Helen P. Weyand – 83 – of 61 Kansas Ave., Hornell, died unexpectedly on Thursday (February 25, 2016) at her home.

A native & life resident of Hornell, she was born May 23, 1932 and was the daughter of Howard & Marion (Peck) Pascoe.

Helen grew up in Hornell and was a graduate of Hornell High School (class of 1950). After graduating from high school, she enlisted in the US Air Force, serving her country from 1951 – 1953 during the Korean Conflict. Helen was a Staff Sergeant and a member of the WAF (Women in the Air Force).

Following her honorable discharge from the US Air Force, Helen spent seven years as a bookkeeper at the Hornell YMCA. In 1977, she began working at the New York State Department of Labor as a stenographer after spending several years at home raising her family. She eventually became office manager of the Grounds Crew and Road Maintenance Department of the New York State Department of Transportation. Helen retired in 1995.

Geraldine Deninger – 85 – formerly of Brooklyn, NY, died Thursday (February 18, 2016) at Hornell Gardens, where she had resided for the past two months.

Born in Hornell on January 3, 1931, Geraldine was the daughter of Jack and Helen Kerr.

Geraldine spent her early years in Hornell and graduated from Hornell High School. She moved to Brooklyn a few years after high school and lived there her entire adult life. Geraldine was a Teacher Aide at PS 34 in Brooklyn.

On June 13, 1956, Geraldine married William Deninger, and together they raised six children. Always playing an active role in her children’s activities, Geraldine was the first woman Little League coach in her neighborhood of Greenpoint.

Charles K. “Chuck” Purce – (86) – formerly of 414 Seneca Rd., North Hornell, died Wednesday morning (February 17, 2016) in Jarrettsville, MD, where he had resided since 2014.

Born in Utica, NY on February 9, 1930, he was the son of Kenneth & Meade (Witt) Purce.

Chuck grew up in Oswego and was a graduate of Oswego High School. He later graduated from Oswego State College where he majored in History. Years later, he earned his Master’s Degree in Education from Alfred University.

He moved to Hornell in 1956 and began teaching history at Hornell Junior High School. After serving as a history teacher for several years, Chuck became Director of Financial Aid at Alfred University, a position he held for about 8 years. He returned to Hornell and became a guidance counselor at Hornell High School, retiring in 1992.

Chuck was a member of Our Lady of the Valley Parish and a communicant of St. Ann’s Church. He was a member of the NYS Retired Teachers Association. From 1947 – 1952, Chuck served as a member of the US Navy Reserves and received an Honorable Discharge. He enjoyed rooting for the New York Mets and also loved watching his kids play sports from grade school thru high school.

Chuck enjoyed going to Fair Haven, NY and renting a cottage every summer where he would fish and just be with his family. Billy Schu’s was one of his favorite places to go and have his morning coffee. He enjoyed simply sitting on his front porch where people walking by would stop & talk…. Dad did like to talk!

He was married on August 13, 1949 to the former Nancy Struallo who died June 4, 2009. He was also preceded in death by his son, Daniel J. Purce who died May 29, 1990; and his brother, Lyle Purce.

Surviving are 5 sons, Don (Doreen) Purce of Miami, FL, Tom (Mame) Purce of West Chester, PA, Dave (Gloria) Purce of Prescott, AZ, Chuck (Mary Beth) Purce of Binghamton, and Ken (Pam) Purce of Forest Hill, MD; 1 daughter, Carole (Gary) Luckenbach of Cohocton; 1 brother, Keith Purce of Oswego; 1 sister, Shirley Davenport of Oswego; 12 grandchildren; 2 great-grandchildren; 5 step-grandchildren; 3 step-great-grandchildren; several nieces & nephews.

The family of Charles K. “Chuck” Purce will receive friends on Sunday from 4:00 PM until 7:00 PM at the Dagon Funeral Home, 38 Church St., Hornell, NY. Private funeral services will be held at the convenience of the family with Deacon Robert McCormick officiating. Burial will be in St. Mary’s Cemetery.

Chuck’s family request that in lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in his name be made to Faith in Action, 20 Broadway Mall, Hornell, NY 14843. Memorial forms will be available at the Dagon Funeral Home or CLICK HERE to print a memorial form.

