Autism Spectrum Disorder, 601 Elmwood Avenue, Box 671, Rochester, NY 14642. Memorial forms will be available at the Dagon Funeral Home.

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

Hartsville, NY

Kriste Lee Gerhard – 52 – of Hartsville, died Sunday morning (September 8, 2024) at home, following a courageous battle with an aggressive form of colon cancer.

She was born in Springfield, MA on April 4, 1972 to Joseph Calvanese and Cynthia Wawrzonek.

Kriste grew up in Indian Orchard, MA, raised by the hands of her entire family, and known as everyone’s sister.  While living in Springfield, she attended high school under the Food Catering Program at Roger L. Putnam Vocational Technical Academy.  In 1992, Kriste moved to Lynchburg, VA.  She graduated from Phillips Business College in 1997.  While living in Virginia, Kriste pursued a career in accounting until she found her passion for community outreach as Director of Operations for Lighthouse Properties, LLC.  She furthered her education in Association Management proudly becoming a CMCA.  She also established her own photography business, Kriste Lee Photography.  Kriste enjoyed displaying and donating her artwork for local charities. Kriste was a member of the Amelon United Methodist Church in Madison Heights, VA.

Moving to Hartsville in 2018, Kriste volunteered at the Hartsville Town Hall where she was then appointed the Town of Hartsville Deputy Supervisor in 2019.  In 2021, she was elected Town Supervisor, a position she held until 2023. She Served with dedication and conviction on behalf of Hartsville. Kriste was hired as Operations Manager at St. Ann’s Academy in 2021.  Her expertise in office management and her loving, caring personality instantly made her a perfect fit. Kriste enjoyed participating in the Veterans Day Field of Honor in Hornell for two years, in gratitude and honor of the late Dave Gray, who opened the doors of opportunity for her in the Hornell area. Kriste reluctantly retired from SAA in 2022 due to her cancer diagnosis and treatments.

Kriste loved the beach but would never pass up a good camp fire.  She enjoyed wildlife and nature photography, gardening, and traveling.  Most importantly, Kriste fiercely loved her family and lived life to the fullest.  She will always be remembered for her positive outlook through life’s adversities and her unwavering faith in God.

On June 20, 2008, Kriste married David Gerhard who survives.  In addition to her beloved husband, she is also survived by her daughter, Brittany Williams of Bedford, VA; two sons, Jonathon (Kelsey) Williams of Goode, VA & Tomas Williams of Evington, VA; step-children, Collin Gerhard of Charlotte, NC & Carter Gerhard of Blacksburg, VA; her cousin (who was raised as a sister) Tammy (Danielle) Girard of Enfield, CT; her parents, Joseph Calvanese and Cynthia (Gary) Wawrzonek; 2 sisters, Tricia (Roger) Gagnon of Springfield, MA and Joellene Calvanese of South Hampton, MA (3 Nieces) 2 brothers, Dakota Calvanese of West Springfield, MA & Connor Calvanese of West Springfield, MA; God Mother Debbie McCarthy of Ludlow, MA. Several Aunts, Uncles and cousins along with nieces & nephews, including “Her Littles” – Harper & Aberdeen Girard and Savannah Gagnon; and Mocha, her canine companion, soother, and emotional & physical support dog.

She was preceded in death by her grandmother with whom she now rests, under the loving wings of her forever angel, June Pearl Girard of Springfield, MA.

To honor Kriste’s wishes, there will be no calling hours or services.  Her wish was for memorial contributions in her name be made to St. Ann’s Academy, PO Box 446, Hornell, NY 14843 or by visiting https://www.saacademy.org/general-5.

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

Alfred Station, New York

David Dronsick, age 77, of Alfred Station, NY, passed away Wednesday (September 4th, 2024) at the Hart Comfort House in Wellsville following a brave five year struggle with lymphoma.

He was the cherished and devoted spouse of Linda Huey.

David was unassuming, warm hearted, generous, and open minded. His uniquely dry sense of humor was always present, as was his sharp and perceptive intellect. David was especially gifted in maintaining long term friendships and connections.

