Joan Dagon Diehl – (91) – of Hornell, died early Saturday morning (October 9, 2021)  following a brief illness.

Born in Hornell on September 15, 1930, she was the daughter of James & Nelle (Walsh) Dagon who died in 1947 & 1983 respectively.

Joan was a graduate of St. Ann’s School (class of 1944) and later graduated from Hornell High School (class of 1948).  In 1951 she graduated from the St. James Mercy Hospital School of Nursing.   She later attended the University of Rochester and also Geneseo State College.

She was employed as a Registered Nurse for several years at the former Mt. Morris T.B. Hospital in Mt. Morris, NY where she and her husband resided before moving to Hornell in 1958.  She worked for many years at St. James Mercy Hospital serving in several capacities as a registered nurse, retiring in 1992.  She was also an instructor at the St. James Mercy Hospital School of Nursing for several years.

Joan was a member of Our Lady of the Valley Parish and a communicant of St. Ann’s Church where she served as member of the Resurrection Choir.  She was also a member of the Alumni Associations of St. Ann’s School, Hornell High School and the St. James Mercy Hospital School of Nursing.  She was a member of RSVP, volunteering at various times at the Hornell Senior Center, Steuben County Public Health Nursing Service, the Hornell Public Library where she served as a board member, and the Pro-Action Meals on Wheels Program.

She was married on October 1, 1955 in St. Ann’s Church to Kenneth R. Diehl who died September 11, 2012.  She was also preceded in death by 2 brothers, Jim Dagon (died 1983) and John McRoberts (died 2006); 1 sister, Lucy Ellen Livingston (died 2008).

Surviving are 2 sons, Kenneth (Peggy) Diehl of Pittsford and Kevin (Christine) Diehl of Hornell; 2 daughters, Elizabeth (Jeff) Argentieri of Groveland and Gretchen (Pat) Baia of Amsterdam, NY; 12 grandchildren; 7 great-grandchildren; many nieces & nephews.

There will be no calling hours.  A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Thursday at 10:00 AM  at St. Ann’s Church with burial in St. Mary’s Cemetery.

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

Joan’s family request that memorial contributions in her name be made to either the Hornell Humane Society, 7649 Industrial Park Dr., Hornell, NY 14843 or to the Hornell Public Library, 64 Genesee St., Hornell, NY 14843 or to St. Ann’s Academy, PO Box 446, Hornell, NY 14843.

Helen M. Remchuk – (75) – of 8379 Oak Hill Rd., Savona, died early Friday morning (October 8, 2021) at Corning Hospital following a long illness.

Born in Hornell on November 17, 1945, she was the daughter of Warren & Ruth (Norton) Conkey.

Helen grew up in Hornell and was a graduate of Hornell High School (class of 1963).  While in high school she worked part time in the bookkeeping department of Steuben Trust Company and briefly became a full time bookkeeper following high school graduation.

Moving to Avoca in 1963 where she resided for about 12 years, Helen was employed in the bookkeeping department of Robert Adair Company which sold safety equipment.  From 1975 – 1981 she lived in Bath, NY and began working for Steuben – Alleghany BOCES.

In 1981 she met her future husband, Dennis Remchuk and, following a “long engagement”, they were married on October 24, 1998.  From 1981 – 1992 they resided in Campbell, NY and have lived in Savona since 1992.  Throughout the years, Helen continued working for Steuben – Allegany BOCES and retired in 2001 as a Senior Accountant.

Throughout the years, Helen & Dennis enjoyed taking many cruises and especially enjoyed their Eastern Caribbean Cruises, Western Caribbean Cruises and Alaskan Cruises.  They also loved caring for their many pet dogs.  Helen was a self-proclaimed “Shop-A-Holic and also loved going to the movies.

Helen was preceded in death by 4 sisters, Phyllis Donahue, Christine Gensler, Vivian Congdon and Jeanne Sackett; and also her brother, Michael Conkey.

