Sharon M. Watkins – 71 – formerly of Addison, NY died Friday evening (November 11, 2016) at Elderwood of Hornell Nursing Facility in North Hornell where she had resided for the past
1 ½ years.

Born in Louisville, KY on October 25, 1945, she was the daughter of Darwin & Anna (Gregory) Vergason.

Sharon grew up in Coudersport, PA where she attended high school. She lived in Addison for about 30 years and had been employed for many years at Metamora Products Corp in Elkland, PA.

She enjoyed watching TV (especially the Sci-Fi stations). She had a deep love of animals, and throughout the years owned several cats.

Sharon was married on June 4, 1997 to Merlin Watkins who died in 2012. She was also preceded in death by her son, Francis “Buddy” Cavallaro who died in 1991.

Surviving are her daughter, Patsy (Steven) Givens of Wellsville; her mother, Anna Robertson of Kentucky; 3 grandchildren, Andrew (Amanda) Dixon, Ashley Dixon and Zachary Dixon; 1 great-grandson, Elliott Dixon; several brothers & sisters from Kentucky; several nieces & nephews.

At Sharon’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.

Sharon’s family request that in lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in her name be made to Elderwood at Hornell (Activities Department), 1 Bethesda Dr., Hornell, NY 14843.

Dolores F. HerrNeckar – (76) – formerly of Ravine Street, Hornell, died early Sunday morning (November 6, 2016) at Highland Hospital in Rochester following a short illness.

Born in Hornell on November 19, 1939, she was the daughter of Donald & Gladys (Preston) Farley.

Dolores grew up in the Hornell / Almond area and was a graduate of Alfred-Almond Central School (class of 1957). Following high school graduation, she attended cosmetology school in Buffalo and for several years served as a hairdresser in Hornell.

She was a member of Our Lady of the Valley Parish and communicant of St. Ann’s Church. Dolores enjoyed gardening & landscaping and actually took care of the lawn maintenance of several churches in the area. She enjoyed reading and also watching sporting events on TV. She especially enjoyed rooting for the New England Patriots (NFL), the Boston Celtics (NBA) and the New York Yankees (MLB).

Dolores is survived by 2 daughters, Teresa “Terri” (Elaine Apthorp) HerrNeckar of Milton, MA and Kristina “Kris” (James) Cutter of Rochester; 1 brother, Floyd (Betsey) Farley of Hornell; 1 sister, Donna (Robert) Williams of Hammondsport; 4 grandchildren, Scott, William, Allyson and Benjamin Cutter; her aunt, Helen Ross of South Hornell;1 niece, Kelly (Dean) Wightman of Prattsburg; 1 nephew, Darryl (Jamie) Williams of Hornell.

At Dolores’ request there will be no calling hours. Private funeral services will be held at the convenience of the family with Deacon Robert McCormick officiating. Burial will be in Rural Cemetery.

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

Dolores’ 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.

Paul E. Shephard – (84) – of 12 Cameron Ave., Hornell, died Saturday morning (October 29, 2016) at Elderwood of Hornell following a long and brave battle with Alzheimer’s disease. He died on his & his wife, Connie’s 61st wedding anniversary.

Born in Geneva, NY, on June 17, 1932, he was the son of Edward & Nita (Warne) Shephard.

Paul was a graduate of Geneva High School (class of 1950) and earned his Bachelor of Science Degree in Pharmacy at the University of Buffalo. He was employed as a pharmacist at Roswell Park Memorial Hospital in Buffalo for about a year.

On October 29, 1955 Paul married his best friend, Connie Lee and in 1956 they moved to Hornell.

He was hired by St. James Mercy hospital in 1956 as their 1st full time pharmacist. He later earned his Master’s Degree in Hospital Administration at Xavier University in Cincinnati, OH and later served as vice-president of St. James. In 1990, he was named the
1st male president and CEO of St. James Mercy Health System, retiring in 1999. He is remembered as someone who cared deeply about St. James Mercy – the people, not the building.

Paul was a 4th Degree member of the Hornell Knights of Columbus, member of the Hornell Rotary (where he was a recipient of the Paul Harris Award), and a member of the 911 Technology Task Force for Steuben County. He was a member of the Hornell Leadership Team for Appalachian Community Learning Project, co-founder of the Canisteo Valley Committee, and a member of the St. Ann’s Parish Council. He served as Eucharistic Minister & lector at St. Ann’s Church, was director & vice-president of the Hornell YMCA Board, and served as a member of the Hornell American Red Cross Board. He also served as chairman of the Hornell United Way Campaign. Paul was honored to serve as the Hornell Police & Hornell Fire Commissioner in the late 70’s and early 80’s.

