Hornell, New York

Elizabeth Jean “Betty” Fenton – (98) – formerly of 363 South Division St., Hornell, died Monday morning (March 20, 2023) at Elderwood at Hornell Nursing Facility where she had resided for the past 12 years.

A native & life resident of Hornell, she was born August 11, 1924, and was the daughter of Thomas & Evelyn (Feeney) Fenton.

Betty was a graduate of St. Ann’s School and later graduated from Hornell High School (class of 1942). She was a member of Our Lady of the Valley Parish and had been a communicant of St. Ignatius Loyola Church and St. Ann’s Church.

For over 40 years, Betty was employed as an operator for New York Telephone Company. She was a member of the “Pioneers” — a group of retired NY Telephone employees. Betty was a self-proclaimed “shop-a-holic” specializing on QVC (Home Shopping Network).

She was preceded in death by her brother, Jack Fenton and 2 sisters, Ruth Comstock and Catherine “Kate” Histed.

Surviving are several nieces & nephews.

The family of Elizabeth J. “Betty” Fenton will receive friends on Sunday from 5:00 PM until 7:00 PM at the Dagon Funeral Home, 38 Church St., Hornell, NY. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Monday at 1:30 PM at St. Ann’s Church with burial in St. Mary’s Cemetery.

Betty’s family request that memorial contributions in her name be made to St. Ann’s Academy, 41 Genesee St., Hornell, NY 14843. Memorial forms will be available at the Dagon Funeral Home.

To leave an online condolence or share a memory of Betty, please visit our website at www.dagonfuneralhome.com

Geneseo, NY  /  Conesus Lake, NY

Ralph J. “Jim” Coogan – 71 – of Conesus Lake died Friday evening (March 17, 2023) at Highland Hospital in Rochester, following a long illness.

Born in Hornell on January 18, 1952, he was the son of Ralph and Pearl (Clark) Coogan. In addition to his parents, Jim was preceded in death by his brother, Frederick “Fred” Coogan who died in 2019.

He was married on June 30, 1989, to Judy (Backer) Coogan who survives. Also surviving are his children, Andrea Carty of Hammondsport and Jamie (Sam) Scalise of Lakeville; his sister, Teresa Jaycox of Rochester; his grandchildren, McKenzie and Maci Scalise; several nieces and nephews, and many friends. He will also be greatly missed by his canine companions, Cooper and Lexi.

Jim grew up in Hornell and was a graduate of Hornell High School (class of 1970). While in high school, he was a member of the HHS band where he played drums and was also a member of the Hornell Drill and Drum Team.

A veteran of the US Army, Jim served his country as a First Sergeant Drill Instructor during the Vietnam Conflict, receiving a marksmanship award during training.

Following his honorable discharge from the military, Jim returned to the Hornell area and was employed for several years in the maintenance department of the former St. James Mercy Hospital. For about 15 years he worked in many capacities at the former Erie Railroad, Erie Lackawanna Railroad and Delaware & Hudson (D&H) Railroad including trainman, conductor, and in the yard office.

Jim was later employed at Kodak Corporation in Rochester. While working at Kodak, he decided to further his education and received his Bachelor’s degree in Reliability Engineering from Rochester Institute of Technology (RIT), later retiring about 5 years ago.

An avid outdoorsman, Jim loved hunting and fishing, and was an excellent marksman and a longtime member of the Springwater Rod & Gun Club.

At Jim’s request there will be no calling hours. Private services will be held at the convenience of the family. A “Celebration of Life” for family and friends will be held at a later date.

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

Jim’s family request that in lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in his 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.

Hornell / Canisteo / Arkport

Marjorie E. “Marge” McDaniel – 76 – of Hornell, formerly of Arkport & Canisteo, died unexpectedly late Friday evening (March 10, 2023) at St. James Hospital.

Born in North Hornell on June 17, 1946, she was the daughter of Lester & Delores (Manhart) Wing.

Marge grew up in Burns, NY and attended Arkport Central School. Throughout the years she lived in Burns, Arkport, and Canisteo. She had been employed for several years at Westinghouse Corporation in Bath and for 21 years worked in the Custodial Department at Alfred University, retiring about 12 years ago. Along with her husband, Larry, Marge delivered The Evening Tribune to many people throughout the Canisteo Valley for several years. Following her “retirement” Marge returned to the workforce and for about 4 years was employed in the cafeteria at Arkport Central School and for ProAction serving food to youth in the summer through the Summer Food Program.

