James A. “Jim” Sloan – 86 – formerly of Johnson City, NY, died Wednesday morning (September 26, 2018) at Elderwood at Hornell Nursing Facility, where he had resided for the past seven years.

Born in Binghamton, NY on May 25, 1932, he was the son of James & Gertrude (Gorman) Sloan.

Jim grew up in Binghamton and was a graduate of Binghamton Central School (class of 1949). He later earned his Associate’s Degree in Mechanical Design from Broome County Community College.

A resident of Johnson City, NY for many years, Jim had been employed as a draftsman for IBM Corporation in Endicott, NY. He had been a communicant of St. James Catholic Church of Binghamton, served on the Alter and Rosary Society for St. Ambrose Catholic Church and for many years served as a volunteer for Meals on Wheels. He also volunteered his time by “ringing the bell” for the Salvation Army at Christmas time. Throughout his lifetime, Jim enjoyed fishing, listening to music, and rooting for the New York Yankees.

Jim was preceded in death by his wife, Ellen and also several brothers & sisters.

Surviving are 4 children, Catherine Sloan of Newport, RI, Thomas and his wife Renee Von Raub of Orlando, FL, Helen Bevelacqua of Orlando, FL; and James C. Sloan of De Funiack Springs, FL; 2 grandchildren, Thomas Marcus Von Raub and Crystal Appel; 1 great-granddaughter, Chloe Rose Appel and his first wife, Rhea Baskin of De Funiack Springs, FL.

At Jim’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.

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.

Robert F. “Bob” Hillman – 93 – of 18 Pardee St., Hornell, died early Wednesday morning (September 19, 2018) at his home, following a long illness.

Born in Hornell on March 9, 1925, he was the son of Robert C. & Rose Patricia (McCarthy) Hillman and the stepson of Anna (Stewart) Hillman.

Bob grew up in Hornell and was a graduate of St. Ann’s School and Hornell High School (Class of 1943). He received his Associate’s Degree in Accounting from Alfred State College; his Bachelor’s Degree from Scranton University; and his Master’s Degree from Alfred University. He also completed certification work at St. Bonaventure University.

Bob was a veteran of the US Navy, serving his country during WWII as a Turret Gunner on a torpedo bomber which participated in the invasion of the Philippines at Lingayen Gulf. His ship, the aircraft carrier “The Bismarck Sea” was sunk by two Japanese Kamikaze planes during the battle for Iwo Jima at 6:30 PM on February 21, 1945. Rescued after three hours in the water, Bob was taken to a troop transport at Iwo Jima where he witnessed the American Flag flying over Mount Suribachi the next day. The historic scene was immortalized by the Pulitzer Prize winning photo by Joe Rosenthal entitled “FLAG RAISING AT IWO JIMA”. He was authorized to wear the Combat Air Crewman Wings, the Distinguished Flying Cross and the Air Medal. He was a member of the Royal Order of the Golden Dragon for crossing the International Date Line and survived the initiation from Pollywog to Shellback for crossing the equator.

He was employed at the Erie Railroad Accounting Bureau of Hornell and Scranton, PA for 16 years and also as an accountant for the State Workman’s Insurance Fund in Scranton, PA. Bob returned to Hornell and taught Office Practice and Business Machines for the Steuben Allegany BOCES for 24 years and was a member of the BOCES Teacher’s Union. He also served on the negotiation team when it affiliated with the National Education Association. He retired in 1990.

Bob was a member of Our Lady of the Valley Parish and a communicant of St. Ann’s Church. He was also a Third Degree member of the Knights of Columbus and a former member of the Hornell Elks Lodge, Hornell Moose Lodge, Hornell VFW and the Hornell American Legion. Bob was a long time member of the City of Hornell Planning Board, resigning in 1998 to spend the winter months in Florida with his wife and son, James.

Some of Bob’s particular interests was spending time at a hunting/summer camp that he shared with four other friends & relatives. He also enjoyed gardening and spending time with his friends at the Euchre Club and the Perkinsville Poker Club. He also loved rooting for the New York Yankees and Notre Dame. He absolutely loved spending time with his family, especially his grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his 2 brothers, Leo Hillman and John Hillman.