In 2002, Paul made a covenant with the Sisters of Mercy of Rochester and became a Mercy Associate. He was a volunteer for Interfaith Caregivers and also Steuben County Rural Ministry.

Paul was a volunteer for the LPGA Corning Classic for 23 years and was involved with his children’s youth activities, having coached Biddy Basketball at the Hornell YMCA for 15 years, coached Grasshopper Baseball for many years and having served on the board of directors of Hornell Little League. He was a member of the Twin Hickory Golf Club, enjoyed bowling and dancing. He was an avid supporter and season ticket holder of the Buffalo Bills. Paul was a devoted husband, father & grandfather who enjoyed spending as much time as possible with his family.

His professional memberships include American College of Healthcare Executives; Rochester Regional Healthcare Association; NYS Catholic Conference; NYS Catholic Healthcare Council; National Rural Health Association; Finger Lakes Health Systems Agency; American Society Hospital Pharmacists; several councils of Eastern Mercy Health System and chairman of Joint Educational Training Management Committee.

Paul was preceded in death by his grandson, Clay W. shepherd who died in 2015.

Surviving are his wife, Connie; 5 sons, Paul (Laura) Shephard, JR of Hornell, Daniel (Melissa) Shephard of Apex, NC, Robert Shephard of Beverly, MA, Stephen (Deborah) Shephard of Rexford, NY and Joseph (Lisa) Shephard of Andover, NY; 3 daughters, Pamela (Anthony) Daniels of Henrietta, NY, Mary (Dan) Eason of Alfred and Anne (David) Robinson of Arkport, NY; Virginia Shephard of Almond; 1 sister, Eleanor Meath of Newark, NY; 24 grandchildren; 10 great-grandchildren; several nieces & Nephews.

The family of Paul E. Shephard will receive friends on Tuesday from 4:00 PM – 7:00 PM at the Dagon Funeral Home, 38 Church St., Hornell, NY. A Memorial Mass will be celebrated on Wednesday at 10:00 AM at St. Ann’s Church with final interment in St. Mary’s Cemetery.

Paul’s family request that in lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in his name be made to either the Alzheimer’s Association, 435 East Henrietta Rd., Rochester, NY 14620 or the Elderwood at Hornell Activities Fund, 1 Bethesda Dr., Hornell, NY 14843. Memorial forms will be available at the Dagon Funeral Home.

Sylvia J. George – (62) – of 45 Sawyer St., Hornell, died Thursday afternoon (October 27, 2016) at her home, following a long and courageous battle with cancer.

Born in Hornell on May 24, 1954, she was the daughter of Arthur & Natalia (Carson) Tucker.

Sylvia grew up in Almond, NY and was a graduate of Alfred-Almond Central School (class of 1973).  She had been employed for several years as a cashier at a convenience store / gas station in Almond and later served as a custodian at Alfred-Almond Central School.

She was a member of the First Baptist Church in Hornell.  She enjoyed reading novels (especially Danielle Steel) and was also a Miami Dolphin Football Fan.  In her younger years, Sylvia enjoyed bowling and bowled in several women’s leagues at the Hornell bowl.

Sylvia was preceded in death by 2 sisters, Faith Bolds and Laura McCormick; 2 brothers, John Tucker and Frank Tucker; her stepson, Franklyn George, Jr.

She was married on July 14, 1984 to Franklyn “Frank” George who survives.  Also surviving are 2 sons, John (Kristi) Faulkner of Starke, FL and Michael Faulkner of Bath, NY; 1 daughter, Lynda (Kenneth) Cabral of New Port Richie, FL; her step-children, Danielle (Matt) Kosek of South Wales, NY and Chad (Tamara) George of East Aurora; 5 brothers, Richard Tucker of Rome, NY, Ronald (Sherry) Tucker of Henrietta, Robert Tucker of Olean, James Tucker of Norfolk, VA and David Tucker of Texas; 2 sisters, Mary (Mel) Greene of Hornell and Sally Ormsby of Hornell; special friends, Debbie & Joe Price and Tina & Jim Welch; 14 grandchildren; many nieces, nephews & cousins.

