Hornell, NY / Arkport, NY

James “Jay” Pullman, Jr. – 80 – of 6 Brush St., Arkport, formerly of Hornell, died unexpectedly at home on Sunday, September 3, 2023.

Born in Brooklyn, NY on August 2, 1943, he was the oldest of seven children born to Dr. James & Johanna (Blaas) Pullman.

Jay grew up in Hornell and was a graduate of Hornell High School (Class of 1961). He earned his Bachelor’s Degree in English from Wesleyan University in Middletown, CT and later earned his Master’s Degree in Education from Cornell University in Ithaca, NY.

He resided in Newfield, NY for many years and was employed as an English Teacher at Ithaca High School for over 35 years, retiring in 1999. Following his retirement, Jay moved to Bay St. Louis, MS where he resided for a short time. After losing his home there to Hurricane Katrina, he moved back to the Hornell/Arkport area where he met his wife, Terry in 2005.

After moving to Arkport, he was finally able to devote time to his passion of oil painting. Jay studied art in many locations throughout the world, including France, Spain, Mexico, Italy, Tennessee and New Hampshire. In recent years, his home has become an art gallery with countless paintings on the walls. Jay has created and sold thousands of paintings for people throughout the country.

Jay had a deep appreciation of music and was a gifted guitar player. In his younger days he was a member of a band, playing in the Ithaca area. He enjoyed going to concerts and also visiting coffee houses.

He was a member of the St. James Property Board and also served as Vice President of the Bethesda Foundation.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Dr. James & Johanna Pullman; and by his former wife, Patricia “Pat” Schu Pullman.

Jay was married on March 11, 2006 to the former Theresa “Terry” Guenther who survives. Also surviving are his daughter, Amy (Steven) Galiotti of Spencerport, NY; his son, James (Eydie) Pullman of New Albany, MS; 3 step-daughters, Elsa (Michael) Geraci of Rochester, Kristen (Justin) Hammond of Nashville, TN and Katie (Max) Houy of Arkport; 3 brothers, Joseph “Joe” (Ellen Ketchum) Pullman of Truxton, NY, John (Sue) Pullman of Cardwell, MT and William “Bill” (Tamara) Pullman of Los Angeles, CA; 3 sisters, Helena (Paul) Bunker of Sinking Spring, PA, Linda Pullman of Wellsville and Johanna (David) Jaffer of San Jose, CA; 8 grandchildren; several nieces & nephews.

At Jay’s request there will be no calling hours. Family & friends are invited to a “Celebration of Life” on Thursday (September 14, 2023) from 4:00 PM – 7:00 PM at The Main Place, 251 Main St., Hornell, NY where stories of Jay’s life can be shared by all. Final interment will be in Heritage Hill Cemetery, Arkport, NY.

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

Jay’s family requests that in lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in his name be made to the Arkport Public Library, PO Box 1028, Arkport, NY 14807.

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

Hornell, New York

Carmelo Maldonado – 75 – formerly of Elmira, NY died Thursday morning (August 31, 2023) at Maple City Rehab & Nursing (formerly Hornell Gardens) where he has resided for the past six months.

Funeral arrangements are incomplete and will be announced by the Dagon Funeral Home, 38 Church St., Hornell, NY.

Hornell, New York

Dean G. Wesley – 86 – of 114 Crosby St., Hornell, died early Friday morning (August 25, 2023) at Maple City Rehab & Nursing (formerly Hornell Gardens) with his loving wife by his side.

Born in Dansville, NY on December 23, 1936, he was the son of Gorden & Janet (May) Wesley.

Dean grew up in Hornell and was a graduate of Hornell High School (class of 1956). He was a veteran of the US Army, serving his country from 1959 – 1961 and was stationed in Japan for most of his service. He later served as a member of the US Army Reserves.

For 38 years, Dean was employed as a machinist at the former Foster-Wheeler Corporation, retiring in 1995. He enjoyed golf and was well known around town for his long daily walks during his retirement years. Dean was an avid sports fan and enjoyed rooting for the New York Yankees, Buffalo Bills and Syracuse Orangemen. He also loved his “canine companion,” Alex, very much.

Dean was a member of Our Lady of the Valley Parish and had been a communicant of St. Ignatius Loyola Church; St. Jude Parish (Alfred) and St. Ann’s Church. He was a member of the Hornell American Legion and a former member of the Hornell Moose Lodge and the Hornell Association.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Gordon & Janet Wesley; his daughter-in-law, Dr. Susan (Rainwater) Wesley; 2 brothers-in-law, Richard Wager & Donald Wager.

