Gary T. Dye – 54 – of 1452 Sharps Hill Rd., Hornell, (Town of Fremont) died Tuesday afternoon (April 27, 2021) at Strong Memorial Hospital in Rochester, following a long illness.

Born in North Hornell on February 8, 1967, he was the son of the former Betsey Kilbury and Forrest Dye.

Gary grew up in Fremont and was a graduate of Arkport Central School (class of 1985).  From a young age, he was introduced to the workings of his family business, Frost Lee Dairy Farm.  While in high school, Gary developed a strong work ethic while working on the family farm and continued for many years following high school graduation.

Following the sale of Frost Lee Dairy Farm, Gary began working for the Town of Fremont, first as an equipment operator and later serving as Supervisor of the Road Crew.  He was later employed as a cement truck operator in Mt. Morris and an equipment operator for Briggs Dairy Farm and Hendee Homestead, both of Fremont.

Throughout the years he developed a deep love for the Town of Fremont where he served as a life-member of the Fremont Fire Department and many years as Chief.  For over 20 years, Gary served on the Fremont Board of Appeals and was also a member of the Fremont Cemetery Association.

Gary was a member of Our Lady of the Valley Parish and a communicant of St. Ann’s Church.  He loved getting together with his family and friends during “deer season”, simply enjoying each other’s company and being in the “great outdoors.”  He will be remembered as a “peacekeeper” who could always see both sides of any debate or argument.  He simply wanted everyone to “get along” and put their differences behind them.

A self-proclaimed “Jack of All Trades”, Gary could fix just about anything.  He enjoyed spending countless hours in his workshop (which held tools too numerous to count), simply tinkering and working on various projects.  He also loved helping his family and friends with anything that they needed.  He will be sadly missed by everyone that had the pleasure of knowing him!!

Gary was preceded in death by his son, John E. Dye who died May 2, 2011; his step-father, Floyd Farley; his mother-in-law, Patricia Hale; his father-in-law, Roland Hale; his brother-in-law, Khalid Ashraf.

He was married on December 9, 1988 to the former Ann Hale who survives.  Also surviving are his daughter, Danielle “Dani” (Lance) Rawlings of Pompano Beach, FL; his mother, Betsey Farley of Hornell; his father Forrest (Mary) Dye of Lee, FL; 1 brother, Barry (Mary) Dye of Hornell; his step-sister, Kelly (Dean) Wightman of Prattsburg, NY; his in-laws, Mary (Dale) Pena of Hilton Head, SC and Lisa (Brooks) Crankshaw of Wilmette, IL; 2 nieces, Courtney (Robert Myers) Ashraf and Aline Crankshaw; 1 nephew, Patrick (Tricia) Wightman.

At Gary’s request there will be no calling hours.  A Memorial Mass will be celebrated on Saturday  (May 8, 2021) at 11:00 AM at St. Ann’s Church with final interment of Gary, along with his son, John, in the Fremont Cemetery.

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

The Memorial Service for Gary T. Dye will be streamed via YouTube and can be viewed on the Dagon Funeral Home Facebook page on Monday, May 8, 2021 at 11:00 AM by visiting www. facebook.com/dagonfuneralhome   The video will remain available for viewing on our Facebook page for 30 days. 

Gary’s family request that in lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in his name be made to either the Fremont Fire Department or the Fremont Cemetery Association.

Gerrald M. “Skip” Conley Jr. – 53 – of 10194 County Route 961-F, Arkport, NY (Town of Burns) died unexpectedly Saturday evening (April 10, 2021) at his home.

Born in North Hornell on July 2, 1967, he was the son of Gerrald & Linda (Brokaw) Conley.

Skip grew up in Hornell and attended Hornell High School.  He had been employed for about 3 years at Magic Cleaners of Hornell and later worked for Livingston County ARC in Mt. Morris, NY for about 1 year.  Moving to Wellsville in 1992, Skip was had been employed at Northern Lights Candles in Wellsville and also worked as a truck driver for Dunkin’ Donuts of Wellsville.  Along with his wife, Robin, Skip owned & operated Conley’s Recycling for about 10 years.

