Corning, New York

Diane Goodsell, 68, of Corning, NY, passed peacefully at her home, surrounded by her family, on Wednesday, November 13, 2024.

Born on May 23, 1956, in Jersey City, NJ, Diane was the daughter of the late John and Florence (Lemise) Cilino.

Diane dedicated 30 years to the Corning-Painted Post School District, where she worked as a Teacher’s Assistant and Interpreter for the Deaf. She had a special passion for helping children with special needs providing support to many students throughout the district.

Outside of work, Diane had a deep love for dolphins. She amassed a large collection of dolphin figurines over the years. Diane enjoyed many hobbies, including playing trivia, playing cards at the Senior Center, and crafting, especially crocheting. She was an avid bingo player and cherished the time spent with friends and loved ones.

Diane is survived by her daughter, Maria (Donald) Anderson of Painted Post, NY; two sons, Johnny (Carrie) Adames of Pennsylvania and Raymond (Jennifer) Adames of Buffalo, NY; three grandchildren, Samantha Fish, Joshua English, and Evan Anderson; and one great-grandson, Bentlee Shuart. She also leaves behind her “Special Friend,” Bill Howells of Corning, as well as four brothers and many nieces and nephews.

Diane was preceded in death by her parents, John and Florence Cilino.

In accordance with Diane’s wishes, there will be no calling hours. A “Celebration of Life” will be held at her daughter’s home in Painted Post on November 23, 2024, from 11:00 AM until 3:00 PM.

The family would like to extend their heartfelt thanks to all who offered their love and support during this difficult time.

Arrangements are under the direction of Dagon Funeral Home, Hornell, NY.

To share a memory or offer an online condolence, please visit www.dagonfuneralhome.com.

Hornell, New York

Robin Kaye Smith – 48 – of 110 East Ave., Hornell, died Thursday morning (November 7, 2024) shortly after arriving at St. James Hospital, following previous medical conditions.

Born in Hornell on September 11, 1976, she was the daughter of Stephen Dickinson & Peggy (Dickinson) Smith.

Robin grew up in the Jasper-Troupsburg area and later lived in Hornell.  She was a graduate of Hornell High School (class of 1993).

For many years, Robin was employed at the Alfred University Dining Hall and was affectionately known as the “Gelato Lady.”  She also served as a bartender at the Old Mill Inn in Alfred.  For several years Robin was employed as a surgical coordinator at Noyes Memorial Hospital in Dansville.

Robin had a deep appreciation for music, such as Poison, Def Leppard, Motley Crue, Post Malone and Morgan Wallen. Robin loved going to concerts of her favorite bands with her daughters. She was an avid Buffalo Bills fan and enjoyed reading — especially Mystery Thrillers and Romance Novels.  She loved spending time at the beach. She was also a former member of the Hornell VFW. Robin loved surrounding herself with family and friends, most importantly her cousin, Nicole Shinebarger, and their group of girls.

She was preceded in death by her paternal grandparents, Frank & Sharon Dickinson; and her maternal grandparents, Clayton Drake and Berdena Cornell.

Surviving are 2 daughters, Brooke Smith of Canisteo and Ashley Smith (David Fowler) of Hornell; her mother, Peggy Smith of Hornell; her father, Stephen Dickinson of Westfield, PA; 2 sisters, Roxine (Stacey) Wilson of Mansfield, PA and Christy Dickinson of Addison; 2 brothers, Ryan Dickinson of Hornell and Christopher Dickinson of Addison, NY; her treasured granddaughter, Kaleesi Kaye Fowler; along with several nieces & nephews.

At Robin’s request there will be no calling hours.  A “Celebration of Life” will be held at the Canisteo American Legion on November 30th, at 1:00 PM.

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

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

To leave an online condolence or share a memory, visit www.dagonfuneralhome.com.

Hornell, New York

John C. Cumbia – 60 – of 170 East Ave., Hornell, died early Wednesday morning (November 6, 2024) at his home.

Funeral arrangements are incomplete at the Dagon Funeral Home, 38 Church St., Hornell, NY.

