Hornell, New York

Roland M “Ron” Stephens – 72 – of Seneca St., Hornell, died Tuesday morning (April 8, 2025) at his home, following a long illness.

Born in Hornell, on August 8, 1952, he was the son of the late Raymond and Vera Stephens.

Ron attended Hornell City School and later enlisted in the Marine Corps.  He was stationed on Okinawa, a place he loved and often talked about.  Following his honorable discharge from the Marines, Ron returned to Hornell and worked for Erie Lackawanna/Conrail Railroads until a work injury forced an early retirement in 1990.

He was a member of the Hornell Moose Lodge, AMVETS, Hornell American Legion, and Hornell VFW.  In his spare time, Ron enjoyed hunting, fishing, watching football, (his favorite team was the Dallas Cowboys), and he loved hanging out with his family, especially his grandchildren who he loved deeply.

Ron was preceded in death by his parents, Raymond & Vera Stephens; his step-father Fred Griswold; brother Rodney Stephens; sisters, Linda Dibble and Marlene Herbert; and long term partner, Bonnie Stephens.

Surviving are his sons, Roland Stephens II of Wyoming NY, Robert Stephens (Deb) of Sparta, NY, Ryan Stephens of Sparta, NY, Troy Stephens of Mt Morris, NY; his daughters, Veronica VanHorn of Wayland, NY and Tori Stephens (Josh) of Mt Morris, NY;  his step-son, Brian Cansdale of Ontario, NY; his sister, Diane Stephens of Burns, NY; his grandchildren, Marissa, Miranda, Hailey, Zoe, Cayden, Alana, Collin, Aiden, Madelyn, Tyler, Sadie, Candice, Vincent, Trevor, Koleson, Kambria, Vera, Cole, Wyatt, Kenzi; along with many nieces nephews, cousins.

It was Ron wishes to be cremated and not have services.  There will be a “Celebration of Life” at the convenience of the family.

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

Memorial contributions in his 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.

North Hornell, New York

Mary A. Arcieri, 82, of Hornell, NY, passed away at her home on April 6th, 2025, following a brief illness.

Born in Chambersburg, Pennsylvania on October 15th, 1942, she was the daughter of the late George and Edna (Smith) Gath.

She was raised in Hornell and was a proud and devoted mother, grandmother, sister, and friend.  A true example of her generation, she embodied tireless work ethic, traditional values, and unwavering love for her family.

Mary was a determined entrepreneur, owning and operating an H&R Block franchise, and later working alongside her daughter, Renee and son-in-law, Anthony in their family businesses.  Throughout her life, she held many jobs, always doing whatever was needed to support and care for her two daughters.

Surviving are her daughters, Renee (Anthony) Falco and Dianne (Billy) Nasca; grandchildren, Ryan (Kim) Nasca, Thomas Nasca, and Nicholas Nasca; and her cherished great-granddaughter, Gracie Jane Nasca.  She also leaves behind her beloved brothers, Pete (Jerry) Gath and Larry Gath, along with several nieces who were dear to her heart.

Mary found joy in life’s simple pleasures — reading a good book, playing word games with loved ones, and spending time with her brothers Larry and Pete, and her sister-in-law, Jerry.  She will be remembered for her selflessness, perseverance, and the deep love she gave so freely to those around her.

The family extends their heartfelt gratitude to their hospice nurse, Megan Kingston, for her remarkable care, gentle presence, and the comfort she brought to Mary and her loved ones during such a difficult time.  In lieu of sending flowers, the family kindly requests that donations in her memory be made to CareFirst Hospice of  New York, 3805 Meads Creek Rd., Painted Post, NY  14870.

In accordance with Mary’s wishes, there will be no calling hours.  Private services will be held at the convenience of her family.

Though she may no longer be with us, her love, strength, and spirit will live on in all who were blessed to know her.

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

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

Bath, New York

Debra A. “Debbie” Cheresnowsky – 69 – formerly of Bath, NY, died Monday (March 31, 2025) at her home in Columbia, Maryland, following a long illness and brief Hospice care.

Born in Brockport on February 23, 1956, she was the daughter of Robert & Barbara (Schnucker) Luffman.

Debbie grew up in Bath and attended Haverling High School in Bath, NY.  She is a 1978 graduate of St James School of Nursing in Hornell, NY, and was a Licensed RN in five states (NY, MD, NC, OH, and Washington DC).  Recently retired from the State of Maryland, she was recognized with a Governor’s Citation for over 20 years of outstanding healthcare service and professionalism.

