Shirley A. Fitch -73 of West Haven, CT passed away peacefully after a courageous battle with cancer in the early morning of April 17, 2020 at Yale New Haven Hospital- St. Raphael’s campus, with her devoted husband Mathew T. Fitch by her side.

She was born in Binghamton, NY to James V. and Lucy (Parrillo) Capolupo.  She grew up in Binghamton and spent many summers with her aunt and uncle, Angela and Dominic Mauro, in Hornell, NY.  Shirley attended grammar school in Binghamton and  graduated from Binghamton North High School. She furthered her education in business school and became a highly respected businesswoman in the Binghamton area, where her father James owned and operated several successful businesses. Upon her father’s death in 1977, she became the owner and manager of the family’s Del Motel located on Court St., Route US 11 in Binghamton, NY.  She operated this business for over 20 years while also caring for her mother Lucy Capolupo at the family home until her mother’s death in 1996.  Shirley was an extremely devoted daughter who would do anything for her mother and family.

Shirley was a dedicated, loving wife of 31 years to Mathew T. Fitch.  She also enjoyed spending time with her many aunts, uncles and cousins.  Shirley was always ready to go on an adventure and enjoyed music and the arts.  She and Mathew frequently traveled to different states including Pennsylvania, Delaware, Massachusetts and Maine, to name a few, for plays and concerts.  A highlighted annual vacation was attending her cousin Francis “Buzz” Mauro, Jr.’s  fundraising galas to support his Theatre Lab in Washington, DC.   She also enjoyed taking their grandchildren Tyler and Stephen on mini-vacations and adventures through the years.  Shirley was an avid collector of antique Victorian dolls and Santa Clauses, and started both of her grandsons collecting nutcrackers and Christmas villages.  Shirley had impeccable taste in clothing and jewelry and always looked beautiful.  She also had a keen eye for decorating, and her home reflected her style and vision.

She was predeceased by her parents James V. and Lucy (Parrillo) Capolupo; her infant brother James and brother James V. Capolupo Jr.; and her sister Delores Edson.  She was also predeceased by her uncles and aunts Leo and Carrie (Parrillo) Serino of Port Dickinson, NY and Carl and Grace Parrillo of Florida; cousin Deborah Poteran of Glenville, NY; and  close relatives from Hornell, NY,  including her uncle and aunt Dominic “Mickey” and Angela (Parrillo) Mauro; and cousins Salvatore Mauro, Carl and Jean Mauro, Marguerite Mauro, David Mauro, and Ann Mauro.  Shirley was also predeceased by her sister in-law Audrey Bowers of Bennington, VT, her sister- and brother-in-law Linda (Nicholas) DeSabella of Stratford, CT and brother-in-law John Fitch of Rancho Cordova, CA.

Shirley is survived by her loving husband Mathew T. Fitch; her stepdaughter Sharon Roady of Hamden, CT; her grandchildren Tyler and Stephen Roady of Hamden, CT.  She is also survived by nephew Robert L. (Francine) Edson, Jr.; great-nieces Jennifer (Patrick) McEwen of Endicott, NY and Angela Cwynar of Apalachin, NY; many cousins including Ralph & Marilyn Serino and Marie (Serino) Bakay of Clifton Park, NY,  Francis “Buzz” Mauro of  Hammondsport, NY and  Joseph Mauro of Hornell, NY.  Shirley was blessed with a large extended family that included many close cousins, nieces and nephews.

The family would like to thank Dr. Marianne Vahey and Dr. Peter Schwartz and the entire oncology team of doctors, nurses and support staff that took exceptional care of Shirley during her many treatments and hospitalizations at Smilow Cancer Center, New Haven, CT.  Shirley was also very fond of her in-home caregivers Phyllis and Veronica from Visiting Angels in Woodbridge, CT.  Lastly, a special thank you to Shirley’s team of nurses, therapists and her hospice team from the VNA Community Healthcare and Hospice, Hamden CT, who provided her and her family much needed support during the last few months of her life.