Bob was married on April, 1964 to the former Eleanor Trowbridge who survives. Also surviving are 3 sons, Robert (Janet) Hillman of Bradenton, FL, David (Kathleen) Hillman of Hornell and James Hillman of Florida; 2 daughters, Chris (Jack) Geary of Cleveland, OH and Kim (John) Weyand of Hornell; his sister, Rosemary Walton of Ashville, NC; his sister-in-law, Isabelle Hillman of Hornell; 6 grandchildren, Sara Hillman, Robert “R.J.” Hillman, Heather Hillman, Shawn (Heidi Schmidt) Hillman Jacob Weyand and Spencer Weyand; many nieces & nephews.

The family of Robert F. “Bob” Hillman will receive friends on Friday 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 Saturday at 10:00 AM at St. Ann’s Church. Burial with full military honors will follow at St. Ann’s Cemetery.

Bob’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. Memorial forms will be available at the Dagon Funeral Home.

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

Joseph D. “Joe” Kelleher, SR – 88 – formerly of 15 Florence St., Hornell, died Wednesday afternoon (September 12, 2018) at Hornell Gardens where he had resided for the past 3 years.

A native & life resident of Hornell, he was born June 21, 1930 and was the son of Daniel & Helen (McGinnis) Kelleher.

Joe attended Hornell High School where he participated in basketball and other sports. He was employed as a brakeman for the former Erie Railroad and Erie Lackawanna Railroad for over 30 years, retiring in 1983.

He was a member of Our Lady of the Valley Parish and a devout communicant of St. Ann’s Church. He was also a longtime member of the Hornell Knights of Columbus.

Joe was an avid sports fan and enjoyed following his children’s and grandchildren’s sporting careers — rarely missing a game. He was also a “Die Hard” Notre Dame Fighting Irish Fan who enjoyed many trips to South Bend, IN to attend Notre Dame games with his family.

As a devoted husband and a loving father, grandfather & great-grandfather, Joe thoroughly loved and appreciated time spent with his family. Not only will he be sadly missed by his family, but will also be missed by his many friends throughout the Hornell community.

Joe was married on August 8, 1948 to the former Doris King who died April 30, 2007. He was preceded in death by his 5 siblings, Robert Kelleher, Mary Smith, John Kelleher, Cecilia McPherson and William Kelleher.

Surviving are 3 sons, Joseph (Linda) Kelleher, JR of Hornell, Thomas (Rebecca) Kelleher of Castile, NY and Timothy (Denise) Kelleher of Lewisburg, PA; 2 daughters, Kathleen Welch of Caledonia, NY and Rosann (William) Whiteman of Largo, FL; 11 grandchildren; 5 great-grandchildren; many nieces & nephews.

The family of Joseph D. Kelleher will receive friends on Monday 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 Tuesday at 10:00 AM at St. Ann’s Church with burial in St. Mary’s Cemetery.

Joe’s family request that memorial contributions in his name be made to St. Ann’s Academy, PO Box 446, Hornell, NY 14843. Memorial forms will be available at the Dagon Funeral Home.

The family of Joseph D. Kelleher would like to express their thanks and gratitude to the staff at Hornell Gardens for the wonderful care that he received over the past three years.

Hornell, NY  / Honeoye, NY

Catherine E. “Kae” Giese – 92 – formerly of Hornell, died Tuesday morning, September 11, 2018.

She was married to William W. “Bill” Giese Jr. who died January 2, 1991.  Together they owned and operated W.W. Giese Corporation of Hornell.  

Survivors include her son, William W. “Bill” Giese III; 2 daughters, Janet Giese Flansburg and Karyn Giese.

At Kae’s request there will be no calling hours.  A Memorial Mass will be held on Friday, September 14, 2018 at 10:00 AM at St. Ann’s Church.  Private burial will be in the Bath National Cemetery alongside her husband, Bill.

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

Gerald C. “Jerry” Manning – 83 – of 5 Evergreen Dr., Arkport, died late Sunday evening (August 26, 2018) at St. James Mercy Hospital, following a long illness.

Born in Queens, NY on February 5, 1935, he was the son of Edward & Helen (Fitzgerald) Manning.

Jerry grew up in Brooklyn where he graduated from high school. He was a veteran of the US Navy, serving his country during the Korean Conflict.

