William George Hammond, 65, passed away suddenly of a heart attack at his home in Olathe, KS on December 23, 2020.

Bill grew up in Hornell, NY and later attended the University of Notre Dame where he met his wife, Mary (Flack) Hammond. They were married on January 14, 1977. After Bill completed law school at Notre Dame, he and Mary made their home in Olathe, Kansas.

He was a true entrepreneur with a long list of successful businesses to his name. In 1996 he founded KC Elder Law and, in the years since, helped innumerable families plan for the care of their loved ones. Bill had a rich and varied career, working in everything from vacuum sales to marketing to law, but above all considered himself a nexialist – a uniter of people, energy, and ideas across disciplines – and coach. He relished the opportunity to walk alongside others and help them tap into their full potential.

The child of a school principal and a school librarian, Bill was a lifelong learner and avid reader. He had a keen interest in history – WWII in particular – and was even the proud owner of a first edition of Winston Churchill’s memoirs. He loved to travel and in recent years made multiple pilgrimages to some of the world’s “thin places” in Ireland and Peru. He took his family on unforgettable trips to Disneyworld, Hawaii, South Bend, New York City and his childhood home in Hornell, NY.

Bill adored his wife and treasured his children and grandchildren. As much as he loved to take them on adventures, he enjoyed just as much spending an evening leading them in a game of Family Feud, watching Irish football on TV (he never could find a loss on their schedule), or taking them out to a movie. He made incredible mashed potatoes and slightly-less-incredible puns, both in absurd quantities. He modeled generosity always: with his time, with his money, with his love. He gave freely and frequently and always without expectation. He loved his family fiercely and his kindness extended to everyone he encountered.

He is preceded in death by his parents, George and Mary Louise Hammond of Hornell, NY, and his father- and mother-in-law, Tom and Norene Flack of Overland Park, KS.

He is survived by his beloved wife and best friend of over 43 years, Mary; their five children and two sons-in-law Danny, Katie, Laura (Ben), Matt, and Molly (Rob); and four granddaughters, Logan, Emma-Frances, Claire and Julia. He is also survived by sisters Mary Lou (Dick) Forrester, Nancy (Chuck) Moynihan, Jeannie (Bill) Vetter, and Ellie (Jim) Kinsman; a loving extended family, and countless friends.

The family will be holding a service later this year, when the many family and friends who meant so much to Bill can safely gather. Please visit www.williamghammond.com for details.

Local arrangements and inquiries may be directed to the Dagon Funeral Home, 38 Church St., Hornell, NY.

In lieu of flowers, the family would be honored by memorial contributions to Endeavor (endeavor.org), an organization that will help to further Bill’s legacy by providing support and mentorship to the next generation of entrepreneurs, or to the Center for the Homeless in South Bend, IN (www.cfh.net).

Lynne A. Stewart – 75 – of Hornell, formerly of Woodbine Ave., Rochester, died Wednesday morning (December 23, 2020) at Elderwood at Hornell Nursing Facility.

Born in Rochester on September 11, 1945, she was the daughter of Harold and Arleen (Metzler) Roth.

Lynne grew up in the Rochester area and was a graduate of Rush-Henrietta High School (class of 1963).  She later attended college in New York City.

A resident of Rochester for most of her adult life, Lynne had been employed for over 15 years as a cashier/manager of Star Market in Rochester.  For 21 years she served as a librarian at Marshall High School.

Throughout the years, Lynne held a fondness for the outdoors.  She enjoyed camping, fishing & hiking and also enjoyed going to the stock car races.  She also loved spending time crocheting and creating beautiful quilts.  She was also a gifted artist who especially enjoyed pencil sketching.

Lynne was married on August 23, 1969 to Ralph Stewart who survives.  Also surviving are her son, William “Bill” Stewart of Hornell; 2 brothers, Roger Roth of Florida and Jim (Sandy) Roth of Henrietta; 1 sister, Lee Hartwell of Hopewell Center, NY; 4 grandchildren, Heather (Eric) Robinson, Michel Stewart, Collin Stewart and Colten Stewart; 3 great-grandchildren, Weston Robinson, Ryder Robinson and Jett William Stewart; several nieces & nephews.

At Lynne’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.

