Kenneth E. “Ken” Stephens – 76 – of 1244 Maple Court, Hornell, (Town of Hornellsville) died early Tuesday morning (February 28, 2017) at his home, following a long illness.

Born in North Hornell on September 15, 1940, he was the son of Elver & Marian (Taylor) Stephens.

Ken was a lifelong resident of the Hornell area and was a graduate of Hornell High School (class of 1959).

Ken was always known and admired for his great “work ethic”. While in high school, Ken worked for several area farmers. He would milk cows before school and return to the farms after school to milk cows again. During that same time and for a brief period following high school graduation, he was employed at the former Marion Rohr Corporation. He was actually the very first male ever hired at the company.

He was employed at the Erie Railroad, the Erie Lackawanna Railroad and Conrail, primarily as a Brakeman, working on the Caboose. He retired in 2002 with over 40 years of service. Always having the admiration of his co-workers, he was given the knick-name “Nice Guy” by his many friends on the railroad.

Ken had been a member of the Hornell Moose Lodge and an associate member of the American Legion. He was an avid golfer who not only enjoyed playing at the local golf courses but loved traveling with his golfing buddies to many out of town golf courses. In his younger years, Ken enjoyed hunting & fishing. He was a die-hard New York Yankee Fan and Buffalo Bills Fan. He also enjoyed doing yard work and carpentry projects and “tinkering” around the house. His greatest joy, however, was simply enjoying everyday life with his family!

He was married on June 25, 1960 to the former Margery “Marge” Watkins who died December 5, 2010. Ken was also preceded in death by his grandson, Joshua Wing who died in 1983 and his sister, Margaret Carson who died in 2011.

Surviving are 2 sons, Kenneth “Ken” Stephens JR of Arkport and Scott (Tammy) Stephens of Canaseraga; 2 daughters, Kathryn “Katy” (Patrick) Wing of Canisteo and Erin (Rick) Smith of Dansville; 1 brother, Gerald (Karen) Stephens of Melbourne, FL; 1 sister, Judith “Judy” Adams of Hornell; 12 grandchildren; 19 great-grandchildren; several nieces, nephews & cousins.

The family of Kenneth E. “Ken” Stephens will receive friends on Friday from 4:00 PM – 7:00 PM at the Dagon Funeral Home, 38 Church St., Hornell, NY where funeral services will be held at 11:00 AM on Saturday with Deacon Robert McCormick officiating. Burial will be in St. Mary’s Cemetery.

Ken’s family request that in lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in his name be made to the National Parkinson Foundation, PO Box 23204, Rochester, NY 14692. Memorial forms will be available at the Dagon Funeral Home.

Cheyanna Marie Nickel – 27 – of 236 Main St., Dansville, formerly of Hornell, died Monday evening (February 20, 2017) at Upstate Medical Center in Syracuse, following a long illness.

Born in Hornell on May 31, 1989, she was the daughter of Michele Nickel and Charles Chriscaden.

Cheyanna resided most of her life in Hornell and was a graduate of Hornell High School (class of 2010).   She had lived in Dansville for the past year.  Cheyanna was a member of New Bread Ministries for many years.

She had been employed as a delivery person for the Hornell-Canisteo Penn E Saver and also enjoyed helping with fundraising events at the Arkport Fire Department.  Cheyanna overcame many obstacles in her life and was a former participant of Special Olympics.  One of her fondest memories was her trip to Honolulu, Hawaii to meet her favorite celebrity, Dog the Bounty Hunter, a trip granted to her by the Make-A-Wish Foundation.

Cheyanna enjoyed crocheting, knitting, coloring & playing video games.  She was a diehard Buffalo Bills Football Fan and an avid NASCAR fan and especially loved rooting for her favorite driver, Dale Earnhardt, JR.

She was preceded in death by her maternal grandfather, Robert Nickel; her paternal grandmother, Helen Ryan Chriscaden; step-grandfather John L. Easton; and step-grandfather, Don Elliott.