Dean was married in Cohocton, NY on November 18, 1961 to the former Jean Marie Wager who survives. Also surviving are his son, Michael Wesley (and his former spouse, Julianne Blanco Wesley) of Hornell; his daughter, Liz Wesley of Leroy, NY; his brother-in-law, Douglas (Beth) Wager of Warminster, PA; 3 sisters-in-law, Deborah (Robert) Thurling of Keuka Park, NY, Janet Wager of Millersville, PA and Jeanette Wager of Schwenksville, PA; his special cousins, Johanna Curtis and Sandy Smith; several nieces & nephews; along with his “girlfriends” at Maple City Rehab & Nursing.

At Dean’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

Dean’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, New York

Ezequiel “Zeke” Rodriguez – (66) – of 140 Hornell St., died Thursday evening (August 24, 2023) surrounded by his family, following a long illness.

Born in Barceloneta, Puerto Rico on September 24, 1956, he was the son of Juan & Carmen (Rivera) Rodriguez.

Zeke grew up in New York City and was a graduate of Brandeis High School. He was a veteran of the US Army from 1975 to 1978 and ran concurrently with the National Guard until 1998. He was stationed in several locations including North Carolina, New Jersey, Texas and Germany.

He has resided in the Hornell area for over 20 years and was a self-employed carpenter and handyman also, a nurse assistant, home health aide, & forklift operator.

Zeke enjoyed music (especially Salsa Music) and played the Congas (AKA Conga Drums). He also was a “nature lover” who enjoyed camping & fishing. Although Zeke had no special team, he liked watching NFL Football on TV.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Juan & Carmen Rodriguez.

Survivors include his longtime friend & companion, Celine Le with whom he resided. Also surviving are his children, Giselle Ortiz (Rodriguez), Chaz Rodriguez, Rochen Loren Rodriguez, Nicole Sherise Rodriguez, Vanessa Jovan Rodriguez, Fabian Davon Rodriguez, Nikko Rodriguez;
his siblings, Juan R. Rodriguez, Evelice Solano, Marycel Rodriguez and Enid Gonzalez; his nieces & nephews, Shenice Patton, Jamal Rodriguez, Yvonne Nicole Rodriguez, Onix Solano, Julian Solano, Elisha Rodriguez-Ford, Alexis Torres, Yaxier Torres and Naya Gonzalez; 10 grandchildren; 3 great-grandchildren; other family members; Stella Millett, Pedro Solano and Henry Gonzalez; and many friends from Hornell.

The family of Ezequiel “Zeke” Rodriguez will receive friends on Friday, September 22, 2023 from 12:00 (Noon) 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 Glenn Kamery of the Jehovah’s Witnesses officiating.

The Memorial Service will be held both in-person and on Zoom beginning at 1:00 PM. To join the Zoom meeting, follow the link below:

1. Click link: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/87618146235?pwd=ZStzQzhWZ1U0Sm50NEdOaUN2MTFmUT09
2. Enter meeting ID and Password if prompted:
3. Meeting ID: 876 1814 6235
4. Passcode: 813102

Zeke’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

Paul R. George – 78 – of 34 Sawyer St. Site, Hornell, died unexpectedly Sunday evening (June 25, 2023) at the Steuben Center for Rehabilitation in Bath, NY.

Born in Hornell on April 26, 1945, he was the son of Henry & Helena (Ferrin) George.

Paul grew up in Almond, NY and attended Alfred-Almond Central School. He grew up on the family farm and worked the farm passionately until it was sold in the late 1990s.

Paul had been a communicant of St. Brendan’s Church of Almond. He was an avid NASCAR fan and also enjoyed fishing. He was a true outdoorsman who, in his younger years, enjoyed camping, hunting and motorcycle riding. Paul often talked about taking “road trips” with his brothers. In recent years he simply loved going for a long drive throughout the countryside and appreciating the beauty of “Mother Nature.” Paul loved spending time watching old westerns on TV, his favorite being Gunsmoke. His greatest joy, however, was simply spending time with his children and grandchildren.

He had been married and divorced to the former Linda Willis with whom he remained friends until her death in 2017. On January 8, 2005 Paul married the former Michelle “Mickey” Carlton who died in 2013. He was also preceded in death by his brother, John George; his nephew, Frankie George; his sister-in-law, Sylvia George; his “feathered friend”, Rocky; several aunts & uncles.