Lynne’s family request that in lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in her name be made to American Kidney Fund https://www.kidneyfund.org/ or a charity of the donor’s choice.

Mary Patricia Tremblay passed away peacefully, with family by her side, at Rochester General Hospital on Tuesday, Dec. 22, 2020.

Mary was born in Rochester on Sept. 21, 1948, and lived her life in Livingston and Steuben Counties, graduating from Wayland Central School in 1966.

She traveled throughout the United States and Canada on long road trips with Mike, her husband of 53 years, and their two children, Michele and Patrick.

For the last 40 years she and Mike lived on a quiet rural road in the town of Wheeler, where Mary enjoyed reading, studying and selling vintage kitchenware, watching the deer and birds from her kitchen window, and staying in touch with her large family.

She was a quiet Christian, and loved all people.

Mary was predeceased by her father and mother, Bob and Becky Schreiner, and two brothers, Bud and Frank Schreiner.

She is survived by husband Mike along with their daughter Michele (Joseph), son Patrick (Lia) and grandson Joe; sister Polly (Bill) Bulkley; and brothers Jerry (Jean), Leo and Fred (Colleen) Schreiner.

Grief is shared by her husband’s family, where Mary was predeceased by father-in-law & mother-in-law Joseph Leo and Mary Tremblay, and brother-in-law Patrick Tremblay.  She is also survived by sister-in-law Marie (John) Nettnin; and brothers-in-law Tony (Pat), Peter (Pam), Frank (Judy) and Henry (Jeanie) Tremblay.

No service is planned. The family hopes to gather in the spring or when allowable to celebrate Mary.

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

In lieu of flowers, read a book, hug a family member, or give to the charity of your choice in her memory.

Peter R. “Pete” Robbins – 71 – of 110 Myrtle Ave., Hornell, died unexpectedly Saturday afternoon (December 19, 2020) shortly after arriving at St. James Hospital.

Born in Hornell on September 14, 1949, he was the son of Harold & Helen (Colomaio) Robbins.

Pete grew up in Hornell and was a graduate of the former St. Ann’s School and Hornell High School (class of 1967).  He later graduated from Broome Community College (SUNY Binghamton) with an Associates Degree in Business Administration.

He was employed for several years in the admissions department of the former St. James Mercy Hospital and for over 30 years worked for the City of Hornell Department of Public Works, retiring in 2010.

Pete was a member of Our Lady of the Valley Parish and a communicant of St. Ann’s Church.  He was a member of the Hornell Knights of Columbus, Hornell Elks Lodge, the Hornell Association, the AMVETS, Sons of the American Legion and a former member of the Hornell Moose Lodge.  Pete was an avid Buffalo Bills fan and also enjoyed rooting for the New York Yankees & New York Mets.  He especially enjoyed the time spent simply walking his dog and visiting with his many friends along the route.

A loving husband, father, son & grandfather, Pete will be remembered for deep love of his family; his friendly smile; and his affection for his many friends throughout the Hornell community.

Pete was preceded in death by his father, Harold Robbins who died in 1982.

He was married on April 17, 1982 to the former Patricia “Patti” Lorow who survives.   Also surviving are 2 sons, Mike (Kristina) Robbins of North Hornell and Brian (Shasta) Robbins of Moore, SC; his mother, Helen Robbins of Hornell; 2 grandsons, Connor Robbins and Theoden “Theo” Robbins, his mother-in-law, Geraldine Lorow; aunts, uncles, several cousins, nieces & nephews.  He will also be sadly missed by his “canine companion”, Killian.

The family of Peter R. “Pete” Robbins will receive friends on Tuesday (January 5, 2021) from 5:00 PM – 7:00 PM at the Dagon Funeral Home, 38 Church St., Hornell, NY.   A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Wednesday (January 6, 2021) at 11:00 AM at St. Ann’s Church with burial in St. Mary’s Cemetery.

The Funeral Mass for Pete Robbins will be streamed via YouTube and can be viewed on the Dagon Funeral Home Facebook page on Wednesday at 11:00 AM by visiting www.facebook.com/dagonfuneralhome.  The video will remain available for viewing on our Facebook page for 30 days.

