Daniel J. “Dan” Racalto – (63) – of 80 Greenwood St., Canisteo, died early Tuesday morning (February 17, 2015) at Roswell Park Cancer Institute in Buffalo, NY, following a Long illness.

Born in Hornell on April 1, 1951, he was the son of Angelo & Catherine (Oakes) Racalto.

Dan was a lifelong resident of Hornell, moving to Canisteo in 2013.  He was a graduate of St. Ann’s School and later graduated from Hornell High School (class of 1969).

He was employed for nearly 20 years as an Insurance Agent for Metropolitan Insurance Company (Met Life) in Hornell.  In 1989, he established Daniel J. Racalto Insurance of Hornell and has owned & operated the agency since that time.

Dan was a member of Our Lady of the Valley Parish and had been a communicant of the former St. Ignatius Loyola Church and later St. Ann’s Church.  For many years he sang in the choir of both churches and also served as a Cantor, Eucharistic Minister and Lector.  He was a former member of the Hornell Knights of Columbus.

Having a great love of sports, Dan was a well known and respected baseball umpire in New York State and Pennsylvania.  For many years he umpired at the high school & college level and also in the Hornell Babe Ruth League.  For several years he umpired at the National Fast Pitch Softball Tournament in Elkland, PA.

For many years, Dan served as a referee for area high school football games and later for the Hornell Midget Football League where he was instrumental in the formation of the Midget League Referee Association.  Throughout the years, Dan was an avid bowler and was a member of several bowling leagues.  In his younger years, he served as a “Pin-Boy” at the former DeLuxe Lanes in Hornell.

In addition to his parents, Dan was preceded in death by his daughter, Lisa Marie Racalto who died in 1972.

He was married on November 6, 1970 to the former Nancy Morse who survives.  Also surviving are his son, Daniel (Katie) Racalto of Novi, MI; his daughter Catherine “Katie” (Miguel) Herrera of Canisteo; 2 brothers, James (Dolores) Racalto of Bremerton, WA and Peter (Addie Lou) Racalto of Bath, NY; 7 sisters, Mary Hanrahan of Hornell, Joyce (Bob) Albright of Myrtle Beach, SC, Rose Marie Racalto of Oklahoma City, OK, Carol (Herman) Archunde of Newark, NY, Marianne (Mike)Matacale of Hornell, Elizabeth “Beth” (Joseph) Zaffran of Buffalo, NY and Catherine (Rick) Bergquist of Hornell; 4 grandchildren, Milly Herrera, Sophia Herrera, Angelo Herrera and Giovanni Herrera; 2 brothers-in-law;Tom (Karen)Morse, of Canisteo,NY Tim (Mary)Morse of Canisteo, NY, 4 sisters-in-law, Cheryl (Gerry) Chaffee of Canisteo, NY, Mary (Steve) Schaumberg of Canisteo, Anne Fronk of Hornell,NY , Bridget (Dave)Morse of Horseheads, NY; his mother in-law Carol Morse of Canisteo, NY  and several aunts, uncles, nieces & nephews and cousins and his  dear friend Father Paul Schnacky.

The family of Daniel J. “Dan” Racalto will receive friends on Friday from 2:00 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 with burial in Woodlawn Cemetery, Canisteo.

Dan’s family request that in lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in his name be made to The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society, 1311 Mamaroneck Avenue, (Suite 310) White Plains, NY 10605. or Hope Lodge American Cancer Society,  197 Summer St, Buffalo, NY 14222 or have Masses offered for the repose of his soul.   Memorial forms will be available at the Dagon Funeral Home or click here to print a form.

Anna M. LoCoco – (87) – died Friday evening (February 13, 2015) at Hornell Gardens where she had resided for the past 5 years.

A native & life resident of Hornell, she was born April 21, 1927, and was the daughter of George & Anna Marie (DeStefano) LaFaro.

Anna was a graduate of Hornell High School (class of 1946).  She was a member of Our Lady of the Valley Parish and a communicant of St. Ann’s Church.  She was a Life Member of the VFW Auxiliary where she served as chaplain for 10 years.  Anna had also been a member of the Maple Leaf Cootiettes, the Hornell Rebecca Lodge and the Hornell Association.  She was an avid bingo player and enjoyed playing cards.