Following his honorable discharge from the US Navy, Jerry moved to Long Island where he was employed for many years as an auto mechanic. He later served as a limousine driver in New York City and routinely drove for many of the New York Yankee players. While living on Long Island, Jerry served as a dedicated Volunteer Fire Fighter as a member of the Huntington Manor Fire Department and also the Kings Park Fire Department. As a firefighter, Jerry saved several lives in the line of duty and throughout the years earned many awards including Firefighter of the Year.

Following his retirement in 1999, Jerry moved to the Arkport area. He enjoyed hunting & fishing and was a diehard New York Yankee Baseball Fan and New York Giants Football Fan.

Jerry was married to the former Rosemarie Kestel who died in 1993. He was also preceded in death by his son, Edward Manning; 2 brothers, Edward Manning & Donald Manning.

Surviving are his former wife and longtime companion, Margaret Skidmore with whom he resided; two sons, David (Courtney) Manning of Hornell and Jerry (Nicole) Manning of Long Island; his daughter, Cathy (Sal) Pisciotta of Long Island; Margaret’s daughter, Melissa (Billy) Rizzo of Pennsylvania; 8 grandchildren, Faith Manning, Kyle Manning, Jayden Manning, Levi Manning, Isabella Mullikin, Kassidy Mullikin, Michael Pisciotta and Nicholas Pisciotta; 1 great-grandson, Joseph Pisciotta; several nieces & nephews.

At Jerry’s request there will be no local calling hours. Services will be held in Kings Park, NY with final interment in Calverton National Cemetery, Calverton, NY.

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

For further information regarding funeral arrangements,
call Dagon Funeral Home at 607-324-3500

Donald M. “Don” Gallese – 59 – of 293 Canisteo St., Hornell, NY, died unexpectedly on Wednesday morning, August 22, 2018.

Born in Hornell on December 27, 1958, he was the son of Dominic “Bill” & Dina (Ciancaglini) Gallese.

Don grew up in Hornell and was a graduate of the former St. Ann’s School and later graduated from Hornell High School (class of 1976). Following high school graduation, he enlisted in the US Navy, serving his country from 1976 – 1978.

Following his honorable discharge from the US Navy, Donald resided in Colorado for several years and was employed in the construction industry. He returned to Hornell and, along with his brothers, established Gallese & Gallese House Painting which they operated for several years. In the early 1980’s, Don began working as a prison guard at Groveland Correctional Facility, “retiring” about 9 years ago. He later was employed in the Meat Department at Wegman’s Grocery in Hornell, retiring about 3 years ago.

Donald had been a member of Our Lady of the Valley Parish and a communicant of St. Ann’s Church. Throughout the years he enjoyed traveling throughout the United States and especially enjoyed vacationing on the beaches, such as Ocean City, MD, Myrtle Beach and Florida. Don was an avid hunter & fisherman and loved cooking and serving venison to his family & friends. In his younger years, he enjoyed “shooting pool” at his family’s pool hall.

In addition to his parents, Don was preceded in death by his brother, Dominic Gallese who died in 2002, his brother-in-law, Emil Seliga who died in 2015 and also his canine friend, Dasher, who died in 2017.

Surviving are his longtime companion, Linda Cornish with whom he resided; his son, Ben Cornish of Boston, MA; his daughter, Madelaine “Maddie” Gallese of Hornell; his brother, Joseph (Cindy) Gallese of Hornell; 3 sisters, Nikki (Robert) MacDonald of Rochester, Mary (Steve) Kellerson of Rochester and Teresa Seliga of Endicott, NY; his special aunt, Lucy Wiley of Hornell; several aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews & cousins. He will also be sadly missed by his canine companion, Daisy.

At Don’s request there will be no calling hours. His family would like to celebrate his life with an informal reception on Sunday (Today) at the Cornish home, 29 Mays Ave., Hornell, NY from 11:00 AM – 2:00 PM where family & friends can share stories of Don’s life.

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

Donald’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.

H. Joseph “Joe” Donlon – (72) – of 6282 Gypsy Hill Road, Hornell, died Thursday afternoon (August 16, 2018) at his home, surrounded by his family and friends, following a long illness.

A native & life resident of Hornell, he was born on August 22, 1945, and was the son of Harry & Elizabeth (Conklin) Donlon.