Debbie’s career spanned many interesting RN roles and locations which began at Ira Davenport hospital in Bath.  After marriage to John Cheresnowsky of Hornell, NY, June 10, 1978, she was employed for several years at The Children’s Hospital in Columbus, Ohio, in the burn injury unit.  In 1981 as an experienced burn nurse when relocated by her husband’s job, she was hired as lead RN at the North Carolina Baptist Hospital’s newly established burn unit.  After having their first child in North Carolina, the family relocated to Avon/Caledonia where she continued working in the burn unit at Strong Memorial Hospital in Rochester, NY.

She also taught Nursing Assistants at Hillside Children’s Center, and was blessed with another daughter and son while in Caledonia.  Job changes again intervened by 1994, and the family moved to their present location in Columbia, Maryland.

Debbie then began new roles providing nursing for juvenile detention centers in MD and Washington DC.  Her outstanding performance led to her being selected by the Maryland Director of Healthcare to run the newly built Baltimore Juvenile Justice Center medical unit.  Thus began her 20 year RN career with the State of Maryland at several major healthcare facilities culminating in retirement August 2024.

Debbie was a Girl Scout leader while her daughters were young, and always ensured the girls sold the most, as she herself bought more cookies than anyone else ever did.  She taught religious education classes briefly.  Kids sports are very popular in Maryland and her children played all varieties over the years, soccer, football, volleyball, etc.  She attended every practice and game, thus becoming a favorite mom amongst the other teammates and parents.  Debbie loved crafts and knitted a number of blankets and other items in the past year as she couldn’t get out much.  She loved rural motorcycle riding around the countryside.  She loved slot machines, and would play the “penny slots” for hours at the Maryland casinos.  At home, Debbie wore out several tablets downloading and playing those free games.

She was predeceased by her parents, Bob & Barbara of Bath.

She is survived by her husband John of 47 years, her children Marla Gilmore, April Burke (Dave), and Mark Cheresnowsky, and five grandchildren (Brett, Dillion, Kirsten, Molly, and James).  All currently residing in Maryland.  She is also survived by her loving sister Wendy Chichester of Indiana, and several aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces & nephews.

There will be visitation time with the family on Monday, April 7, 2025 from 4:00 pm to 7:00 pm at the Wilde Lake Interfaith Center, 10431 Twin Rivers Road, Columbia, MD 21044 (Room 16). We request that any Maryland gifts or flowers be sent directly to the family at 9297 Broken Timber Way, Columbia, MD 21045.

There will also be visitation time with the family on Wednesday, April 9, 2025 from 4:00 pm to 6:00 pm at the Dagon Funeral Home, 38 Church St., Hornell, NY 14843. Funeral and burial services will be held privately.

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

West Almond, New York

William A. “Bill” Yates – 72 – of South Road, West Almond, died unexpectedly late Saturday evening (March 29, 2025) in Birdsall, NY.

Born in Rochester on March 9, 1953, he was the son of William & Elizabeth (Bottazzo) Yates.

Throughout the years, Bill resided in many locations including Marion, California, Pavilion, Avon, Caledonia and has lived in the Almond area since 1997.

He had been employed for many years as a machinist at Yates Machine, a family owned machine repair company located in Avon, NY.

In his younger years, Bill enjoyed hunting — especially bow hunting — and was considered a talented archer. He, along with his brothers, owned & operated Avon Archery and had been a member of Bow Man’s Club of Avon. When Bill was in his 20s, he loved drag racing especially when driving his ’55 Chevy. He could often be found competing at Spencer Speedway in Williamson, NY, Empire Dragway in York, NY or Niagara Speedway in Niagara Falls, NY. He also enjoyed fishing especially from his boat in the Thousand Islands.

Bill had a deep love of music and truly enjoyed playing drums. He actually passed away shortly after sitting in with a band at a local night-spot in Birdsall, NY simply doing what he loved to do — playing drums.

He was preceded in death by his parents, William & Elizabeth Yates; and his sister-in-law, Shirley Yates; and his former sister-in-law, Patricia Rolston.

Surviving are 4 brothers, Tom Yates of Caledonia, Steve Yates of West Almond, John (Lisa) Yates of Angelica and Michael (Rachel) Yates of Alexander, NY; his sister, Christine (Mark) Loomis of Springwater, NY; along with several nieces & nephews.

At Bill’s requests 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

Bill’s family request that in lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in his 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, New York

Linda D. Cornish, 66, of 293 Canisteo Street, Hornell, passed away unexpectedly at home on Sunday, March 30, 2025.

