Jack D. Gardner, Sr. – 83 – of 6420 Windfall Road, Canisteo, was welcomed home to heaven by his Lord and Savior Friday afternoon (August 27, 2021) at Strong Memorial Hospital in Rochester, following a brief illness.

Born in Hornell, NY on February 18, 1938, he was the son of Donald & Vivian (Wilcox) Gardner. Jack grew up in the Fremont, Hornell, and Canisteo areas and attended school in Hornell. As a young man, he resided in many places, including Fort Dix, NJ, Rochester & Batavia, NY before settling back in the Hornell area where he spent the rest of his life. He was a beloved husband, father, grandfather, and brother.

Being one of the youngest siblings in a big family, there were many fun times but he also learned the value of hard work at a young age. At 8 years old he started his own shoe shine stand and that was only the beginning. He would go on to work many jobs as a young man, including setting pins at the bowling alley, roofing, farm hand, and short order cook, before enlisting in the Army. After returning to the Rochester area he worked construction, truck driver for Rochester Carting, and then deliveryman for the Coca-Cola Corporation. Along with his brothers, he owned & operated Gardner’s Construction & Demolition and he also owned & operated Gardner’s Rubbish Removal Service and a service station in Hornell. In 1974, Jack established Gardner’s Auto Parts of Canisteo which he operated doing auto repair and towing until his retirement 13 years ago.

Jack enjoyed watching western movies, country western music, and in his younger years even going dancing. In his older years he liked meeting up with his sister JoAnn at her store, Uncle Jack’s, that she named after him, eating his wife’s home-cooking, and playing bingo.  He also enjoyed the outdoors and hunting. He had an infectious laugh and a knack for storytelling. Over the years he would enjoy a cup of coffee and joking with whomever stopped by the garage, knocked on his door, or sat near him at a diner. His sons have many memories of working by his side in the family business and the grandkids remember riding in the trucks and him sharing treats with them. His favorite times included his family and he always looked forward to the next time they gathered. Jack will be remembered as an extremely hard worker who loved and protected his family.

He was preceded in death by 5 brothers, Donald Gardner, James Gardner, Alan Gardner, William Gardner, and Darrell Gardner; 4 sisters, Myra Gardner, Vivian Gardner, Jeanette Evingham and JoAnn Updyke.

Jack was married on April 25^th, 1979 to the former Karen Norton who survives.  Also surviving are 2 sons, Jack (Teresa) Gardner Jr. of Canisteo and Alan Gardner of Hornell; 1 daughter, Traci (Mike) Porter of Canisteo; 14 grandchildren; 10 great-grandchildren; many nieces & nephews, and a special cousin Deanna Coates.

At Jack’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. 

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in Jack’s name may be made to the Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Disease.

Thelma A. “Tolly” Pelych – (95) – of 27 Glen Ave., Hornell, died Friday evening (August 27, 2021) at her home, surrounded by her loving family, following a       “disagreement with old age.”

A native & life resident of Hornell, she was born April 13, 1926 and was the daughter of Gerald & Thelma (Thomas) McCarthy.

Tolly was a graduate of Hornell High School (class of 1944).  For about 14 years she was employed as an office clerk in various departments of the former Erie Railroad and Erie Lackawanna Railroad.  In November of 1966, she ran for and was elected to the position of Hornell City Chamberlain.  She actually took office on January 1, 1967 and held the position until her retirement on December 31, 2011.  On April 13, 2000 (her birthday) the City of Hornell honored her by naming the city building the Thelma A. Pelych Municipal Building.

Tolly served as president of the NYS Society of Finance Officers from 1977-1978 and later served as secretary of the NYS Society of Finance Officers from 1979-1997.  She received the Distinguished Finance Officer’s Award in 1983.  In 1993, Tolly was honored by the NYS Society of Finance Officers when they established the “Thelma A. Pelych Advancement Award” for continuing education for its members.

In 2006, Thelma was honored by the NYS Conference of Mayors with a plaque for 40 years of attendance of the Fall Training School.  She received the Excellence in Financial Reporting Award from 1989 to retirement from the Government Finance Officers of United States & Canada.