Pete’s family request that in lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in his name be made to the North Hornell Volunteer Fire Company, 1 West Maplewood Ave., North Hornell, NY 14843 or St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital,  PO Box 1000 – Dept. 300, Memphis, TN  38148. Memorial forms will be available at the Dagon Funeral Home.

Joseph Lee “Joe” Henry – 35 – of North Hornell, died unexpectedly late Friday evening (December 18, 2020) at his home.

Born in Hornell on November 11, 1985, he was the son of Levi & Sheila (Butler) Henry Jr. and the step-son of Bruce Hosmer.

Joe grew up in Hornell and attended Hornell High School and later received his General Education Degree (GED).

For several years, he was employed at Gunlock Corporation in Wayland.  A “Jack of All Trades”, Joe was an accomplished and gifted self employed carpenter who was known throughout the area for his beautiful work and craftsmanship.  He was also a talented mechanic who enjoyed working on cars.

Joe loved the many times that he spent attending the races at Woodhull Raceway and also enjoyed watching NASCAR on TV.

He was preceded in death by his father, Levi Henry Jr.

Surviving are his mother & step-father, Sheila & Bruce Hosmer of Hornell; 3 sisters, Stephanie (William) Ackman of Navarre, FL, Courtney (David) Manning of Hornell and Brittney Henry of Greenwich, NY; his “special friend”, Tina of North Hornell; his “best buddies” David Butler & Jess Drone; several aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews & cousins.

There will be no prior 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.

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

Dr. Eric J. Murawski, M.D., D.D.S. – 33 – formerly of Hornell, died unexpectedly in Cleveland, OH where he had resided for the past six months.

Born in Hornell on October 15, 1987, he was the son of John & Susan (Neiser) Murawski.

Eric grew up in Hornell and was a graduate of Hornell High School (class of 2006). In 2010, he received his Bachelor of Science Degree in Chemistry from Binghamton University. Eric graduated from the University at Buffalo where, in 2014, he received his Doctor of Dental Medicine degree. He also completed medical school at the University at Buffalo and pursued postgraduate studies in oral surgery. For the past six months, he resided in Cleveland where he was completing a dental residency program.

Eric was a skilled woodworker, had a deep love for his two dogs and two cats, and enjoyed caring for his many bonsai trees. He enjoyed rooting for his favorite sports teams, the Buffalo Bills (NFL) and the Buffalo Sabres (NHL).

He was preceded in death by his maternal grandparents, Donald & Helen Neiser, and his paternal grandfather, John G. Murawski.

Surviving are his parents, John and Susan Murawski of Hornell; two sisters, Alison (Gabe) DiBerardinis of Jenkintown, PA, and Ashley (Peter) Berkes of Rochester, NY; his devoted partner of many years, Dr. Gretchen Galvin of Amherst, NY; paternal grandmother, Adeline Murawski of Exeter, PA; one nephew, Graham DiBerardinis; four nieces, Lauren and Charlotte DiBerardinis, and Caroline and Emma Berkes; several aunts, uncles, and cousins.

Due to the Covid-19 pandemic, there will be no calling hours. Private services will be held at a later date at the convenience of the family.

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

Eric’s family requests that in lieu of flowers, memorial contributions be made to an endowed scholarship in his name at the University at Buffalo, which will be awarded yearly to a promising oral surgery student. Donations can be made at http://www.EricJMurawskiMemorialFund.com.

Betty Lucille (Nye) Allen – 88 – of 6501 Whitford Road, Alfred Station, passed away Sunday morning (December 13, 2020) on her 88^th birthday, at Highlands Regional Medical Center in Sebring Florida.

Born in Stannards, NY on December 13, 1932 she was the first born to Russell and Genevieve (Bacon) Nye.

Betty grew up in Whitesville, NY and graduated at the former Canisteo Central School.

On March 20, 1949 Betty Nye Married Ralph Allen and they began their life of 70 years together.

Betty was employed at Westinghouse in Bath, NY.  She later became a baker at ACES (Alfred State College) where she retired following 40 years of service.

She was an avid bowler for years and bowled in several mixed leagues with her husband, Ralph. Betty enjoyed crocheting and had a skill for quilting, making it her goal to touch as many people’s hearts as she could with quilts, throws, table runners and even Christmas decorations.