Born in Hornell on March 3, 1959, she was the daughter of Oliver and Eleanor (Lorow) Cornish.

Linda grew up in Hornell and was a Class of 1977 graduate of Hornell Senior High School.          Afterward, she attended Alfred State College and the University of Texas at Lubbock.

She worked for several years as a direct support professional for the New York State Office for People with Developmental Disabilities before her retirement.

Linda enjoyed tracing her family genealogy and taking long rides in the hills of Steuben County with her mother, in search of family interment sites and tending to those she found.  She was an animal lover, especially of her canine companions (Daisy and Dasher) and her cat, Phyllis.

She was preceded in death by her father, Oliver L. Cornish; her “better half,” Donald Gallese; her brother-in-law, Roger S. Kerr; and her nephew, Ian D. Kerr.

She is survived by her son, Benjamin “Ben” (Luisa) Cornish of Salem, MA; and her daughter, Madelaine “Maddie” Gallese of Hornell.  She is also survived by her mother, Eleanor L. Cornish of Hornell; two brothers, Mitchell (Collette) Cornish of Fremont, NY, and James “Oz” (Tonya) Cornish of Hornell; a sister, Kelly L. Kerr of Brockport; along with several nieces and nephews.

At Linda’s request, there will be no calling hours, and a private service will be held at the convenience of the family. Interment will be at Hornell-Rural Cemetery.

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

Linda’s family requests that, in lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in her name be made to the Hornell Humane Society, 7649 Industrial Park Road, Hornell, NY 14843.

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

Prattsburgh, New York

Fayette C. “Fay” Domm – 88 – of Pinoak Lane, Prattsburgh, NY died Saturday morning (March 22, 2025) at Elderwood at Hornell Nursing Facility in North Hornell.

Born in Canandaigua, NY on May 30, 1936, he was the son of Charles & Alice (Gladding) Domm.

Fay grew up in the Niagara Falls area and later lived in Naples, NY where he graduated from Naples High School (class of 1954).  Following high school graduation he enlisted into the United States Army and began what would become a 30 year military career.  While serving in the army, he was station in many places around the world including Germany, Hawaii and Ethiopia.  He also served two tours of duty in Vietnam during the Vietnam War and was twice wounded by shrapnel.  While in the United States he was stationed in several places including Ft. Campbell, KY and Ft. Bragg, NC.  During his military career, Fay received numerous medals including two Purple Hearts and the Bronze Star.

Following his Honorable Discharge from the Army, Fay resided for a time in Florida and South Carolina where he was employed as a bookkeeper & equipment manager for Tic Construction Company.  He later lived in Naples, NY where he was a life member of both the Naples VFW and the Naples American Legion.  He has lived in Prattsburgh for the past 20 years.  A true outdoorsman, Fay enjoyed camping, deer hunting and fishing.

In addition to his parents, Fay was preceded in death by 2 grandchildren, Christy Faye Michelle Hughes and Cheyenne’ Faye Sinclair.

He was married on January 22, 1955 (70 years) to the former Laura “Nancy” Richmond who survives.  Also surviving are 3 daughters, Mona Sinclair of Inglis, FL, Ginny (Don) Stocum of Wolcott, NY and Lisa (Dan) List of Hilham, TN; his sisters, Faith (Michael) Graff of Memphis, TN, Diana (Purley) Wilkinson of Naples, Charlotte (Wayne) Lincoln of Naples and Cindy (Dick) Baker of Naples; his brother, Charles Domm of Cohocton, NY; along with many grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces & nephews.

At Fay’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.

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

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

Cameron, New York

Joseph C. “Joe” DeKay – 66 – of Clark Road, Cameron, died early Tuesday morning (March 18, 2025) at Robert Packer Hospital in Sayre, PA following a long illness.

Born in Bath on July 30, 1958, he was the son of Chester & Effie (VanSile) DeKay.

Joe grew up in Cameron and attended Haverling High School in Bath, NY.  He had been employed for a time at Lane Pipe Company in Bath and later worked for Taylor Wine in Hammondsport where he wore many hats including tying grapes, picking grapes, pulling brush, tending to the vineyards, working in the winery and bottling.

He was briefly employed at Gunlock Corporation in Wayland and for a short time worked for the Town of Wheeler as a Truck Driver and plowing roads.  For many years he served as a driver for Busy Bee Disposal and later Casella Waste (33 years total), retiring in September, 2020.