Alfred, New York

Deborah S. “Debby” (Soule) Esposito – 74 – of Hernando, FL, formerly of Alfred, NY died unexpectedly early Saturday morning (November 2, 2024) at Strong Memorial Hospital in Rochester.

Born in Ithaca on September 11, 1950, she was the daughter of Lauren & Maureen (Casterline) Soule.

On November 29, 1975, Debby married Gerard “Jerry” Esposito who survives.  She was preceded in death by her father, Lauren Soule, and is survived by her mother, Maureen Soule of Alfred.  Debby also leaves behind two sisters, Linell Soule of Almond (Bill Sortore) of Angelica and Terah Soule of Wellsville, NY; two sisters-in-law, Diane Murphy (John) of Lancaster, PA and Christine Stromberg (Jim) of N. Middleton, NJ.  She will also be greatly missed by her four nephews, three nieces, and four grand-nieces as well as several other extended family members.

Debby grew up in Alfred and was a graduate of Alfred-Almond Central School (class of 1968).  She also attended her H.S. sophomore year at American Community School in Beirut. In 1972, she received her Bachelor’s Degree in Chemistry & Physics from Wells College in Aurora, NY.

For 25 years Debby loyally served the Eastman Kodak Company in Rochester starting as a chemist, and moving on to work in other science positions, before transitioning into the Human Resource Department as a Senior Technical Recruiter.  She eventually moved into various manufacturing positions and finally as GM/Vice-President of Storage Products.  Debby was recruited by Essilor of America in 1997 to be the Executive VP of Operations in St. Petersburg, FL.  She finished her corporate career at Talla-Com Industries as Director of Administration coaching senior staff on high performance management, leadership skills and strategy implementation.  Her skills and experience led her to start her own Management consulting firm.  She also worked alongside her husband Jerry, beginning in 1983, with his Photographic Events company on weekends.

Debby approached life with a “joie de vive” rarely seen.  Her energy and passion for things that were important to her and immediately drew you into her orbit.  She and Jerry loved to travel, including their favorite destinations of Santa Fe, NM & Monterey, CA.  Her Western New York roots gave her a love of family, the outdoors and seeking adventures.  When others would be finding reasons not to try something new, Debby would often respond with a slight head tilt, a wry smile and her eyes dancing with the challenge of convincing people to try something new, she’d simply say “So what! Why not try it?”.  If you knew Debby, she usually changed people’s minds, laughing contagiously and always willing to join them on their adventure.  As the family historian, she was our ‘go-to’ for all dates and information regarding family & ancestors.  Her passion for genealogy helped her discover her familial roots and led her into a second career.  She twice earned her DAR certification in genealogy which allowed her to help others trace their family histories! She also took her love of food and became an excellent home chef, before sharing her knowledge by offering private cooking classes those who wanted to learn.

At Debby’s request there will be no calling hours.  Services will be held at a later date and time to be announced.

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

Debby’s family request that in lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in her name be made to the American Heart Association, PO Box 3049, Syracuse, NY 13220.

To leave an online condolence or share a memory, visit www.dagonfuneralhome.com.

Beaver Dams, New York

Patricia A. “Patti” Sodeman – 61 – of State Route 414, Beaver Dams, NY passed Wednesday (October 30, 2024) at Robert Packer Hospital in Sayre, PA.

Born in New York City on September 16, 1963, she was the daughter of Thomas & Joan (McKeon) Burns.

Patti grew up in Massapequa, LI and was a graduate of Berner High School (class of 1981).  In the mid 1980s, her family moved to the Bath area.  Patti decided to continue her education and in 1999 she received her Associate’s Degree in accounting with honors from Corning Community College (CCC).

She resided in Waukesha, WI for several years and worked as a waitress for several restaurants including the Calypso Restaurant and the Sunset Diner.

Patti loved working on word puzzles and jigsaw puzzles.  She also enjoyed crocheting and creating winter hats & scarves for her grandchildren.  She was an avid Pittsburg Steelers (NFL) and Boston Red Sox (MLB) fan.