Due to the Caronavirus Pandemic, there will be no calling hours.  A private graveside service will be held at the convenience of the family.

The Graveside Service for Shirley A. Fitch 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.

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

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 262 Danny Thomas Place, Memphis, TN 38105, (stjude.org),  or VNA Community Healthcare and Hospice, 753 Boston Post Road, Guilford, CT 06437.

To leave an online condolence please visit www.dagonfuneralhome.com

Karen L. Fitzgerald – 59 – of 7475 Seneca Road North, Hornell, died early Tuesday morning (April 14, 2020) at Strong Memorial Hospital in Rochester, following a long illness.

Born in Rochester, NY on June 2, 1960, she was the daughter of Joseph & Minnie (Thompson) Fitzgerald.

In her younger years, Karen resided in several places, including Rochester, NY and Newtown, CT, eventually moving to South Dansville as a teen and attending Arkport Central School.

Most of Karen’s career was filled with jobs that helped people. She worked at Jack and Jill’s Daycare in Henrietta, NY and spent many years working for ARC of Steuben in multiple capacities. After leaving ARC, she became a babysitter and a caregiver.

Karen was a member of the Arkport Presbyterian Church where she served as a volunteer for their Release Time Program and their Vacation Bible School.  She attended Ladies’ Bible Study and served on the board of Deacons. She enjoyed scrapbooking, needlework, card making and other crafts.  Karen was also an avid fan of the Arkport Central School sports programs, although she was often caught cheering on both teams. Her spirit, positive attitude, kindness and sunny disposition will be missed by all.

In addition to her parents, Joseph & Minnie, Karen was preceded in death by 2 brothers, Mike Fitzgerald and Jimmy Fitzgerald; 1 sister, Mary Burnham.

Surviving are her daughter, Sarah (Jason) Platt of Suffern, NY; her twin sister, Sharon (Mark) Westhoff of Searcy, AR; her brother, Paul Fitzgerald of Rochester; several nieces & nephews.

Due to the Coronavirus Pandemic there will be no calling hours at this time.  A Memorial Service and Celebration of Life (Karen’s 60^th birthday party) will be held at a future date. Please reach out to Sarah Sawczyszyn Platt on Facebook for more details as they are made available.

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

Karen’s family request that in lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in her name be made to either the Arkport Presbyterian Church or the Strong Memorial Hospital.

Mary Lou Durso – 83 – formerly of Elmwood Ave., North Hornell, died early Monday morning (April 13, 2020) at Hornell Gardens where she had resided for the past 3 ½ years.

Born in Catawissa, PA on May 14, 1936, she was the daughter of George & Dorothy (Shultz) Walters.

Mary Lou grew up in Bloomsburg, PA and was a graduate of Bloomsburg High School (class of 1954).

She was married on December 5, 1954 to Michael J. “Mike” Durso.  Mary Lou was a “Stay-At-Home Mom” for many years while she raised her five children.  During this time, she was “the leader” for Weight Watcher inspiring others.  It was not until her children were grown that she entered the workforce.  She was employed as a library aide for the Hornell City School District and later as office manager for Steuben Educators.  For many years she managed the St. James Mercy Hospital Aquinas Gift Shop and volunteered for the Hornell American Red Cross.

Mary Lou was a member of Our Lady of the Valley Parish and a communicant of St. Ann’s Church.  Through the years she enjoyed cooking, traveling and spending time with her family, especially her grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Michael J. “Mike” Durso who died April 12, 2005; her daughter, Kathleen M. “Kathy” Durso who died July 27, 2019.

Surviving are 2 sons, Michael (RoseMary) Durso Jr. of Half Moon Bay, CA and Stephen (Susette) Durso of Carpinteria, CA; 2 daughters, Cindy (Rick) Hasler of Dayton, OH and Chrissy (Doug) Taggert of North Hornell; 8 grandchildren, Joe (Melissa) Durso, Jim (Bree) Durso, Alexis Durso, Jennifer (Chris) Pawelski, Lindsay Hasler, Matthew (Kristen) Taggert, Melissa (Chris) Squeglia and Lisa (Josh) Nichols; 8 great-grandchildren; several nieces & nephews.