A loyal Pittsburg Steelers football (NFL) fan, Skip and also loved watching professional wrestling (WWE) on Monday Night Raw.  He also enjoyed fishing — especially on Alma Pond and a “Little Bit of Gambling”  by playing Bingo and purchasing Quick Draw & Scratch-Off tickets.  He was known as a “Jack of All Trades” who could “Jerry-Rig” just about anything.

Skip was preceded in death by his father, Gerrald M. Conley Sr. and also his “sister” Tonya Simpson.

He was married on November 8, 1984 to the former Robin Henry who survives.  Also surviving are 2 daughters, Fuleshea (John) Spangler of Spartanburg, SC and Laura (Ralph Dorrough) Conley of Hornell; 2 sons, Michael (Jamiee) Conley of Friendship and Joseph (Sharra Maillet) Conley of Wellsville; his Godchildren, Brandon Pitcher & Jessica Pitcher; his mother, Linda Brokaw of Scio; 3 sisters, Sharlene Conley of Scio, Mary Conley of Rexville & Jennifer Conley of Hornell; 4 brothers, Ronald (Tess Green) Conley of Wellsville, Kenneth (Jeanie) Conley of Pennsylvania, William (Beth) Manry of Friendship and Tim (Emmy) Conley of Hornell; 8 grandchildren, Lily, Suri, Lyxie, Keyanna, Karter, Alex, Isabelle & Jaslynn; several aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces & nephews.

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

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

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

                                                   March 15, 2021

Allen “Sam” Palmiter – 72 – of Chester, VA,  formerly of Canisteo, NY, passed away following a brief illness.

Sam survived Multiple Sclerosis which he battled since 1974.  He grew up in Canisteo and attended Canisteo High School.  He worked in Retail from 1967 – 1993 and had served in the National Guard Unit in Hornell, NY.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Everett & Emily (Green) Palmiter.

Surviving are his wife of 52 years, Lorna Martin Palmiter; 2 daughters, Desireé (Will) Childress and Marcie (Mike) Neiger; 3 grandchildren, Victoria Rose (Zack) Antonioli, David Childress and Isaiah Childress; 2 step-grandchildren, Tiffany (Josh) Lewis and their son, Ollie and Alex Neiger; 2 sisters, Geraldine Brewer and Elaine (David) Minuto.

Sam’s family would like to take this time to tell everyone who knew & loved him just how much they meant to him.  “Sam enjoyed phone calls and following friends & family on Facebook.  He was the most loving and courageous man that we have ever known.  He taught us that, no matter how hard and often that tragedy struck, that we do not have to live tragically.  We cried short and laughed long, and lived the fairy tale that Walt Disney did not write!  He will be missed by us all.”

At Sam’s request there will be no calling hours.  Private services will be held at the convenience of the family.

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

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

Kevin L. Crosby – 63 – of 9 Howard St., Hornell, died late Monday evening (March 29, 2021) at his home, following a long illness.

Born in North Hornell on June 17, 1957 and was the son of Leo & Rose (Generalli) Crosby.

Kevin grew up in Hornell and was a graduate of Hornell High School (class of 1975).  During his time in high school he excelled on the football field.  Following high school graduation, he enlisted in the US Navy and served his country from 1976-1980.  While in the Navy, Kevin was stationed aboard the USS Enterprise and traveled throughout the world visiting such places as Africa, Philippines and Hong Kong.

After being honorably discharged from the US Navy, Kevin returned to the Hornell area.  Taking advantage of the GI Bill, he enrolled in Alfred State College where he earned his Associate’s Degree in Plumbing & Heating at the Wellsville Campus.

For well over a decade, Kevin worked for several local construction companies as a “Jack of All Trades” doing plumbing & heating, electrical and any other job that needed doing.  Although stationed in Hornell, his work took him to many places throughout New York State and New Jersey. He retired in 1995 due to injuries sustained in a construction accident.