She was preceded in death by her father, Thomas Burns; her first husband, Allen Goodman; and her close friend, Gary Foley.

Surviving are her children, Gary Goodman of Bath and Rachel Rudy of Bath; her mother, Joan Burns of Long Island; her brother, Thomas Burns of Long Island; her sister, Rose Burns of Long Island; 5 grandchildren, Lee Goodman, James Briggs, Allen Goodman, Samantha Rudy and Alora White; she will also be sadly missed by her dear friends Deanne & Josh.

At Patti’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.

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

To leave an online condolence or share a memory, visit www.dagonfuneralhome.com.

Hornell, NY  /  Euclid, OH

Dorina A. Kelsey – 79 – of Euclid, OH, formerly of Hornell & Wellsville, died Friday (November 1, 2024) at the Wickliffe Country Place Nursing Facility following a long illness.

Dorina was a graduate of the former St. Ann’s School (1958), Hornell High School

(1962), and SUNY Alfred with honors.

Throughout the years she was employed at SUNY Alfred, Ferris State University, University of South Carolina, and Jones Memorial Hospital where she retired (1997) as Director of Medical Staff Services.

She loved to read, travel, cook, and bake especially with her granddaughter Zoë. She lived in Las Vegas for 12 years and enjoyed sightseeing while traveling cross-country.

Dorina was preceded in death by her infant son, Thomas James Kelsey; parents, Elvidio & Rose (Miele) Nardecchia; two infant brothers, John & Joseph Nardecchia; brother, Paul Nardecchia; her favorite uncle & godfather, Silvio Nardecchia; parents-in-law, Almus and Esther Kelsey; brothers-in-law, Arden, Glen and Rodney Kelsey & Donald Matson; sisters in-law, Sandy, Diane, Theresa, & Phyllis Kelsey.

Surviving are her husband of 57 years, Dennis; her son, Steven (Jennifer) Kelsey, of Wickliffe, OH; her daughter, Rosemarie (Kevin) Aubin, of Lindley, NY; grandchildren, Thomas George and Zoë Rose Kelsey; her brother, Sebastian (Diane) Nardecchia; sister-in-law, Elaine Matson; brother-in-law Henry Kelsey; special nieces and nephew Michael (Michelle) Nardecchia, Marisa (John) Looney, Kristina Nardecchia (John Moroney); several nieces & nephews, Aunt Barbara Nardecchia; and several cousins.

The family of Dorina A. Kelsey will receive friends on Friday from 6:00 PM until 8:00 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 St. Mary’s Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers donations to: Hornell Alumni Association, PO Box 135, Hornell, NY  14843 or to St. Ann’s Academy, 41 Genesee St., Hornell, NY 14843 or the Alzheimer’s Association, 200 Meridian Centre Blvd (Suite 110), Rochester, NY  14618.  Memorial forms will be available at the Dagon Funeral Home.

To leave an online condolence or share a memory, visit www.dagonfuneralhome.com.

Hornell, New York

Dolores (Head) D’Apice – 94 – formerly of 221 Vincent St., Hornell and later Updyke Willow Ridge Quality Care Nursing Facility, died Wednesday morning (October 30, 2024) at Elderwood at Hornell Nursing Facility where she had resided for the past 2 years.

Born in Rochester, NY on March 16, 1930, she was the daughter of George & Barbara (Koester) Heidt and the step-daughter of Rudy Anselm who raised her following the death of her father and later, her mother.

Dolores grew up in Rochester and was a graduate of Our Lady of Mercy High School (class of 1948) and later received her Registered Nurse’s Diploma from St. James School of Nursing in Hornell (class of 1951).  She was employed for 50 years as a registered nurse in various positions at St. James Mercy Hospital and also the Oncology Department.  Dolores served as part time Relief Supervisor but will mostly be remembered for the time she spent in the Emergency Department (ER) where she served as Nurse Manager for many years.