Julia J. Bellanca – 93 – formerly of 16 Pardee St., Hornell, died early Thursday morning (February 4, 2016) at the home of her daughter & son-in-law, Carol and Jim Egan in East Fallowfield, PA where she had resided for the past 4 years.

A native & life resident of Hornell, she was born March 9, 1922 and was the daughter of Arundo & Angeline (Solitario) Mazzella.

Julia attended St. Ann’s School and later graduated from Hornell High School (class of 1940).

During World War II, Julia worked in a munitions factory setting firing pins in bombs.  Locally, she had been employed at several places, including the former JC Penney Store of Hornell and the former Dunn’s Drug Store of Hornell.  Later, she served as a secretary at Alfred State College and also as a receptionist/secretary for Dr. Bijon Chaudhuri of Hornell.

She was a member of Our Lady of the Valley Parish and a communicant of St. Ann’s Church.  Julia had been a member of the Catholic Daughters of America, the Ladies of Columbus and also the St. James Women’s Board.

Julia was married for 69 years to Louis L. Bellanca who died September 22, 2011.  She was also preceded in death by 4 brothers, Frank Mazzella, Angelo Mazzella, Guido Mazzella and Albert Mazzella; her sister, Mildred Johnson.

Surviving are her daughters, Carol (Jim) Egan with whom she made her home in East Fallowfield, PA and Mary Angela (Peter) Winter of Northville, MI; 2 granddaughters, Tracy Winter and Kristen (Matthew) Machczynski; 1 great-grandson, Miles Machczynski; 1 sister, Olga (Frank) Dwyer; 1 brother, Andrew (Sharon) Mazzella; several nieces & nephews.

The family of Julia J. Bellanca 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 on Monday at 2:00 PM at St. Ann’s Church with burial in St. Mary’s Cemetery.

Julia’s family request that in lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in her name be made to Catholic Charities of Steuben County, 23 Liberty St., Bath, NY 14810.  Memorial forms will be available at the Dagon Funeral Home or CLICK HERE to print a memorial form.

Robert Erwin “Bob” Tripp -88 – was reunited with his wife and family in heaven on February 2, 2016 in Homer, NY while surrounded by his loving family.

Bob was born on March 18, 1927 in the Town of Tyrone, NY, spending his early childhood years in Wayne, NY and later moving to Bolivar, NY.

Following his graduation from high school at the age of 17, Bob enlisted in the United States Navy serving proudly during World War II from 1944 until 1946.  He served aboard four different ships which included the USS Vicksburg, the USS Amsterdam, the USS Missouri, and the USS Cotton.  He served on the Destroyer USS Cotton during the 82 day Battle of Okinawa and also witnessed the Japanese surrender ceremony that took place aboard the USS Missouri while using binoculars from the deck of the USS Amsterdam.

On November 27, 1948 he married LeeAnna Gates in Dansville, NY.  Bob and LeeAnna settled in Hornell, where he began his professional career in sales and marketing in the meat and food industry. He was a regular contributor in Southern Tier newspapers sharing stories, anecdotes, and opinion.

Music was integrated into his life and he helped organize the Hornell Maple City Barbershop Chorus and remained active for many years.  He learned to play the banjo late in his life and joined the Banjo Boys, a group who entertained locally. Bob was also a talented and gifted artist, painter, and woodworker. He was creative and had an amazing ability to draw and hand letter. He produced art for family as well as many professional signs and posters.

Bob and his wife, LeeAnna helped to form the Tri-County Swim Club where he served as its first president and later became a swimming referee. He was involved with and served as an officer in the area antique car club.  Along with his wife Lee, they enjoyed friendship and good times.

He was passionate about his WWII Navy reunions which he helped to organize and remained active for over 30 years.  Each year he traveled to meet with his shipmates where they reminisced about their times together during WWII.  Locally, Bob initiated a breakfast club for “Old Salts” that encouraged military veterans to meet at Jaycee’s Cafe once a month for fellowship.

As a communicant of the Alfred Almond Bible Church, Bob had many dear friends and new acquaintances who were warm and supportive during his many health challenges.  Bob met regularly with and enjoyed his bible study small group.