She was married on December 27, 1947, to Joseph LoCoco who died in 1992.  In addition to her husband, she was preceded in death by her son, Joseph LoCoco; brothers, Joseph (died 1909), Joseph (died 1918), Hugh LaFaro, George LaFaro, Dominic LaFaro, Angelo LaFaro and Joseph “Sonny” LaFaro; her sisters, Congetta France, Josephine LoCoco, Vincena Trowbridge, Teresa Nasca, Mary “Mamie” Mastriani, Catherine Wilson, Lucille Fawcett & Rose LaFaro; her son-in-law, Mickey Donahue.

Surviving are 2 daughters, Patricia LoCoco of Hornell and Belinda (John) Coleman of Hornell; her daughter-in-law, Beverly Pierce of Canisteo; 7 grandchildren, Kevin (Melissa) Hughes, Joseph Hughes, Michael Hughes, Sean Hughes, John (Elizabeth Vanhouten) Coleman II, Rachelle Carnes and Michael Hardy; 5 great-grandchildren; 10 great-great-grandchildren; several nieces & nephews.

The family of Anna M. LoCoco will receive friends on Tuesday from 3:00 PM – 6:00 PM at the Dagon Funeral Home, 38 Church St., Hornell, where funeral & committal services will be held at the conclusion of calling hours at 6:00 PM with Deacon Robert McCormick officiating.  Burial will be in St. Mary’s Cemetery.

Anna’s family request that memorial contributions in her name be made to St Ann’s Academy, PO Box 446, Hornell, NY 14843 or to the Hornell Gardens Activity Fund, 434 Monroe Ave., Hornell, NY 14843.  Memorial forms will be available at the Dagon Funeral Home.

Randy J. Harkenrider – 44 – of 427 Cleveland Ave., North Hornell, died following a brave and heroic battle with cancer.

Born in Bellevue, NE on August 30, 1970, he lived most of his life in the Hornell area.  He was a graduate of Hornell High School (class of 1989) and later attended Finger Lakes Community College in Canandaigua and also SUNY Alfred.  He also served in the US National Guard.

Randy had been employed as a Corrections Officer prior to moving to Colorado where he worked as an Electrical Foreman and Project Manager for 10 years.   He returned to Hornell in 2006 and was employed at Advanced Transit Manufacturing (ATM), as Vice President of Sales & Marketing.

Randy was a member of Our Lady of the Valley Parish and a communicant of St. Ann’s Church.  He had a genuine interest in local government and served as 3rd Ward City Alderman for several years.   He had a love of sports and was an avid Oakland Raider Football and Nebraska Football fan.   He lent his love of sports to coaching youth football in both Hornell and Colorado.  An avid outdoorsman, Randy enjoyed hunting and fishing.  Throughout the years he went on several hunting trips to places including Colorado, Canada, California and New Mexico.  He recently went on a fishing trip to Alaska.

Above all Randy enjoyed spending time with his family.  He was a very devoted husband and father. He would not miss any of Leah, Sam and Ryan’s sporting or school functions. Whenever you would see Randy you would see this fun loving, full of life guy that would do anything for anyone at any time.   His smile was contagious and brought much joy to everyone with whom he had contact.  Randy has many, many friends that will cherish the memories that were made throughout his life time.

Randy enjoyed pushing himself at various competitions.  He was a 3-time finisher of the Tough Mudder, participating in the last one while undergoing cancer treatment.  In addition to running several 5K races, Randy was proud to have taken part in the “Tillman Run” which is named after former football great, Pat Tillman, who was killed in action in Afghanistan.  He also ran this race while undergoing cancer treatment.

He was preceded in death by his Father, Samuel “Jim” Dineen along with several members of the Dineen, Harkenrider, Flint & Kull Families.