The family of Sylvia J. George will receive friends on Friday from 4:00 PM – 7:00 PM at the Dagon Funeral Home, 38 Church St., Hornell, NY where funeral & committal services will be held on Saturday at 1:00 PM with Rev. John Faulkner officiating.  Burial will be in Woodlawn Cemetery, Almond, NY.

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

Michele C. “Shelly” Levee – 46 – of 5 Conklin St., Hornell, joined her Heavenly family Friday evening (October 21, 2016) at her home following a courageous six year battle with breast cancer.

Born in Hornell on August 18, 1970, she was the daughter of Robert & Suzanne (Jackman) Levee.

Shelly spent most of her life in Canaseraga and was a graduate of Canaseraga High School (class of 1988). During her lifetime she was employed at Forbes Custom Products in Dansville; Hooker Mobile Home Sales in Hornell and Alstom Transport of Hornell.

She was an avid NASCAR fan (especially Jimmy Johnson) and also enjoyed watching Motocross. Shelly especially loved spending time with her family, especially her children.

She will be greatly missed by her family & friends and leaves behind her fiancé, Ken Burnett with whom she resided; twin daughters, Savannah & Sierra; her parents, Robert & Suzanne Levee, all of Hornell; 1 brother, Christopher (Karri Yates) Levee of West Almond; her maternal grandmother, Winifred Jackman of Hornell; her uncle, Tom Levee Canaseraga.

At the family’s request there will be no calling hours. Private burial will be at the convenience of the family.

Those wishing to pay their respects may do so at the family home, 5 Conklin St., Hornell, NY on Wednesday from 5:00 PM – 7:00 PM.

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

Michele’s family request that in lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in her name be made to Guthrie Cancer Treatment Center, 2 Guthrie Dr., Corning, NY 14830.

Michael E. “Mike” Sutton – 67 – of 8514 Bishopville Road, Arkport, died Thursday (October 13, 2016) at Strong Memorial Hospital after a long illness.

Born in Woodhull, NY on May 19, 1949, he was the son of Robert and Helen (Watson) Sutton.

Mike graduated from high school in Bradenton, FL and lived in several locations across the United States before settling in the Arkport area 27 years ago. He was employed for 22 years as an electrician at Alstom Transport.

He enjoyed hunting & fishing and attending car shows with friends and family. He was also a talented woodworker, making furniture for his loving family.

In addition to his parents, Michael was preceded in death by his daughter, Michelle Sutton; two brothers, Lynn Sutton and Randy Sutton; and one sister, Vicki Giddens.

Mike was married in Sarasota, FL on April 12, 1975 to the love of his life, Linda Creighton who survives. He was a loving husband, father, and friend. Michael never met a stranger who didn’t instantly become a friend. He will be remembered for his kindness toward everyone.

In addition to his wife, Linda, surviving are two sons, Chris Sutton and Randy (Heather) Sutton; one daughter, Nichole (David) Preston; grandchildren, Philip (Brittany) Sutton, Cody Sutton, Kaylee Sutton, Sierra Sutton, and Lindsay Preston; great-grandchildren, Nash Sutton and Boe Sutton; one brother, Robert Sutton; one sister, Valorie Wetherington.

Friends and family are invited to honor Michael’s life on Saturday (October 22, 2016) from 1:00 PM until 4:00 PM at the Hornell Moose Lodge on Seneca St., Hornell, NY.

Funeral arrangements are in care of the Dagon Funeral Home, 38 Church Street, Hornell, NY 14843.

Marion L. Brewer JR – 80 – of 33 Washington St., Hornell, died Wednesday evening (October 12, 2016) at Hornell Gardens following a long illness.

Born in Hornell on April 10, 1936, he was the son of Marion & Sarah (Smith) Brewer.

Marion grew up in Hornell and was a graduate of Hornell High School (class of 1955). From the time he was eleven years old, Marion held various jobs such as a paperboy, pinsetter at Seneca Lanes and as a ballpark vendor at maple City Park.  His personal hobbies included hunting, photography, fishing and sports.  He also served as his brother, Bob’s personal bodyguard while at dances at Lake Demon.

He was a veteran of the US Army, serving his country from 1956 – 1958 and for a time had been stationed in Germany.

