Josephine A. “Josie” Brown 

On February 18, 2022 Josephine A. “Josie” Brown, 81 of Hornell, NY passed comfortably and at peace.

Josie was born January 16, 1941 in Hornell NY to the late Angelo and Josephine (Marino) Cartella.  She grew up in Hornell and attended St. Ann’s School and later graduated from Hornell High School (Class of 1960).

She was married to the late Robert J. “Bob” Brown on August 18, 1961 and together they built a life and a family.

Josie is survived by her brothers, Carl (Mary) Cartella of Hornell NY and Francis “Butch” (Beth) Cartella of Almond, NY, her seven children, Robert (Ellen) Brown of Nashville, TN, Stephen Brown of Alfred Station NY, Lisa (Michael) Hamilton of Alfred Station, NY, Angela Gillette of Hornell NY, Cynthia (Lawrence) Ebert of Hornell NY, Scott (Catherine) Brown of Hornell NY and Jodi Brown of Houghton, NY.  She is also survived by her grandchildren,  Michael, Megan, Sarah Jane, Nathan, Monika, Rachael, Ryan, Amanda, Ashley, Stephen & Thomas; her great granddaughter Charleigh Rose; along with several in-laws, nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her husband Robert J. Brown on January 26, 1981; her siblings Francis “Frankie” Cartella, Peter Cartella, Mary (infant) Cartella, Mary Andrezzi, Angeline Eason, Rose “Tina” Conine, and Julio “Bozo” Cartella.

Josie lived her life– always doing and caring for others.  She dedicated a large portion of her life supporting students with special needs.  She did this as a Teacher’s Aide for Steuben-Allegany BOCES and as a Coach and Area 15 Coordinator for Special Olympics.  Josie once said that when she started working for BOCES her family grew larger, this is because she always treated her coworkers and her students like family. She was a positive role model, a supportive mentor and a loving influence on so many through the years.  Being involved in Special Olympics, one of Josie’s favorite things was being able to take student athletes each year to attend the annual Knights of Columbus Sports Night Banquet.  Josie was honored in 2001 as the Coach of the Year and again in 2013 with a Special Dedication.  Each year the student athletes got to meet, chat with and get the celebrity athlete’s autographs.   As one of the biggest Bills fans around a huge highlight for Josie was when in 2017, she finally got to meet her hero, Bruce Smith.  Go Bills!

She also made connections and provided opportunities to the youth of Hornell through her second job as manager of the Hornell Knights of Columbus kitchen.  At the K of C she cooked, planned the parties and events and provided several teenagers with their first job serving meals, washing dishes and setting up for and staffing the parties and events.

She was a member of Our Lady of the Valley Parish and a communicant of St. Ann’s Church.  She was also a member of the Hornell Ladies of Columbus, the AZB Sorority and the Carducci Lodge-Sons of Italy.   Josie enjoyed local politics and had been a member of the Democratic Woman’s committee for many years.  In her spare time she enjoyed crafts, making flowers for wedding bouquets, gambling, playing “pay me” with her friends at Carducci Lodge and spending time with her friends and family.

Josie was a kind soul that had a passion for volunteering and doing for others.  In addition to Special Olympics she also volunteered at the St. James and Elderwood Gift Shops, she organized the Hornell High School Post Prom Party for several years, she volunteered for the Steuben County Rural Ministry helping Sister Susan Cain at the food pantry.  She’d have fun with her family each year on Christmas Eve doing random acts of kindness and she has put on numerous “Spaghetti Dinners  By Josie” for various fundraisers throughout the years.  Josie was a member of several clubs and service organizations but being a member of Alpha Zeta Beta “AZB” Sorority made a huge impact on her life.  Through AZB she formed lifelong friendships.  From serving their community, national conventions, turtle ceremonies, and regular get-togethers she enjoyed every adventure with her fun-loving and slightly wild sisters of AZB.  This group of women did a lot for others and always had the best times filled with laughter and fun while doing it.

Although she touched so many lives and done so many great things, her biggest role was that of a loving Mother, Grandmother and Meme.  She showed her love to her family in so many ways: through football talk, car rides & listening to the oldies, trips to the mall and the ice cream shop, casino visits, games of skipbo, family get togethers, playing team trivia, searching for Smurf collectible figures, adventures with “Belsnickle the Elf” and most importantly home cooked meals made with love.