He had a life-long love of music and art which he and Linda shared. He was ever present and supportive of Linda’s ceramic art career, traveling to craft shows and helping in every way that would enable Linda to create her work. David and Linda shared many passions including gardening, researching and writing about family history and local history. They also shared a deep attachment to Emma, their sweet feline companion of 22 years.

David graduated with a BA from Clark University in 1969 and received his Masters of Arts in geography from Clark in 1975. He taught in the Earth Science department at Northeastern University from 1973 to 1975 and continued to teach night classes through 1991. Beginning in1975, David worked for the Commonwealth of Massachusetts as a land use planner and grants manager until 1991. In 1991he moved to Alfred, NY so Linda could pursue her passion in ceramics at Alfred University where he began working as a grant writer and manager at Alfred State College.

Surviving are his wife, Linda Huey; his niece Laura Ausmus of Connecticut; his nephew Bradley Ausmus of California; and his brother-in-law and sister-in-law, Paul Huey and Lois Huey.

A graveside service will be held on Monday (September 9, 2024) at 10:00 AM at Alfred-Rural Cemetery, Alfred Station, NY with Dr. Stephan Greenberg officiating.

Funeral arrangements are being handled by Dagon Funeral Home, 38 Church St., Hornell, NY.

Donations in David’s memory can be made to Hart Comfort House, 141 East State St., Wellsville, NY 14895.

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

Hornell, NY / Rochester, NY

Karen Moretti

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Karen Moretti on August 24, 2024, after a long illness at the age of 76.

A beloved daughter, sister, aunt, niece, cousin, friend, and deeply loved individual, her loyalty and dedication to her family and friends was unwavering. With great humor, unmatched wit, compassion, and generosity she created lasting relationships in every facet of her life.

A graduate of Hornell Senior High School, Karen earned her Bachelor’s in Sociology in 1982 from SUNY Geneseo.

Her many careers and part-time jobs included owner of Moretti’s Hoagie Shop in Dansville and Moretti’s Pizza Shop in Hornell, bank teller, switchboard operator at St. James Mercy Hospital, ice cream truck driver, pizza deliverer, opened a teen center for the youth of Dansville, cab driver, nighttime delivery person for the Buffalo Evening News, and blackjack dealer.

Karen realized her lifelong dream of living and working in Las Vegas where she became a blackjack dealer and worked at several casinos both on and off the Las Vegas strip. In 2016 due to her illness, she sadly had to bid farewell to her beloved Las Vegas and return to New York.

Prior to Karen’s illness, she enjoyed traveling, playing bingo, attending her favorite music artists’ concerts and Buffalo Bills football games, playing basketball, dancing (and winning many dance contests), singing and playing her ukulele, hosting parties for any occasion, snowmobiling, and riding her motorcycle. She is known for her unique perspective on life leading her (and anyone who happened to be with her) to unimaginable brushes with fame.

She is survived by her sisters Cheryl MacCracken (Greg), Suzanne Minemier (Marty), and brother Richard (Darlene) She also leaves behind many dear nieces, nephews, cousins, aunts, great nieces and nephews, and lifelong friends. She is predeceased by her parents Marilynn and Raymond Moretti and siblings Robert and John. Karen took great pride in her family and friendships and will be missed dearly by all.

The family wishes to thank the staff at Kirkhaven Nursing Home for their extraordinary care, kindness, and support.

Calling hours will be held on Friday, October 4, 10:00-12:00 to include a prayer service from 12:00-12:30 at Dagon’s Funeral Home, 38 Church Street, Hornell, NY 14843, followed by a Celebration of Life luncheon at The Main Place, 251 Main Street., Hornell, NY 14843. The family asks that in keeping with Karen’s “fashion” sense, casual attire is appropriate and encouraged for both.

In lieu of flowers and in honor of Karen’s favorite Buffalo Bill, Josh Allen, donations may be made to the Patricia Allen Fund Benefiting John R. Oshei Children’s Hospital (https://www.ochbuffalo.org/foundation/patricia-allen-fund/). Or please make checks payable to CHOB Foundation, 1028 Main Street, 4th Floor, Buffalo NY 14202.

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

Hornell, New York

H. Marilyn Murphy – (96) – formerly of 1190 County Rt. 66, Hornell, passed away Saturday morning (August 31, 2024) at Elderwood of Hornell Nursing Facility where she had resided for the past four years.

