Joyce A. Kautz – (79) – of 6003 Bonny Hill Rd., Bath, died Thursday (February 16, 2023) at her home.

Born in Jersey City, NJ on January 26, 1944, she was the daughter of Kenneth & Ann (Bobownik) Downey.

Joyce grew up in Hornell and was a graduate of Hornell High School (class of 1962).  She had been employed for a time as a Nurse’s Aide at the former St. James Mercy Hospital and has resided in the Bath, NY area since 1972.

She enjoyed knitting and making beautiful sweaters for family & friends.  She also loved watching the “soaps” on TV — especially “The Young & The Restless” and was passionate about wildlife photography.  Joyce also had a deep love of family and always looked forward to visiting the Bobownik & Downey families.

Joyce had a deep affection for animals and was especially fond of her pet yorkie, “Toby” and feline companion, “Peek-A-Boo.”

In addition to her parents, Joyce was preceded in death by her husband, Adam Kautz who died in 1998 and her sister, Elizabeth Stevenson who died in 1999.

Surviving are her “significant other”, David Bacon with whom she resided; her daughter, Maryanne (Joe) Sears of Midland, NC; 3 sisters, Judy (Mike) Crook of Canisteo, Kathy (Al Reynolds) Chiarelli of Hornell and Susie Cook of Painted Post, NY; her brother, Ken (Lisa Postilli) Downey of Hornell; 4 grandchildren, Alexandria “Alex” (Matt) Goins, Elizabeth “Lizzy” Coulter, Adam Sears & Mya Sears; 1 great-grandson, Cameron “Cam” Underwood; several nieces & nephews.

At Joyce’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.

Joyce’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

Thomas William Glynn, age 85, died October 31, 2022 while in Alive Hospice, Nashville, Tennessee.

He was born May 8, 1937 in Hornell, New York, the son of Thomas A. and Mary Alice (Riefer) Glynn.

Tom graduated from Hornell High School, Class of 1955.  Following graduation he served in the US Army.  After serving he married Nancy Lee Kull, also of Hornell.  They would have celebrated 63 years of marriage on December 12. For 39 years Tom was a proud member of the International Union of Operating Engineers, Local 832 where he worked as a crane operator.

Tom and Nancy moved to Avon, NY in 1965 and raised four children.  In addition to his wife, Tom is survived by Colleen (Stephen) Heyman of Nashville, TN, Thomas (Julie) Glynn of Canandaigua, NY,  Shawn (Julee) Glynn of Durango, CO, and Dan (Kelly) Glynn of Longmont, CO  He was blessed with ten grandchildren Tyler, Caitlin, Kevin, Shayla, Anna Rose, Mandi, Sam, Emily, Riley and Abbey.  He was doubly blessed with 8 great grandchildren, Annabelle, Olivia, Keegan, Xander, Darby, Roree, Wyatt and Sawyer.  He is also survived by his sisters Mary Ann Argentieri, Suzanne (Marty) Christensen, Peggy Argentieri/Cregan and Mary Helen (Mark) Huffsmith; his brother-in-law, Bob Samiec; as well as many nieces and nephews.

In addition to his parents, Tom was predeceased by his sister, Martha Samiec; his brothers-in-law, Roger Argentieri, Jack Creagan and Babi Argentieri.

The only son in a family of daughters, Tom was a man of steadfast character who found ways to connect with family even while being, in his late years, a man of few words.  He was an avid lover of sports, having his share of favorite teams, namely the New York Yankees and the Buffalo Bills, that he followed with his sons and grandsons and when geography allowed, he also enjoyed going fishing.  His hardworking and frugal nature helped him build a life for his family that enabled them to thrive and in his retirement, he remained the beloved patriarch of his sprawling family stretching from Canandaigua to Colorado, until the end.

Family & friends are invited to attend a Memorial Mass to be celebrated on Friday, May 5^th, 2023 at 10:00 AM at St. Ann’s Church.  Final interment will be in St. Ann’s Cemetery.

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

Memorial Contributions can be made to Alive Hospice of Nashville, Tennessee http://alivehospice.org.

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

Theresa M. Murray, 61, of Indianapolis, IN, formerly of Hornell, died unexpectedly on Tuesday, January 31st at her home.

Born March 31, 1961, in Hornell, she was the daughter of Joseph and Mary Alice Horan Murray.

Theresa was a 1979 graduate of Hornell High School where she participated in soccer and softball, earning letters in each. She was honored to be inducted into the Hornell High Sports Hall of Fame in 2021. Theresa was also a 1979 graduate of the BOCES LPN program in Hornell, NY.