Kevin was an avid sports fan who enjoyed watching hockey, tennis, football & baseball on TV.  He especially loved rooting for the Buffalo Bills (football) the New York Mets (baseball) and watching the tennis Grand Slams with his wife.  When his children were young, Kevin served as a Hornell Little League Coach and a Babe Ruth League Baseball Coach.  He loved traveling throughout New York State and Canada to watch his children’s sporting and school events. He also loved taking family vacations to such places as Georgia, Myrtle Beach and Massachusetts — sometimes camping or simply visiting relatives. Most of all Kevin truly enjoyed being a “Family Man” and “Proud Papa.”

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by 2 brothers, Thomas Crosby and Leo Crosby.

He was married on September 13, 1985 to the former Lisa Giglio who survives. Also surviving are 1 daughter, Casey Lee (Fran Marino) Crosby of Hornell; 2 sons, Kevin Joseph (Schatanna) Crosby of Hornell and Nathan (Mallery) Crosby of Corning; 2 brothers, William Crosby of Hornell and Michael Crosby of Louisville, KY; 1 sister, Mary Ellen O’Brien of Hornell; 2 grandchildren, Isaiah Garcia and Caroline Crosby; several nieces & nephews.

At Kevin’s request there will be no calling hours. A private “Celebration of Life” will be held at the convenience of the family. Final interment will be in the Bath National Cemetery, Bath, NY.

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

Kevin’s family request that in lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in his name be made to the St. Jude Children’s Hospital, PO Box 1000 — Dep’t 300, Memphis, TN 38148.

RuthAnna Smith – (94) – of 8 Park Ave., Arkport, NY, passed peacefully Friday morning (March 26, 2021), following a brief illness.

Born in Milo Center, NY, on August 18, 1926, she was the daughter of Harry & Ruth (Bement) Tuttle.  She had resided in the Watkins Glen area and was a graduate of Watkins Glen High School.  She was introduced to the love of her life, Bernard Smith, by her best friend and his sister, Rita Smith.  As a result, she resided in the Arkport Area since 1949.

RuthAnna had been employed as a teller for Security Trust Company of Arkport for about 9 ½ years.  She then began a career that she loved, spanning 20 years with the Steuben County Department of Social Services in several capacities, including Social Welfare Examiner and Senior Social Welfare Examiner, retiring in 1992 as a Fraud Investigator.  The notorious “RAS” was a great partner to the last, and always remembered her “snoop sisters” fondly.

She was a communicant of St. Ann’s Church and was a former member of the St. Ann’s School Mother’s Club.  She was the first school crossing guard (of course she was!) for the Village of Arkport (early 1950’s) and was a long-time member of the Arkport American Legion Ladies’ Auxiliary.  RuthAnna had a love of all animals but especially enjoyed her miniature horses, traveling to various fairs and horse shows with her son, Bernie, to show her Rose.  She often came home with many ribbons!

Enviably, RuthAnna had the ability to always see the best in everyone.  She long has been a staple of the Arkport community in her pink house on Park Avenue, with gorgeous flowers that abounded from every nook and cranny.  Each year her tuberous begonias were incomparable, and her hanging baskets were marvelous; the hummingbirds knew hers was the best perch in town.

RuthAnna found the greatest joy in her grandchildren and great-grandchildren who endlessly made her giggle and laugh.  The sign in her living room that read, “What happens at Grandma’s never happened,” was certainly true and those kids enjoyed ice cream for breakfast, playing in her jewelry, drawing on her giant chalkboard in the playroom, and having her sit on the sidelines for their contests and events; especially mat side at wrestling matches.  She was always their biggest fan. She celebrated every success and helped them overcome the deepest of downfalls with a reassuring pat, positive attitude, and a plan.  They each know she loves them, “a bushel and a peck and a hug around the neck.”  Always a class act, she was perfectly coiffed at every moment primarily in pink; hair and nails done, lipstick on, and dressed to the “9’s.”  RuthAnna’s sense of style, undeniable sparkle, wit, and love of a good laugh will be difficult to live without.