Even in the face of a cancer diagnosis and the resulting loss of his leg, he led a positive and optimistic life.  His favorite quote was “what am I going to do, I just have to deal with it” each time he faced another obstacle.

Bob is survived by his favorite daughter Terre Dennis (Lee) and the son that he liked best, R.Tim Tripp (Kim) along with his four siblings: Gloria Stohr, Wanda Jandrew-French, Frederick “Jack” Tripp (Mary) and Gerald Tripp (Jenean).  Also surviving are four grandchildren, Seth Dennis (Erica) and great grandsons Joel and Tasker, Jill Yacavone (Don) and great grandson Nicholas, Katie Hytreck (Mike) and great grandson Patrick, and Andrew Tripp (Catherine). He had many nieces, nephews, cousins, friends, and acquaintances who regularly kept in touch with him. Bob was a very active in the area and was often accompanied by his dear sweet friend and loving companion Aileen Mahoney.

Bob was predeceased by his loving wife of 56 years LeeAnna in 2004 and also his parents, Meredith and Beulah Tripp.

The family will be available for those wishing to remember Bob at the Dagon Funeral Home located on 38 Church Street, Hornell, NY  on Friday (February 12, 2016)  from 4-7 p.m..  A Celebration of Life service will be held on Saturday (February 13, 2016) at 11:00 a.m. at the Alfred Almond Bible Church located on 6751 State Route 21, Almond, NY 14804.

The family requests that in lieu of flowers, expressions of sympathy may be directed to the Alfred Almond Bible Church, Route 21, Almond, NY 14804.  Memorial forms will be available at the Dagon Funeral Home or CLICK HERE to print a memorial form.

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

Robert W. “Bob” Nilsen – (84) – of 10 West Ave., Arkport, died early Wednesday morning (February 3, 2016) at his home, following a long illness.

Born in Brooklyn, NY on March 29, 1931, he was the son of Nikolai & Anna (Jacobsen) Nilsen.

Bob grew up in Brooklyn where he attended High School.  He was a veteran of the US Navy during the Korean Conflict, serving his country from 1949 – 1952 as a member of the US Navy Seabees.  While in the Navy, Bob was stationed in several locations, including Guam and Alaska.

Following his honorable discharge from the US Navy, Bob was employed for a time at the American Machine & Foundry.  He later worked (as a civilian) for Military Sea Transport Service (MSTS) transporting troops overseas.

For about 5 years, Bob owned & operated a car wash in Brooklyn and for over 20 years worked as a cab driver & limo driver in New York City, retiring in the early 1990’s.

Bob was an avid New York Mets fan and also enjoyed rooting for the New York Giants football team.  He liked working on crossword puzzles and playing cards.

He was preceded in death by his daughter, Abigail Nilsen who died in 1971; 1 sister, Solveig “Sue” Marron.

He was married on October 17, 1962 to the former Joanne Marino who survives.  Also surviving are 4 sons, Sam (Jit) Nilsen of Windham, NY, Bryan Nilsen of Staten Island, John (Coleen) Nilsen of Baldwinsville, NY and Nicholas (Erin) Nilsen of Webster; 6 grandchildren; several nieces & nephews.

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

Bob’s family request that in lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in his name be made to St. Ann’s Academy, PO Box 446, Hornell, NY 14842.

In recognition of Bob’s service to his country while serving in the US Navy, the American Flag at the Dagon Funeral Home will be flown at half-staff.

Brittni L. Gemmell – 26 – of Fort Myers, FL, formerly of Almond, died December 9th, 2015 in Cape Coral, FL as a result of injuries sustained in a pedestrian / motor vehicle accident.

She was born in Hornell on September 29, 1989 and spent her early years in Almond.  Brittni has resided in Florida for the past 17 years.  While living in Florida, she was employed as a waitress for several area restaurants.

Brittni was a devoted mother and had a deep affection for dogs.  She also loved spending time at the beach.

Surviving are her five children, Conner, Michael, Neveah, Aiyanah and Amiyah; her father & step-mother, Kevin & Carol Gemmell of Knoxville, PA; her mother, Tamie Renna Wheeler of Florida; paternal grandparents, John & Karen Gemmell of Hornell; maternal grandmother, Debbie Wheeler of Almond; paternal great-grandmother, Dorothy Ames of Hornell; several aunts, uncles & cousins;

The family of Brittni L. Gemmell will receive friends on Monday from 3:00 PM until
4:00 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 4:00 PM with Deacon Robert McCormick officiating.