Following his honorable discharge from the US Army, Marion worked for Ontario Industries as a shipping-receiving Foreman. He then went on to the Hornell Police Force and served for 23 years, first as a patrolman and later as sergeant. He was considered an expert marksman – especially with a pistol, having trained with the FBI.  Marion later served as a trainer/instructor of fellow officers on the Hornell Police Department. Following his retirement from the Hornell Police Department, he served 30 years as Head of Security for St. James Mercy Hospital in Hornell.

Marion was a member of Our Lady of the Valley Parish and was a communicant of St. Ann’s Church where he often filled in as an usher. He was a New York Yankee fan and was also an avid Cleveland Browns fan.

He was married to the Love of His Life, the former Marilyn “Midge” Jimerson who died April 2, 2009. He was also preceded in death by his sisters, Patricia Palmiter and Norma Hurd, along with two infant siblings.

Surviving are his daughter, Debbie (Casey) Cameron of Hornell; 4 sons, Karl (Laura) Brewer of Rochester, Mike (Rainy) Brewer of Arkport, Eric Brewer of Hornell and Gary Brewer of Hornell; his brothers, Randie (Darlene) Brewer of Hornell, David Brewer of Hornell, Joseph (Linda) Brewer of Dover, DE, James “JB” (Geri) Brewer of Avon, Robert (Karen) Brewer of San Antonio, TX and Tracy (Luly) Brewer of San Diego, CA; 3 sisters, Suzanne (Ernie) Kelly of Ocala FL, Joanie (Peter) Sowinski of Pultney N.Y. and Deanna (Don) Cook of North Hornell; 7 grandchildren; 1 great-grandchild; many nieces & nephews.

The family of Marion L. Brewer will receive friends on Tuesday from 4:00 PM – 7:00 PM at the Dagon Funeral Home, 38 Church St., Hornell, NY. A Memorial Mass will be celebrated on Wednesday at 10:00AM at St. Ann’s Church.

Marion’s family request that in lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in his name be made to St. Jude Children’s Hospital, PO Box 1000 – Dept. 300,Memphis, TN 38148. Memorial forms will be available at the Dagon Funeral Home.

The Family of Marion Brewer would like to thank the Hornell Gardens for their passionate care during his stay.

In recognition of Marion’s military service, the American Flag at the Dagon Funeral Home will be flown at half-staff.

Robert J. “Bob” Rink – 83 – of 457 Seneca Rd., North Hornell, died unexpectedly Saturday afternoon (October 1, 2016) at St. James Mercy Hospital, after being stricken at home.

Born in Hornell on March 18, 1933, he was the son of Frank & Mary (Burns) Rink.

Bob resided in Bradford, PA in his early years and was raised by his grandmother, Anna Burns, following the death of his mother. He returned to Hornell at the age of seven to live with his father and family.

He was a graduate of Hornell High School (class of 1951). Following graduation from high school, Bob enlisted in the U.S. Army and served his country from 1953-1955. After being honorably discharged from the Army, Bob enrolled at St. Bonaventure University and then graduated from Alfred University where he earned his Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration in 1960.

Bob resided in California for approximately 2 years and was employed as a broker for E.F. Hutton. He returned to Hornell and worked as a stock broker for Loeb Rhodes. In the early 1960’s, Bob purchased the Philip J. Rockwell Insurance Agency in Hornell which eventually became Rink Insurance Agency and later the Rink-Partridge Insurance Agency. All in all, Bob served the Hornell area’s insurance needs for nearly 50 years, retiring about seven years ago.

He was a member of Our Lady of the Valley Parish and a communicant of St. Ann’s Church. Throughout the years Bob had also been a member of the Hornell Rotary, the Hornell Kiwanis and the American Legion. He enjoyed fresh water fishing especially with his grandkids and was an avid Buffalo Bills Fan.

Bob will be remembered as a wonderful husband, father, brother & grandfather. He will especially be remembered for his wit, humor and ability to tell a great story. He simply enjoyed a good laugh and took pride in putting a smile on the face of anyone and everyone around him. He truly “loved life” and lived life to the fullest! He will be sadly missed by everyone that had the pleasure of knowing him!

He was preceded in death by two sisters, Elizabeth (Betty) Calnan and Anna Marmo and his granddaughter, Taylor Murray.