Surviving are her mother & step-father, Michele Nickel and Terry Muchler of Hornell; her father & step-mother, Charlie & Felicia Chriscaden of Hornell; her brothers, Joseph Manley, Casey Chriscaden, Chuck Chriscaden, Timothy Houk, Jonathan Chriscaden, & Cody Aultman; her sisters, Kristen LaFleur and Jessica ZaZubec; maternal grandmother, Bertha “Bert” Nickel of Arkport; paternal grandfather, Laverne Chriscaden of Canisteo; step grandparents, Paul & Mary Muchler of Arkport, Christine Elliott of Ohio, Emma Jean Easton of Tennessee; her special friend, Jon Harvey of Dansville; several aunts, uncles, and cousins.

The family of Cheyanna Marie Nickel will receive friends on Saturday from 12:00 PM – 2:00 PM at the Dagon Funeral Home, 38 Church St., Hornell, NY where a Memorial Service will be held at the conclusion of calling hours at 2:00 PM with Bishop James Hall officiating.

Cheyanna’s family request that in lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in her name be made to the Make-A-Wish Foundation, 3025 Monroe Avenue – Suite 200, Rochester, NY 14618.  Memorial forms will be available at the Dagon Funeral Home or click here to print a memorial form.

Diane S. Nye – 52 – of 10229 Route 961F, Arkport, died Saturday morning (February 18, 2017) at her home, following a long illness.

Born in Batavia, NY on October 16, 1964 and was the daughter of Albert & Yvonne (Bellinger) Nye.

Diane grew up in the Wellsville – Andover area and attended Wellsville High School. She had been employed for a time in the housekeeping department of the Wellsville Manor and for many years was a “Stay-At-Home” Mom.

She has resided in the Arkport area for the past 27 years and for about 12 years was employed in the customer service & billing department at Pro Care in Hornell , bringing kindness and a smile to all with whom she worked. She retired in August, 2015 due to ill health.

Diane enjoyed planting & growing flowers and shopping for her grandchildren. She had a fascination and a fondness for the Amish lifestyle and enjoyed visiting the Amish communities and collecting Amish & Mennonite artifacts. She also enjoyed collecting glass miniatures, especially heart shaped miniatures and snowmen.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Albert & Yvonne Nye.

Surviving are her lifelong companion, Raymond “Ray” Stephens; 2 daughters, Devon (Edward) Liddiard of Weedsport, NY and Danyelle (Lester Burley) Kozlowski of Arkport; 2 sons, Derrick (Naomi) Schneble of St. Louis, MO and Damon Kozlowski of Canaseraga; Ray’s children, Holly (Justin Hershberger) Stephens of Canaseraga and Brooke (Christopher) Drew of Canaseraga; 2 brothers, Edward VanBuskirk of Andover and Jack (Brenda) VanBuskirk of Andover; 1 sister, Tina Cauvel of Johnsonburg, PA; her grandchildren, Logan, Reed, Andrew, Jaxson, Sophia, Zachary, Maci, Rachel & Korin; several aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces & nephews.

The family of Diane S. Nye will receive friends on Thursday from 4:00 PM – 7:00 PM at the Dagon Funeral Home, 38 Church St., Hornell, NY. Funeral services will be held on Friday at 11:00 AM at the Valley Wesleyan Church, 638 State Route 70, Canaseraga, NY with Rev. Jason Shambach officiating. Burial will be in Canaseraga Cemetery.

Diane’s family request that in lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in her name be made to Wilmot Cancer Institute, C/O Strong Memorial Hospital, 601 Elmwood Ave., Rochester, NY 14642. Memorial forms will be available at the Dagon Funeral Home.

Sandra L. Thompson – 75 – of 1505 County Road 13C, Canaseraga, NY, died Saturday (February 11, 2017) at Wellsville Manor in Wellsville, NY, where she had resided for the past month.

Born in Elmira, NY on March 20, 1941, she was the daughter of Carlton and Evelyn (Philipps) Beach.

Sandra was a life resident of Canaseraga, NY and graduated from Canaseraga Central School.  She enrolled in the nursing program at Alfred State College and became a registered nurse.  Throughout her nursing career, Sandra worked at St. James Mercy Hospital in Hornell, Noyes Memorial Hospital in Dansville, and was a Visiting Nurse for Livingston County.  Sandra was passionate about animal welfare, politics, and England.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by one brother, James, and two sisters, Rita Kay & Lisa.