Brittni’s family request that memorial contributions in her name be made to the Hornell Humane Society, 7694 Industrial Park Road, Hornell, NY 14843.  Memorial forms will be available at the Dagon Funeral Home or click here to print a memorial form.

Ronald P. “Ron” Webb

“Life should not be a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving safely in a pretty and well preserved body, but rather to skid in broadside in a cloud of smoke, thoroughly used up, totally worn out, and loudly proclaiming “Wow! What a Ride!”

“Ron” Webb, 63 of 10142 County Rd #16, Swain, NY enjoyed that kind of life journey making his final ride following a long illness early Saturday morning (January 9, 2016), holding his loving wife’s hand and with his beloved, lab “Fergie” watching over him.

Born in Niagara Fall, NY on December 31, 1952, he was the son of Harold & Janet (Hartman) Webb.

Ron grew up in Niagara Falls (Town of Wheatfield) and was a graduate of Niagara-Wheatfield High School (Class of 1972).  He has resided in the Swain area (Town of Grove) for the past 30 years.

He had been employed as a millwright & welder at National Grinding Wheel in North Tonawanda for about 15 years until its closure.  After relocating to Swain and for the next 25 years, Ron worked in the maintenance department at Elf Atochem, which later became Arkema Inc, an industrial chemical plant located in Piffard, NY. Ron took pride being selected a member of the Arkema team, building a “Habitat for Humanity” home for a family in Louisiana. He “retired” about 8 years ago.

Following his “retirement”, Ron began working in the Building & Grounds department of Hornell High School and later served as a bus driver for the Hornell School System.  As a bus driver, he would often drive the athletic teams to various sporting events and quickly became an avid Hornell High School Sports Fan.  He finally retired in April, 2014 due to ill health.

Ron was an avid Harley Davidson Motorcycle enthusiast who enjoyed touring and attending bike rallies throughout the Northeast and Florida with friends and family.  When his health declined he was able to continue his desire to ride with the purchase of a 3-wheeled trike, his Harley “Tri-Glide Ultra”.  He was a member of the Arkport HOG Chapter.

He was an avid outdoorsman & sportsman who thoroughly enjoyed hunting, fishing and camping. He not only hunted with conventional rifles & shotguns, but also enjoyed “black powder” rifle and bow-hunting.  He loved hunting big game; deer, caribou and big-horn sheep, and also game-birds such as duck, turkey & partridge.  His fishing adventures included fishing on the Niagara & St Lawrence Rivers, Lake Erie, the Pacific Ocean and reef fishing off the coasts of Mexico and Costa Rica. Throughout the years, Ron not only fished fresh water for walleye, trout and bass, he also enjoyed deep sea fishing for tuna, dorado, marlin and roosterfish. Memorable camping trips were made along the St Lawrence River, the Adirondacks, Maine and Nova Scotia.

Not being a “resort-type” vacationer, Ron’s travel excursions included: trekking Mayan ruins throughout Central America, snorkeling with sharks & sting rays on the barrier reef off Belize & Mexico, seeking the perfect glass of Guinness in Ireland & Rum in Jamaica, white water rafting class V’s on the Gauley in West Virginia and always making new friends to laugh and party with at Mardi Gras and Daytona Bike Weeks.
Ron was an avid Buffalo Bills Football fan (the good, the bad and all the “rebuilding” years) and also loved rooting for the Buffalo Sabers and Syracuse Orangemen.  In his high school years, he was an aggressive football, lacrosse and ice hockey player.

He was preceded in death by his father, Harold Webb and also his granddaughter, Grace Fraiser.

Ron was married on September 9, 1989 to the former Peggy Gelser who survives.  Also surviving are his children from a previous marriage; 1 son, Paul (Brian) Webb-Welch of Atlanta, GA; 1 daughter, Cari (Jason) Fraiser of North Tonawanda; his mother, Janet Webb of Niagara Falls; 1 brother, Dennis (Jackie) Webb of St. Petersburg, FL; 3 grandchildren; several nieces, nephews, aunts & uncles.