She was one of the original founders of the Hornell Democratic Women’s Club and served as treasurer until 2012.  Tolly served as Campaign Chairman for the Hornell Area United Way Fund Drive from 1985-1986 and was a member & Past President of the former Business & Professional Women’s Club.

Tolly was an avid fan of both the New York Yankee and the Buffalo Bills fan and was a Buffalo Bills season ticket holder for many years.  She was also a die-hard Syracuse University Basketball Fan (she always said that she “BLEEDS ORANGE”) and also was a season ticket holder for many years.  Tolly loved playing cards (especially euchre & pinochle) and enjoyed her trips to the casinos.  She also enjoyed knitting and making beautiful sweaters & scarves for her family and friends.

Other hobbies & interests include working in her flower garden; reading; playing golf; working on crossword puzzles and working out on the bike at the YMCA.  For 10 years Tolly volunteered her time at the LPGA Corning Classic and in 2012, served as Grand Marshall of the Hornell St. Patrick’s Day Parade.  She was an active member of Maple City Sound from the beginning in 1988 where she served as Treasurer and Tabulator until her retirement in 2012.

She was a member of Our Lady of the Valley Parish and a communicant of St. Ann’s Church.  Tolly was a member of the Ladies of Columbus, Hornell Elks Lodge where she served as treasurer for two years.

She was married in 1948 to Joseph M. Pelych who died July 22, 1966.  She was also preceded in death by her daughter, Patricia Eicher who died March 11, 2002; 1 brother, Robert McCarthy who died in 1987; 1 sister, Rosemary Tuttle who died in 2012; her grandsons, Joseph Eicher who died in 2015 and Michael Pelych who died in 2019.

Surviving are her daughter, Kathleen “Kathy” Green of Hornell; 2 sons, Michael (Mary Jo Sullivan) Pelych of Hornell and Joseph (Susan) Pelych of Hornell; 1 brother, G. Thomas (Betty Ebert) McCarthy of Vienna, VA; 1 sister, Michele Lewis of Hornell; her sister-in-law, Joann McCarthy; 6 grandchildren, Lesley (Lai-Ting Torres) Green, Kelly (Isaac) Bancroft, Todd Eicher, Amy (Patrick) Pepples, Tom (Laura Keohane) Pelych,  & Joe (Nicki Toro) Pelych; 5 great-grandchildren; several nieces & nephews.

The family of Thelma A. “Tolly” Pelych will receive friends on Thursday from 4:00 PM – 7:00 PM at the Dagon Funeral Home, 38 Church St., Hornell, NY.  A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Friday at 10:00 AM at St. Ann’s Church with burial in St. Mary’s Cemetery.

The Funeral Mass for Thelma “Tolly” Pelych will be streamed live and can be viewed on the Dagon Funeral Home Facebook page on Friday at 10:00 AM by visiting www.facebook.com/dagonfuneralhome.  The video will remain available for viewing on our Facebook page for 30 days.

Due to health concerns and compromised immune systems of several members of the Pelych family, friends who have not been vaccinated against Covid are kindly asked not to attend calling hours and everyone will be required to wear a mask.  The family appreciates your understanding!!!

Tolly’s family request that memorial contributions in her name be made to the Hornell YMCA, 18 Center St., Hornell, NY 14843.  Memorial forms will be available at the Dagon Funeral Home.

James R. “Bloss” Blowers – 74 – of 2222 County Road 24, Swain, died unexpectedly early Monday morning (August 16, 2021) at Noyes Memorial Hospital in Dansville where he had been taken after being stricken at home.

Born in Hornell on August 25, 1946, he was the son of Richard & Viola (Truax) Blowers.

Jim grew up in Swain and was a graduate of Canaseraga Central School (class of 1964).  Following high school, he was employed for a short time at the Swain Ski Center. For 37 years, he worked as a Senior Material Handler/Group Leader at Atofina Chemical Corporation of Piffard, NY, retiring in 2002. Jim was a hardworking man with an outstanding work ethic. He would often be up at 2am to work overtime. He was a dedicated provider to his family.