She was a former member of the Burns Community Church and later the Canisteo Methodist Church. Marge had also been a member of the former Hornell Eagles Club. She loved playing bingo throughout her entire live and could be found at any of the many bingo games formerly found throughout Hornell, with a younger “Ricky” in-tow. Marge also bowled on many bowling leagues over her lifetime but in her later years, she especially loved bowling with the ladies on the Wednesday Woman’s League at Maple City Bowl.

Marge was known for being a “spitfire” – most always saying what she thought, appropriate or not, especially if it would make someone laugh. She was frequently known to say things “incorrectly” which lovingly became known as “Marge-isms”.

She was a devoted momma to her two Bichon puppies and was rarely seen without them. Dixie and DeeDee unfortunately proceeded her in death. All her grandchildren and great grandchildren in one way or another held a very special place in her heart which was evident to anyone that saw her eyes light up when one of them walked into the room.

Marge was married on January 6, 1973, to Larry McDaniel who died August 17, 2009. She was also preceded in death by her father and mother, Lester and Deloris (Manhart) Wing, her daughter and son-in-law, Rhonda (Aultman) and Dana Sawczyszyn; 2 sisters, Elizabeth “Liz” Holbrook and Rosemary “Rose” Burley.

Surviving are her children, Richard “Rick” (Polly) McDaniel of Canisteo, Tammy (Steve) Rauber of Burns, as well as her stepchildren, Bonnie (Tim) Smith of Cameron, Peggy (Gale) Miles of Canisteo, Lori O’Konski of Hornell, Chip McDaniel of Rochester and Bob (Linda) Houghtaling of Hornell, her grandchildren Allison McDaniel, Tyler Fay, Courtney (Stephen) Hierl, Randi Fay, Mackenzie (Corey) Towner, Dawson (Leighann) McDaniel, Jacob Fay, Sarah (Jason) Platt, Katie O’Rouke, Stephanie Rauber, Zack Rauber, Jennifer (Ronnie) Hendrick, Rebecca Smith, Thomas (Sarah) Smith, Kris (Lynn) Miles, Kelly (Jason) Woodworth, Michael (Nikki) McDaniel, Derik (Maya) O’Konski, Brent O’Konski, Emily Kent, Alysa Houghtaling, Angie (Mike) Vanderhoef, Anna Guiles and many, many great-grandchildren.

At Marge’s request there will be no calling hours. Please join the family in a celebration of life on Saturday at 1:00 PM at the Canisteo Methodist Church with a luncheon to follow in the fellowship hall.

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

Marge was an avid animal lover, especially for animals without a loving forever home. Therefore, please send memorial contributions, in lieu of flowers, 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.

Almond, NY / Olean, NY

Karen A. (Patrick) Sweezy – 61 – of 326 North 5th St., Olean, NY, formerly of Almond, died Friday evening (March 10, 2023) at her home, surrounded by her family, following a long illness.

Born in Hornell on January 10, 1962, she was the daughter of Clifford “Chup” & Stella (Brundu) Patrick.

Karen grew up in Almond and was a graduate of Alfred-Almond Central School (class of 1980). She later earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Human Services from Alfred State College and a Master’s Degree in Education from Alfred University. While in high school and in college, Karen was a dedicated and talented athlete, excelling in softball and soccer. She was honored in 2016 by being inducted to the Alfred-Almond Alumni Association Sports Hall of Fame. She later served as a softball coach, passing on her love & knowledge of the game to future generations.

Karen resided in Alfred Station, Wellsville and Olean for the past several years. She was employed as a teacher for the Genesee Valley Central School where she worked as a reading specialist at the Middle School for about 10 years. She later served as an employment counselor for Pro-Action in Hornell helping to secure jobs for the unemployed. She retired about 8 years ago due to illness.

Karen was a member of Our Lady of the Valley Parish and a communicant of St. Ann’s Church. She was a former member of the Hornell Moose Lodge, Carducci Lodge and the Hornell AMVETS. In her younger years, she loved spending summers in the Adirondack Mountains with her family and would search for the friendly bear named “Trouble.” Throughout the years, Karen enjoyed “crafts” and loved making beautiful quilts for family and friends, creating baptismal gowns for pre-mature babies, and bedding for the homeless. She always had a purpose for her creations that would benefit others! Karen loved the outdoors and taking long motorcycle rides with her fiancé, John Ricci and being a grandmother to Alexandria and Salvatore Sweezy.

