Robert J. “Bob” Ward – 97 – of Canandaigua, NY, formerly of Hornell, died Monday morning (November 8, 2021) at Thompson Hospital in Canandaigua, following a brief illness.

Born in Hornell on October 1, 1924, he was the son of James & Margaret (Callahan) Ward.

Bob grew up in Hornell and was a graduate of Hornell High School (class of 1942).  Following high school graduation, he enlisted in the US Navy serving his country as a Radio Operator on a Liberty Ship during WWII.

Following his honorable discharge from the US Navy, Bob returned to the Hornell area and began a career working in the bookkeeping department of the former Erie Railroad, Erie Lackawanna Railroad and Conrail.  While working for the railroads, he resided in several locations including Hornell, Cleveland, OH and Philadelphia, PA.  He retired in 1997 and has resided in Canandaigua since 2009.

While living in Hornell, Bob served as an Elder at the First Presbyterian Church and was a life member of the Hornell American Legion.  Throughout his lifetime, he enjoyed playing golf, hunting and spending time at his hunting camp in Hartsville, NY.  In recent years Bob enjoyed woodworking and making beautiful furniture.

He was married in 1949 to the former Jeanne Geary who died in 2000.  He was also preceded in death by his son, James J. Ward who died in 1957; along with 5 sisters and his dear friend, Dorothy Reitnauer.

Surviving are 2 daughters, Bonnie (David Blanding) Salter of Canandaigua and Roberta “Bobbi” Ward of Hornell; 4 grandchildren, Marianne Dineen, Melissa McCarthy, Kyle Wengren and Erik Wengren; 3 great-granddaughters, Lavery dineen, Addison McCarthy and Robin Boyd; several nieces & nephews.

At Bob’s request there were no calling hours.  Private services were held at the Dagon Funeral Home, 38 Church St., Hornell, NY with Deacon Robert McCormick officiating.  Burial was in Rural Cemetery, Hornell.

Bob’s family request that in lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in his name be made to the Hornell Alumni Association, PO Box 135, Hornell, NY 14843.

Nicoletta “Nikki” (Buono) McGrosso – 93 – of Hornell, passed away on Saturday October 30, 2021 in Henderson, NV, following a long illness.

Born in Queens, NY on January 17, 1928, she was the daughter of Rocco & Theresa (Falci) Buono.

Nikki was a graduate of Hornell Sr. High School (class of 1946) and later graduated from the Hornell Business School.  She was happily married to her high school sweetheart, Edgar McGrosso, until his passing in 2003.

Nikki was employed at Westinghouse Corporation as a secretary to the Engineering department for 10 years until her daughter was born. She became a stay-at-home mom, doting on her family for the remainder of her life.

Nikki was a member of the United Presbyterian Church in Hornell.  She was an avid reader and especially enjoyed reading historical fiction novels.

In addition to her husband, she was preceded in death by her sister, Nancy Nisbet and brother-in-law, James Griffin.

Nikki is survived by her daughter and son-in- law, Traci McGrosso Mills and Craig Mills, her grandsons Ryan (Kari) Mills and Ian Mills, her sisters Gloria Griffin and Kathy (Skip) Wood, brother-in-law Howard Nisbet and her many nephews and nieces.

The family of Nicoletta “Nikki” McGrosso will receive friends on Monday from 12:00 Noon until 1:00 PM at the Dagon Funeral Home, 38 Church St., Hornell, NY.  Funeral services will be held at the conclusion of calling hours at 1:00 PM with Rev. Katherine Griffis officiating.  Burial will be in St. Mary’s Cemetery next to her beloved husband whose loss she felt acutely until her death.

Together once again, may you both rest in peace.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that anyone who wishes to remember Nikki make a donation in her name to the Alzheimer’s Association, 435 East Henrietta Rd., Rochester, NY 14620.  Memorial forms will be available at the Dagon Funeral Home.

Timothy A. “Tim” Hammond – (62) – of 373 Canisteo St., Hornell, died unexpectedly on Monday (November 1, 2021) at his home, following a long illness.

Born in Hornell on March 28, 1959, he was the son of Emmett & Audrey (Kniskern) Hammond.

Tim grew up in Hornell where he attended Lincoln School, Hornell Intermediate School and Hornell High School.

He was a veteran of the US Navy and throughout the years resided in several locations, including Rexville, NY and Washington State before returning to Hornell.

He was last employed at the former Fitzpatrick Poultry Farm which later became Whitesville Poultry before moving to Hornell because of disability.  He enjoyed coin collecting, watching movies and listening to music.  He actually owned hundreds of movie DVDs and music CDs.  He was an animal lover who rescued many dogs & cats throughout the years and loved caring for them.