A true outdoorsman, Jim enjoyed hunting and serving as a NYSDEC Hunter Safety Instructor.  He was an active member of the Canaseraga American Legion, Canaseraga Conservation Club, and served on the Town Council for the Town of Grove for over 30 years.

Jim loved the time he spent in his barn working on a variety of machinery, including cars of all kinds, tractors, and smaller items such as lawn mowers.  He especially loved working on his 1934 Ford Coupe! One of the things he enjoyed the most was having his friends stop by the barn to “shoot the breeze.”  He enjoyed gardening and was proud of the garlic that he grew every year and his porch plants.  Most of all, however, Jim loved the time spent visiting with his family & friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Richard & Viola Blowers.

Jim was married on October 5, 1974 to the former Marjorie “Margie” Fucci who survives.  Also surviving are his daughter, Mary (Chris) Clark of Corning; his son, James “Jimmy” Blowers of Nunda; 3 sisters, Patricia (Ed) Wright of , FL, Bonnie (Leon Lacy) Miller of Swain and Mary Lou Kernahan of Hammondsport; 2 grandchildren, Bryce Clark and Jaiden Blowers, both of whom were his pride and joy; and many nieces & nephews.

Jim will be sadly missed by his dear family and many special friends.

The family of James R. “Bloss” Blowers will receive friends on Saturday from 11:00 AM until 2:00 PM at the Dagon Funeral Home, 38 Church St., Hornell, NY.  A funeral service will be held at the conclusion of calling hours at 2:00 PM with Deacon Robert McCormick officiating.  Burial will be in St. Mary’s Cemetery.

Please note that those unvaccinated against the Covid Virus are required to wear a face mask.

Jim’s family requests that in lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in his name be made to the Canaseraga Conservation Club.

Paul Michael Nardecchia –  formerly of Hornell, NY, passed away on December 19, 2018 at his home in Fort Bragg, CA.

Born in Hornell on January 21, 1947 at Saint James Mercy Hospital, he was the son of the late Rose (Miele) & Elvidio Nardecchia.

Paul grew up in Hornell and was a graduate of St. Ann’s School (class of 1960) and was a 1964 graduate of the new Hornell High School. He played varsity football for all four years in High School. Paul proudly served in the United States Marine Corp from 1967 through 1972. He was stationed in Camp Pendleton after basic training and received an Honorable Discharge on February 23, 1972

After his discharge from the Marine Corp, Paul worked for United Airlines in Rochester, NY until transferring to Los Angeles, CA and then onto San Francisco, CA. He also worked for TAP Air Portugal while in San Francisco.

Paul received his Bachelor’s and Master’s Degrees in Business Administration and Computer Science from the University of San Francisco. He started his own computer consulting business and achieved several awards from pharmaceutical companies for his excellent work.

He loved to travel, was an avid reader and collector of first edition books. Paul loved animals, especially his pure bred beagles, Zach and Zina. He was a very generous and caring person. He loved to take his parents and aunts and uncles on vacation trips to various parts of the world.

After he retired, Paul lived in several Northern California cities until he found his dream retirement location in Fort Bragg, CA., which is a beautiful Pacific coastal community of approximately 7000 people. He absolutely loved it there and they loved him back. He became an integral part of, and a big supporter of that community.  He volunteered at the library, peeled potatoes for 1000 homeless people for their Thanksgiving dinner, helped his neighbors caring for their home and pets, fed wild homeless cats and grew tomatoes like his dad.

In addition to his parents, Paul was preceded in death by two infant brothers, John and Joseph Nardecchia; and one infant nephew, Thomas James Kelsey.