Bob married Eleanor Ormsby on August 22,1959 and recently celebrated 57 years of marriage. Also surviving are three daughters, Kristine (Cooper) Murray of Apex, NC, Cheryl (Drew) Morton of Austin, TX and Diane (Kevin) Michaelson of Ridgewood, NJ; seven grandchildren, Spencer Murray, Turner Murray, Cooper Murray, Ally Morton, Sydney Morton, Henry Michaelson and Brynn Michaelson; one brother, Tom (Martha) Rink of Arkport, NY; one sister, Lucille Brown of Rochester, NY; and numerous nieces, nephews & cousins.

The family will receive friends on Wednesday from 4:00 PM – 7:00 PM at the Dagon Funeral Home, 38 Church St., Hornell, NY. Private services will be held at the convenience of the Rink family.

In lieu of flowers, the family has requested memorial contributions be made in Bob’s name 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 military service to his country, the American Flag at the Dagon Funeral Home will be flown at half-staff.

John J. O’Driscoll – 89 – a resident of Manor Hill Assisted Living in Wellsville, formerly of 4 Maplewood Ave., North Hornell, died Sunday, October 2, 2016 at Jones Memorial Hospital after a brief illness.

Born in Beacon, NY on May 15, 1927, he was the son of the late John O’Driscoll and Wilma O’Driscoll Henderson. John graduated from St. Joachim’s Catholic School, Beacon High School, and American University in Washington, DC.

John worked at the National Biscuit Company in Beacon until he joined the US Navy as a corpsman during World War II and again during the Korean War. After his stint with the Navy, John went to work for the Travelers Insurance Company in New York City. In 1989, he retired after 38 years with Travelers to beautiful North Hornell, which he had seen from the troop train while in the Navy. It was then that he knew he would be back to the area someday – and he did! John was a member of Our Lady of the Valley Parish and a communicant of St. Ann’s Church.

John is survived by his cousins, Patricia Carlson of Lafayette, MN; Margaret and Harrison Slocum of Wallkill, NY; many second cousins.

At John’s request, there will be no prior calling hours. Family and friends are invited to attend a Mass of Christian Burial on Wednesday, at 2:00 PM at St. Ann’s Church. Burial will be in St. Mary’s Cemetery.

Funeral Arrangements are in care of the Dagon Funeral Home, 38 Church St., Hornell, NY 14843.

John Henry Guenther – 63 – of 7828 Route 21, Hornell, (Town of Fremont), died early Wednesday morning (September 28, 2016) at his home, following a brief battle with cancer.

A native & lifelong resident of Hornell, he was born February 24, 1953 and was the son of Henry & Agnes (Carrier) Guenther.

John was a graduate of Hornell High School (class of 1971) where he excelled at sports — especially baseball & football. He also “made his mark” on the baseball diamond while playing Little League Baseball, Babe Ruth League Baseball and Older Babe Ruth League Baseball. During his high school years he was known to make a daily appearance at Abby’s Pool Hall where he became an extremely proficient pool player as well as a great ping-pong player.

Following high school, John attended SUNY Morrisville and later graduated from Alfred State College with a degree in horticulture. Throughout the years he was a self-employed landscaper and was always very proud of his contribution to the landscaping on the Hornell Broadway Mall.

John was an avid golfer and was a longtime member of the Hornell Country Club (later Hornell Golf Club). He was a member of the Hornell Association, Hornell Elks Lodge, Hornell Moose Club as well as the Hornell American Legion, Arkport American Legion and Hornell VFW. He thoroughly enjoyed his times meeting up with his friends at these great fraternal organizations.

He always loved watching sporting events on TV and especially enjoyed rooting for his beloved Miami Dolphins. In his younger years, John enjoyed attending his daughter’s sporting and school events.

In addition to his parents, John was preceded in death by his sister, Elsa Wechter.

Surviving are three daughters, Elsa Guenther of Rochester, NY, Kristen Guenther of Nashville, TN and Katie Guenther of Hornell; 2 brothers, William “George” Guenther of Crystal Beach, FL and David (Patience) Guenther of Estero, FL; his former wife, Terry (Jay) Pullman of Arkport; his niece Molly (Scott) Houck and his nephew, Kyle Wechter.

At John’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.

John’s family requests that in lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in his name be made to Care First Hospice, 11751 East Corning Road, Corning, NY 14830.