Betty had a passion for baking and has made numerous wedding cakes for family and friends. She also made up to 26 pies just for her immediate family for Thanksgiving Dinners.  Baking for Christmas was a delight with the dozens of different kinds of cookies, chex mix, peanut brittle and more.

She was a 50 plus member of the Eastern Star for many years and was a member of the Andover First Baptist Church.

Betty was a kind hearted woman, whose smile was contagious. She was very hard working and always seemed to be taking care of someone.

For the past 23 years during the winter months, Betty and Ralph went to Sebring, Florida to spend times with their extended family and friends.  While there she enjoyed playing cards, dominos, crafts and quilting.

Betty and Ralph enjoyed being outdoors and spent many years camping at Sun Valley Campground in Canaseraga NY. For over 40 years they enjoyed going to their camp in the Adirondacks, where many memories were made.

Betty was preceded in death by her son, Dennis “Lumpy” Allen, her loving Husband of 70 years Ralph Allen; 3 brothers, Benjamin Nye, William Nye, Dale Nye; and 2 sisters, Joann Burdick and Janice Burdick.

Betty is survived by her son, Larry (Robin Adkins) Allen of Delmar, DE; 2 daughters, Sherry (Lloyd) Winans of Andover and Susan (Mike) Snyder of Alfred Station; 15 Grand children; 28 great-grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews.  Also surviving are 5 sisters, Shirley (Duane) Green, Linda (Steve) Trescott, Ruth (Dave) Kimble, Claudine (Kirk) Munsell and Debra (Joe) Price; 2 brothers Virgil (Pat) Nye and Jim (Pam) Nye along with many nieces & nephews.

There will be no prior calling hours.  A private Memorial Service will be held at the Dagon Funeral Home, 38 Church  St., Hornell, NY at the convenience of the family with Rev. Cal Densmore officiating.  Burial will be in Maplewood Cemetery in Alfred Station.  A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date.

The Memorial Service for Betty Lucille Allen will be streamed via Facebook Live and can be viewed on the Dagon Funeral Home Facebook page on Tuesday at 11:00 AM by visiting www.facebook.com/dagonfuneralhome.  The video will remain available for viewing on our Facebook page for 30 days.

Betty’s family request that in lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in her name be made to the Alfred Station Fire Department, PO Box 282, Alfred Station, NY 14803 or to The Hart Comfort House, 141 East State St., Wellsville, NY 14895.

Michael A. “Mike” Parks – 72 – of 106 Front St., Hornell, died Saturday morning (December 12, 2020) at Strong Memorial Hospital in Rochester, following a long illness.

Born in Hornell on January 23, 1948, he was the son of Maurice & Armella (Klos) Parks.

Mike grew up in Hornell and attended Hornell High School.  He was a veteran of the US Marine Corp, serving two tours of duty during the Vietnam Conflict.  On the day before he was to be discharged from the Marines, Mike was wounded having been shot in the leg during combat.  He received the Purple Heart Medal and was later honorably discharged from the military.  His injury would prove to be somewhat “disabling” for the remainder of his life and a painful reminder of the tragedies of war!

Following his discharge from the Marines, Mike returned to the Hornell area and for many years had been a member of the Hornell VFW and the Hornell American Legion.  In his younger years he enjoyed hunting and throughout the years was a Buffalo Bills Football Fan — especially during the Super Bowl years.

Mike would spend countless hours exercising his leg by walking the stores of Wal-Mart, Lowes and Wegmans, visiting with family & friends.  In recent years he became a “bird watcher” and enjoyed feeding the birds and squirrels in his yard.  His greatest joy in life, however, was simply loving and taking care of his family, especially his daughters, grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

He was married on November 23, 1968 to the former Rose M. “Rosie” Wyant who died in 2015.  He was also preceded in death by his brother, Tim “Dump” Parks who died in 2005.

Surviving are 2 daughters, Marcy Parks of Rochester and Michelle (Scott) Eason of Hornell; 4 sisters, Rosie (Charles) Rees of Hornell, Maureen (Daniel) Haynes of Almond, Suzanne Flaitz of Dansville and Christine Gardner of Rochester; 3 grandchildren, Kristi Parks, Michael Fisk and Colbie Eason; 2 great-grandchildren, Rilee Parks and Octavia Vancise; several nieces & nephews.