She was a member of Our Lady of the Valley Parish and a communicant of St. Ann’s Church (where she was a member of the church choir) and a former communicant of St. Ignatius Loyola Church.  Dolores’ memberships include the Hornell VFW Auxiliary Post 2250, the Disabled American Veterans Auxiliary, the Hornell Ladies of Columbus, the Hornell Association and the St. James Mercy Hospital Auxiliary.  She was also a lifelong, die-hard New York Yankees fan.

Dolores volunteered her time as a member of the Hornell American Red Cross and the Pro-Action Nutrition Program (Meals on Wheels).  She was honored in 2017 when she received the “Volunteer of the Year” award from New York State Assemblyman Phil Palmesano for volunteering over 2000 hours to Meals on Wheels and the local Food Pantry.

She was married to John D’Apice who died on February 4, 2012.  She was also preceded in death by her former husband, Richard Head.

Surviving are her son, Richard (Sally) Head of North Hornell; her daughter, Barbara (Robert) Contente of Dansville; 5 step-children, Theresa Lecceardone of Arkport, Mary Lee Wetherbee of Arizona, Dominica (William) Paul of Arizona, Johna D’Apice of Canisteo and Anthony D’Apice of Tennessee; 2 grandsons, 2 granddaughters; 7 great-grandchildren; many step-grandchildren & step-great-grandchildren; along with several cousins, nieces & nephews.

The family of Dolores (Head) D’Apice will receive friends on Monday from 4:00 PM until 6:00 PM at the Dagon Funeral Home, 38 Church St., Hornell, NY.  A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Tuesday at 10:00 AM at St. Ann’s Church with burial in St. Mary’s Cemetery.  Dolores’ Funeral Mass will be livestreamed and can be viewed via YouTube on PeishTV or by visiting www.facebook.com/dagonfuneralhome.

Dolores’ family request that in lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in her name be made to the Tommy Fund For Childhood Cancer, PO Box 8295, New Haven, CT 06530.  Memorial forms will be available at the Dagon Funeral Home.

To leave an online condolence or share a memory, visit www.dagonfuneralhome.com.

Arkport, New York

Jean M. Ball – 81 – of Pine Knoll Park, Arkport, NY, died early Friday morning (October 25, 2024) following a long illness.

Born in Oneida, NY on January 31, 1943, she was the daughter of Milo & Mildred “June” (Hollenbeck) VanHall.

Jean grew up in the Alfred-Almond area and was a graduate of Alfred-Almond Central School (class of 1961).  She later earned her Business Degree from Alfred State College.

She was married on July 15, 1961 to Duane E. Ball.  Jean & Duane resided in Canisteo for over 30 years and for about 25 years lived in Rogersville, TN, moving to Arkport about three years ago.

Jean was a member of the Canisteo Baptist Church.

She was preceded in death her husband, Duane, who died April 2, 2022; and her sister, Beverly “Kay” Vaisey.

Surviving are 2 daughters, Lynda (Charles) Drum of Dansville and Sharon (Steve) Crandall of Hartsville; 3 grandchildren, Alisha (Mike) Searles, Katie (Jeffrey) Fetzner & Anthony Drum; 6 great-grandchildren; several nieces & nephews.

At Jean’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.

Jean’s family request that in lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in her name be made to the National Kidney Foundation, 30 East 33rd St., New York, NY  10016.

To leave an online condolence or share a memory, visit www.dagonfuneralhome.com.

Hornell, New York

Kathleen “Kathy” (Mooney) Roselli, age 74, of Hornell, passed away on Thursday, October 24, 2024 following a courageous battle with cancer.

She was born on November 18th, 1949 in Hornell to Joseph and Mary Teresa (Clancy) Mooney.

Kathy is survived by her loving husband of 56 years, Thomas R. Roselli; her children, Mitchell (Lin) Roselli of Phelps, NY and Maria (Keith) Trusky of The Villages, Florida; grandsons, Seth Trusky of Cary, NC and Wyatt Roselli of Phelps, NY; sisters, Mary Jo (Paul) Smith of Elizabethtown, PA, Anne Bentley of Orlando, FL, and Rita (Robert) White of Hornell, NY; as well as several nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents and her brother Reverend James Mooney.