The family of Ronald P “Ron” Webb will receive friends on Saturday from 4:00 PM until 6:00 PM at the Dagon Funeral Home, 38 Church St., Hornell, NY.  A “Celebration of Ron’s Life” will be held on Sunday from 1:00 PM until 4:00 PM at the Sierra Inn, Swain, NY, where family & friends are invited to share memories and stories of Ron’s Life.

Ron’s family request that in lieu of flowers, you perform an unexpected and unsolicited act of kindness.

Marilyn T. “Molly” Holmes – 88 – a resident at Hornell Gardens died Sunday morning (January 10, 2016) at St. James Mercy Hospital where she was taken by Hornell City Ambulance.

Born in Hornell on May 19, 1927, she was the daughter of John and Lila (Burrows) Ahearn.

Molly grew up in Hornell, NY and was a graduate of Hornell High School (Class of 1945).  During her adult years, Molly lived in different areas of New York, including Rochester, Holcomb, and Webster before moving back to Hornell in 1992.  After graduating from Hornell High School she worked for Cards Drug Store for a couple of years.  She was employed by Stromberg-Carlson, a telecommunications equipment and electronics manufacturing company in Rochester, NY.  She later became a mail carrier for twenty-one years with the United States Postal Service.  After retiring from the USPS in 1989, Molly worked at the Twentieth Century Club Library in Almond, NY for about seven years.

Molly was a member of Our Lady of the Valley Parish and a communicant of St. Ann’s Church.  In her youth, she attended St. Ignatius Church.

Being part Iroquois, Molly was an avid collector of Native American Indian artifacts.  She was a member of the Iroquois Studies Association and a life member of the VFW Ladies Auxiliary.  Molly had a love of reading, and she was an exceptional gardener – flowers were her passion!  An organization near and dear to Molly’s heart was the St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.  The monthly donations she had been making for decades aided in the research of life-threatening diseases and the treatment of children.

In addition to her parents, Molly was preceded in death by four brothers, John “Jack” Ahearn, James Ahearn, Joseph Ahearn, and William Ahearn; one sister, Bette (Moss) VanHassent.

Surviving are her brothers, Gerard “Jerry” Ahearn of Genoa, NY and Michael Ahearn (Lee Lysyczyn)  of Painted Post, NY; several nieces and nephews.

The family of Marilyn T. “Molly” Holmes will receive friends on Friday from 4:00 PM to 6:00 PM at the Dagon Funeral Home, 38 Church Street, Hornell, NY where a Memorial Service will be celebrated at the conclusion of calling hours at 6:00 PM with Deacon Robert McCormick officiating.  Final interment will be in St. Ann’s Cemetery.

Molly’s family requests that memorial contributions in her name be made to the St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 262 Danny Thomas Place, Memphis, TN 38105 or the Hornell Animal Shelter, 7694 Industrial Park Road, Hornell, NY 14843.  Memorial forms will be available at the Dagon Funeral Home or click here to print a memorial form.

Cameron Lane Caruso – 21 – of 41 Westview Crescent, Geneseo, died unexpectedly Wednesday afternoon (January 6, 2016) in Largo, FL.

Born in Buffalo, NY on January 22, 1994, he was the son of Sean & Andrea (Sonner) Caruso.

Cameron grew up in Olean and later in Geneseo and was a graduate of Geneseo Central School (class of 2012).  Currently, he was a student at Monroe Community College in Rochester, majoring in public relations.

He was preceded in death by his paternal grandmother, Linda Caruso who died in 2013.

Cameron is survived by his parents, Sean & Andrea Caruso of Geneseo; 2 brothers, Taylor Evan Caruso and Michael Lynn Caruso, both of Geneseo; his paternal grandfather, Michael Caruso of North Hornell; his maternal grandparents, Joseph & Gaynel Sonner of Machias, NY; many aunts, uncles & cousins.

Cameron’s family will receive friends on Monday from 4:00 PM until 7:00 PM at the Dagon Funeral Home, 38 Church St., Hornell, NY where Funeral Services will be held on Tuesday at 11:00 AM with Deacon Robert McCormick officiating.  Burial will be in St. Mary’s Cemetery next to his grandmother.