RuthAnna was married on November 16, 1946, to Bernard Smith, Sr., who died January 18, 2011.  She was also preceded in death by her brothers, Robert Tuttle, Harry Tuttle, Herbert Tuttle, and Charles Tuttle; her sister, Ellen Voorhees; two grandsons, Patrick Smith, and Adam Kronk; and her dearest friend, Pearl White.

Surviving are two sons, Bernard “Bernie” (Cathy) Smith of Arkport and Bryan Smith (Nancy Berry) of Arkport; one daughter, Bernita Fajardo of Aylett, VA; two sisters, Norma Jean “Jeanie” Payne and Frances Secord; three brothers, Jack Tuttle, James Tuttle and Harold Tuttle; five grandchildren, Brenda Smith (Dave Davis), Bradley Smith (Claire), Jillian Smith, Jamie Burdett Stamey (Silas), Ashley Outten; ten great-grandchildren, Ellison, Lane, Aaron, Elizabeth, Anna, Sarah, Emmalynn, Norah, Madison and Josie; several nieces & nephews; special friend Patricia White; and her beloved cat, Uno.

At RuthAnna’s request there will be no calling hours.  A Memorial Mass will be celebrated on Thursday at 10:00AM at St. Ann’s Church.  Final interment will be in Heritage Hill Cemetery, Arkport, NY.

Memorial contributions in RuthAnna’s name may be made to a charity of the donor’s choice.

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

Robert L. “Bob” Flaitz, Sr. – 86 – formerly of 106 Thacher St., Hornell passed away peacefully Friday morning (March 19, 2021) with his daughter by his side at Elderwood at Hornell Nursing Facility where he resided following a long illness.

Born in Hornell on February 1, 1935, he was the son of Leon and Lena (Saxton) Flaitz.

Growing up in Hornell, Bob was a graduate of Hornell High School (class of 1953) where he excelled in many sports.  As a senior, he was named “Athlete of the Year” and at times was called “Mr. Basketball”.  Bob was named All-County scorer in basketball was unanimously selected First Team All-Sectionals, First Team All County and was selected  MVP in both basketball and football.  He later became one of the first inductees into the Hornell High School Sports Hall of Fame.  During his high school years, Bob also spent many hours at the Hornell City Pool as a lifeguard.  Upon graduation, Bob enlisted in the United States Marine Corps where he served as a Drill Sergeant.  He was stationed in Parris Island, SC from 1953-1956. Upon returning home Bob attended Brockport State College, Alfred State College Corning Community College and Broome Tech.

Bob spent most of his life in Hornell where he held many different service positions.  He spent 20 years as a police officer for the Hornell Police Department.  During his early years at the department, Bob served as a motor officer, riding a motorcycle and checking the meters on Main Street.  He aided in delivering babies, was instrumental in saving lives and received citations for Valor in the Line of Duty.   In 1966 he was awarded “Policeman of the Year.” He retired as a sergeant at HPD.

Throughout the years, Bob was employed as a Prudential Insurance Company Salesman; a laborer at Foster Wheeler of Dansville; and was later employed at the North Hornell Police Department where he served as Chief of Police for 17 years.  Following his “retirement,” Bob worked as a collections officer at Steuben Trust Company, owned & operated a street painting business in Hornell and officially retired as the head of security at Morrison-Knudsen in Hornell.

In addition to his many jobs, Bob also served as a 1^st Ward Alderman for the City of Hornell for several years and later was awarded the “Key to the City” after being named “Republican of the Year” in Hornell.  He was a member of Christ Episcopal Church where he served as a Vestryman for several years.  He was a past member of the Hornell Elks Lodge, Hornell American Legion & Hornell Police Club.

Bob was a “Sports Fanatic” who loved coaching the youth of Hornell.  He was active in Little League Baseball, JV Football and Vince Lombardi Football.  He coached Midget League Football (the Cowboys) for many years earning many championship trophies.  He coached the Christ Episcopal team at the YMCA’s Sunday School Basketball League.  He was also part of the coaching staff for the Hornell Red Raiders Football team in the early 1980’s.  He also held a certification as a basketball referee.  Bob was an avid New York Yankee & New York Giants fan and enjoyed playing golf.  He and his wife, Donna, spent many years traveling around attending their grandchildren’s many sporting events.  He was a very proud grandfather and enjoyed representing the various high schools, Colleges and Pant Saggin Dezign attire.  He will be remembered for his great storytelling at family gatherings and his famous reaction to all things funny “rubbing his hands together with excitement.”