Surviving are her husband, Dennis Remchuk; 4 children, Kimberly (Richard) Smith of Bath, Mark (Dawn) Towner of Avoca, Ann (Rosie Tears) Remchuk of Beaver Dams, NY and Christine (John Lavelle) Gutierrez of North Carolina; 2 sisters, Kathleen Sexton of Hornell and Lois Jimerson of Hornell; 6 grandchildren; 1 great-grandson; several nieces & nephews.

At Helen’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

Helen’s family request that in lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in her name be made to the Hornell Humane Society, 7649 Industrial Park Rd., Hornell, NY 14943 or to St. Jude Children’s  Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN  38105

Rosemary L. Burley – 74 – of 8938 County Route 52, Arkport, NY (Town of Burns), died  unexpectedly Tuesday evening (October 5, 2021) at Noyes Memorial Hospital in Dansville where she had been taken by ambulance after being stricken at home.

Born in Hornell on September 16, 1947, she was the daughter of Lester & Delores (Manhart) Wing.

Rosemary grew up in Arkport and was a graduate of Arkport Central School (class of 1966).  She was married on September 24, 1966 to Francis “Fran” Burley who survives.  For 21 years, Rosemary & Fran resided in many locations following the path that his US Navy career led them.  Some of these locations included New York, Virginia, California, Rhode Island, Tennessee, Florida, returning to the Arkport area in 2002.

A devoted member of the United Methodist Church on Webbs Crossing Road, Rosemary was a member of the attendance committee and taught Sunday School for children.  She was also a member of the Ladies Auxiliary of the Canaseraga American Legion.  Rosemary was a talented “craft worker” who enjoyed sewing, knitting and creating beautiful quilts.  She was also a talented artist who enjoyed painting and loved writing children’s literature.  She was an excellent cook and loved watching Tennis matches on TV.

Rosemary was preceded in death by her sister, Elizabeth Holbrook.

Surviving are her husband of 55 years, Francis “Fran” Burley; 2 sons, Lester Burley of Hornell and Gregory (Missy) Burley of Jacksonville, FL; 1 sister, Marjorie McDaniel of Canisteo; 4 grandchildren, Abbie Burley, Allen Burley, Andrew Burley and Jackson Burley; several nieces & nephews.

The family of Rosemary L. Burley will receive friends on Saturday (October 9, 2021) from 11:00 AM until 12:00 (Noon) at the United Methodist Church, located at the corner of Webbs Crossing Road and North Main Street Ext.  A Memorial Service will be held at the conclusion of calling hours at 12:00 Noon with Rev. Lenny Fuller officiating.

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

Rosemary’s family request that in lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in her name be made to the United Methodist Church, 7528 North Main St. Ext., Hornell, NY 148943.

Thomas J. “Jigs” Giglio – 72 – formerly of Hornell, died Saturday (September 25, 2021) at the Taylor Health Nursing Facility in Bath, where he resided for the past 15 months.

Born in Hornell on August 24, 1949, he was the son of Cannon & Gloria (Crooks) Giglio.

Jigs grew up in Hornell and was a graduate of Hornell High School (class of 1967).  He had been employed as a diesel mechanic at the former Erie Railroad, Erie Lackawanna Railroad and Conrail.  For several years he worked at the former Foster-Wheeler Corporation in Dansville and later was employed as a mechanic at Morrison-Knudson (MK) Corporation and Alstom Corporation in Hornell, retiring about 14 years ago.

He was a former member of the Hornell Moose Lodge, Hornell Elks Lodge, Hornell Association and the Carducci Lodge Sons of Italy.  Jigs enjoyed hunting & fishing and was an avid New York Giants (NFL) and New York Yankee (MLB) fan.  He loved horse racing and considered the OTB his “second home.”

Tom was preceded in death by the “Love of His Life”, Liz Wilsey; and his brother-in-law, Kevin Crosby.

Surviving are his son, Bobby Giglio of Hornell; his former daughter-in-law, Pam Giglio; his daughter, Diana (Martin) Lister of Tennessee; 5 sisters, Patricia (Don) Howe of Hornell, Julie (Mike) Mullen of Canisteo, Kim (Frankie Morris) Anderson of Elberton, GA, Kelly (Rob) Griffin of Hornell and Lisa Crosby of Hornell; 1 brother, Mark (Pam) Giglio of Buffalo; 5 grandchildren, Kelsi Giglio, Kali Giglio, Anna Lister, Ethan Lister & Alex Lister; many nieces, nephews & cousins.