Joe was a graduate of Hornell High School (class of 1964). He later attended Alfred State College. He was a veteran of the US Army, serving in the 25th Infantry Division in Vietnam in 1967.

In his younger years, Joe & his wife owned & operated a family dairy farm in Hornell. He also worked as a mason & bricklayer for Local #3 Bricklayers Union for many years.

He was a member of Our Lady of the Valley Parish and had been a communicant of St. Ignatius Loyola Church where he sang in the choir & served as an usher. In later years he was a communicant of St. Mary’s Church of Rexville and also St. Ann’s Church where he served on the building & grounds committee. Joe was a charter member the Ancient Order of Hibernians, Sons of Ireland, Steuben County Division 1. In 2013 he was awarded Hibernian of the year for his service to his church and community.

The Hornell community will remember Joe for many of his talents, most of all his humor and willingness to help others. “Uncle Joe” to many, he brightened every room with quick words of wit and his infectious smile. Joe will be remembered as a person that could make you laugh a little louder, smile a little bigger and live a little better.

He was predeceased by his loving wife Christine (Egmond) of 40 years, who passed away on February 5, 2010. He was also preceded in death by his sister, Bonnie Cheresnowsky.

Surviving are 3 sons, Joe (Julie) Donlon of Hornell, Jeremy (Sara) Donlon of Scio and Stephen (Kelly) Donlon of Alfred; 4 sisters, Jacqueline (Jack) McGraw of Mattapoisett, MA, Beverly Donlon of Horseheads, Elaine (Barry) Ceci of Rochester and Elizabeth Donlon of Rochester; 1 brother, Mike Donlon of Hornell; grandchildren, Breccan, Ryann, McKenna, Brogan & Katen; many close nieces & nephews, brothers and sisters-in laws and close companion Frances Shute.

The family of H. Joseph “Joe” Donlon will receive friends on Monday from 3:00 PM – 6:00 PM at the Dagon Funeral Home, 38 Church St., Hornell, NY. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Tuesday at 10 AM at St. Ann’s Church with burial in St. Mary’s Cemetery.

Joe’s family request that memorial contributions in his name be made to CareFirst Hospice, 3805 Meads Creek Road, Painted Post, NY 14870. Memorial forms will be available at the Dagon Funeral Home.

Michael R. “Mike” Hurlburt – (66) – of 445 Braden St., Elmira, NY, formerly of Hornell died
Tuesday morning (August 14, 2018) at Arnot Ogden Hospital in Elmira following a long illness.

Born in Hornell on January 5, 1952, he was the son of Homer & Louise (Bundy) Hurlburt.

Mike grew up in Hornell and was a graduate of Hornell High School (class of 1971). He had been employed at St. James Hospital for 6 ½ years and for about 32 years, was employed at Stern & Stern Textile Corporation as a Loom Fixer, retiring in 2010. He has resided in Elmira since 2012.

He was an avid fisherman and enjoyed bowling – playing in several bowling leagues throughout the years. Mike was also an avid Buffalo Bills Football Fan.

In addition to his parents, Mike was preceded in death by his sister, Brenda Hurlburt and also his nephew, Marvin Hurlburt.

He was married on February 16, 1974 to the former Lucinda “Cindy” Sanford who survives. Also surviving are his son, Christopher Hurlburt of Bath; his daughter, Robin ( Ken) Smith
of Elmira; 4 brothers, Hal (Glenda) Hurlburt of Hornell, Russell Hurlburt of Hornell, Joseph (Debbie) Hurlburt of Hornell and Philip Hurlburt of Florida; 1 sister, Diane Conlin of Canisteo; 7 grandchildren, Layna Hurlburt, Ceairra Sherbert, Nathaniel Sherbert, Tyler Smith, Joshua Wilhelm, Sebastian Wilhelm and Savannah Hoskins; several nieces & nephews.

At Mike’s request there will be no prior calling hours. A Memorial Service will be held on Wednesday at 12:00 PM (Noon) at the Bradford Baptist Church in Bradford, NY

Mike’s family request that in lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in his name be made to the Bradford Volunteer Fire Department, 7603 County Route 20, Bradford, NY 14815.

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

Maureen J. Dupuis – 62 – of 35 Russell St., Canisteo, died unexpectedly Monday afternoon (August 13, 2018) at the Guthrie Corning Hospital in Corning, NY.