Following high school, she continued her education at Erie Community College in Buffalo where she again was a softball standout joining the reigning junior college national champion team. In her first year at ECC she had a pitching record of 20-3 including 4 no-hitters. The school went on to two more appearances in the college championships. Theresa was then recruited to the Indiana University-Purdue University campus. Indiana University had offered her a softball scholarship and she continued her education there, earning both her Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in nursing. While at IUPUI, her season pitching record for 1984 was 12-2 with a .82 ERA. In 1985, Theresa went 14-7 with an ERA of 1.20. Theresa was honored to be placed by the NAIA in 1985, district 21 to the all-district team. Her Bachelor’s degree was earned in 1987, having already started her career in 1985 at Community Hospital East as a staff RN in Critical Care.

Over her 35+ year nursing career, Theresa worked in many different roles including but not limited to Staff Nurse, Assistant Head Nurse, Educator and Critical Care Clinical Nurse Specialist. Her MSN degree as a Critical Care Clinical Nurse Specialist was achieved in 1995. Theresa’s membership and participation in the AACN (American Association of Critical Care Nurses) at the local, state, national levels helped shape the standard of care in ICUS across the country. Her work in eliminating Ventilator Acquired Pneumonia through IHI’s saving 100 thousand lives campaign was recognized nationally. Theresa introduced the intervention of proning patients in the ICU at Community Health Network and saved the lives of numerous patients. Authoring numerous articles on her work in mobilizing ICU patients and leading VHA’s TICU (Transforming the Intensive Care Unit) program, she transformed patient care in the ICU and in the process saved countless lives.

Throughout her nursing career, Theresa influenced, through her dedication and talent, the lives and careers of many nursing students, new nursing graduates and as well as seasoned professionals. She was a true nurse’s nurse, as fierce about the nursing profession as an advocate for the best patient care. She was a role model in ethical decision making and dedicated her career to improving patient safety and saving the lives of patients through evidence- based care. Theresa was loved and admired by all who had the pleasure of working with her. She had been honored as Critical Nurse Specialist of the year in 2006 by the Association of Critical Nurse Specialists, was the first recipient of the Art and Science in Nursing award at CHNw in 2003 and received the Nursing Excellence Lifetime Achievement Award in 2022 at Community Hospital. She was selected for Who’s Who in American Nursing in 1990, awarded the 2003 Art and Science of Nursing award from the Community Health Network at the Annual Nursing excellence awards. Also, in 2003 she was awarded the Meritorious Award for Quality from Anthem Hospital. In 2006, Theresa was selected by her peers nationally as CNS of the year for her work in quality improvement including participating in developing the Ventilator Bundle that is the standard of care for all patients on mechanical ventilation, and the first rapid response team in the world that is now a Joint Commission mandate for all hospitals.

A brilliant speaker, Theresa delivered numerous talks and consultations across the United States. She participated on numerous local and national boards, nursing and non-nursing and as a past President of the National Association of Clinical Nurse Specialists. She served on the Board of the local YMCA and rescued Labradors.

Theresa was predeceased by her parents along with her dog & faithful companion, Lucy.

Theresa loved her family and friends and enjoyed spending time with them. She loved animals, especially dogs. She loved playing golf and was a fan of the Indianapolis Colts.

She is survived by her two sisters, Patricia (Andy) Butler of Hornell and Maureen (Timothy) Daubert of Norfolk, VA; three brothers, Joseph Murray of Montoursville, PA, Michael Murray of Hornell and William (Deborah) Murray of Gaithersburg, MD; two nieces, Nicole Butler and Susan Butler both of Hornell; two nephews, Brian Butler of Hornell and Lucas (Rebecca) Murray of Arlington, VA; one grand-niece Mia Butler of Hornell; several cousins and numerous friends and colleagues.

To celebrate Theresa’s rich legacy as a kindhearted, passionate, and talented woman, a memorial service will be held at the Dagon Funeral Home, 38 Church St., Hornell, NY on Saturday, February 25th at 12 Noon with Deacon Robert McCormick officiating. Final interment will be in St. Mary’s Cemetery, Fremont, NY. Theresa’s service will be live streamed and can be viewed via Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/DagonFuneralHome.

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

Theresa’s family requests that, in lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in her name be made to the Hornell Area Humane Society, 7649 Industrial Park Road, Hornell, NY 14843. Memorial forms will be available at the funeral home or by visiting https://www.hornellanimalshelter.org/donate.html

Kathleen C. “Kathy” Sexton – 82 – of 1190 County Route 66, Hornell, died unexpectedly on Sunday (February 12, 2023) at her home.