At Jigs’ 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 on Saturday, October 23, 2021 from 1:00 PM until 5:00 PM at the Carducci Lodge (Sons of Italy), Erie Ave., Hornell, NY.

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

Jigs’ family request that in lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in his name be made to the Alzheimer’s Association, 435 East Henrietta Road, Rochester, NY  14620.

Joseph D. “Danny” Chiappini – 89 – of 2341 County Route 109, Hornell (Town of Howard), died Monday morning (September 20, 2021) at his home, following a long illness.

Born in San Antonio, TX on November 10, 1931, he was the son of Lambert & Evelyn (Drew) Chiappini.

Danny grew up in Patterson, NJ and attended vocational school.  He resided for a time in Lodi, NJ and for 17 years was employed as a mechanic in Ridgewood, NJ.

Moving to Hornell in 1985, Danny was employed as head custodian at the Alfred University College of Ceramics.  He retired in 1995.

A skilled mechanic, carpenter, plumber & electrician, Danny enjoyed spending time watching TV (History Channel and educational programs) and was an avid reader of educational books.

Danny was preceded in death by his brother, Lewis Chiappini and his half-brother, Leonard Polito.

He was married in Lodi, NJ on October 15, 1955 to the former Claire Bonin who survives.  Also surviving are his daughter, Victoria Chiappini of Arizona; his son, Derek (Sandy) Chiappini of New Jersey; 1 sister, Elizabeth Sekeed; 2 grandchildren, Madeline Chiappini and Nicholas Chiappini.

At Danny’s request there will be no calling hours.  Private services will be held at the convenience of the family with burial in the Chiappini Family Cemetery, Town of Howard.

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

Danny’s family request that in lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in his name be made to Faith in Action, 20 Broadway Mall. PO Box 117, Hornell, NY 14843.

Kenneth W. “Ken” Smith – 46 – of Elmira, NY, died Saturday evening (September 18, 2021) at Arnot Ogden Medical Center in Elmira.

Born in Elmira on March 21, 1975, he was the son of Dorn & Theresa (Wright) Smith.

Ken grew up in the Chemung County area and was a graduate of Horseheads High School (class of 1994).  Throughout the years, he was employed at several area businesses and most recently worked as a machinist at Lockheed-Martin Corporation in Owego, NY.

Always “Full of Life”, Ken enjoyed taking long motorcycle rides, golfing and “Hoisting a Few” with his buddies.  He loved rooting for the New York Mets (MLB) and the San Francisco 49ers (NFL).  His greatest joy, however, was simply spending time with his family and many friends!

He was preceded in death by his father-in-law, Michael “Mike” Hurlburt; and his brother-in-law, Arthur “Arturo” Hallenbeck.

Ken was married on June 14, 2014 to the former Robin Hurlburt who survives.  Also surviving are his children, Layna Hurlburt of Elbridge, NY, Nathaniel Sherbert of Horseheads, Ceairra Sherbert of Elmira and Tyler Smith of Elmira; his parents, Dorn & Theresa Smith of Breesport, NY; 1 sister, Wanda Hallenbeck of Wellsburg, NY; 4 grandchildren, Bentley, Ethan, Octavious & Ellie; his nephew, Sean Bergquist; his great-nephew, Gannon Bergquist.

At Ken’s request there will be no calling hours.  A Memorial Service and Celebration of Life will be held on Friday (October 1, 2021) at 2:00 PM at the Neighborhood Transformation Center, 314 West Church St., Elmira, NY.

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

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

Jack P. Lyon – 64 – of 81 Hill St., Hornell, died Friday morning (September 17, 2021) at his home, following a long illness.

Born in Buffalo, NY on April 27, 1957, he was the son of Wayne & Grace (Townsend) Lyon.

A resident of the Hornell area since the age of ten, he was a graduate of Hornell High School (class of 1975).  Jack had been employed for a time at Hot Works Ceramics of Alfred and also worked as a carpenter’s helper in the Hornell area.