In additions to his parents, Tim was preceded in death by his sister, Maureen Randhawa.

Surviving are 2 sisters, Vickie (Tom) Benson of Almond and Karen (Don) Lowry of Honea Path, SC; 2 Brothers, James (Ellen) Woodworth of Watertown, NY and Craig Hammond of Hornell; his brother-in-law, Dr. Tariq Randhawa; many nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews and cousins.

At Tim’s request there will be no calling hours.  Private services will be held at the convenience of the family with final interment in St. Mary’s Cemetery.

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

Tim’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.

William J. “Bill” Cahill JR – 66 – of 43 Stephens Ave., Hornell, died unexpectedly Thursday morning (October 28, 2021) at his home.

Born in Queens, NY on December 18, 1954, he was the son of William & Jessica (Parisi) Cahill.

Bill grew up in Queens and attended high school in Far Rockaway, NY.  He resided on Long Island for several years and had been employed as a “Coin Grader” for Numismatic Funding Company (NFC) of Long Island.  He remained an avid coin collector throughout his lifetime.

For about 8 years, Bill lived in Addison and was self-employed as a VCR repairman and also self-employed as a skilled woodworker.  He has resided in Hornell for the past 23 years.

Bill had been a member of the Living Waters Church of Hornell and also the Consuming Fire Church of Canaseraga and thoroughly enjoyed studying the Bible.  He loved spending time in the kitchen and was an exceptional cook.  Some of his “specialties” included Eggplant Parmesan and Chicken Cordon Bleu.  He also enjoyed taking long drives to Letchworth State Park with his family and drives in the countryside with his wife, Ruth.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his sister, Carmella Cahill.

He was married on April 3^rd, 1982 to the former Ruth Apoian who survives.  Also surviving are his children, William J. “Will” (Kim) Cahill III of Richmond, VA, Carol Jessica Rose Cahill of Hornell and Christopher Glen Patrick Cahill of Hornell; several nieces & nephews.

Bill had no grandchildren, but he had several “Grandcats”: (former) Booker, Peanut and Juju Rocco, Paulie and Zoe (surviving) along with a Grand-Pup named Buddy.   He used to love Buddy’s dopey ears and the way Zoe’s Big head didn’t match her tiny body.  Not much of a cat lover, but in the end, the cuteness began to grow on him.

Daddy- Dad was a very funny, fun loving man. He was known by his family for being a fun loving jokester and spirited debates would often happen about who else had the Cahill sense of Humor – (Carol)

He loved big! His faith held Pastor Bill together at some of the most difficult times in his life and carried him throughout his last breath. He wanted the best for his family and cherished every moment. He will be greatly missed, but we look forward to the day we will see him again. Forever in our Hearts – His little Princess and Little Girl.

At Bill’s request there will be no calling hours.  A Memorial Service will be held on Saturday, November 20, 2021 at 2:00 PM at the Living Waters Church in Hornell with Pastor Philip Casterline officiating.

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

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

Anna C. “Ann” Lewis – 76 – of 500 Residence Way, Hornell (Town of Hornellsville) died unexpectedly late Monday evening (October 18, 2021) at Elderwood at Hornell Nursing Facility.

Born in Ogdensburg, NY on December 2, 1944, she was the daughter of Carl & Florence (Dillon) Lawrence.

Ann grew up in the Potsdam, NY – Watertown, NY area and throughout the years resided in many locations, including Walton, NY (5 years), Willingboro, NY (10 years), Hornell (3 years), Avoca (20 + years), Gettysburg, PA (3 years), Lancaster County, PA (10 years) moving back to Hornell about 2 years ago.

She had been employed as an Insurance Underwriter & Policy Underwriter at Riedman Insurance Company in Hornell and for many years worked as a General Production Operator at Philips Lighting in Bath.

Ann Accepted Christ into her Heart about 10 years ago and was Born into the Family of God.  She had a Deep Love in her heart for her large family and loved spending time in the kitchen.   She had been employed as a cook at the Avoca Diner and the Redwood Diner in Naples.  Ann thoroughly enjoyed cooking & baking for her family during the holidays, especially Easter, Thanksgiving and Christmas.  Her homemade cinnamon rolls and turnovers were family favorites!  She especially loved having the entire family over for her annual Christmas Party.

She was married in Guadalajara, Mexico in 1970 to Clyde Lewis who died in 1992.