Joe was a life member of the Bath VFW and a longtime Buffalo Bills Football fan — especially during the Super Bowl years and in recent years loved rooting for his favorite player, Josh Allen.  He was an avid NASCAR fan whose favorite drivers include Dale Earnhardt Sr., Dale Earnhardt Jr., and Martin Truex.  He also had an appreciation for “Muscle Cars” and throughout the years owned several muscle cars, including a Firebird, Camaro, and was proud of his 2015 Dodge Challenger.  In the summer months and when weather permitted, Joe loved taking long rides on his Harley Davidson Motorcycle.  He also loved spending time on the porch with his German Shepherd, Holly. J oe took pride in maintaining his lawn with his John Deere tractor.  He was an avid listener of loud rock music with his favorite group being AC/DC and his favorite local band, Buster Crab.

In addition to his parents, Chester & Effie, Joe was preceded in death by 2 brothers, James DeKay and Philip DeKay; 3 sisters, Marjorie Cummings, Patricia Wilcox, and Judy Sprague.

He was married on June 3, 2006 to the former Kathy Griffith who survives.  Also surviving are his children, Will (Kelly Smilinich) Nunn of Wallace, NY, Jennifer (Nathan) Damboise of Cameron, and Jeffrey (Nikki Didier) DeKay of Spearfish, SD; his brother, Scott (Bonnie) DeKay of Cameron; 3 grandchildren, Caitlin Nunn, Trevor (Liz) Nunn, and Nathan Nunn; 1 great-grandson, Andrew Nunn; many nieces & nephews.

At Joe’s request there will be no calling hours or services.  A “Celebration of Life” will be held on May 3, 2025 from 12:00 pm to 5:00 pm at the Hornell VFW, 245 Canisteo Street.

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

Joe’s family request that in lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in his name be made to the Finger Lakes SPCA, 72 Cameron St., Bath, NY  14810.

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

Hornell, NY  /  Alfred Station

Marie A. Diestler – 78 – of Pleasant Valley Road, Alfred Station, formerly of Elm St., Hornell, died unexpectedly early Monday morning (March 17, 2025) at Jones Memorial Hospital in Wellsville, NY.

Born in Hornell on May 19, 1946, she was the daughter of Michael & Helen (Fedor) Bigger.

Marie grew up in Hornell and was a graduate of St. Ann’s School and later graduated from Hornell High School (class of 1964).  She then moved to Rochester where she attended college.

In 1970, Marie moved to Japan where she lived for 2 years.  When she returned to Hornell, she moved into her home on Elm St., where she resided for over 50 years.  Recently she moved to Alfred Station so she could be closer to her grandchildren.

For several years Marie was employed at the former Bethesda Community Hospital and later went to work for Dr. Alan Folsom.  When Dr. Folsom retired, she went to work for Dr. Redding and then Dr. John Weyand where she served as office manager until her retirement in 2014.  Marie really loved being around people and had a way making you feel as though you had always been friends.

She was a member of Our Lady of the Valley Parish and a communicant of St. Ann’s Church where she served as Eucharistic Minister for many years.  Marie had a very strong faith and found much comfort in the church.  She spent a lot of time at the cemetery taking care of the graves of her loved ones.

Marie absolutely loved to cook.  She was famous for her homemade sauce and her stuffed rigatoni.  IF SHE EVER MADE THESE FOR YOU, THEN YOU KNOW!!   People often made request for her cooking at graduation parties, tailgate parties, holidays and birthday parties.  Marie especially enjoyed teaching her grandchildren her family recipes and traditions.  Everyone would take part in getting ready for the holidays and special occasions.

Having a love and talent for sewing and knitting, Marie would spend many months knitting scarves so she could have enough to donate.  She was very handy with her sewing machine.   She loved crafting.  She was very creative.  For almost every holiday, she made a homemade card for each of her grandchildren which they will always cherish.  In addition, she always had crafts and activities for her grandchildren.

Most importantly, Marie loved being with her grandchildren.  She had a very special bond with each and they were all very close.  She spent a lot of time with them and recently moved next door to them.  She loved the unexpected visits of them just popping over to see her or request some of her cooking.  Marie’s grandchildren were lucky enough to have her as the one and only person to babysit them as they were growing up.  People often told her son & his wife they “didn’t really know what it was like to be parents because they always had Marie around.”  Marie had the biggest heart and will be deeply missed!!

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her infant son, Michael Diestler (died 1968); her grandson, Benjamin Diestler (died 2007); 2 brothers, Michael Bigger and Stephen Bigger.