He was married on November 24, 2001 to the former Susan “Crete” Crowley who survives.  Also surviving are 2 daughters, Leah & Samantha Harkenrider; 1 son, Ryan Harkenrider; his mother, Mary Dineen; his sister, Christine (Earl) Rawleigh, niece Nikki Rawleigh, nephews Jordan and Toby Rawleigh, Joseph (Kathy) Flint, Alex, Spencer and Elliot Flint.  Also Robert (Debbie) Dineen, Katie, Megan and Linzy Dineen; his In-laws; Joseph and Janet Crowley, Robert (Tracy) Crowley, Stephen (Yvonne) Crowley, Katheen Crowley (Christopher Murtha) and nieces Mia and Kirra Crowley;  as well as many members of the Flint, Harkenrider, Dineen, Kull & Crowley families.

The family of Randy J. Harkenrider will receive friends on Thursday, February 12 from 2:00 PM – 6:00 PM at the Dagon Funeral Home, 38 Church St., Hornell, NY.  A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Friday (February 13, 2015) at 10:00 AM at St. Ann’s Church.  Burial will be in St. Mary’s Cemetery.

Randy’s family request that instead of sending flowers, family & friends honor his memory by making a memorial contribution in his name to the Hornell YMCA, 18 Center St., Hornell, NY 14843 or to the Pat Tillman Foundation, 217 N. Jefferson St., (Suite 602), Chicago, IL 60661.  Memorial forms will be available at the Dagon Funeral Home or click here to print a form.

In honor of Randy’s service to his country by serving in the US National Guard, the American Flag at the Dagon Funeral Home will be flown at half-staff.

Maureen A. Murphy – 81 – of Jamestown, NC, formerly of Hornell, passed away peacefully in her sleep Sunday (January 18, 2015) in North Carolina, following a long illness.

Born in Waterloo, NY on October 3, 1933, she was the daughter of Harold “Jack” & Evelyn (Dunsmore) Babcock.

Maureen lived her early years in Geneva, NY before her family moved to Hornell when she was still in grade school.  She was a graduate of Hornell High School (class of 1951) and later earned her Associate’s Degree in Hematology from Alfred State College.  She eventually earned her Bachelor’s Degree from Empire State College.

She was employed for many years as a phlebotomist / hematologist in the laboratory department at St. James Mercy Hospital, retiring as Director of Laboratory Services.  For many years, she owned & operated Pen & Scroll Book Store on Main St., Hornell.

While living in Hornell, Maureen was a member of Our Lady of the Valley Parish and a communicant of St. Ann’s Church.  She was an avid Buffalo Bills Football fan and for many years was (along with her husband, John) a season ticket holder.  She has resided in North Carolina for the past 10 years.

Maureen was married to John K. Murphy who passed away in 1994.  She was also preceded in death by her brother, David Babcock.

Maureen loved her family and friends unconditionally.  She is survived by her 5 sons, Shawn Murphy of Louisville, KY, Garth (Tracey) Murphy of Jamestown, NC, David (Shana) Murphy of Hornell, Andrew (Marcia) Murphy of Baumont, CA and Matthew (Kari) Murphy of Jacksonville, NC; her grandchildren, Erin (Oliver) Masaba, Ryan Nasca, Kristen Murphy, Regan Murphy, Austin Murphy, Jakob Murphy, Ethen Murphy, Elizabeth Murphy, Shane Murphy, Connor Murphy, Tyler Johnson, Brody Murphy, Oliver Murphy and Emmit Murphy.

The family of Maureen A. Murphy will receive friends on Saturday from 1:00 PM – 3:00 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 3:00 PM with Deacon Robert McCormick officiating.

Joan M. Speca – (81) – of 110 Elizabeth St., Hornell, formerly of Alfred, died Friday afternoon (December 26, 2014) after a long illness.

Born in Buffalo, NY on August 26, 1933, she was the daughter of Ralph & Edith (Ludwig) Slaven.

Joan grew up in Snyder, NY where she graduated from high school.  She attended Alfred State College (SUNY Alfred) and years later returned to Alfred State College to complete her education.

She was employed for about 25 years as a secretary in the Registrar’s Office of SUNY Alfred.

Joan loved to travel, enjoyed working in her flower garden and was an avid reader (mostly novels).  For many years she enjoyed going on her daily walks, long before it became fashionable.

She was married to William Speca who died in 2002.  Joan was also preceded in death by her son, James “Jamie” Speca who died in 1984 and her brother, Neil Slaven.