She was preceded in death by her father, Clifford “Chup” Patrick.

Surviving are her fiancé, John Ricci with whom she resided; her son, Andrew (Kristen) Sweezy of Wellsville; 2 daughters, Maria (A. J. Butera) Sweezy of St. Petersburg, FL and Laura (Connor Insley) Sweezy of Tarrytown, NY; 3 sisters, Lisa Patrick of Hornell, Sherrill (William) Keihl of Geneseo and Mary (Fred) Grabowski of Geneseo; her mother, Stella (Brundu) Patrick of Hornell; 2 grandchildren, Alexandria Sweezy and Salvatore Sweezy; several aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, and cousins.

The family of Karen A Sweezy will receive friends on Thursday from 5:00 PM – 7:00 PM at the Dagon Funeral Home, 38 Church St., Hornell. A Memorial Mass will be celebrated on Friday at 1:30 PM at St. Ann’s Church.

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

Karen’s family request that in lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in her name be made to the Ronald McDonald House, 333 Westmoreland Drive, Rochester, NY 14620. Memorial forms will be available at the Dagon Funeral Home

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

Hornell, New York

Russ A. Parlavecchio – 70 – of 62 Oak St., Hornell, died Wednesday evening (March 8, 2023) at St. James Hospital following a long illness.

Born in Hornell on March 11, 1952, he was the son of Samuel & Rose Mary (Mulley) Parlavecchio.

Russ grew up in Hornell and was a graduate of Hornell High School (class of 1970).  While in high school, he worked as a disc jockey at WHHO Radio in Hornell and was later employed at Gunlock Corporation in Wayland, NY.

He had a deep affection for animals and throughout the years owned and loved many dogs & cats (his canine & feline companions).  He enjoyed rooting for the Buffalo Bills and also operating his elaborate train set which occupied an entire room at this home.

Russ was preceded in death by his parents, Sam & Rose Parlavecchio.

Surviving are his sister, Mary (Eric Reed) Parlavecchio of Wayland; his brother, Sam Parlavecchio of Hornell; 1 niece, Lindsey Lajoie of Coopers Plains, NY; 1 nephew, Jason Woodworth of Adams, NY; 6 great-nephews, Nicholas Woodworth, Zander Woodworth, Caiden Frasier, Jaylen King, Elijah King and Declan Brace.

At Russ’s request there will be no calling hours.  A private graveside service will be held at the convenience of the family at St. Mary’s Cemetery with Deacon Robert McCormick officiating.

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

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

Hornell, New York

William J. “Will” Livingston – 67 – AKA “Wilbur” of Palm Beach Gardens, FL, formerly of Hornell, passed away on Monday, March 6, 2023 at Palm Beach Gardens Medical Center, following a brief illness.

Born in Hornell on June 19, 1955, he was the son of William “Bill” & Lucy Ellen (Dagon) Livingston.

Will grew up in Hornell with his three brothers and one sister. He graduated from Hornell High School (class of 1973). Following his high school graduation, he became a plumber’s “apprentice” with a local plumbing company.

Moving to Palm Beach Gardens, FL in the early 1980s, Will continued his plumbing career working mostly on construction of many new high-rise apartments, condominiums and office buildings.

Will was an avid sports fan & his knowledge of all sports trivia was impressive. His favorite teams were the New York Yankees (MLB) and the Miami Dolphins (NFL). He also enjoyed playing the guitar and spoiling his cats, having raised several over his lifetime.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Bill & Lucy Ellen Livingston; and his brother, Steve Livingston.

Surviving are his sister, Joanie (Dave) Shabala of Olean, 2 brothers, Jim Livingston of Penfield, NY and Joe Livingston of Hornell; 2 nieces, Kate (Bryan) Lochner of Rochester and Sydney Livingston of Tampa, FL; 1 nephew, Tim (Rebecca Matt) Prior of Hornell; along with many cousins.

The family of William J. “Will” Livingston will receive friends on Saturday, April 1st, 2023 from 11:00 AM until 1:00 PM at the Dagon Funeral Home, 38 Church St., Hornell, NY. A Memorial Service will be held at the conclusion of calling hours at 1:00 PM with Deacon Robert McCormick officiating. Final interment will be in St. Mary’s Cemetery at the convenience of the family.