Bob was preceded in death by his brothers, Samuel Flaitz, Richard Flaitz, George Flaitz, & Donald Flaitz; along with his sisters, Geraldine “Dean” McLane and Kathryn House.

On December 21, 1954, Bob married the love of his life and high school sweetheart, Donna Piccirillo who survives.  Also surviving are two sons, Robert (Lori) Flaitz of Hornell and Joseph (Meghan) Flaitz of Hornell; one daughter, Nikki (William) Harkenrider of Canisteo; six grandchildren, Nick Flaitz, Erin (Kyle) Morrison, Ryan Flaitz, Curt (Dominica) Flaitz, Zachery & Richie Harkenrider; six great-grandchildren, Rowdy, Rebelle, Rayder & Raddix Flaitz, Ginny and Cecilia Morrison, one step-great- granddaughter, Emma Morrison; one brother, Jacob Flaitz of Arkport; and one sister-in-law, Delores Flaitz of Hornell; many special nieces & nephews.

The family of Robert L. Flaitz Sr. will receive friends on Saturday, April 3rd 2021 from 12:00 Noon – 2:00 PM at the Dagon Funeral Home, 38 Church Street, Hornell, NY.  A private Memorial Service will be held at the convenience of the family with Deacon Robert McCormick officiating.  Final interment will be in St. Mary’s Cemetery.

The Memorial Service for Robert L. Flaitz will be streamed via YouTube and can be viewed on the Dagon Funeral Home Facebook page on Saturday, April 3^rd , 2021 at 2:30 PM by visiting www.facebook.com/dagonfuneralhome .  The video will remain available for viewing on our Facebook page for 30 days.

Robert’s family requests that memorial contributions in his name be made to the Alzheimer’s Association, Rochester & Finger Lakes Region Chapter, 435 East Henrietta Rd., Rochester, NY 14620 or 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 print a memorial form, visit www.dagonfuneralhome.com

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

2016

Gordon E. Schiller – 80 – of 1479 Chestnut St., Hornell, died early Friday morning (March 19, 2021) at St. James Hospital following a brief illness.

Born in Batavia, NY on October 7, 1940, he was the son of Gordon & Elsie (Behrens) Schiller and was raised by his maternal grandparents, Frederick & Catherine Behrens.

Gordon grew up in Geneva, NY and was a graduate of Geneva High School (class of 1959).  He earned his Bachelor’s Degree in Elementary Education from SUNY Geneseo.

From 1963-1964, Gordon taught 6^th Grade at Dansville Elementary School and from 1964-1968 taught 7^th Grade Math at Middlesex Central School in Middlesex, NY.  In 1968, Gordon moved to the Hornell area and for the next 27 years served as 7^th Grade Math teacher for the Hornell City School District.  He retired in 1995.

While attending SUNY Geneseo, Gordon became a member of the Phi Sig Fraternity and throughout the years maintained close friendships with many of his fraternity brothers.  He enjoyed reading and collecting “Juvenile Series Books” such as Nancy Drew, Hardy Boys, Chip Hilton & Ken Holt and occasionally wrote articles for the “SUSABELLA PASSENGERS”, a publication on juvenile series books.  He also owned an extremely large collection of vintage yearbooks, primarily from places close to his heart such as Hornell, Geneva, Geneseo, and Arkport.

Gordon was a Pepsi aficionado as he not only savored his ice-cold Pepsi, but collected all things Pepsi.  He enjoyed the outdoors and in his younger years loved to go “woodchuck hunting”.  He was a devoted father and “family man” who never missed his daughters’ soccer & basketball games, track meets, and other school activities.  Without a doubt, he was their #1 Fan!!!