Surviving are 1 son, Michael (Nancy) Speca of Calgary Alberta, Canada; 1 daughter, Sharon Pierce; 1 brother, Terrence (Chris) Slaven of Phoenix, AZ; 1 sister, Mary Slaven of Buffalo, NY; 4 grandchildren, Michelle (Russ) Thomas, Sean (Lynn) Pierce, Lucas Pierce and Riley Pierce; her dear friend, Tony Hawkins; 8 great-grandchildren; several nieces & nephews.

The family of Joan M. Speca will receive friends on Friday from 4:00 PM – 6:00 PM at the Dagon Funeral Home, 38 Church St., Hornell, NY, where funeral & committal services will be held at the conclusion of calling hours at 6:00 PM with Deacon Robert McCormick officiating.  Burial will be in St. Mary’s Cemetery.

Joan’s family request that memorial contributions in her name be made to the Alzheimer’s Association, 435 East Henrietta Road, Rochester, NY 14620.  Memorial forms will be available at the Dagon Funeral Home or click here to print a form.

Marianne A. Sivertsen – (70) – of 9255 County Road 15 B, Canaseraga, passed away early Friday morning (December 26, 2014) with family at her side at her home in Birdsall, NY following a long illness.

Born in Hornell on December 6, 1944, she was the daughter of Louis & Marian (Nicholson) Albert.

Marianne lived in the Hornell – Almond area until the sixth grade when her family moved to Marion, OH.  She graduated from Marion Catholic High School (class of 1963) and later attended (2 years) at Ohio State University.  Moving to California in 1966, Marianne received her Associates Degree in Liberal Arts from Alan Hancock College in Lompoc, CA.

For about 4 years, she was employed at Anaconda Aluminum in Columbia Falls, MT, primarily in the Service Department.  She also served as manager of the Kalispell Bar & Grill and as a bartender & waitress at the Outlaw Inn, both in Kalispell, MT.

Vera L. Lisi, 99 years old, of Napa, CA (formerly of Hornell) died on December 5 following a long illness. 

Born in England on January 4, 1915, she was the daughter of William & Ethel (Watson) Littlefair.

At the age of 15, Vera’s family left England and eventually settled in Buffalo, NY where she resided for 30 years.  Vera graduated from high school and later attended cosmetology school.  While living in Amherst, she owned & operated a hair salon for many years.

She married Arnold Febrey who died in 1957.  She was the mother of three daughters, Jane (David) Leue, Anne Febrey and Judi DeSantis.  In 1960, she married Anthony “Tony” Lisi and they lived in Hornell, NY for over 30 years. 

For several years Vera was a cosmetician at Key Drug and later worked as a real estate agent for Real, Inc.   While living in Hornell, she served on the Board of Directors of the Hornell Public Library and was a member of the Hornell Fortnightly.  Vera was a former member of Christ Episcopal Church and had also attended St. Ann’s Church. 

Her husband, Tony, died in 1993.  In 2000, Vera moved to Napa, California with her granddaughter, Beth (Brian) Dunn.  She lived with them and her great-granddaughter, Erin, until June 2013.  During that time, she enjoyed spending time with her family and attending many of Erin’s school and extracurricular activities.  

Charles “Charlie” Jones, JR – 81 – of 7 Hakes Ave., Hornell, died Friday morning (December 12, 2014) at his home, following a brief illness.

A native of Piper, AL, he was born February 10, 1933 and was the son of Charles & Eva Jane (Coleman) Jones.

Charlie grew up in Piper, AL and was a graduate of Bibb County Training School in Centerville, AL (class of 1950).  At the age of 17, he joined the US Air Force and served his country for about 10 years.  While in the Air Force, Charlie was stationed in several places including Japan, Guam & Panama.

Living most of his adult life in Brooklyn, NY, Charlie was employed for about 30 years as a Union Representative for the AFLCIO, retiring in 1998 after 30 years of service.  He has resided in Hornell for the past 10 years.

Charlie was a member of the Jehovah Witness Organization and a member of Kingdom Hall in Canisteo. He enjoyed watching sporting events and was a Chicago Bears Football Fan and an LA Lakers Basketball Fan.