Will’s family request that in lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in his name be made to the Hornell Humane Society, 7649 Industrial Park Road, Hornell, NY 14843. Memorial forms will be available at the Dagon Funeral Home.

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

Almond, NY  /  Hornell, NY

Stephen D. “Steve” Kays, 75, of Almond, NY passed away Thursday morning (March 2, 2023) at home surrounded by family after a long illness.  

Born in Phoenix, AZ on June 9, 1947, he was the son of Joe and Esther Kays. 

Steve grew up in Hornell with his two brothers and two sisters where he excelled in high school sports.  During his years in High School, Steve was active in student leadership having served as the Class President and captured attention as a talented baseball and basketball player, gifts he shared with Hornell youth for many years following. 

Following high school graduation, Steve made a career working for the New York State Department of Transportation (NYSDOT), working his way from cleaning offices to managing multi-million dollar highway projects.  He retired following 30 years of service but continued to serve as a contracted project manager on highway project until 2017 when he was sidelined by illness. He saw the development of Route 17 and oversaw elements of its transformation into I-86 as well as numerous bridge replacement projects with his last being the Seneca St / Seneca Rd bridge replacement. 

Steve remained active in youth programs and sports for decades.  He was a Den Leader for Webelos, umpired baseball games, coached baseball teams in Little League and Babe Ruth League, and coached Biddy and High School Basketball.  His commitment to Hornell youth and was further demonstrated when he served on the Hornell School Board with a simple goal to improve the school experience for Hornell’s youth. 

He married the former Sue Perry in October 1966 and had four sons, Don, Bill, Mike, and Jim.  To give his boys a better life, Steve worked nights at the Coachlight Motel and poured concrete driveways and sidewalks for homes and businesses throughout Hornell.  He had a passion for classic cars and could identify one by its headlights.  Steve was a quiet man who preferred simple things in life — trips to Loon Lake, sledding at the Country Club, family trips to Darien Lake, Eldridge Park, or Long Point (which he did for the boys).  In his later years, he could be found tending to the yard or watching NASCAR races, football, or the Weather Channel.  While he regularly ducked cameras, many pictures show him in a rocking chair with a child on his lap. 

Steve is survived by his wife of 56 years, Sue; sons, Don Kays of Wilmington, NC, Bill (Eileen) Kays of Wasilla, AK, Mike (Tonya Drake) Kays of Almond, and Jim (Marie) Kays of Angelica; 17 Grandkids; 7 Great-Grandkids; his brother Mike (Judy) Kays and sister Laurie Kays. 

He was preceded in death by his parents; his brother Don “Butch”; sister Sunny; and grandchildren Mary Kathryn, Thomas, and Zoey. 

The family of Stephen D. “Steve” Kays will receive friends on Monday from 5:00 PM – 7:00 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.  A “Celebration of Life” will follow at Muhleisen’s Restaurant in Almond, NY.

The Funeral Mass & graveside service for Steve Kays will be streamed live and can be viewed on the Dagon Funeral Home Facebook page on Tuesday at 10:00 AM by visiting www.facebook.com/dagonfuneralhome.  The video will remain available for viewing on our Facebook page for 30 days.   

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the Hornell YMCA, 18 Center St., Hornell, NY  14843.  Memorial forms will be available at the Dagon Funeral Home.  

A special “Thank-You” to Dr. Pasquale Picco and his staff for the wonderful care that Steve received during his long illness.

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

Hornell, New York

Elizabeth S. “Kate” Campbell – 72 – a resident of the Houghton Nursing Facility, formerly of Hornell, died Sunday afternoon at Strong Memorial Hospital, following a brief illness. 

Born in Franklin, OH on March 3, 1950, she was the daughter of Richard & Verda (Smith) Erwin.   Her father, Rich was a professional wrestler who went by the name “The Oklahoma Ranger.” 

Growing up in a wrestling family, Kate traveled extensively throughout the United States and Europe.  For several years, she also performed as a wrestler under the name “Fallen Angel.”

A resident of the Hornell area for about 25 years, Kate enjoyed making jewelry — especially beaded necklaces. She had a deep affection for animals and at one time owned & operated a dog kennel and served as a dog breeder.

She is survived by her loving companion of 25 years, Tom Blake; several children & grandchildren.

At Kate’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.

Kate’s 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.