Surviving are 11 children, Ronnie (Diane) Lewis of Bath, Tommy (Julie) Lewis of Avoca, Judy (Pat) McMahon of Avoca, Doug (Cindy) Lewis of Bath, Joe (Norma) Lewis of Branchport, NY, Lynn (Brock) Potter of Hammondsport, Kevin Lewis of Bradenton, FL, Brenda Remchuk of Comanche, TX, Jackie (Mike McCanna) Schultheis of Atlanta, NY, Susie (John) Wiker of New Providence, PA and Clyde (JR) (Denise) Lewis JR of Prattsburgh, NY; 27 grandchildren; 45 great-grandchildren.

At Ann’s request there will be no prior calling hours.  A Memorial Service will be held on Saturday (October 30, 2021) at 11:00 AM at the Howard Union Church in Howard, NY with Rev. Jamey Grooms officiating.  Final interment will be in the Howard Cemetery.

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

Anna’s family request that in lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in her name be made to the Howard Cemetery Maintenance Fund, C/O Bob Cleeves, 3597 County Route 70-A, Hornell, NY 14843.

Michael J. “Arg” Argentieri – 68 – of 373 Canisteo St., Hornell, died Wednesday afternoon (September 29, 2021) at Hornell Gardens, following a long illness.

Born in Hornell on November 18, 1952, he was the son of Joseph & Lois (Campbell) Argentieri.

Mike grew up in Hornell and was a graduate of Hornell High School (class of 1970).  While at HHS, he played cornet in the school band and served as Drum Major in the marching band.

Following high school graduation, Arg attended Syracuse University where he majored in music.  He later graduated from Alfred University with a Bachelor’s Degree in Education.

In his younger years, Mike served as bartender & pizza maker at Down by the Station, a popular restaurant/bar in Hornell.  He later tended bar at the former Knights of Columbus in Hornell.  For several years Mike was employed at the former Foster-Wheeler Corporation in Dansville and for many years served as a substitute teacher, primarily at the Hornell High School where he enjoyed working with and touching the lives of the students.  More recently he was employed at the City of Hornell Department of Public Works.

Mike had been a member of the Hornell Knights of Columbus and the Carducci Lodge (Sons of Italy).  He had a deep love & appreciation of all music and was well known as a talented piano player.  He enjoyed playing golf and rooting for the Buffalo Bills (NFL) and New York Yankees (MLB).  Mike was a Big Fan of The Three Stooges and always enjoyed a good laugh.  His friendly personality and humorous way of “looking at life” will be greatly missed by everyone that had the pleasure of knowing him!  A nicer human being never walked the face of the earth!

Arg was preceded in death by his parents, Joe & Lois Argentieri; 2 brothers-in-law, Richard Benesch and Jim Benjamin.

Surviving are 2 sisters, Janice “Jan” Benjamin of Mebane, NC and Diane Benesch of Hornell; his brother, David (Linda) Argentieri of Forest Hill, MD; nieces & nephews, Amanda Benesch, Josh (Emma) Benjamin, Sara (Andrew) Lake, Kali (Kevin Putnam) Benjamin, Megan Argentieri & Andrew Argentieri; great-nieces & great- nephews, Cameron Hyer, Riley Hyer, Owen Hyer, Charlotte Benjamin, Abby Lake, Alexander Lake & Oliver Lake.

The family of Michael J. “Arg” Argentieri will receive friends on Saturday from 1:00 PM until 2:00 PM at the Dagon Funeral Home, 38 Church St., Hornell, NY.  A Memorial Service will be held at the conclusion of calling hours at 2:00 PM with Deacon Robert McCormick officiating.

A heartfelt “Thank-You” goes out to the wonderful staff & caregivers at Hornell Gardens.  Your professionalism and compassion in making Mike’s final days easier and dignified is appreciated and will never be forgotten!

Mike’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.

John C. Murphy, affectionately known as “Murph”  –  46  –  of 31 Oak Hill St, Arkport, NY, died Thursday afternoon (October 14, 2021) at Strong Memorial Hospital in Rochester, following a short illness.

Born in Hornell on February 20, 1975, he was the son of Thomas C. & Judy A. (Henshaw) Murphy.

John grew up in Almond and was a graduate of Alfred-Almond Central School (class of 1993).  He later attended Alfred State College (SUNY Alfred).

John was employed for three years at the former Spencer Landscaping of Almond.  For 5 years, he worked in the maintenance department of the NYS College of Ceramics at Alfred University.  John then spent 13 years working as a pro sales specialist at Lowes in Hornell and most recently as a sales representative at North Main Lumber.