In addition to his parents and grandparents, Gordon was preceded in death by his half-brother, Frank Schiller.

He was married on December 17, 1983 to the former Joanne Canestra who survives.  Also surviving are 2 daughters, Bethany Schiller of Trumansburg, NY and Jill (Mike Lepelstat) Schiller of Hornell; sister, Patricia Schiller of Geneva; half-sisters, Audrey (Barry) Panepento of El Mirage, AZ and Bette (Keith) Wright of Valrico, FL; a large extended family, and many friends.

The family of Gordon E. Schiller will receive friends on Friday, March 26, 2021 from 4:00 PM – 6:00 PM at the Dagon Funeral Home, 38 Church St., Hornell, NY.  Private services will be held at the convenience of the family with Deacon Robert McCormick officiating.  Final interment will be in St. Mary’s Cemetery.

The Memorial Service for Gordon Schiller will be streamed via YouTube and can be viewed on the Dagon Funeral Home Facebook page on Saturday, March 27, 2021 at 11:00 AM by visiting www.facebook.com/dagonfuneralhome.  The video will remain available for viewing on our Facebook page for 30 days.

The family of Gordon Schiller would like to thank the doctors, nurses and the entire staff at St. James Hospital for the wonderful care and comfort that they provided.  It was greatly appreciated!

Gordon’s family request that in lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in his name be made to the Hornell Public Library (64 Genesee St., Hornell, NY 14843), or to the restoration of the Phi Sig Fraternity House (Phix Associates, C/O Mike Schmidt, 2 Greenfield Lane, Rochester, NY 14610).  Memorial forms will be available at the Dagon Funeral Home.

Allen T. Butler of Hornell, NY was found deceased in his home on Wednesday March 17^th, from natural causes. He was 78 years of age.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Charles and Lillian (Culbert) Butler; his siblings, James, Barbara, Violet (Mahoney), Paul, Larry (Pete), Robert (Bob), Louise, Billy, Joseph, Richard (Dick), Lois, Janet, and Eugene Butler.

Surviving are his siblings, Walter (Walt) Butler, Linda Brunette, and Schuyler (Butch) Hawley; his children Thomas, Lisa (Zimmer), and John Butler; the mother of his children, Janice Fardette; his grandchildren Kristen, Sarah, Nicolas, David, Christopher, Arthur, Jesica, Matthew, Joseph, and Jared; many nieces, nephews, and several great-grandchildren.

Allen’s father was from East Freedom, PA (Butler-Hollow Road) while his mother came from nearby East Conemaugh.   He was born in Cleveland, OH yet, apart from about 15 years spent in Rochester, he was raised and spent most of his life in Steuben County.

His first job was as an usher at RKO Palace in 1958.  He progressed to machinist work and home supply businesses.  Allen became very skilled in the all phases of the home construction trade; doors, windows, carpentry, drywall, roofing, siding, painting, electrical, and plumbing.  He formed a business partnership and opened Whet-But Home Improvement.  Eventually a back injury suffered on the job forced him to occasional work as a sub-contractor, whenever his health allowed.  He never truly retired and was always working on a new project in his home during his spare time.

Allen was very organized and paid great attention to detail. He loved children and animals. They could do no wrong in his eyes. Allen enjoyed many cats and dogs over the years. His last dog (Lily) died in 2016.  He even cared for the birds and cats in his neighborhood until the very end of his life.

At Allen’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

Joanne S. Villante – 85 – of 10642A Poags Hole Road, Arkport, NY (Town of Burns) died Monday morning (March 8, 2021) at her home, following a long illness.

Born in Hornell on December 2, 1935, she was the daughter of Wilfred “Will” & Carmel “Connie” (Everritt) Sheon.

Joanne grew up in Hornell and was a graduate of Hornell High School (class of 1953). She married and resided in Painted Post NY, and was employed by Lodge on the Green where she met several celebrities including Vivian Vance, John Wayne and Van Johnson. She later resided in Corning NY with her children and married the “Love Of Her Life, Robert Decker. They moved to Hopewell NJ and then to Stewartsville NJ.  Joanne was employed at Warren acres as a Juvenile Correction Officer for 10 years, while residing in Stewartsville.  After Bob’s death she moved back to New York State.