He is survived by one brother, Sebastian (Diane) Nardecchia of Danville, CA; one sister, Dorina (Dennis) Kelsey of Euclid, OH; two nephews, Michael (Michelle) Nardecchia of Rochester, NY, Steven (Jennifer) Kelsey of Wickliffe, OH; three nieces, Marisa (John) Looney of Danville, CA, Kristina (John Moroney) Nardecchia of Pleasanton, CA and Rosemarie (Kevin) Aubin of Lindley, NY; nine great nieces and nephews, Mara (Jason) Caccamise of Syracuse, NY, Maria (Brian Cameron) Nardecchia of Rochester, NY, Marianna and Michael Sebastian Nardecchia of Rochester, NY, Kyle (Breann Danielson) Looney of Fullerton, CA, Katelyn Looney of Charlotte, NC, Ella Looney of Danville, CA and Thomas G. and Zoe Rose Kelsey of Wickliffe, OH; two great-great nieces, Brooklyn Diane Looney and Stella Rose Caccamise; one great-great nephew; Santino Joseph Caccamise;  one aunt, Barbara Nardecchia, of Tonawanda, NY; his Godson, Joseph (Laurie) Nardecchia of Buffalo, NY and several cousins!

At Paul’s request there will be no prior calling hours.  A private Graveside Service will be held at the convenience of the family.

Family & friends are invited to a “Celebration of Life” to be held on Sunday, August 22, 2021 at The Main Place, 251 Main St., Hornell, NY beginning at 1:00 PM.

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

Donations in Paul’s memory may be made to:  Camp Rainbow Gold; A charity that provides year round camps, services and college scholarships for children battling cancer. This is a nonprofit that his niece Kristina founded and has helped nurture for two decades. It assures every penny will go toward the children.

216 W. Jefferson St. Boise ID 83702  www.shareyourheartball.org

Roberta A. “Bert” Margeson – (101) – of 1295 Bearlick Hollow Road, Hornell (Town of Hartsville) passed away early Wednesday morning (August 11, 2021) at Elderwood Nursing Facility in Hornell where she had resided for the past 3 months.

Born in Hornell on January 19, 1920, she was the daughter of Ira & Elsie (Amidon) VanCampen.

Roberta grew up in Hornell and resided in the Hornell – Hartsville area for most of her life.  She had been employed as a Press Machine Operator at Loohn’s Cleaners.  For many years, she, along with her husband, owned & operated the Margeson Dairy Farm on VanCampen Road in Hornell.

An avid reader, Roberta enjoyed working on crossword puzzles and playing cards with her grandchildren & great-grandchildren.

She was married for over 50 years to William J. Margeson who died in 1998.  She was also preceded in death by her daughter, Carol Margeson (died 1961); her twin sister, Ruth Mattice; and her daughter-in-law, Barbara Lee Margeson; her great-great-granddaughter, Hailey Reilly.

Surviving are her son, William I. Margeson of Hornell; 1 granddaughter, Stephanie (Raymond) France of Hartsville; 3 grandsons, William (Michelle) Margeson JR of Hornell, Kevin (Heidi) Margeson of Hartsville and Kelly (Kim) Margeson of Hornell; 7 great-grandchildren; 6 great-great-grandchildren; several nieces & nephews.

At Roberta’s request there will be no calling hours.  A private graveside service will be held at Rural Cemetery at the convenience of the family.

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

James A. Baker – 36 – of 27 Crosby St., Hornell, died unexpectedly on Saturday (July 31, 2021) at his home.

Born in McKinney, TX on July 22, 1985, he was the son of Rose Daniels.

A resident of New York State for most of his adult life, James was a graduate of Marcus Whitman High School in Rushville, NY.  He had also resided in Canandaigua, Penn Yan, Crystle Beach, Wallace and has lived in Hornell for the past 6 years.  Throughout the years he worked many jobs and most recently began working for Janitronics Janitorial Service of Western, NY.

James had a deep appreciation of music and enjoyed going live concerts, especially “Jelly Roll” and “DMX”.  He was extremely proud of his “Body Art” (tattoos) and was a Dallas Cowboy Football fan.

He also loved spending time browsing the internet and keeping in touch with family & friends on Facebook.  He especially enjoyed spending time with his fiancé and his children.

Surviving are his fiancé, Jenna Pierson with whom he resided; 4 children, Izzy Baker, Hayden Baker, Remeigh Daniels & Lyric Daniels; 2 step-children, Bella Orellana & Karson Pierson; his mother, Rose Daniels of Oklahoma City, OK; 1 sister, Sherry Pennington of Texas; aunts, uncle, cousins, nieces & nephews.