Sandra was married on August 29, 1959 to Theodore “Ted” Thompson who survives.  Also surviving are two sons, Lee (Gwen) Thompson of Lakeside, CA and David Thompson of Hollis, ME; one daughter, Michele (Michael) Paige of Hollis, ME; one brother, Randy Hayes of Livonia, NY;  two nephews, Ian (Melissa) Thompson of Canaseraga, NY and Chad Hayes of St. Petersburg, FL; and one niece, Michelle Hayes of Las Vegas, NV.

At Sandra’s request there will be no calling hours or services.  Funeral arrangements are in care of the Dagon Funeral Home, 38 Church St., Hornell, NY.

Maria Fucci Ormsby – 69 – of Brick Township, NJ, formerly of Hornell died Sunday (February 5, 2017) at Ocean Medical Center in Brick Township following a long illness.

Born in Hornell on February 16, 1947, she was the daughter of Anthony & Mary (Caruso) Fucci.

Maria grew up in Hornell and was a graduate of St. Ann’s School. She later graduated from Hornell High School (class of 1965). While living in Hornell, she was a communicant of
St. Ann’s Church.

Following her high school graduation, Maria moved to New Jersey where she attended Wilfred Academy in Newark, NY where she obtained her beautician / hairdresser license. For over 25 years she was employed as a receptionist at American Van Equipment in Lakewood, NY.

For many years, Maria was an extremely active member of The Church of the Visitation where she helped out in all aspects of the church such as fundraising and the day to day operation of the church.

Maria had an extreme love of cooking & baking and was known to be a “very active shopper”. She also had a deep love of music and especially enjoyed listening to classical music.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her sister, Clara Fucci who died at the age of three; her brother, Mike Fucci who died in 2012.

Surviving are 2 daughters, Tina Ormsby of Toms River, NJ and Bernadette Ormsby of Georgia; her grandchildren, Brandon Ellis, Maria hunter and Anthony Ellis; 1 great-granddaughter, Rozalin Schuler; 1 brother, Lenny (Diane) Fucci of Hornell; 2 sisters, Amelia Dempsey of Hamburg, NY and Marjorie (Jim) blowers of Swain; her sister-in-law, Linda Fucci of Hornell; several nieces, nephews & cousins.

Friends are invited to attend a Memorial Mass on Monday (February 13, 2017) at 10:00 AM at St. Ann’s Church. Final interment will be in St. Ann’s Cemetery.

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

Maria’s family request that in lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in her name be made to St. Ann’s Academy, PO Box 446, Hornell, NY 14843.  Click here to print a memorial form.

Daniel “Hoot Owl” P. Brown – 60 – of 6969 Route 21, Almond, died Saturday evening (January 28, 2017) at Strong Memorial Hospital in Rochester, following a brief illness.

Born in Hornell on June 27, 1956, he was the son of Robert & Kathleen (Watkins) Brown.

Dan grew up in Almond and attended Alfred-Almond Central School.

He had been employed as a plumber for nearly 35 years at Alfred University.  Dan was an avid hunter & fisherman and had been a member of the Arkport American Legion.  His favorite pastime was “Hoisting A Few” with his many friends, especially at the Old Mill Inn.

In addition to his parents, Dan was preceded in death by 2 brothers, Robert Brown and Thomas Brown; 1 sister, Marjorie Stephens.

Surviving are several nieces, nephews & cousins and his beloved dog, Shadow.

At Dan’s request there will be no calling hours.  Friends are invited to attend a “Gathering of Remembrance” on Sunday, February 12, 2017 at 12:00 PM at the Old Mill Inn located at 1 Depot St., Alfred Station, NY 14803.

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

Dan’s family request that in lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in his name be made to Trout Unlimited – Chapter 706 (Upper Genesee River Chapter), 7282 Route 305, Belfast, NY 14711.  Click here to print a memorial form.

Marvin R. Conley – 65 – of 472 Seneca St., North Hornell, died Monday morning (January 30, 2017) at Strong Memorial Hospital in Rochester, following a brief illness.