Born in Hornell on June 28, 1940, she was the daughter of Leo & Ruth (Norton) Conkey.

Kathy grew up in Hornell and was a graduate of Hornell High School (class of 1958).  Following high school graduation, she was employed for about 3 years as a secretary and office worker for the New York State Department of Transportation (NYSDOT).

Leaving the workforce for several years to get married & raise a family, Kathy later worked several jobs including cashier for Connors Pharmacy, secretary for Louis Zannieri, Attorney, dental assistant for Dr. Monroe and dental assistant for Dr. DelCampo.

Kathy was a member of Our Lady of the Valley Parish and had been a communicant of St. Ignatius Loyola Church and later St. Ann’s Church. She loved going out to dinner with her family and enjoyed walking her loving dog, Maddie.  She was an avid reader (novels & newspapers) and enjoyed working on jig-saw puzzles and crossword puzzles.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Thomas Sexton (August 1995); her son, Joseph Sexton (2013); 5 sisters: Vivian Congdon, Phyllis Donahue, Jean Sackett, Helen Remchuk, Christine Gensler, and her brother, Michael Conkey.

Surviving are her daughter, Joan (Jim) Lecceardone of Hornell; her son, James “Jim” (Teresa) Sexton of Conway, SC; her sister, Lois Jimerson of Hornell; 7 grandchildren: Patrick Cullen, Raymond Lecceardone, Danielle Sexton, Joseph Sexton, James (Emily Shephard) Sexton, Brianne (Zach) Aumick and Courtney (Toby) Nobiling; along with 13 great-grandchildren; several nieces & nephews.

The family of Kathleen C. “Kathy” Sexton will receive friends on Saturday from 12:00 (noon) – 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.  Final interment will be in St. Mary’s Cemetery.

Kathy’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. Memorial forms will be available at the Dagon Funeral Home.

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

Linda M. Walters – 66 – of Cunningham Creek Rd., Canisteo, NY (Town of Hornellsville), formerly of Rochester, died unexpectedly on Wednesday (February 8, 2023) shortly after being admitted to St. James Hospital.

Born in Rochester on July 31, 1956, she was the daughter of Charles & Catherine (McDonald) Walters.

Linda grew up in Rochester and was a graduate of Nazareth High School.  She was employed at Kodak Corporation, working in many capacities, retiring with over 35 years of service.

A resident of the Hornell-Canisteo area for the past 5 years, Linda will be remembered as a loving & caring woman who was “generous to a fault” and who simply enjoyed helping others.  She truly would “give you the shirt off her back” if needed. Linda absolutely loved and was devoted to her family!  She was also an animal lover who owned many dogs throughout her lifetime and was especially fond of her canine companion, “Ginger”.

In addition to her parents, Linda was preceded in death by her brother, William “Bill” Walters who died October 4, 2018.

Surviving are her sister, Carol (Debbie) Hummel of Rochester; 2 brothers, Michael (Anne) Walters of  Rochester and Charles (Tammy) Walters of Rochester; 5 nieces; 2 nephews; 7 great-nieces; & 10 great-nephews.

At Linda’s request there will be no calling hours.  A “Celebration of Life” will be held at time and date to be announced.

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

Linda’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

Jacob W. “Jake” Flaitz – 91 – of Hornell, died early Tuesday morning (February 7, 2023) at Elderwood at Hornell Nursing Facility, where he had resided for the past 10 months.

Born in Hornell on January 13, 1932, he was the son of Leon & Lena (Saxton) Flaitz.

Jake grew up in Hornell and was a graduate of Hornell High School (class of 1951).  While in high school, he excelled in sports and served as co-captain of the HHS Football and was a starting guard on the HHS Basketball teams.  However, his “best sport” was baseball where he eventually signed a minor league contract with the Brooklyn Dodgers (MLB).  In 1993, Jake was honored by being elected to the Hornell High School Sports Hall of Fame.

Following high school graduation, Jake was employed for a time as a house painter, working with Al Chapman and Hud Coogan.  He was a Veteran of the US Navy, serving his country from 1952 – 1956.  While in the Navy, Jake traveled throughout the world including the Mediterranean Sea and visiting many countries including Greece & Italy.

For about 7 years, Jake resided in Niagara Falls, NY where he began working for New York Telephone.  In 1964 he moved back to his beloved Hornell and continued working for New York Telephone which later became NYNEX and Verizon.  He retired as a lineman and cable splicer in 1992 following 35 years of service.