Due to the Coronavirus Pandemic, there will be no calling hours.  A private graveside service will be held at the convenience of the family at St. Mary’s Cemetery with Deacon Robert McCormick officiating.

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

Mary Lou’s family request that in lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in her name be made to the Hornell YMCA or Hornell Alumna Association.

Jack E. Rose SR – (96) – of 245 Mill Hollow Crossing, Rochester, NY, formerly of Hornell, died early Saturday morning (April 11, 2020) following a long illness.

Born in Hornell NY on May 8, 1923, he was the son of John & Theresa (Neu) Rose.

Jack grew up in Canisteo and was a graduate of Canisteo High School (class of 1941).

Jack served his country during WWII from 1942 – 1947 in the US Army Air Corp as a Radio Operator on the B-24 bombers. He was attached to the 445^th Bomb Group 703^rd Squadron flying 16 missions over Germany and based in England.

Following his honorable discharge in 1947 from the US Army Air Corp, Jack resided in the Andover area for several years and had been employed as a machinist at the Air Preheater Corp. He was also employed as a machinist at the former Erie Lackawanna shops in Hornell NY, retiring in 1987.

Jack Lived in Deming and Roswell, New Mexico for close to 20 years, Gilbert, AZ for 9 years with his son Jack Jr. and has lived in Rochester NY since 2018 with his daughter Teresa. He had been a member of the First Baptist Church of Hornell and was also an active member of the Hornell American Legion, life member of the Hornell VFW and a member & past Governor of the Hornell Moose Lodge.

Jack was an avid Buffalo Bills Football Fan (especially during the Super Bowl years) and also enjoyed rooting for the New York Mets and the Boston Red Sox. He loved watching the old western movies on TV and reminiscing about his experiences in the Army Air Corps. His greatest joy, however, was his relationship with his children, especially his grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by three former wives, Bertie (Cartwright) who died in 2012, Mary (Fessenden) who died in 1993, and Jessie (Harper) who died in 2013.

Surviving are three daughters, Martha (Bob) Panter of Hornell, Diane (Doug) Sick of Hornell and Teresa (Dennis) Price of Rochester; one son, Jack (Shawna) Rose JR of Lorain Ohio; 9 grandchildren; Dennis JR, Michael, Kari Anne, Janene, Jamie, Stacey, Denise, Jason, and Nicole, 21 great-grandchildren; and a special (nephew) Ronny Trail.

At Jack’s request there will be no calling hours.  A private Memorial Service with military honors will be held at the Bath National Cemetery at the convenience of the family.

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

Jack’s family requests that in lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in his name be made to the Hornell Area Humane Society, 7649 Industrial Park Road, Hornell, NY 14843.

Santa M. Cleveland – 90 – of 88 Myrtle Ave., Hornell, died Wednesday afternoon (April 8, 2020) at St. James Mercy Hospital, following a brief illness.

Born in Hornell on September 28, 1929, she was the daughter of Frank & Felice (Orologio) Petrelli.

Santa grew up in Hornell and was a graduate of Hornell High School (class of 1947).

In her younger years, Santa had been employed as a secretary at the New York State Department of Health in Hornell.  She quit her job at the Department of Health to be with her husband, Walter Cleveland, who was serving in the US Army in Germany.  She later worked in the cafeteria at the Hornell Junior High School.

She was a member of Our Lady of the Valley Parish and a lifelong communicant of St. Ann’s Church.  For many years Santa had been a member of the Ladies of Columbus; Catholic Daughters of America; and the Ladies Auxiliary of the G. Carducci Lodge, Sons of Italy.