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.

James’ family request that in lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in his name may be made to Casa-Trinity, 86 River St., Hornell, NY 14843

Kathleen C. “Kathy” Jones – 75 – of 71 Church Street Court, Hornell, died early Thursday morning (July 29, 2021) at F.F. Thompson Hospital in Canandaigua, following a brief illness.

Born in Hornell on February 21, 1946, she was the daughter of Calvin & Jeanette (McKibben) Covell.

Kathy grew up in Hornell and was a graduate of Hornell High School (class of 1964).  Throughout the years she resided in several locations, including Bliss, Castile, Rochester, Corning and Georgia.  Although she lived in many places, she always considered Hornell her home!

She had been employed for a time in the Medical Records Department at St. James Mercy Hospital; Champions Athletic Clothing Store and Wegmans Grocery in both Corning & Rochester.  Kathy was most proud of her time working as a caregiver for Sally Nowells.

Kathy was an avid New York Giants Football fan and New York Yankee Baseball fan.  She also enjoyed crocheting & sewing and will be remembered for making beautiful baby sweaters, baby blankets, and lap blankets for family, friends, and military families that she met through several military family Facebook groups.

She was married on August 26, 1977 to Loren Jones who died April 12, 2013.  She was also preceded in death by her brother, Dean Covell.

Surviving are 3 daughters, Karen (John Goff) Amidon of Cairo, GA, Beckie Austin of Andover and Kari (Jason) Ide of Knoxville, TN; 2 sons, Jim Amidon of Hornell and Jason Jones of Hornell; 2 brothers, Steven (Jana) Covell of Goshen, KY and Bob (Dolly) Llewellyn of Hornell; Hornell; 9 Grandchildren, Raymond and Katie Rahmlow, Heather (Travis) Gill, Patrick Austin, Matt (Stephanie) Amidon, Jackson Wilson, Alexander Amidon, Anna Ide, Ayden Jones, Skylar Jones; 4 great-grandchildren, Laci, Silas, Madeline, Penelope; several nieces and nephews, including her niece Kelley (Mike) LaCross.

A Memorial Service will be held on Saturday, August 7^th at 11:00 AM at the United Methodist Church of Hornell with Pastor Lenny Fuller officiating.  A “Celebration of Life” will follow the service at the home of Jim Amidon, 13 Glen Court in Hornell.

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

Kathy’s family request that in lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in her name be made to Military Mama Network, 2405 Essington Rd, Ste B-142, Joliet, IL 60435 or by visiting www.militarymamanetwork.org.

Audrey M. Ahearn – 93 – of Redlands, CA, formerly of Hornell died May 29, 2020 at her home, following a long illness.

Born in Hornell on February 20, 1927, she was the daughter of John & Bernice (Leahy) Waight.

Audrey grew up in Hornell and was a graduate of Hornell high School (class of 1945).  While living in Hornell, she was a communicant of St. Ann’s Church and also served as a leader for the Camp Fire Girls.  She was a skilled seamstress and fashioned a variety of outfits for her family.

She was married on January 23, 1947 to James “Jim” Ahearn.  They resided in Hornell until 1969 and then moved to California.  They later moved to Japan where the lived for three years.

On her return to California, Audrey furthered her education and graduated from Los Angeles City College in Los Angeles, CA.  She was employed as a Central Supply Supervisor at Ingleside Hospital in Rosemead, CA for many years.  After her retirement, she served as a school crossing guard and was beloved as “grandma” to the children in her neighborhood.  Audrey was a prolific reader and a huge fan of Country music.  She loved to travel, and Hawaii & Mainland China were two of her favorite destinations.

Audrey was preceded in death by her former husband, James “Jim” Ahearn; her son, James “Dan” Ahearn; and her brother, Johnny Waight.