Jake was a member of Our Lady of the Valley Parish and a communicant of St. Ignatius Loyola Church and later St. Ann’s Church.  He was also a member of the Hornell American Legion, the Hornell Moose Lodge and a proud “card-carrying” member of the Communication Workers of America (CWA) Union.  

For over 10 years, Jake served as a youth football coach in Hornell.  The Cowboys, his Midget Football team had a 4 year stretch where they were undefeated.  He was a Hornell Grasshopper Baseball Coach for several years.

Following his retirement, Jake became somewhat of a golfing fanatic and would “hit the links” every chance he got.  He also became an accomplished carpenter & cabinet maker and would create beautiful, custom-made bookcases, tables and TV stands, often spending many hours in his basement fine-tuning his craft.

Jake was married on November 13, 1957 to the former M. Elaine Delaney who died October 21, 1977.  On September 27, 1980 he married the former Mary Brody Madau who died December 19, 2016.  He was also preceded in death by his daughter, Rebecca Flaitz; his son, Andrew “Andy” Flaitz; 5 brothers, Sam Flaitz, Richard “Dick” Flaitz, George Flaitz, Donald Flaitz and Robert “Bob” Flaitz; 2 sisters, Geraldine “Dean” McLane and Kathryn House.

Surviving are 3 sons, Jacob (Kelly) Flaitz, Jr. of Conesus, NY, Timothy Flaitz of Rochester and Thomas (Tonia) Flaitz of Hornell and a daughter, Patricia “Trish” (Bud) Paris of Warren, PA; a step-son, Anthony (Patti) Madau of Leroy, NY; his sisters-in-law, Donna Flaitz and Dolores Flaitz; 12 grandchildren, Jacob Andrew Flaitz, Alex Flaitz, Justyn Schumaker and Julia Flaitz; Haylie (Jariot) Spicer, Sydney Paris, Tori (Patrick) Morris, Beau Paris, Teagan Paris, Lexi Paris, Antonio Madau and Peter Madau; 2 great-grandchildren; many nieces & nephews.

At Jake’s request there will be no calling hours.  A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Tuesday at 10:00 AM at St. Ann’s Church.  Burial with full military honors will follow in St. Mary’s Cemetery.

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

Jake’s family request that in lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in his name be made to St. Ann’s Academy, 41 Genesee St., Hornell, NY  14843.

Sally A. Mills – 53 – of 25 Meadows Park, Arkport, NY died early Monday morning (February 6, 2023) at Strong Memorial Hospital in Rochester following a long illness.

Born in Dansville on January 23, 1970, she was the daughter of Daniel & Kristine (Walker) Ryan.

Sally grew up in the Cohocton area and was a graduate of Cohocton High School (class of 1988).  Throughout the years she resided in several locations, including Cohocton, Dansville and Arkport.

She had been employed at Gunlock Corporation and had also served as a Rural Mail Carrier.  Most recently she was employed at “Just in Time” (JIT) in Dansville.

Sally enjoyed being outdoors and especially loved the time that she spent camping, working around her home and gardening.  She also had a deep affection for her beloved cats.

She was married on June 20, 2020 to Leroy J. Mills, Jr. who survives.  Also surviving are 2 daughters, Shelbylynn Walker of Arkport and Courtney (Brett) Dunn of Syracuse; her parents, Daniel & Kristine Ryan of Arkport; her sister, Kelly (Bob) Lewis of Dansville; her brother, Tommy (Sadie) Ryan of Mt. Morris; 2 grandchildren, Lilly Walker and Paddrick Owens of Florida; several nieces & nephews.

At Sally’s request there will be no calling hours.  A “Celebration of Life” will be held at a later date to be announced.

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

John R. Anderson — AKA “Charlie” – 75 – of 356 Bennett Parkway, Hornell, died unexpectedly on Friday (February 3, 2023) at his home.

Born in Ashford, AL on April 27, 1947, he was the son of Herbert Brown and Marion Anderson.

John grew up in Ashford, AL and was a graduate of Ashford High School (class of 1965).  He was a Veteran of the US Army serving his country in Vietnam during the Vietnam Crisis.  While in the army, John received the Purple Heart Medal for being wounded by a mortar round.

Following his honorable discharge from the military, John resided in many locations including Alabama, Virginia and New York.  While living in Virginia, he was employed at a chicken processing plant.  He has resided in Hornell for the past 12 years.