Born in Rochester, NY on June 21, 1928, she was the daughter of Bernard & Helen (Riley) Seeley.

Her family resided in Conesus, NY when Marilyn was a small child. When she was about 7 years old, her family moved to Dansville, NY. She was a graduate of Dansville High School (class of 1946).

Marilyn moved to Hornell, NY in 1947 when she married William T. “Bill” Murphy. She was employed for about 10 years in the Sears Store in Hornell where she worked at the catalog desk. She later worked for about 28 years in the office of JC Penney’s in Hornell. She retired in 1993.

For many years, Marilyn had been a communicant of St. Ignatius Loyola Church in Hornell. In recent years she attended St Brendan’s Church in Almond, NY. She was a former member of Catholic Daughters of America where she served as an officer.

Marilyn always enjoyed attending her children’s, grandchildren’s and great-grandchildren’s school functions and sporting events. She was an avid reader and especially enjoyed reading books written by Rochester native & historian Arch Merrill. For many years she also enjoyed crocheting.

She was married in 1947 to William T. “Bill” Murphy who died in 1997. She was also preceded in death by her daughter, Deborah Lyke who died in 2019; her daughter-in-law, Gail Murphy who died in 2022; her brothers, Bernard Seeley, Jr. and William Seeley; her sister, Corrine Miller.

Surviving are her son William T. Murphy II of Hornell; 2 daughters, Jennifer (John) Beckerman of South Lyon, MI and Bridget Murphy of Amsterdam, NY; her son-in-law, Larry Lyke of Novi, MI; her longtime friend, Pat; 9 grandchildren; 16 great-grandchildren; several nieces & nephews.

The family of H. Marilyn Murphy will receive friends on Friday from 5:00 PM – 7:00 PM at the Dagon Funeral Home, 38 Church St., Hornell, NY. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Saturday at 11:00 AM at St. Brendan’s Church of Almond. A “Celebration of Life” will follow at the Hornell American Legion. Burial will be in the Bath National Cemetery.

Marilyn’s family request that in lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in her name be made to the Hornell Humane Society, 7649 Industrial Park Road, Hornell, NY 14843. Memorial forms will be available at the Dagon Funeral Home.

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

Hornell, New York

Raymond C. “Chris” Kull – 76 – of Bald Hill Road, Hornell passed away peacefully on early Tuesday morning (August 27, 2024) at St. James Hospital following, a long illness.

Born in Hornell on November 27, 1947 he was the youngest child of Walter and Leah (Fay) Kull.

Chris graduated from Alfred Almond Central School in 1965 and enlisted in the US Air Force (Nellis Air Force Base) and proudly served his country from 1965-1972 in Vietnam during the Vietnam War. After being honorably discharged from the Air Force, Chris returned to the area and began working as a laborer at Chemung Construction Company in Elmira. He later was employed as a machinist with the Erie Railroad in Hornell working as a diesel mechanic for locomotives and train operator on the plant yard. For many years he was employed by his brother Richard with Hornell Plumbing and Heating before starting Chris Kull’s Plumbing and Heating. He recently retired from the NYSDOT following 20 years of service.

In addition to his parents, Chris was preceded in death by his sisters, Renee Towner, Barbara Flint and Mary Dineen; as well as brothers, Bill Kull, Richard Kull and Bobby Kull. He was also preceded in death by his first wife, Peggy Rice; his niece, Peggy Cooper; his nephew, Randy Harkenrider; his niece, Tammy Flint; brothers-in-law, Jack Crooks, Craig Towner, Jim Dineen and Tom Glynn; as well as sisters-in-law, Edna Kull and Pat Kull; along with his black labs, “Buddy” and “Molly.”

Chris is survived by two sons Jamie (Andrea) Kull of Livonia and Mark (Jessica) Kull of Pultney; and his former wife and dear friend, Carol Kull; his grandchildren, Bryson Kull, Gracie Kull, Noah Kull and Anna Kull. Also surviving are his sisters, Norma Crooks and Nancy Glynn; and his brother Jim (Barbara) Kull; sister-in-law, Donna Kull; as well as many nieces and nephews that were very special to him.