At Mike’s request there will be no calling hours.  A private Memorial Service with full military honors will be held at the Dagon Funeral Home, 38 Church St., Hornell, NY at the convenience of the family with Deacon Robert McCormick officiating.   Final interment will be in the Bath National Cemetery, Bath, NY.

The Memorial Service for Michael A. “Mike” Parks will be streamed via Facebook Live and can be viewed on the Dagon Funeral Home Facebook page on Saturday at 1:00 PM by visiting www.facebook.com/dagonfuneralhome.  The video will remain available for viewing on our Facebook page for 30 days.

Mike’s family request that in lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in his name be made to the Bath VA Activities Fund, 76 Veterans Ave., Bath, NY 14810.

David L. “DJ” Bliss, Jr. – 24 – of 112 ½ Second St., Olean, NY, formerly of Hornell, died Friday morning (December 11, 2020) at Olean General Hospital, following a brief illness.

Born in Hornell on July 19, 1996, he was the son of David & Stephanie (Culley) Bliss, Sr.

DJ grew up in Hornell and attended Hornell Schools.  He enjoyed listening to music (especially hip-hop) and hanging out with family & friends.  He also enjoyed watching sporting events on TV and especially loved rooting for the Chicago Bulls (NBA).

He was preceded in death by his mother, Stephanie who died in 2011.

Surviving are his daughter, Leona Martin of Hornell; his son, Kingsley Bliss of Olean, NY; father, David Bliss Sr. of Florida; 2 brothers, Angelo Kulyeshie of Hornell and Jonathan Kulyeshie of Leroy; 3 sisters, Cenyetta (Tony) Burke of Texas, Jodi (Derek) Dinsmore of Leroy and Ashley Hulbert of Rochester; his half-sister, Brittany Brace of Hornell; aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces & nephews.

At DJ’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. 

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

Karl T. “Tim” Kerr – 66 – of Old Hammondsport Rd., Bath, NY died Friday afternoon (December 11, 2020) at Arnot Health Medical Center in Elmira, from complications following surgery.

Born in Hornell, NY on July 14, 1954, he was the son of Jack and Helen (Weaver) Kerr.

Karl was a graduate of Hornell High School (class of 1973). He lived & worked in Savannah, GA for 6 years, moving to Bath, NY in 1979.  He had been employed at Mercury Aircraft in Hammondsport for over 32 years, retiring in 2013.

For several years, Karl volunteered his time at the Bath Ambulance Corp.  He was a member of the Hornell Moose Lodge & was a member of Bath VFW War Dads where he served as treasurer.  He enjoyed traveling, auctions, yard sales, playing dice & cards.

Karl was preceded in death by his parents, Jack & Helen Kerr; his brother, Jack Kerr JR; his brothers-in-law, Dick Flanagan, Bob Allaway, George Menger and Albert Mennito, SR; his sisters-in-law, Judy Lewis, Betsy Mennito and Linda Kerr; and special uncle, Ron Weaver.

Surviving are his wife, Fran May of Bath; his daughter, Tina (Ray) Wilson of Savannah, GA; his sisters, Cindy Flanagan of Bath, Beth Allaway of Bath, Susan (Marc Bell) Potter of Foley, AL; his brothers Greg Kerr of Hornell, Dan (Deb Stanford) Kerr of Hornell, Steve Kerr of Bradford, NY and Jim Kerr of Bath, his estranged brother, Dave (Kelly Stedman) Kerr of Bath;  his sister-in-law Jean Menger of Hudson, FL; his grandson, James Zapeline of Savannah GA, 2 great-grandsons; many nieces & nephews; his special aunt, Martha Weaver of  Savannah GA, former wife & friend, Beverly Kerr & family of Florida.

At Karl’s request there will be no calling hours or services.

Funeral arrangements are in care of the Dagon Funeral Home, 38 Church St., Hornell, NY 14843.

Karl’s family request that in lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in his name be made to Care First Hospice, 3805 Meads Creek Rd., Painted Post, NY  14870 or to a charity of the donor’s choice.