Kathy was known for being a wonderful mother and adoring grandmother. She had a dynamic personality and was loved by many close friends.

In honor of her wishes, there will be no calling hours. A Mass of Christian burial will be celebrated on Tuesday, October 29, 2024 at 10:00 AM at St. Ann’s Church, 35 Erie Ave in Hornell.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to CareFirst Hospice, online at www.CareFirstNY.org or by mail to CareFirst Hospice, 3805 Meads Creek Road, Painted Post, NY 14870.

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

To leave an online condolence or share a memory, visit www.dagonfuneralhome.com.

Hornell, New York

When Joe Petrick was in the room, you noticed. He stood six four and weighed over two-forty. He played offensive tackle for Hobart football on a full scholarship, and a scholar he turned-out to be. After his readings of W. S. Burroughs and other authors like Octavio Paz, Susan Sontag and Samuel Beckett, Joe lost interest in football. He moved on to literature and cinema studies, developing a keen and inclusive mind which he kept in agile condition right up to his last hours on earth.

Joseph A. Petrick was born in Binghamton, New York, on August 8, 1954, the son of Joseph and Pauline (nee Engates) Petrick. He grew up in Conklin. Joe passed while in palliative care at Strong Memorial on October 22, 2024 at the age of seventy. Joe leaves behind many special friends and family including his wife of thirteen years, Jane Vavala of Hornell, NY, sister Pam Smith, niece Ronica and nephew Nick Smith of Binghamton, and Jane’s daughter Jennifer Vavala of San Diego. He was preceded in death by his parents and his older sister Jolene Petrick, also from Binghamton.

Looks can be deceiving. Years ago, while attending film school at NYU, Joe made a short film in New York City. He’d walk around some rough neighborhoods at night, filming compelling images that he came across. He frequently wore an iconic black leather motorcycle jacket which contributed to an intimidating appearance. Joe was, however, a lover not a fighter. He was kind and gentle, soft-spoken and understanding.

Several portraits of Joe were done by his close friends, artists Gail Foster and Tom Swanston. That leather jacket lasted a long time and appears in at least one oil painting by Gail and in a large charcoal drawing by Tom. Joe had a great understanding and appreciation of art and purchased numerous pieces over the years. In Gail’s words, “Few spirits have touched me like Joe has. He certainly touched my heart, gave me fuel in my art and life.”

Joe was known as “Buddy” to his sister Pam. They remained close throughout their lives and she always turned to him for advice. She remembers her father Joseph encouraging Joe in sports. Joe won the NY Section IV heavyweight wrestling title as a high school senior.

Joe graduated with a BA in literature from Hobart College where he met his life-long friends Tom Swanston and Dan Reilly, and later, Dan’s wife Aggie Pelletieri. He received a master’s in Library Science from Clarion University and a PhD in Communications from the University at Buffalo. He became Director of St. Mary’s Public Library in Pennsylvania and eventually Library Director at SUNY Alfred State College where he received the SUNY Chancellor’s Award for Excellence in Librarianship, 2006-07.

Active in all aspects of university service, Joe served both on the Alfred State campus faculty senate and as a representative to the SUNY University Faculty Senate. He enjoyed researching the histories of Alfred State and SUNY. His article, “Varied Missions in America’s Largest ‘Comprehensive University,’ an Introduction,” was included as a chapter in the book “SUNY at 60, the Promise of the State University of New York,” published in 2010.

Joe met Jane at St. Mary’s Public Library where Jane was also a librarian. Several years later, in 2011, they married. Joe was Jane’s best friend. Together, they enjoyed kayaking, traveling and biking. Joe and Jane love each other very much.

There will be no calling hours. A celebration of Joe’s beautiful life will occur at a date to be announced.

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

Donations in Joe’s name can be made to the charity of one’s choice.

To leave an online condolence or share a memory, visit www.dagonfuneralhome.com.