Chris will be remembered for being a diehard New York Yankees and Dallas Cowboys fan, traveling to see the Yankees play in New York and Toronto as well as seeing the Cowboys play in Buffalo. In addition, he had an immense love for hunting, raising game birds, planting trees, and being a steward of nature. He loved raising labs and was in the market for another lab before falling ill. Chris loved to work, not wanting to retire, he enjoyed being in a truck plowing roads. He wasn’t hard to find— you just needed to check the local gas stations where they sold scratch off tickets.

Chris’ family would like to thank the wonderful nursing staff at St. James for taking care of him when he needed it the most.

At Chris’ request there will be no calling hours. Private interment with Military Honors will be held at the Bath National Cemetery at the convenience of the family

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

Chris’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

Lucy A. Wiley – (96) – of 100 River St., Hornell, died Sunday afternoon (August 25, 2024) at her home, following a long illness.

A native and life resident of Hornell, she was born April 10, 1928, and was the daughter of Carmine & Nicoletta (DeSanto) Gallese.

Lucy grew up in Hornell and was a graduate of St. Ann School and later graduated from Hornell High School (class of 1947). For many years she operated Gallese’s Grocery, a business established by her father.

She was a member of Our Lady of the Valley Parish and a communicant of St. Ann’s Church. She was also a member of the Ladies of Columbus.

Lucy was married January 4, 1958 to James Wiley who died September 11, 2003. Lucy was also preceded in death by 5 brothers, Angelo “Harp” Gallese, Dominick Gallese, Charles Gallese, Donald Gallese and Francis “Peep” Gallese; 6 sisters, Rose Marino, Jovenia “Dena” Libordi, Josephine Gallese, Josephine Gallese, Mary Felli and Rita Roast.

Surviving are many nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews, great-great-nieces and great-great-nephews.

The family of Lucy Wiley will receive friends on Friday 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 Saturday at 10:00 AM at St. Ann’s Church with burial in St. Mary’s Cemetery.

Lucy’s family request that in lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in her name be made to either St. Ann’s Academy, 41 Genesee St, Hornell, NY 14843 or the Hornell Humane Society, 7649 Industrial Park Road, Hornell, NY 14843. Memorial forms will be available at the Dagon Funeral Home.

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

Alfred Station, New York

Cale Michael Snyder, 50, of Alfred Station, NY, passed away unexpectedly on Tuesday, August 20, 2024 of natural causes. He was the son of Ron and Kathy Snyder of Alfred Station.

A graduate of Alfred Almond Central School and Alfred State College, he had been employed by Performance Automotive Trucking and Excavating, PTC Contracting and Alfred Ceramic Enterprises.

Cale was preceded in death by his maternal grandparents Marty and Emmie Curran and paternal grandfather, Ken Snyder, all of Alfred.

In addition to his parents, he is survived by two brothers, Gabe and Kelly Snyder; paternal grandmother Liz Malling; step-grandmother Patty Curran; 5 aunts, Shelley (Ken) Blakey, Sharon (Tim) Crowe, Chris (Joe) Ingalls, Tracy (Dave) DeFelice and Laurie Pazdernik; five uncles, Phil (Len) Curran, Mike (Eileen) Curran, Pat (Jen) Curran, Chris (Daffney) Curran, and Mike (Sue) Snyder; along with many cousins.

Cale was an extremely talented welder, artist, poet and writer, who could fix anything mechanical. In his younger days he loved skiing and drag racing his 1974 Dodge Dart. He travelled to race tracks all over the Northeast competing with his father. There was never a more kind-hearted gentle man, especially with animals. He couldn’t stand to see any living creature suffering.

He will leave a huge hole in our hearts that will never be filled, but we have faith that he was led into Heaven by his Grampa Curran who was his hero and his Grammy Curran. We have no doubt that two of his best friends, who predeceased him, were also there to welcome him.

There will be no calling hours. Cale’s ashes will be buried in the Curran/MacCrea Family Cemetery on Waterwells Road at the family’s convenience.

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

Donations in Cale’s name may be made to The Hornell Area Humane Society, 7649 Industrial Park Road, Hornell, NY 14843.