Returning to the Arkport-Canaseraga area in 1988, Joanne served as a Nurse’s Aide at Sue’s Rest Home in Hornell for several years.

Without a doubt, Joanne led an interesting and exciting life. In her younger years she enjoyed fencing, skydiving and race car driving. She had a deep appreciation for the outdoors and loved fishing, doing yard work and growing beautiful flowers. Joanne also wrote poetry and had many poems published.

Joanne loved all animals and enjoyed the company of her many pets, including lamas, peacocks, goats, horses and capuchin monkeys, along with many canine companions.

By most standards, Joanne would be considered “feisty” but, everyone that knew Joanne knew she had a heart of gold!  Joanne always gave and never expected anything in return. She will be sadly missed by her family & many friends.

Married three times, Joanne was preceded in death by her 2nd husband and the “Love Of Her Life”, Robert “Bob” Decker who died in 1986; 2 sons, Tommy Hills (died 1971) and John Hills (died 1990); and her brother, Gary Sheon.

Surviving are 3 sons, Dave Hills of Bovill, ID, Joseph Hills of Hackettstown, NJ and Dan (Renee) Hills of Arkport; 1 sister, Donna (Robert) Kelsey of Geneseo, NY; 11 grandchildren; 5 great-grandchildren; several nieces & nephews.

At Joanne’s request there will be no calling hours. Private services will be held at the convenience of the family with final interment in Stewartsville, NJ. A “Celebration of Life” will be held at a future date.

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

Joanne’s family request that in lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in her name be made to the FSR Foundation for Sarcoidosis Research.

Gerald L. “Jerry” Nichols JR – 57 – of 6690 West St. Ext., Hornell, died early Thursday morning (March 11, 2021) at Strong Memorial Hospital in Rochester, following a long and courageous battle with cancer.  Jerry never gave up fighting for the love of his family.

Born in Las Vegas, NV on August 9, 1963, he was the son of the Linda & Greg Kerr.

Jerry grew up in Hornell and attended Hornell High School.  He was a veteran of the US Army, serving his country from 1980 – 1982.  While in the army, Jerry was stationed in Germany and received the expert badge of marksmanship at the age of 17.

Following his honorable discharge from the military, Jerry returned to the Hornell area and for about 10 years was employed at Morrison Knudson (MK) Corporation while also owning and operating the Nichols Go-Cart Raceway.  He later served as a cement truck operator for DeWitt Construction.  For 21 years, Jerry and his wife Paula owned & operated the Old Mill Inn in Alfred Station.  He retired in 2020 due to ill health.

Jerry enjoyed the last 20 years spending his every summer at Lamoka Lake, enjoying time on the water with friends and family.   He also enjoyed his yearly vacation to the Dominican Republic and was an avid Buffalo Bills Football fan.  He also loved watching NASCAR and rooting for his favorite driver, Kyle Busch.

He was preceded in death by his mother, Linda Kerr.

On October 4, 1986, Jerry was married to the former Paula Duryea who survives.  Also surviving are 2 sons, Nathan (Britney Ormsby) Nichols of Canisteo and Ryan (Savanah Hess) Nichols of Hornell; his father, Greg Kerr of Hornell; his brother, Oakie (Sabra) Nichols of Alfred; 2 step brothers, Greg (Roxana Ordway) Kerr JR of Hornell and Mike (Ellen) Kerr of Hornell; 2 grandchildren, Xander Nichols and Miah Nichols; several nieces, nephews & cousins and also his devoted 4 legged companion “Lexi” who helped him through his long illness.

Jerry will also be remembered for his quick wit and his sense of humor. Jerry’s two greatest accomplishments were his two sons who he was very proud of and always said “I only want you to have a better life than I had.

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

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

Memorial contributions in Jerry’s name may be made to the Wilmont Cancer Institute in Dansville where he received excellent care and compassion and also the Hornell Humane Society