Surviving are his daughter, Amanda (Richard Stevens) George of Hornell; 3 sons, Jason George of Ballston Spa, NY, Joshua George of Hornell and Jacob (Kim Bancroft) George of Hornell; 12 siblings, Nick (Patsy) George, Frank (Eunice Darnell) George, Joann George, Rosie George, Polly (Steve) Mehlenbacher, Edward (Laurie) George, Philip (Cathy) George, Charlie George, Chris (Debbie) George, Theresa George, Lucy George and Jessie (Kevin) Howe; his grandchildren, Jamie VanValkenburg, Cody George, Danielle Stromsness, Syble Billings, Logan Bancroft, Emily Bancroft, Kasey George and Jacob Dawson George; many nieces & nephews.

The family of Paul R. George will receive friends on Sunday, August 27, 2023 from 12:00 Noon until 2:00 PM at the Dagon Funeral Home, 38 Church St., Hornell, NY. A Memorial Service will be celebrated at the conclusion of calling hours at 2:00 PM with Deacon Robert McCormick officiating.

Paul’s family request that in lieu of flowers, memorial 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.

Bath, NY / Hornell, NY

Richard Greco – 78 – formerly of Montour Falls, NY, died Monday (August 14, 2023) at the Steuben Center Nursing Facility in Bath, NY where he resided since October, 2022.

Born in Rochester, NY on February 6, 1945, he was the son of James & Annie Greco.

He is survived by several cousins, nieces & nephews.

At Richard’s request there will be no calling yours or services. 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

John Vaccarella – 76 – of Farmington, NY died early Saturday morning (August 12, 2023) at Maple City Rehab & Nursing Facility (Hornell Gardens) where he had resided for the past 2 Weeks.

He was born in Rochester on April 25, 1947 and was the son of Leon & Evelyn Vaccarella.

John grew up in Rochester where he graduated from high school. For many years he was employed as a cab driver for Monroe Cab Company.

He was preceded in death by his sister, Gina and his brother, Stephen.

Surviving are his siblings, Thomas, Teresa, Jeffrey, James, Joanne & Scott.

At John’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.

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

Arkport, New York

Melinda “Mindy” S. (Nickel) Gates of 9123 Strobel Road, Arkport, NY passed away Friday morning, August 11, 2023, at Noyes Memorial Hospital in Dansville following a far-too-short battle with aggressive breast cancer.

Born in Niagara Falls, NY on December 20, 1961, she was the cherished daughter of her late parents, Robert “Bob” & Bertha “Bert” Nickel.

Mindy spent most of her childhood in Fairmont, West Virginia and moved to the Arkport area when she was a senior in high school. She was a graduate of Arkport Central School (class of 1980) and later graduated as a Licensed Practical Nurse from Monroe Community College.

For several years, Mindy served as a pediatric nurse at Genesee Hospital in Rochester, NY and as an LPN at various outpatient dialysis centers in Connecticut and California. Since returning to Arkport and marrying her long-time companion David Gates (August 17, 2012), Mindy spent the last 15 years working with children as both a nurse and a teaching assistant at various school districts in the area. She held a special place in her heart for a little boy named Cameron, with whom she worked as a one-on-one nurse.

Mindy was loved and highly regarded by her church family. She was a vital and integral part of the Arkport Presbyterian Church and enthusiastically participated in church events, sang in the choir, served as their financial secretary and sat on the leadership board. She was chairperson of the Christian Education Committee and brought vibrant energy to various youth ministry activities; she loved the Lord and helping children make a connection to Him. Having a deep love of animals, Mindy (and her husband David) owned and operated a family hobby farm: caring for goats, horses, mules, donkeys, cows, chickens and pigs. Throughout the years, she fostered and rescued countless vulnerable and sick animals and provided the physical and emotional care to give them better lives; Mindy was a constant advocate for the welfare of all animals. She also enjoyed crafting and was known for the beautiful barn quilts she made and sold at Lulu’s Quilts and Treasures in Arkport.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Bob and Bert Nickel.

Mindy was devoted to her adoring husband David, who survives. She also cherished their family and their children: Jessica (Kevin) Johnson of Fairport, NY; Steven Dennis of Arkport; Donovan Gates of Arkport; Karen (Mike) Smith of Hornell; Karla (Johnny) Yarka of Hornell; Kristie (Tommy) Radford of Horseheads; two sisters, Denise (Jim) Kemp of Covington, GA; Michele (Terry Muchler) Nickel of Hornell; one brother Robert (Mary) Nickel of Fort Walton Beach, FL; seven grandchildren: Hannah Perno, Jake Perno, Wesley Radford, Ethan Radford, Vivian Smith, Willa Smith and Kayleigh Johnson; several nieces and nephews, and many treasured friends. She also leaves behind a house full of her favorite-furry-rescues: Chewy (Petunia), Libby (Maude), Gisele (Wheezy), Magoo (the upstairs cat), Sunny (the black and white one) and Twister (Pegleg).