In addition to his parents, John was preceded in death by 2 sisters, Lela Mae Wilsher and Rosa Lee Campbell; 1 brother, Ulysses Campbell.

Surviving are his son, Roger Anderson of Hornell; 2 brothers, William “Will” Simpson and Willie Cook; 1 sister, Dorothy “Dot” Simpson; 3 grandsons, Brandon Lee McCaffrey, Elijah Israel Anderson and Isaiah John Anderson; several nieces & nephews.

At John’s request there will be no calling hours.  Private services will be held at the convenience of the family with final interment at the Bath National Cemetery.

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

Joseph M. “Joe” Dropp – 75 – of 6660 Laine Rd., Hornell (Town of Hornellsville), died Saturday evening (January 28, 2023) at Strong Memorial Hospital in Rochester, following a long illness.

Born in Hornell on January 7, 1948, he was the son of Joseph & Rita (Harrington) Dropp.

Joe grew up in Hornell and was a graduate of Hornell High School (class of 1966).  Following high school, he served for two years as a member of the US Army and was stationed in Vietnam for a year during the Vietnam Conflict.

Following his honorable discharge from the Army, Joe returned to the Hornell area and began his career with the railroad.  For over 30 years, he served as a plumber & carpenter foreman for the former Erie Railroad, Erie-Lackawanna Railroad and Conrail.  He later served in the security department of the former Morrison-Knudson (MK) and later Alstom Corporation.  Throughout the years, Joe also worked part time as a barber for Angie’s Barber Shop in Hornell.

He was a member of Our Lady of the Valley Parish and a communicant of St. Ignatius Loyola Church and later St. Ann’s Church.  He was also a member of the Hornell VFW and the Hornell American Legion.

Joe was a true outdoorsman who enjoyed hunting (deer & small game) and fishing (streams).  He also loved his time spent working outdoors — doing yard work, mowing and cutting trees.  He was skilled mechanic & carpenter and could fix just about anything.  

In addition to his parents, Joe was preceded in death by 2 brothers, Gerald “Jerry” Dropp and Thomas “Tom” Dropp; his sister, Patricia “Pat” Dropp; and his granddaughter, Hannah Elizabeth Rose Logan.

He was married on June 29, 1969 to the former Mary Ellen Crandall who survives.  Also surviving are 4 daughters, Debra “Deb” (Phil) Logan of Almond, Colleen (David) Brownell of Hornell, Bridgett (Peter) Galfusz of Williamsburg, VA and Erin (Bil) Panter of Henrietta, NY; his brother, Michael (Patrice Campbell) Dropp of Cortland; his sister, Rita Elizabeth “Liz” Ramsey-Dropp of Warren, PA; 11 grandchildren; 2 great-grandchildren; several nieces & nephews.

The family of Joseph M. “Joe” Dropp will receive friends on Friday from 4:00 PM – 7:00 PM at the Dagon Funeral Home, 38 Church St., Hornell, NY.  The US Army will conduct Military Honors at the conclusion of calling hours at 7:00 PM.  A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Saturday at 11:00 AM at St. Ann’s Church with burial in St. Mary’s Cemetery.

Joe’s family request that in lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in his name be made to Tunnel to Towers Foundation, 2361 Hylan Boulevard, Staten Island, NY  10306. Memorial forms will be available at the Dagon Funeral Home.

In recognition of Joe’s service to his country as a member of the US Army, the American Flag at the Dagon Funeral Home will be flown at half-staff.

Norman G. “Norm” Allen, Jr. – 58 – formerly of Rochester, died early Thursday morning (January 26, 2023) at City Rehab & Nursing (formerly Hornell Gardens) where he had resided for the past 5 years.

Born in Rochester on October 23, 1964, he was the son of Norman & Sharon (O’Neil) Allen SR.

Norm grew up in the Rochester area and was a graduate of Gates-Chili High School (class of 1982).  He had numerous jobs throughout the years including serving as a dock worker for Forward Air of Rochester, NY.

He was an avid Minnesota Vikings (NFL) fan and also was a self-proclaimed “Treckkie” as he enjoyed both the Star Trek TV Series and the Star Trek movies.

In addition to his parents, Norm was preceded in death by his sister, Bonnie Englant and his brother, Rick Allen.

Surviving are his son, Nick Kalmbacher; his brother, John Allen; 1 niece, Brandy Orbaker; 4 nephews, Bryan Hofschneider, Timothy Englant, Ricky Allen & Joey Allen; along with several grandchildren.

At Norman’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