Born in Bath, NY on October 8, 1951, he was the son of Melbourne & Olive (Fleischman) Conley.

Marvin grew up in the Bath / Hammondsport area and later resided in Red Bank, TN (a suburb of Chattanooga, TN) where he graduated from High School. He was a Veteran of the US Marine Corps and was stationed in Parris Island, SC.

A resident of the Hornell area for the past 28 years, Marvin had been employed at Loohn’s Cleaners for about 12 years and purchased the business about 16 years ago. He also kept busy working many “Side-Jobs” as a “Jack of All Trades” in the Hornell Community.

Marvin had been a member of the Hornell IOOF, the Hornell American Legion and the Hornell VFW where he was past commander. He was a former member of the North Hornell Fire Department and currently was a member of the South Hornell Fire Department.

In his younger years, Marvin served as Troop Leader for the Boy Scouts of America. He was an avid NASCAR fan and enjoyed rooting for his favorite driver, Kyle Busch.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by 3 brothers, Clarence Conley, Gerald Conley and Joseph Conley.

Surviving are his brother, David (Donna) Conley of Pulteney, NY; many nieces, nephews & cousins.

At Marvin’s request there will be no calling hours. Friends are invited to attend a “Celebration of Life” on Saturday at 6:00 PM at the Hornell VFW on Canisteo St., Hornell, NY.

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

Marvin’s family request that in lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in his name be made to the South Hornell Fire Department.

Burton Asa “Burt” Corbett, 93, formerly of Hornell, passed away Monday (January 23, 2017) at Monroe Community Hospital in Rochester.

Burt was born November 27, 1923 in Canisteo, NY, the son of Merlyne and Jennie (Collier) Corbett.

He was raised in Hornell, where he graduated from Hornell High School in 1941.

Following his graduation, Burt joined the Army Air Corps, serving in WWII. While serving, he was stationed in several places, including flying the CBI Route (China, Burma & India) with the 14th Air Force.

Following his honorable discharge, Burt returned to Hornell where he found work with the Erie Railroad. He then attended Alfred State College where he studied Engineering. He went on to work with the NYSDOT as a Civil Engineer. He worked at the Hornell office for over 30 years.

On August 24, 1946 Burt married Helen O’Connor, also of Hornell. Along with their nine children, they were communicants of St. Ann’s Catholic Church. He was a member of the Hornell American Legion and the Hornell Knights of Columbus.

Following his retirement from the DOT, Burt and Helen moved to Orange County, CA. After 30 years, he returned to New York, residing in Rochester to be near his daughter, Marcia.

Burt was an avid sports fan who enjoyed basketball and football, most notably the Syracuse Orangemen, the Buffalo Bills and the New York Knicks.

Burt was predeceased by his wife, Helen in 2007.

He is survived by his nine children, Thomas (Jane) of Southport, NC, Marcia Smith of Rochester, NY, Kathleen Jones of Las Vegas, NV, Burton Anthony (Elkie) of Santa Rosa, Laguna, Philippines, Christopher of Huntington Beach, CA, Gregory of Tyler, TX, Timothy (Sabine) of Calais, ME, Amy (William) MacLean of Huntington Beach, Ca and Melissa (John) Geck of Westminster, CA; his sister Lois (Stan) Damon of DeRuyter, NY. He enjoyed the company of 17 grandchildren and 16 great grandchildren.

The family of Burton A. Corbett will receive friends on Thursday (January 26, 2017) from 4:00 PM – 7:00 PM at the Dagon Funeral Home, 38 Church St., Hornell. A Mass of Christian Burial will held Friday at 10 AM at St. Ann’s Church. Final Interment will be at the Riverside National Cemetery in Riverside, CA.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to St. Ann’s Academy, PO Box 446, Hornell, NY 14843. Memorial forms will be available at the Dagon Funeral Home or click here to print a form.

In recognition of Burt’s service to our country, the American Flag at the Dagon Funeral Home will fly half-staff.

Elizabeth S. “Betty” McKinley – (93) – formerly of Rockwell St., Hornell, died Tuesday afternoon (January 17, 2017) at Unity Hospital in Rochester, following a brief illness.