Josie showered her family with love through shared moments together of fun and laughter.  These special moments are now cherished memories.  Josie’s love for her family and for others is her greatest legacy.  In turn, she was very loved and will be greatly missed and celebrated by her family each time we get a winner on a scratch off, each time the Bills score a touchdown, each time we order a large Diet Coke from McDonald’s each time we cook a meal with love and each time we think of a fun memory and realize how blessed we are to have been loved by Josie.

The family of Josephine A. ”Josie” Brown will receive friends on Friday from 4:00 PM- 6:00 PM at the Dagon Funeral Home, 38 Church Street, Hornell NY.  A mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Saturday at 1:00 PM at St. Ann’s Church with burial in Hartsville Hill Pope Cemetery, Hartsville, NY.

Josie’s family requests that in lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in her name be made to the Hornell Alumni Association, PO Box 135, 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

Alfred Station, NY

Harold L. Wyant – 67 – of Alfred Station, formerly Hartsville, NY, died Wednesday (February 16, 2022) at Noyes Memorial Hospital in Dansville, following a long illness.

Born in Hornell on June 15, 1954, he was the son of Donald and Phyllis (Woodworth) Wyant.

Harold grew up in Hartsville where he resided for 65 years until moving to Alfred Station in 2020.

He was employed as a truck mechanic at the former Morrison-Knudsen (MK) and later TTA / Transitair Systems in Hornell.

An avid outdoorsman, Harold enjoyed hunting and fishing, farming, riding his 4-wheeler, and horseback riding.

In addition to his parents, Harold was predeceased by his sister, Rosie Parks, & nephew, Michael Carbone.

Harold is survived by his five children, Daniel (Erica) Oles of Arkport, Cory (Alexis) Wyant of Hornell, Jennifer (Brian) Kent of Hornell, Nicole Wyant of Hornell, & Bridget Wyant of Summerville, SC; 6 sisters, Barbara (Raymond) Vosburg of Hornell, Mary (Joe) Carbone of Hornell, Bonnie (Richard) Ankenbauer of Union City, PA, LeeAnn McCarthy of Almond, Judy (Brad) O’Konski of Alfred Station, & Eleanor (Michael) Duffy of Hornell; 9 grandchildren, Jeremiah, Brianna, Tyger, Warwick, Willa, Zayne, Maizey, Chase, Kaegan; several nieces & nephews.

Per Harold’s request, there will be no calling hours or services.

Memorial contributions in Harold’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.

Linda M. Stearns – 62 – of 14 Brush St., Arkport, died early Wednesday morning (February 16, 2022) at her home, following a long illness.

Born in Tonawanda, NY on April 11, 1959, she was the daughter of Peter & Evelyn (Derner) Dragich.

Linda grew up in the Buffalo, NY area and was a graduate of Kenmore East High School (class of 1977).  While living in the Buffalo area, she had been employed as Office Manager for SSI Corporation and later for Trident Mechanical Corporation.

She moved to the Arkport area in 2010 and had been employed at Cy’s SureFine Grocery in Arkport and also served as a “Price Checker” for Wal-Mart Corporation.

Linda was a member of the Arkport American Legion.  She had a deep affection for animals, especially dogs & cats, and throughout the years spent countless hours helping family & friends search for their “runaway” pets that had wandered off.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Peter & Evelyn Dragich.

Linda was married on July 4, 2008 to William “Bill” Stearns who survives.  Also surviving are her daughter, Jennifer (Jason) Haggar of Louisville, CO; 4 step-sons, Jeffery (Donna) Stearns of Sorrento, FL, Shawn Stearns of Eustis, FL, James (Sara) Stearns of Eustis, FL and Alex (Jackie) Stearns of Arkport; 3 brothers, Dennis (Gail) Dragich of Bemis Point, NY, Pete Dragich of Lakeview, NY and Mike (Marti) Dragich of Knoxville, TN; 1 granddaughter, Ellen Haggar; several step-grandchildren, nieces & nephews.

At Linda’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.

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.

Hornell, NY  /  Avoca, NY

Raymond R. Jackson – 63 – of State Route 415, Avoca, formerly of Hornell died unexpectedly Wednesday (February 9, 2022) at his home.