At the family’s request, there will be no calling hours. A Celebration of Life will be held Saturday, August 26 at the Arkport Presbyterian Church. The service will start at 11AM with a reception and celebration to follow. As she would have embraced and wanted – all who loved and cared for Mindy are welcome to attend.

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

Mindy’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 or to your preferred Breast Cancer Research Foundation.

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

Wallace, NY / Hornell, NY

Sally E. Towner Olmsted – 64 – of Long Lane Road, Wallace, NY, died Wednesday afternoon (August 2, 2023) at Noyes Memorial Hospital in Dansville following a long illness.

Born in Bath, NY on June 3, 1959, she was the daughter of Vernon “Red” & Mary (Townsend) Towner.

Sally grew up in the Hornell – Howard area and was a graduate of Avoca Central School (class of 1977). She had been employed at Alstom Transportation for several years and later worked at Philips Lighting in Bath for about 17 years.

She enjoyed crafts and loved making beautiful quilts which she would give to family & friends. Sally also enjoyed creating beautiful wreaths during the holiday seasons. She was also an accomplished seamstress. She had been a member of the Cohocton American Legion.

Sally was preceded in death by her mother, Mary (Townsend) Towner; 4 sisters, Linda Sue Towner, Virginia “Ginny” Cartella-Boyer, Maryann Slobbe and Debra “Debi” Angell.

She was married on July 23, 2016 to Allen Olmsted who survives. Also surviving are her father, Vernon “Red” Towner of Avoca; along with several nieces & nephews. She will also be sadly missed by her canine companion, “Otis.”

The family of Sally E. Towner Olmsted will receive friends on Saturday, August 12, 2023 at the Wallace Wesleyan Church, Wallace NY from 10:00 AM until 11:30 AM. A Memorial Service will be held at the conclusion of calling hours at 11:30 AM with Pastor Bill Spencer officiating.

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

Sally’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, visit www.dagonfuneralhome.com.

Hornell, New York

Mark A. Panaccione – 66 – of Lincoln Gardens, Hornell, passed away on Sunday, July 30, 2023, at Strong Memorial Hospital in the presence of his family.

He was born on June 8, 1957, in Newark, NJ, to Gerald Panaccione & Sally (Barone) Panaccione.

During his youth, Mark developed a passion for attending antique car shows. He lovingly restored a 1954 Ford, which he proudly showcased at an English Town Car exhibition that spanned from Hanover, NJ to Wildwood, NJ. In addition to flipping antique cars and trucks, Mark enjoyed the exhilarating pastime of motorcycle riding. He also found great pleasure in refurbishing furniture and skillfully crafting wooden wall plaques.

Mark embraced creative pursuits and was a self-taught artist. His talent spanned across various mediums, with a collection of oil landscape paintings and cartoon illustrations comprising his body of work. These artistic endeavors earned recognition at local libraries, where Mark’s art was exhibited. Notably, he was renowned for his exceptional assortment of Rat Fink models, which captivated the admiration of friends and family.

In his later years, Mark found joy in engaging with his grandchildren through craft projects, particularly during festive occasions. Devoted to his family, he relished the opportunity to cook for his loved ones, with lasagna serving as a favored dish. Mark’s cherished tradition included spending each holiday with his relatives, making lasting memories with his children and grandchildren.

Mark is survived by his daughter, Tina White, her fiancé Kenneth Medcalf and her three children, Aiden Panaccione, Lilly and Kadence White. He is also survived by his daughter, Melissa Makarick, and her two children, Gracie and Oliver Makarick. Additionally, his sister, Donna Otto and her husband, Andrew, along with their three children, Elizabeth and her husband Jason Bedor, Andrea and her husband Nathan Colpitts, and James Otto and girlfriend, Taylor Curtin, also survive him. Lastly, his brother, Jerry Panaccione, and his wife Marianne, along with their two children, Michael Panaccione and Danielle and her husband Mark Pabers, also survive him.

The family of Mark A. Panaccione will receive friends on Saturday, September 2, 2023 from 12:00 (Noon) 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 remembrances by family & friends.

Mark’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.