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

Arkport, NY / Canaseraga, NY

Jane E. Rice – 80 – of 290 Moraine Road, Arkport, NY (Town of Burns) died Monday morning (August 19, 2024) at Strong Memorial Hospital, following a brief illness.

Born in Wellsville, NY on September 17, 1943, she was the daughter of Charles & Ruth (Zschiegner) Flint.

Jane grew up in Wellsville and was a graduate of Wellsville High School (class of 1961). She later graduated from cosmetology school in Rochester. She was briefly employed as a hairdresser in the Rochester area and later worked at the Singer Plant in Rochester.

She lived in Georgia for about 3 years and had resided in the Hornell – Arkport area for nearly 40 years. Jane served as a breakfast cook at the former Friendly’s Family Restaurant in Hornell and for 25 years she was employed as an assembler for TTA-Transitair Systems in Hornell, retiring about 10 years ago.

Jane enjoyed raising “Show Horses” and loved entering her horse, “Cookie,” in Show Horse competitions. She was also a member of the New York State Stallion Association. Jane also enjoyed cross stitching & needle point and loved creating beautiful pictures that she sold or gave to family & friends. She also enjoyed spending time reading and working in her flower garden.

She was married on August 3, 1996 to Paul A. Rice who survives. Also surviving are her daughter, Dawn Taylor of Georgia; her son, Russell (Jamie Cutter) Taylor of Georgia; 3 brothers, Charles (Sherry) Flint of Erie, PA, Mark (Cathy) Flint of Stannards, NY and Carl Flint of South Carolina; 1 sister, Judith Sawyer of Lockport, NY; 7 grandchildren; 3 great-grandchildren; several nieces & nephews.

At Jane’s request there will be no calling hours. Funeral services will be held on Tuesday, August 27, 2024 at 10:00 AM at St. Mary’s Church in Canaseraga with Fr. John Cullen officiating. Burial will be in St. Mary’s Cemetery, Canaseraga, NY.

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

Jane’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.

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

Canisteo, NY

Margaret M. “Peggy” Sanford – 71 – of Russell St., Canisteo, died Sunday evening (August 18, 2024), surrounded by her loving family, after a courageous battle with cancer.

Born in Hornell on January 4, 1953, she was the daughter of the late Robert & Marinda (Stephens) Lamphier.

A lifelong resident of the Hornell / Canisteo area, Peggy grew up in Hornell and graduated from Hornell High School (class of 1971). After graduation, Peggy dedicated her life to helping others as a nurse’s aide. She spent the majority of her career at Hornell Gardens, where her kindness and dedication touched the lives of many.

In the early 2000s, Peggy left the healthcare field and spent the next 20 years caring for her grandchildren, a role she cherished deeply. She was happiest when surrounded by her family, whether she was cheering at their various sporting events or simply enjoying their company.

Peggy had many hobbies that brought her joy. She was an avid puzzle enthusiast and loved baking and watching cooking shows. She will especially be remembered for her delicious peanut butter frosting. Peggy also had a passion for crocheting and lovingly made blankets for all her children and grandchildren, gifts that will be cherished for years to come.

Her loving family includes her three children, Tina (Thomas) Jackson of Angelica, Patrick (Connie) Sanford of Canisteo, & Jody (Willard) Cole of Canisteo; her sister, Jeanette Miles of Hornell; 2 brothers, Robert (Corrine) Lamphier of Canisteo & Michael (Kim) Lamphier of Avoca; 30 grandchildren; 11 great-grandchildren; many nieces, nephews, & cousins.

In addition to her parents, Peggy was preceded in death by her former husband, Patrick Sanford, Sr. in 2012; 2 sisters, Rosalie (Carl) Drew & Barbara Sanford; brothers-in-law, Edwin Miles & Fred Sanford.

The family of Margaret M. “Peggy” Sanford will receive friends on Monday, August 26th from 10:00 am to 12:00 noon at the Dagon Funeral Home, 38 Church Street, Hornell, where a funeral service will be held at the conclusion of calling hours at 12:00 pm with Reverend Gary Miles officiating. Burial will be in Woodlawn Cemetery in Canisteo.

Peggy’s family request that memorial contributions in her name be made to The American Cancer Society, PO Box 6704, Hagerstown, MD 21741 or by visiting https://donate.cancer.org.

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