A true outdoorsman, John enjoyed hunting & fishing, as well as maintaining extensive flower and vegetable gardens. He enjoyed spending time in his kitchen, finding a true creative outlet by developing unique dishes that often used the vegetables he grew himself. A particular passion of Murph’s was growing a wide variety of hot peppers that he utilized in homemade hot sauce recipes, as well as having an extensive collection of unique hot sauces that would line a full cupboard.

John was an avid Pittsburgh Steelers (NFL) fan. Family welcomes friends to wear Steelers apparel or black and yellow to the funeral services. He also enjoyed “Hoisting a Few” with his buddies at the Southside Tavern. John loved music, whether listening to Dave Matthews Band, attending concerts or playing guitar and keyboard, he was a music enthusiast.

He was preceded in death by his son, Connor P. Murphy (died 2007); his mother, Judy A. Murphy (died 2014), his brother, Thomas M. Murphy (died 1987) and both maternal and paternal grandparents.

John was married on July 10, 1999, to the former Kelly Towner who survives and remained his best friend and co-parent.  Also surviving are 2 daughters, Madison (George) Matthews of Rochester and Melissa Murphy of Arkport; his father, Thomas C. Murphy of Arkport; his brother, David (Lisa Graham) Murphy of Hornell; his sister, Kelly (Maryann) Murphy of Hornell; nieces, Kaley Murphy and Delaney Murphy; his companion, Beth Ketcham; aunts, uncles & cousins.

The family of John C. Murphy will receive friends on Thursday from 4:00 PM – 6:00 PM at the Dagon Funeral Home, 38 Church St., Hornell, NY.  Funeral & committal services will be held at the conclusion of calling hours at 6:00 PM with Deacon Robert McCormick officiating.  Burial will be in St. Mary’s Cemetery, Fremont, NY.

John’s family request that in lieu of flowers, memorial contributions be made in his name to the nursing staff at the Cardiac ICU unit at Strong memorial hospital. The entire nursing staff provided excellent care of Murph throughout his short illness.

Donald G. “Donny” Hovey – 57 – of 2052 East Main St., Rochester, formerly of Hornell & Arkport, died unexpectedly on August 3^rd, 2021 at his home.

Born in Hornell on May 2, 1964, he was the son of Donald & Clarissa (Fanton) Hovey.

Donny grew up in the Hornell – Arkport area and attended Arkport Central School, Hornell High School and Hornell BOCES at the Wildwood Campus.  Throughout the years he resided in several places including Hornell, Arkport, Avoca, Naples, Alfred and had lived in the Rochester area since the mid 1990’s.

His greatest pleasure was listening to country music and especially enjoyed Conway Twitty, Loretta Lynn and Tammy Wynette.  In his younger years he loved riding his bike and camping with his parents.  He loved to stop and talk to people and easily made friends along the way.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by 2 brothers, Paul Sugden and Roy Sugden of Hornell.

Surviving are his brother, Jay (Cathy) Sugden of Florida; his sister, Anita Gordon of Canisteo; several 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. 

Emily Grace Campbell – 19 – of 5591 State route 21, Alfred Station, NY, died Sunday morning (October 10, 2021) at Highland Hospital in Rochester, following a long & courageous battle with Cystic Fibrosis.

Born in Hornell on January 8, 2002, she was the daughter of James & Kimberly (DuBois) Campbell.

Emily grew up in Alfred Station and was a graduate of Alfred-Almond Central School (class of 2020).  While in high school, she was a member of the school choir and participated in school productions.  She was also a member of the Alfred-Almond Girls Softball Team.  Currently Emily was a freshman at SUNY Alfred where she was majoring in Independent Studies.

She was a member of Ss. Brendan & Jude Parish and a communicant of both St. Brendan Oratory of Almond and St. Jude Church of Alfred.  Emily was active in Catholic Charities and, for many years, volunteered at the Catholic Charities Joyce Family Food Pantry in Wellsville, NY.

Emily was preceded in death by her paternal grandparents, Fred & Joanne Campbell and her maternal grandfather, Raymond DuBois.

Surviving are her parents, Jim & Kim Campbell of Alfred Station; her sister, Allyson Campbell of Alfred Station; her maternal grandmother, Gladys DuBois of Hartsville; many aunts, uncles & cousins.

The family of Emily Grace Campbell will receive friends on Friday 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 Saturday at 11:00 AM at St. Jude Church, Lower Campus Drive, Alfred, NY (SUNY Alfred Campus).  Burial will be in St. Mary’s Cemetery, Fremont, NY.

Emily’s family request that in lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in her name be made to  the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation, 4550 Montgomery Ave. (Suite 1100-N), Bethesda, MD 20814.  Memorial forms will be available at the Dagon Funeral Home.