Surviving are 2 daughters, Kathleen Ahearn of Bakersfield, CA and Diane Ahearn of Redlands, CA; her daughter-in-law, Violet Ahearn of Mesa, AZ; 8 grandchildren; 17 great-grandchildren; 2 great-great-grandchildren; nieces & nephews.

The family of Audrey M Ahearn will receive friends on Friday, August 6, 2021from 10:00 AM  –  11:00 AM at the Dagon Funeral Home, 38 Church St., Hornell, NY.  A Memorial Service will be held at the conclusion of calling hours at 11:00 AM with Deacon Robert McCormick officiating.

Audrey’s son, James “Dan” Ahearn who died March 24, 2020 will also be remembered and honored at the Memorial Service.

Audrey’s family request that in lieu of flowers, 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.

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

Houghton / Hornell

James D. “Dan” Ahearn – (70) –formerly of Houghton, NY, and Hornell, died Tuesday, March 24, 2020 at his home in Mesa, AZ where he had resided since 2015.

Born in Hornell on June 18, 1949, he was the son of James & Audrey (Waight) Ahearn.

Dan grew up in Hornell and was a graduate of Hornell High School (class of 1968).  He later attended Alfred State College.

He was retired from US Navy, serving his country from 1968-1972 as a Navy SEABEE and also from 1976-1991 as a Chief Hull Maintenance Technician.  He also saw two “Tours of Duty” in Viet Nam.

While still serving in the US Navy, Dan resided several years in Connecticut and following his retirement he lived there for another 13 years working in the plumbing, heating and air-conditioning field.  Dan returned to Hornell NY in 2004 and lived in Houghton NY since 2012 and Mesa Arizona since 2015.

He was a member and past commander of the Hornell VFW and a member of the AMVETS.  He was also a former member of the Hornell Elks Lodge, Hornell Association, Hornell Moose, Hornell American Legion and the Knights of Columbus.

Dan was a former member of St. Ignatius Loyola Church. He enjoyed motorcycle riding, photography and pistol shooting.

He was married on February 29, 2012 to the former Violet Thompson who survives.  Also surviving are his son, Brandon (Lydia) Ahearn of Waterford, CT; 4 daughters, Samantha Ahearn of Clearfield, PA, Rebecca (Jerry) Fethers of Ruskin, FL, Shannon Ahearn of Waterford, CT and Erin (Mike) MacDonald of Waterford, CT; his nephew whom he raised, Thomas Ahearn of Waterford, CT; 2 sisters, Kathleen Ahearn of Bakersfield, CA and Diane Ahearn of Redlands, CA; 2 step-children, Catherine Doughty of CT and Jack Caine of AZ; 16 grandchildren; 2 great-grandchildren and nieces & nephews.

The family will receive friends on Friday, August 6, 2021 from 10:00 – 11:00 AM at the Dagon Funeral Home, 38 Church St., Hornell, NY.  A Memorial Service with full military honors will be held at the conclusion of calling hours at 11AM with Deacon Robert McCormick officiating. Final interment will be in the Bath National Cemetery, Bath, NY.

Dan’s mother, Audrey, who died May 29, 2020 will also be remembered and honored at the Memorial Service.

Dan’s family requests that in lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in his name be made to: St Jude Children’s Hospital as he was a long time contributor.  Memorial forms will be available at the Dagon Funeral Home.

In recognition of Dan’s service to his country, the American Flag at the Dagon Funeral Home will be flown at half-staff.

John M. Graves died July 25, 2021 at the Bath VA Medical Center Hospice, following a stroke several weeks earlier and after battling with dementia and mobility problems for over 5 years. John was born in Oneonta, NY on August 25, 1944, he grew up in Oneonta and was a 1963 graduate of Oneonta High School. Following high school, he worked several small jobs and stayed involved with his local Boy Scout Troop. He loved hunting and trapping and being outdoors. In 1965 he was drafted into the U.S. Army, where he trained to be a Radio Operator and as a Special Forces “Green Beret” Ranger. He proudly served his country for two years during the VietNam era. Following his honorable discharge from the US Army in 1967, John enrolled in the Wanakena Ranger School, in Wanakena, NY, graduating in 1969.