Well known as an extremely good cook, Santa loved spending time in the kitchen preparing delicious meals for her family & friends.  Her favorite moments were simply spending time with her husband, children, sisters, brothers & grandchildren and enjoying each other’s company.  She will be remembered as a good-hearted woman who always seemed to have a smile on her face.  She will be sadly missed by everyone that had the pleasure of knowing her!

Santa was preceded in death by her brother, Angelo Petrillo (died 2002); 2 sisters, Patricia Sciotti (died 2004) and Gladys Petrelli (died 2011).

She was married on June 1, 1957 to Walter “Walt” Cleveland who survives.  Also surviving are 3 sons, Walter (Joyce) Cleveland of Hornell, Mark Cleveland of Cohocton and Daniel Cleveland of Buffalo; 1 daughter, Mary (Fred) Klindt of Cohocton; her sister, Mary Petrelli of Hornell; her twin brother, Dominic Petrelli of Wellsville; 5 grandchildren, Jessica Cleveland, Sarah (Kristian) Bourdage, Heath Cleveland, Elizabeth Klindt and Kelsey Klindt; 1 great-grandson, Tristan Bourdage; many nieces & nephews.

Due to the Coronavirus Pandemic, there will be no calling hours.  A private graveside service will be held at St. Mary’s Cemetery at the convenience of the family.

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

Santa’ family request that in lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in her name be made to St. Jude Children’s Hospital, PO Box 1000 – Dept. 300, Memphis, TN  38148.

Delores J. Head – 89 – of Hornell, died Monday morning (April 6, 2020) at Hornell Gardens where she resided for the past 11 years.

Born in Hornell on May 18, 1930, she was the daughter of William & Gladys (Weir) Head.

Delores attended Hornell High School and for many years had been employed at the former Bethesda Community Hospital as an aid and also in the housekeeping department.  For many years she served as a private-duty caretaker for her mother.

She enjoyed playing cards, board games, Lotto and other games of chance.

Delores was preceded in death by 2 brothers, Richard Head and Donald Head; 2 sisters, Catherine Davis and Marian DeVore.

She is survived by her sister, Mary Lou (Bill) Benthin of Rochester; her former sister-in-law, Dolores D’Apice of Hornell; many nieces & nephews.

At Delores’ 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.

James R. “Frosty” Frost – 60 – of 48 Bemis Ave., Hornell, died unexpectedly Monday morning (April 6, 2020) at St. James Hospital.

He was born in Wellsville, NY on September 26, 1959.

Jim grew up in the Whitesville / Friendship area and was a graduate of Friendship Central School (class of 1977).  Following high school graduation he began working for the New York State Department of Transportation (NYSDOT).  Throughout the years he worked in many capacities, retiring in 2015 as Pavement Supervisor following nearly 40 years of service.

Frosty was a longtime member of the Hornell Association and for many years served as secretary and a member of the Board of Directors.  He was an avid fisherman who enjoyed both lake fishing and stream fishing.  Every year Jim looked forward to the annual Wellsville Lion’s Club Fishing Derby where he would spend the entire weekend fishing and having a good time with his friends.

Jim was a “die-hard” New York Yankee Fan and also loved rooting for the Buffalo Bills (especially during the Super Bowl years) and the Minnesota Vikings.  He was a sports memorabilia collector and had countless baseball cards in his collection.  Some of Frosty’s favorite times were simply enjoying a few “Genny Lights” with his friends at the Hornell Association.

Surviving are his son, Bryan (Tristin Christie) Frost of Hornell; his grandson, Parker Frost-whom he absolutely adored.  Bryan’s extended family include Aimee (Matt Derby) Sciotti of Hornell, Kari (Aaron) Schwartz of Arkport, Brett (Jen Brown) Arno of Hornell and Craig (Noah Heyman) Arno of Alfred; his father & step-mother, Jim & Betty Frost of Wilmington, NC.  Also, Derrick Smolos who looked up to him as a father figure and his long-time best friend Dave Whiteman, who was like a brother to him.