Funeral arrangements are incomplete at the Dagon Funeral Home, 38 Church St., Hornell, NY.

Carol L. Mohrman – 78 – of Arkport, formerly of Long Island, died early Wednesday morning (February 9, 2022) at the Vincent House in Wayland, NY, following an illness.

Born in New York City on April 28, 1943, she was the daughter of George & Emma (Pheasant) Dempsey.

Carol grew up in Queens Village, NY and was a graduate of Andrew Jackson High School (class of 1961).  She resided on Long Island for most of her adult life, initially in the Farmingdale area and then in Dix Hills after she married Robert (Bob) Mohrman in May of 1969.  They were married until his death on February 15, 2005. She has lived in Arkport for the past few months.

While living in Dix Hills, Carol was a member of the St. Luke Lutheran Church.

Carol was an avid reader (especially fiction novels) and liked to spend time working on crossword puzzles.  She also enjoyed taking daily walks and doing aerobics.

Surviving are her son, David (Valerie) Mohrman of Midlothian, VA; her daughter, Jackie (Robert Adler) Mohrman of Arkport; 2 grandchildren, Sarah Mohrman & Christopher Mohrman.

At Carol’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.

Carol’s family request that in lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in her name be made to the American Cancer Society, 13 Beech St., Johnson City, NY  13790 or The Vincent House Comfort Care Home, PO Box 566, 310 Second Avenue, Wayland, NY 14572.

Virginia L. “Ginny” Bates peacefully passed at age 74 in her Arkport home early Monday, February 7^th 2022, after a long battle.

Born in Rochester, NY on Feb 18^th, 1947 to Leonard & Ferne Suss Nuijens.

Ginny grew up in Penfield, NY, where she graduated from high school in 1965 before receiving a Bachelor’s Degree from SUNY Oswego.

She was married to Robert “Bob” Bates in 1970, before moving to Arkport in 1975. Ginny spent over 30 years helping her community through her work at SCAP/Arbor Housing, where she helped improve the lives (and homes) of 1000’s of her neighbors across the Southern Tier. In the 1990’s, she was a key activist involved in the Anti-Nuclear Waste Dumping movement and was an integral part of successfully keeping our community free from radioactive contamination.  She continued her work till the end.

At home, Ginny was a passionate creator and maker. Cooking was more than a means for her, it was a lifestyle, and has been called the “world’s best home cook” in major US and International publications and has had recipes published in Wine Spectator. Known for cooking dishes far ahead of her time, she influenced the world of cuisine through her love of cooking and creativity, which she has passed on through her son. Additionally, she was an avid gardener, pickler, home canner, soap and lotion maker and wrangler of cats, sheep, neighborhood children and other animals. Gin made a mean martini.

She was a voracious collector of cookbooks, plasticware and all things food and cooking. She was a fervent supporter of Penzy’s, F. Olivers and Asian grocers across NY.

She is survived by her husband Bob; son Christopher and his wife Isabel; brother Tom and wife Peggy; a VacMaster VP215 and god knows how many cats. She will live on in the hearts of many, many dear friends.

Ginny requests no calling hours and that in lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in her name be made to the Hornell Humane Society, 7649 Industrial Park Road, Hornell, NY 14843. And if you are buying, she will have an iced tea as well.

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

Virginia R. “Ginny” Appleton – (89) – of Arkport, died Friday evening (February 4, 2022) at St. James Hospital, following a long illness.

Born in Manitowoc, WI on March 4, 1932, she was the daughter of William & Mary Gertrude (Wesler) Runge.   In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her brother, William.

In 1954 she married George Appleton of Ionia, NY.

Ginny grew up in Manitowoc, WI and attended Lawrence University.  She later graduated from National-Lewis University in Evanston, IL with a BA Degree in education.

She resided in Honeoye Falls for many years and was a third grade teacher at Honeoye Falls Central School.  She later served as office manager at a dental practice in Honeoye Falls.  Ginny was a member of the Honeoye Falls Zoning Board of Appeals and later of the Planning Board.  She was also active in FISH, Meals-On-Wheels, Totiakton Garden Club and Literary Club.

George & Ginny moved to Prattsburgh where they lived until moving to Arkport in 2005.