Born in DuBois, PA on August 13, 1923, she was the daughter of Andrew & Anna (Seroski) Stachow.

Betty grew up in Hornell and was a graduate of St. Ann’s School and Hornell High School (class of 1941). After passing the Civil Service Exam, she moved to Washington, DC on January 3, 1942 and began working at the Pentagon. For about four years she was employed as a secretary in the Office of General Staff headed by George C. Marshall, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff.

Returning to Hornell in late 1945, she was employed for about 2 years in the bookkeeping department of F.A. Smith Manufacturing and later worked for several years as a bookkeeper for Booth & Steiner Accounting. In 1959 Betty began a “temporary” job at the Hornell City Chamberlain’s Office which ultimately became a permanent position as Account Clerk. She retired in 1986 following 27 years of service to the City of Hornell. Following her retirement, she served as secretary to the Hornell Civil Service Commission where she administered Civil Service Exams.

Betty was a member of Our Lady of the Valley Parish and a communicant of St. Ann’s Church. She was a member of the Ladies of Columbus; Women’s Auxiliary of St. James Hospital; Catholic Golden Age of Rochester and a former member of the Catholic Daughters of America. For many years, Betty was an active member of the Rochester Cursillo Movement and also served as a Eucharistic Minister to the homebound. She was an active volunteer for many organizations, including St. Ann’s School, St. James Hospital and the American Red Cross.

For many years, she was an associate of the Sisters of Mercy in Rochester. Along with her sister, Mary, she made concelebrated vestments for two parishes — the Immaculate Conception Church of Scranton, PA and also St. Paul’s Church in Annville, PA. They also made numerous vestments for many individual priests.

Betty was married on June 1, 1944 to Stephen McKinley who died in 1979. She was also preceded in death by her son, Kevin McKinley who died in 2010; her parents, Andrew & Anna Stachow; 3 brothers, Raymond Stachow, Frank Stachow and Joseph Stachow; 1 sister, Mary Herforth.

Surviving are 2 daughters, Janice (James) Dudley of Rochester and Kathleen Reach of Dunmore, PA; 11 grand-children; 29 great-grandchildren; several nieces & nephews.

The family of Elizabeth S. “Betty” McKinley will receive friends on Sunday from 2:00 PM – 5:00 PM at the Dagon Funeral Home, 38 Church St., Hornell, NY. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 2:00 PM on Monday 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 either St. Ann’s Church, 27 Erie Ave., Hornell, NY 14842 or St. Ann’s Academy, PO Box 446, Hornell, NY 14843. Memorial forms will be available at the Dagon Funeral Home or click here to print a memorial form.

Norma L. Fox – 82 – of 215 West Washington St., Bath, NY died Saturday morning (December 31, 2016, at her home, following a long illness.

Born in Westfield, PA on December 27, 1934, she was the son of James & Margaret (Parker) Lewis.

Norma grew up in Westfield, PA and was a graduate of Harrison Valley High School (class of 1952).

A resident of the Bath area for nearly 60 years, Norma had been employed as a sales clerk at the former Harold’s Army-Navy Store in Bath. She had been a member of the Bath VFW Auxiliary, the Hammondsport American Legion and the Hornell AMVETS. Norma was an avid NASCAR fan and loved rooting for her favorite driver, Jeff Gordon.  She enjoyed needlepoint and watching television with her cat, Toby — especially the Hallmark Channel.

Norma was married on October 25, 1963 to Lyle G. Fox who died August 24, 2007. She was also preceded in death by 2 brothers, Donald Lewis and Harold Lewis. 1 sister, Evelyn Allen.

Surviving are 1 son, Richard (Deanna) Fox of Bath; 1 daughter, Mildred “Chip“ Johnson of Bergen, NY; 2 sisters, Mary Potter of Westfield, PA and Virginia (Harold) Alexander of Wellsboro, PA; 10 Grandchildren; 14 great-grandchildren; several nieces & nephews.

At Norma’s request there will be no calling hours. A Memorial Service will be held at a date and time to be announced.

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

Norma’s family request that memorial contributions in her name be made to the charity of the donor’s choice.