Jack loved music and was a guitar & fiddle player.  He also enjoyed hunting, fishing and rooting for the Buffalo Bills.

He was preceded in death by his brother, Joseph Lyon.

Surviving are his daughter, Melissa; his brother, Gary (Patricia) Lyon of Wells Tannery, PA; nieces & nephews.

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.

Jack’s family request that in lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in his name be made to the American Cancer Society, 13 Beech St., Johnson City, NY  13790.

Rachael R. VanCaeseele – 42 – of North Landing Road, Rochester, formerly of Cohocton, died unexpectedly Saturday afternoon (September 11, 2021) at her home.

Born in Dansville, NY on June 11, 1979, she was the daughter of Jeffery & Deborah (Howe) VanCaeseele and the step-daughter of David Hunt.

Rachael grew up in Cohocton and was a graduate of Wayland-Cohocton Central School (class of 1997).  While in high school, she was a member of the track, soccer, and swim teams. Ever a lover of photography, Rachael briefly pursued an art degree from Buffalo State College.

Over the years, Rachael lived in various places including Seattle, WA, Palm Springs, CA, and Worchester, MA. For the last ten years Rachael resided in Rochester, NY. Personable and quick with a smile, Rachael often employed herself as a waitress. Most recently, Rachael was able to mix her love of nature with her job, working outside for a local landscaping company.

Passionate about travel, Rachael vacationed throughout the United States, even taking several trips to Puerto Rico.  She enjoyed wearing the latest fashions and would dress accordingly. Her hobbies included gardening (both flower & vegetable) and a deep affection for animals, especially her canine companion, “Elton”.

She was preceded in death by her father, Jeffery “Jeff” VanCaeseele.

Surviving are her mother & step-father, Debbie (Howe) & Dave Hunt of Cohocton; her sister, Megan (Corrye) VanCaeseele-Cook of Henrietta; one nephew, Quentyn VanCaeseele-Cook; her dear friend, Joe LaRussa of Rochester; along with many aunts, uncles, cousins and many friends.

The family of Rachael R. VanCaeseele will receive friends on Friday from 11:00 AM  –  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 Deacon Robert McCormick officiating.  Burial will be in Heritage Hill Cemetery, Arkport, NY.

Rachael’s family request that in lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in her name be made to the Humane Society of Rochester and Monroe County PCA, Inc., 99 Victor Rd, Fairport, NY 14450.   Memorial forms will be available at the Dagon Funeral Home.

Larry “Shane” Vickers – 57 – of 223 East Ave., Hornell, died unexpectedly Tuesday morning (September 7, 2021) at his home.

Born in Norfolk, VA on September 1, 1964, he was the son of Larry & Diane Vickers.

Shane grew up in Norfolk, VA where he attended high school.  He resided in Mansfield, OH for most of his life where he owned & operated a garage.  He also owned & operated the Starting Gate Tavern and several Gentlemen’s Clubs.

Moving to the Hornell area about 2 years ago, Shane had been employed as a delivery driver for Giovanni’s Pizza and also Pat’s Pizza, both of Hornell.  He was a self-proclaimed “Jack of All Trades” specializing in carpentry & mechanics.

Shane was a member of the Hornell Association and, over the years, had been an avid gun collector.  He enjoyed “Fast Cars & Pretty Women”.

In addition to his parents, Shane was preceded in death by his former wife, Deborah Ivey Vickers.

Surviving are 2 daughters, Ashley Vickers of Hornell and Alexandria “Alex” Vickers of Mansfield, OH; 2 sons, Ryan (Sidney) Vickers of Eaton, OH and Jaxson Vickers of Mansfield, OH; his sister, Vicki (Bill) Gray of Chesapeake, VA; 6 grandchildren, Zagan Nowak, Lyric Nowak, Liam Vickers, Layla Vickers, Brayden Ross and Mia Boggs; his former wife, Angela Strohm of Shelby, OH; several nieces & nephews.

At Shane’s request there will be no calling hours or services.  A “Celebration of Life” will be held on Saturday (September 11, 202) from 4:00 PM  –  8:00 PM at the Hornell Association.

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

Shane’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.