While living in Prattsburgh, Ginny and George were members of St. Patrick’s Church.  After moving to Arkport, they were members of St. Brendan’s Parish of Almond, NY.

Ginny was an avid knitter and would knit sweaters for her young grandchildren and great-grandchildren every year. She also knit dozens of lap-robes and hundreds of booties for the VA.  She was a life-long follower and fan of the Chicago Cubs and of the Green Bay Packers.

In addition to her husband, George, Ginny is survived by her daughter, Mary Brownell of Canisteo; 4 grandchildren, Jessica (Anthony) Barnum of Pompy, NY, Sarah (Jon) Hager of Fayetteville, NY, Rebecca (Amir) Mirdamadi of Raleigh, NC and Kevin (Cheris) Mazanec of Hornell; 6 great-grandchildren, Timothy Barnum, Trevor Barnum, Ethan Barnum, Elizabeth Barnum, Emmit Hager and Anderson Hager; her sister-in-law, Barbara Runge of Shakopee, MN; her niece, Lisa (Mitch) Engelhart of Roswell, GA; along with numerous cousins.

The family of Virginia R. “Ginny” Appleton will receive friends on Monday (February 14, 2022) from 4:00 PM  – 7:00 PM at the Dagon Funeral Home, 38 Church St., Hornell, NY.  A Memorial Mass will be celebrated on Tuesday (February 15, 2022) at 11:00 AM at St. Brendan’s Church in Almond.  Burial will be in St. Bridget’s Cemetery in Bloomfield, NY at the convenience of the family.

Ginny’s family request that in lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in her name be made to the Hornell YMCA or to the Hornell Public Library.

Robert L. “Bob” Fiacco – 89 – 416 Cleveland Ave, North Hornell (formerly of 47 Mill St., Hornell), died Thursday afternoon (February 3, 2022) at St. James Hospital following a long illness.

Born in Italy on May 17, 1932, he was the son of Stephen & Mary (Ponfilli) Fiacco. His family moved to the United States when he was 4 ½ years old.

Bob grew up in Hornell and was a graduate of St. Ann’s School and Hornell High School (class of 1952).  While in high school, he excelled in sports, especially football, track, basketball & baseball. In 1992 he was elected to the Hornell High School Hall of Fame.

He was a veteran of the US Army having served during the Korean Conflict. In 1955, he, along with his parents and brother, established Fiacco’s Bakery on River Street in Hornell. The family operated the business for about 25 years. He was also employed for many years as a machinist at the former SKF Industries in Hornell and later with Dresser Rand in Wellsville, retiring in 2001.

Bob was a member of Our Lady of the Valley Parish and for many years was a communicant of St. Ignatius Loyola Church where he served as an usher. In recent years he attended St. Ann’s Church. He was an artist who enjoyed spending countless hours painting and was also a carpenter who could build just about anything.

He was married on October 9, 1954 to the former Carol McKinley who died April 21, 2020. He was also preceded in death by his twin sisters who died in infancy; his brother, Ezio Fiacco; his sister, Edda Tuite, and sister-in-law, SR Barbara Cabrini.

Surviving are his son, Mark (Liz) Fiacco of Atlanta, NY; 2 daughters, Susan (Dan) Nickerson of Scio, NY and Tara Regan of North Hornell, NY; 1 brother, Steve Fiacco of Brockton, MA; his sisters-in-law, Mary Fiacco of Hornell; Mary Lucy McKinley of Hornell; Helen (Richard) Harkenrider of Rexville; his brother-in-law, Leo Tuite of Brockton, MA; 6 grandchildren; 10 great-grandchildren; several nieces & nephews.

The family of Robert L. “Bob” Fiacco will receive friends on Friday from 4:00 PM – 6:00 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. Ann’s Church with burial in St. Mary’s Cemetery.

Bob’s family request that in lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in his name be made to St. Jude Children’s Hospital, PO Box 1000 – Dept. 300, Memphis, TN 38148.  Memorial forms will be available at the Dagon Funeral Home.

In recognition of his 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.

North Hornell, NY

Laura M. Suriani, of Cleveland Avenue, died peacefully on Sunday, January 30, 2022.

Born in Mt. Morris, she was the daughter of Salvatore and Mary (Peraino) Miceli, and was married to Francis N. Suriani, who died in 1991.