He was married to the former Lillian Whitehall who died 15 years ago.  Charlie was also preceded in death by 2 sisters and 3 brothers.

Surviving are 4 brothers, James, Sylvester, Clayton & Curtis; 2 sisters, Gaynell & Alma; many nieces, nephews, grand-nieces & grand-nephews.

At Charlie’s request there will be no prior calling hours.  A private Memorial Service was held at Kingdom Hall.

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

Hayden Bentley Kidder, newborn son of Samantha Barrett and Brad Kidder of 157 Hornell St., Hornell died Tuesday morning (December 2, 2014) at St. James Hospital shortly after entering this world.

Although Hayden was only her for a few short hours, he was truly loved by his parents and his entire family.  He is now with the Angels in Heaven.

In addition to his parents, Brad & Samantha, survivors include his sister, Kyla Kidder; paternal grandparents, Barry Kidder of Howard and Deb Travis of Howard; maternal grandparents, Michael Barrett of Florida and Michelle LaForge of Wayland; paternal great-grandparents, Lindy & Margaret Kidder of Howard and Ruth Travis of Canisteo; maternal great-grandparents, Al & Elaine LaForge of Mitchellsville, NY; aunts, uncles & cousins.

Private funeral services will be held at the Dagon Funeral Home, 38 Church St., Hornell, NY at the convenience of the family

Andrea J. “Spook” (Testani) Gordon – 46 – of New York City, formerly of Hornell, passed peacefully from this world Sunday night, November 30, 2014, following a valiant battle with colon cancer. She was surrounded by her husband, family and close friends, in the comfort of her own home.

Born and raised in Hornell, Andrea left Hornell High School a year early in 1985, after completing her high school education in 3 years. She earned her B.A. in Theatre from Elmira College in 1989, and her MFA in Directing from Wayne State University in Detroit, MI in 1992.

She was a resident of New York City where she had become one of Broadway’s most successful and sought after stage managers, working with some of the biggest names in the business. Andrea, who was known to all as “Spook,” had her first Broadway credit as production stage manager in 1998, with the drama SIDE MAN. She most recently served as the production stage manager for the 2008 all-star Broadway revival of ALL MY SONS; the beloved, Tony-winning musical THE 25TH ANNUAL PUTNAM COUNTY SPELLING BEE in 2005; MATCH in 2004; and I AM MY OWN WIFE in 2003. Her other Broadway stage managing credits include FRANKIE AND JOHNNY IN THE CLAIRE DE LUNE, THE MAN WHO HAD ALL THE LUCK, DESIGN FOR LIVING, THE MAN WHO CAME TO DINNER, and UNCLE VANYA. Her reputation for her professionalism, wit and charm is legendary in the theatre community.

Andrea left her professional life to dedicate her indefatigable energy and boundless love to her greatest achievement, her two beloved boys. She had most recently started teaching a stage management class at Fordham University which accommodated her son’s school schedule.

She was preceded in death by her beloved sister Jovena in 1977 and her cherished niece Elianna in 2001.

Spook is survived by her husband, John Gordon; sons, Robert and Sean; parents, William and Ruth Testani; eight brothers & sisters, Thomas Testani, Mary “Beeb” (Frank) Kilcoyne, Roseanne (Thomas) Wall, Jim (Samantha) Testani; Matthew (Jodi) Testani; Michael (Lina) Testani; Marisa “Tooey” (Dr. Richard Ferro) Testani, and Angela (David) Remchuk; many nieces & nephews.

Spook’s family will receive friends on Saturday (December 13, 2014) from 12:00 (noon) until 3:00 PM at the Dagon Funeral Home, 38 Church St., Hornell, NY. A prayer service will be held at the conclusion of calling hours at 3:00 PM with Deacon Robert McCormick officiating.  A “Celebration of Life” will follow at the Arkport Legion.

Spook’s family request that in lieu of flowers, memorial contributions be made to the Robert and Sean Gordon Trust Fund, care of Mary “Beeb” Kilcoyne, 444 Cleveland Avenue, Hornell, NY 14843. Memorial forms will be available at the Dagon Funeral Home or click here to print a form.