Surviving are her son, Andrew “Andy” (Billie Jean) Diestler of Alfred Station; 3 grandchildren, Andrew, Kaitlyn & Teagan Diestler; along with her nephew, Stephen (Michele) Bigger of Alpine, WY.

At Marie’s request there will be no calling hours.   A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Friday at 1:00 PM at St. Ann’s Church with burial in St. Mary’s Cemetery.

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

Marie’s family request that in lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in her name be made to either Our Lady of the Valley Parish, 27 Erie Ave., Hornell, NY  14843 or to Golisano’s Children’s Hospital (NICU) at Strong Memorial Hospital, 601 Elmwood Ave., Rochester, NY 14642.

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

Kinsley Morgan Drew

Heaven’s gain was our loss when our precious baby girl, Kinsley Morgan Drew was called by Jesus and became an Angel early Sunday morning (March 9, 2025) shortly after being born into this world.

Although Kinsley was only with us for about 30 minutes, she was very much loved, cherished and touched all of our lives. Our “Little Angel” will forever live in our hearts and will never be forgotten.

She was greeted at Heaven’s Gate by her infant brother, Maverick A. Drew; her maternal great-grandfather, Butch Roloson; her paternal great-grandparents, Carlton Drew, Sr., Rosalie Drew, James Bacon and Sharon Bacon.

Kinsley Morgan Drew was loved and will be sadly missed by her parents, Angel Robbins and Breydon Drew; maternal grandmother, Susan Brockway of Hornell; maternal grandfather, Peter (Crystal) Cefarilli of Victor; paternal grandmother, Gina Darrin of Hornell; paternal grandfather, David Drew of Hornell; maternal great-grandmother, Bonnie Roloson of Florida; her aunts & uncles, Shylah Roloson, Matteo Roloson, Remington Roloson, and Colton Roloson all of Bath, Shelby Dewey, Bethany Darrin, Payton Darrin and Mason Drew, all of Hornell; along with many other family members.

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.

Kinsley’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, visit www.dagonfuneralhome.com.

Allegany, New York

Ryan J. Lamberson – 33 – of North 2nd St., Allegany, died Saturday afternoon (March 8, 2025) at Olean General Hospital following a brief illness.

Born in Olean, NY on August 30, 1991, he was the son of Richard “Rick” & Elaine (Bell) Lamberson.

Ryan grew up in Allegany and was a graduate of Allegany-Limestone Central School (class of 2009).  He later graduated Magna Cum Laude from St. Bonaventure University (class of 2013) with a Bachelors Degree in Computer Science.

Ryan was employed as Director of VR Development at Kelly Design & Development of Allegany, NY.  He had a love of music and recently began taking guitar lessons.  Ryan enjoyed spending time on his computer and especially loved playing chess with people around the world.  He achieved an ELO rating of 1,345.  Ryan enjoyed lake fishing and shooting guns and was a member of the Portville Rod & Gun Club.  He also was an avid collector of WWII artifacts. Recently he found a love for trails and hiking in the State Parks.

Ryan was quick-witted, likable beyond measure, and highly competitive.  He believed all challenges must be fought.  Ryan was very well spoken and also had the innate ability to make people understand things.  He felt true joy in other people’s achievements.

He was preceded in death by his sister, Erica; his father, Rick Lamberson; his paternal grandparents, Bob & Kate Lamberson; maternal grandfather, Clyde “Tom” Bell; his aunts, Bobbie-Kay Mikolajczyk and Sally-Jo Lamberson; his uncles, Steve Mikolajczyk and infant, Joseph Lamberson; along with his dogs, Gus and ZuZu.

Surviving are his mother, Elaine Lamberson of Allegany; maternal grandmother, Linda Zink Bailey of California; maternal step-grandmother, Joan Bell of Allegany; his aunt, George-Ann Lamberson of Olean; his uncles, John (Lori) Lamberson of  Friendship, NY and Craig Bell of California; several cousins; along with many other relatives that he dearly loved, including Bonnie Robinson and his close friends: Casey Ensell, Lee Filbert, Dan Jaremko, and Dan Winger.

There will be visiting hours Saturday, March 22nd from 12 Noon until 1:00 PM followed by a Memorial Service at 1:00 PM at the Christ United Methodist Church, 633 Linwood Ave., Olean, NY with Rev. Ron Isaman and Frank Wilson officiating.

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

Ryan’s family request that in lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in his name be made to Eldred WWII Museum, P.O. Box 273, Eldred, PA 16731.

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