A graduate of Hornell High School, Laura completed real estate and appraisal courses at St. John Fisher College, Ithaca College, Alfred State College, and Corning Community College.  During a trip to Italy, she completed cultural and language courses at the University of Siena.

A New York State licensed real estate broker and notary public, Laura was a well-known and respected real estate professional in the Hornell area for many years, having been associated with a number of local real estate agencies. She was previously employed by the Beneficial Finance Company, and J.C. Penney Company, both of Hornell.

Laura was a member of the National Association of REALTORS (NAR), the New York State Association of REALTORS (NYSAR), the New York State Society of Real Estate Appraisers, and the National Association of Real Estate Appraisers. She was also a member of the Western Steuben-Allegany Association of REALTORS (WSTAR), where she served as Treasurer and Vice President before being appointed Executive Officer, a position she held for over twenty five years.

She earned numerous real estate awards, including the prestigious Graduate Realtor Institute designation, certificates for completing courses in Executive Officer management, and WSTAR REALTOR of the Year.  Laura was inducted into NYSAR’s Honors Society, and was recognized for her outstanding performance as Executive Officer. She was awarded scholarships by NAR and NYSAR to attend Association Executives Institutes in Georgia, Massachusetts, and Nevada. She also attended Institutes in Kentucky and Tennessee.

Laura arranged for the NAR President to be guest speaker at WSTAR’s 50^th Anniversary Luncheon in Hornell. It was believed to be the first such visit of a national REALTOR President to the Southern Tier. The event was the subject of an article in the REALTOR Association Executives Magazine, entitled, “An AE’s Dream Event Come True”.

Active in community affairs, Laura served on the Boards of the Greater Steuben Chapter of the American Red Cross, the Hornell Camp Fire Council, Jacks and Jills Nursery School, and was a member of the Business Administration Program Review Team at Alfred State College. She also served on the Hornellsville Board of Assessment Review and the North Hornell Zoning Board of Appeals.

Laura was a Cub Scout Leader and later Troop Committee Chairperson of North Hornell Boy Scout Troop 37. She was involved in organizing the first Candlelight Ball at Hornell High School, and was the North Hornell Coordinator for the March for Youth Fund Drive. She served as Co-Chairperson of the Hornell Community Chest Campaign, and interviewed local community leaders on Hornell radio station WWHG’s “Youth Wants to Know” public affairs program.

She is survived by her children: Sammy, Raymond, Donald, and Susan; three grandchildren; nieces and nephews.

At Laura’s request, there will be no calling hours.  Private services will be held at the Dagon Funeral Home, 38 Church St., Hornell, NY with Deacon Robert McCormick officiating.  Burial in St. Mary’s Cemetery, Fremont.

Memorial contributions may be made to the North Hornell Volunteer Fire Department, 1 West Maplewood Ave., North Hornell, NY 14843.

Debra A. Healey – (63) – of 531 Dungan Road, Hornell, NY (Town of Bishopville), died early Friday morning (January 28, 2022) at her home, following a long and courageous battle with Multiple Sclerosis (MS).

Born in North Hornell on November 8, 1958, she was the daughter of Jesse & Audrey (Myhers) Pryor.

Debra grew up in Arkport and was a graduate of Arkport Central School (class of 1976).  While in high school, she loved playing sports, including softball & volleyball.

She was employed and later served as office manager at Hornell Agway Store in Hornell.  She also served as manager of Wilson Farms Convenience Store in Hornell.

Debra enjoyed knitting & crocheting and created beautiful Afghans which she gave to family & friends.  For several years she donated her time to the youth of the community by serving as softball coach.  She was a member of the Arkport American Legion.

She was married on July 10, 1999 to Kevin T. Healey who survives.

In addition to her husband, Debra is survived by her children, Jon Faulkner of Rochester and Lyndsey Faulkner of Rochester; 3 brothers, Scott Pryor of Atlanta, GA, Mike Pryor of Raleigh, NC and Jay (Kelly Riome) Pryor of Rochester, NY; 1 sister, Donna (Jeff) Sherwood of Bath, NY; several nieces & nephews.

At Debra’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. 

Debra’s family request that in lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in her name be made to Hornell Humane Society, 7649 Industrial Park Road, Hornell, NY 14843.