John drove out west after graduation to work as a Surveyor in Washington’s Olympic Range, also driving the Alaskan Highway stopping to fight forest fires in British Columbia and working in a factory in Fairbanks. One of his proudest moments was summiting Mt. Rainier with Mike Banner in 1970 in his Coonskin Cap. He was offered a job by phone while still out west as a Forest Ranger back in NYS in 1970 and came back East to begin a career with NYS as a Forest Ranger.

John was a NYS Forest Ranger for 7 years, even donning the Smokey the Bear costume with fellow Ranger Peter Rossi educating school children about the importance of Fire Safety. John accepted a position 7/7/1977 as NYS EnCon officer and then completed his NYS  Environmental Conservation Officer Academy in Albany, NY graduating in Dec 1977. That is also the year he joined the U.S. Army Reserves. John continued his service with the US Army Reserves from June 10, 1977 through June 7, 1990, even after a para jump accident in Germany during a Reserves Training Mission in 1984 that left him with a broken back and many other serious injuries.

He proudly served as the Region #4 NYS EnCon Officer in Schoharie & Montgomery Counties until retiring in 2007 after 37 years of total service to NYS. During this service he took as many special details that he could, in particular he loved the Salmon River Fishing detail every year as well as the NYS Fair Educational Detail. In 2001, John also joined the cleanup and rescue efforts following the 9/11 terrorist attacks in NYC.

John was many things including an amateur Numestician, antique trap collector, and a true “outdoorsman” who loved nature and thoroughly enjoyed working his land, logging and later archery and fishing, always donning either lumberjack plaid or hawaiian shirts. He would walk the woods at night with his kids when they were young and call the owls with his special call and they would fly in closer to have a chat. When he was younger he competed in the General Clinton Canoe Regatta every year, just loving the competition and being out on the water racing the canoe with his different partners over the years. He also enjoyed his membership in the Wanakena Ranger School Alumni Association. He was so proud of Ranger school and took a nearly annual trip during their reunion weekend with the kids along as often as possible to camp by the seedling house, canoe, swim, hike to the Big Pine or Fire Tower, watch the stars, and sit around the campfire and tell stories of years ago.

Around 2015 he started having more significant issues with his mobility and after a year of trying, his daughter convinced him to come to North Carolina to spend the winter with her and her kids so he didn’t have to shovel the snow. He made it down in Dec. 2016 and then just became part of the family. He lived with Shannon and Ben in NC and then in Rush, NY when they moved back north to be closer to family and to make sure John had the VA care he needed for his medical concerns and advancing dementia. He loved watching the grandkids play and showing them nature documentaries and every old Western movie he could find.  They also learned all about Andy Griffith, M.A.S.H., Gomer Pyle, Hogan’s Heroes, and Blue Bloods. They loved his stories of the past and all his adventures and they miss having him guard the living room and helping him get his root beer floats at night.

Surviving are his daughter, Shannon (Ben) Ronnenberg of Rush, NY and 3 grandchildren, Heidi, Andre, and Allen Ronnenberg; daughter, Cheri F. Graves (Brooks Lastinger) of Spartanburg, SC; son, Skyler M. Graves of Seattle, WA; and daughter Savanah E. Graves of Bozeman, MT. He was predeceased by both parents, William E. Graves of Oneonta, NY and Mary E. (Buranosky) Graves of Renovo, PA. He is survived by 4 siblings: sister SueAnn Simonds of Oneonta, NY; sister Mary Catherine “Mamie” Gohde of Otego, NY; brother William “Bill” Graves of Oneonta, NY; and sister Ruth Stanley of Oneonta, NY. He is also survived by many beloved nieces and nephews and cousins and very special friends including Nicholas Plano of Harleysville, PA  and Gabrielle Plano of Middleburgh, NY.

Private services will be held by the family with final interment, by invitation, in the Bath National Cemetery with full Military Honors and brief remarks on August 25, 2021 at 2pm.

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

John’s family request that in lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in his name be made to the Wanakena Ranger School Alumni Association at https://www.nysrsaa.org/

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