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

Alfred, New York

Mary A. Obuhanich – 76 – of 59 West University St., Alfred, NY, died Wednesday afternoon (February 22, 2023) at Highland Park Rehab & Nursing Facility in Wellsville, following a long illness.

Born in Hornell on September 24, 1946, she was the daughter of Nicholas “Nick” & Gertrude “Gert” (Baker) Obuhanich.

As a child, Mary’s family resided in many locations throughout the years (due to her father’s job with the FBI) including Norfolk, VA, Detroit, MI, Buffalo, NY, Elmira, NY and Cleveland, OH before moving to the Alfred area in 1961.  She was a graduate of Alfred-Almond Central School (class of 1964) and later attended Olean Business Institute and Alfred State College.

Mary had been employed at the Alfred State College Book Store for several years.  After working various other jobs in the Alfred area, she was employed for many years as a resident assistant for the Steuben ARC, primarily in Canisteo, NY.  She retired about 12 years ago.

She was a longtime member of the Alfred-Rural Cemetery Association where she served as secretary.  In her younger years, Mary was an avid golfer and a member of the Hornell Country Club and also enjoyed bowling in several women’s leagues.  She was a Fighting Irish of Notre Dame Football & Basketball fan and also loved rooting for the Buffalo Bills — especially during the Super Bowl years.

Mary will be remembered as a loving & caring woman who enjoyed helping family & friends in any way that she could especially serving as a “care-giver” when someone was sick or in need.  She will be sadly missed by all those who had the good fortune of knowing her!

She was preceded in death by her parents, Nick & Gert Obuhanich.

Surviving are 2 brothers, Nick (Lyn) Obuhanich of Grandville, MI and Mike Obuhanich of Belmont, NY; 2 nieces, Marcy Obuhanich and Michelle Obuhanich; 1 nephew, Lucas Obuhanich along with numerous special cousins.

At Mary’s request there will be no calling hours.  A “Celebration of Life” will be held on Saturday, May 13, 2023 from 12:00 Noon until 3:00 PM at the Off Duty Restaurant in Belmont, NY.  Please join her family and share stories & memories and simply celebrate the life of Mary.

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

Mary’s family request that in lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in her name be made to St. Jude Children’s Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN  38105.

Dorothy Anna Housworth, 90, loving mother, grandmother, and great grandmother died peacefully at home on February 18, 2023, after a long illness.

Born August 3, 1932, in Easton, PA, she was the daughter of Charles Arthur and Helen (Schaible) Ridge.  Dorothy grew up in Erwinna, PA attending the one-room Erwinna Schoolhouse and then graduating from Frenchtown High School, Class of 1950.  She had many happy memories of her childhood and the lifelong friendships she made.

On August 3, 1951, Dorothy was baptized in the Guyandotte River at Marianna, West Virginia while visiting her Aunt Alma.  She faithfully read her Bible each night and enjoyed the old-time hymns of her childhood.

She was married on August 29, 1952 to George Housworth.  They purchased land on Chestnut Ridge Road in Upper Black Eddy, PA where they built their home and raised their two sons.

In 1972, Dorothy began driving bus for the Palisades School District.  It was a job she loved, and she drove two generations of children to school safely for many years.

Dorothy was a kind, generous, and fun-loving woman who enjoyed many activities.  First, she loved spending time with her family.  Dorothy did her best to attend any activity in which her grandsons were involved.  She enjoyed going for rides, going to the shore, and playing pinnacle with the family.  Dorothy especially enjoyed going to the races, where she was the number one fan of her son Jim and later her grandson Jimmy.

In addition to her parents, Dorothy was preceded in death by her husband George; her two brothers, Gene and Jim Ridge; her sister, Betty Pagano; many much loved aunts and uncles; and recently her sister-in-law Marianne Schaible.

She is survived by and will be greatly missed by her two sons, George Housworth JR and Jim (Pat) Housworth; her five grandsons, James L. Housworth, James E. (Stacy) Housworth, Zachary (Ally) Housworth, Chad (Jess) Housworth, and Alex (Kristen) Housworth; and her great grandchildren Joseph Housworth and Adaline Housworth.  Also surviving are her two sisters, Sonja Mitchell and Cindy Cagle; her brother, Edwin Ridge; nieces, nephews, and many dear friends.

At Dorothy’s request there will be no calling hours.  Private services will be held at the convenience of the family with burial in Upper Tinicum Cemetery in Upper Black Eddy, PA with her husband.

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