Due to the Coronavirus Pandemic, there will be no calling hours.  Private services will be held at the convenience of the family.  A “Celebration of Life” will be held at the Hornell Association on a date & time to be announced.

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

Jim’s family request that in lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in his name be made to the Hornell Babe Ruth League, Maple City Drive, Hornell, NY 14843.

Robert H. “Bob” Sikso – 81 – formerly of Hornell, died Tuesday, March 31, 2020 in New York City where he had resided for the past 50 years.

Born in Hornell on November 6, 1938, he was the son of Charles & Dorothy Sikso.

Bob grew up in Hornell and was a graduate of Hornell High School (class of 1956).  He received his Bachelor’s Degree in Mathematics from the University of Buffalo and later received his Master’s Degree in Mathematics from Fordham University in New York City, eventually earning his Doctorate Degree in Mathematics.

For many years, Bob served as the head of the Mathematics Department of Regis High School in Manhattan.

Surviving are his brother, Andrew “Andy” (Fran) Sikso of Charlotte, NC.

At Bob’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.

Daniel P. “Skinner” Kinnerney – 60 – of 397 Fairview Ave., Hornell, died unexpectedly Wednesday evening (April 1, 2020) shortly after being admitted to St. James Mercy Hospital after being stricken at home.

Born in Hornell on June 1, 1959, he was the son of Edward & Lois (Ordway) Kinnerney.

Growing up in Hornell, Dan was a graduate of Hornell High School (Class of 1977).  Following high school graduation he briefly served his country as a member of the US Army.  He was employed for several years at the former Haywood-Wakefield Corporation in Hornell.  When the company moved its operation to Massachusetts, Dan decided to go along and lived and worked in Massachusetts.  Within time, he moved back to Hornell and was employed at Crowley’s until he retired.  Currently he had been working at the Fawcett Post 1582 American Legion in Canaseraga as a Bartender.

Dan was a former member of St. Ignatius Loyola Church.  In addition, he was a former member of the Hornell Elks Lodge, the Hornell Association as well as the Fawcett Post 1582 American Legion in Canaseraga.  Dan loved the outdoors enjoying fishing (lake & stream) and hunting (deer & small game). In addition, he was a proud supporter of the Hornell Red Raider Football and Basketball teams. Nothing however, could compare to the true love and dedication he carried for his family.

He was preceded in death by his father, Edward Kinnerney; his step-fathers, Arthur Emerson and Robert Elsenheimer.

Dan had been married to the former Donna Sheroshick who survives.  Also surviving is his son, Stephen (Lauren Ingalls) Kinnerney of Canisteo, his step-Son James Briggs of Hornell, his mother, Lois Elsenheimer of Hornell; his brother James Kinnerney of Arkport; 2 sisters, Kathleen (Bill) Horn of Canaseraga and Karen Bradley of Hornell; as well as his grandchildren, Kylan Kinnerney, Liam Radka, Kaela & Abigail Briggs along with several nieces and nephews.

Due to the Coronavirus Pandemic, there will be no calling hours.  Private services will be held at the convenience of the family.    A Celebration of Life for Dan will be held at a later date.

Funeral arrangements are in care of the Dagon Funeral Home, 38 Church Street, Hornell, New York.

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

Hornell, New York

Lois P. Rockefeller – (79) – formerly of Rochester, died late Wednesday evening (April 1, 2020) at Hornell Gardens where she had resided for the past five years.

Born in Rochester on September 16, 1940, she was the daughter of Frederick & Ruth  Piotter.  She grew up in Rochester and was a graduate of Franklin High School.

Lois was preceded in death by her brother, Carl Piotter.

Surviving are 2 sons, David Rockefeller of Saranac Lake, NY and Donald Rockefeller of Rochester; 1 daughter, Karen Pipe of Campbell, NY; 5 grandchildren; nieces & nephews.

At Lois’ 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.