Born in Ottawa, Canada on March 23, 1956, she was the daughter of Hurbert & Joyce (Bush) Thurgood.

Maureen grew up in Ottawa, Canada where she graduated from high school. She later attended McGill University.

She was married on December 3, 1976 to Yvon Dupuis who survives. Maureen & Yvon resided in several locations in Canada before moving to the Canisteo area in 2000.

She enjoyed knitting, especially Aran & Norwegian Sweaters. She also enjoyed quilting, crocheting & sewing and was known for making beautiful Native American Beaded Bags. Maureen had a deep love of music and played as well as taught piano. She also had a deep affection for Beauty and the Beast and enjoyed the movie, the play and the book. She also enjoyed history & genealogy.

Maureen was preceded in death by her father, Herbert Thurgood who died in 2013 and also her granddaughter, Gwendolyn Dupuis who died in 2007.

Surviving are her husband, Yvon Dupuis; 5 sons, Nathan (Inga) Dupuis, Jyle Dupuis, Michael (Vanessa) Dupuis, Andrew Dupuis and David Dupuis; 4 daughters, Alicia (Edson) Appleton, Heather Dupuis, Sheila (Robert) Fleming and Angela Dupuis; her mother, Joyce Thurgood 2 sisters, Sandra and Shirley;
2 brothers, Brian and Steven; 13 grandchildren; several nieces & nephews.

At Maureen’s request there will be no calling hours. Private services were held at the Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints Church in Wellsville, 100 Crescent Dr., Wellsville, NY.

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

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

Barbara L. Albert – (68) – of 16 ½ Main St., Almond, NY, formerly of 9255 County Route 15B, Canaseraga, NY (Town of Birdsall), died Saturday afternoon (August 11, 2018) at St. James Mercy Hospital, following a long illness.

Born in Hornell on March 20, 1950, she was the daughter of Louis & Marian (Nicholson) Albert.

Barb lived in the Almond area until she was about six years old when her family moved to Ohio. The Albert family lived in Ohio for 10 years, moving to California in 1966.

She was a graduate of Montclair High School in Montclair, CA (class of 1968) and later received her Bachelor’s Degree in Communications from Cal State Fullerton in 1974.

Following graduation, Barb worked for several television stations in California and Alaska. She then joined VISTA where she assisted villagers in Alaska. She also worked several years on floating fish processors in the Bering Sea and Alaskan coastal waters.

In 1985 Barbara enlisted in the US Navy where she served her country for 6 years. While in the Navy, she achieved the rank of OTA 2nd. She was honorably discharged in 1990.

Following her discharge from the Navy, Barb moved back to the Birdsall area where she has resided since that time. She was employed for a time as a staff reporter for the Hornell Evening Tribune and also WLEA Radio Station. For over 20 years, Barb was employed as a Postal Clerk for the US Postal Service in several locations, including Jamestown, Belfast and Bath, retiring in January, 2013.

Barbara was an active communicant of St. Mary’s Church in Canaseraga where she was a member of the Music Ministry. More recently, she was a communicant of St. Brendan’s & St. Jude Parish. She was also a member of the Canaseraga American Legion. Barb had a deep love of all sports and will be remembered as a die-hard New York Yankee Fan. She will also be remembered for her generosity toward those in need; her deeply held religious faith; her contemplative nature; and her innate ability to see all sides of an issue.

Along with her parents, she was preceded in death by her brother, David Albert; 2 sisters, Marianne Sivertsen and Virginia Guyton; her brother-in-law, John Guyton.

Surviving are 3 sisters, Patty (Jonathan Sulyma) Lupo of Almond, Eileen (Glenn) Pennington of Lexington, NC and Rita Nicholson of Kalispell, MT; along with many nieces & nephews.

At Barbara’s request there will be no calling hours. A Memorial Mass will be celebrated on Saturday at 10:00 AM at St. Mary’s Church in Canaseraga. A “Celebration of Life” will follow in the Fellowship Hall of the church where family & friends can share stories of Barbara. Burial with full military honors will be in Woodlawn Cemetery, Almond.

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

Barbara’s family request that in lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in her name be made to St. Mary’s Church, 6 North Street, Canaseraga, NY 14822 or to Immaculate Conception School, 24 Maple Avenue, Wellsville, NY 14895.