Ralph N. Allen – 89 – of 6501 Whitford Road, Alfred Station, died Tuesday evening (May 21, 2019) at Strong Memorial Hospital in Rochester, following a brief illness.

Born in North Hornell on November 2, 1929, he was the son of Harold & Jessamine (Button) Allen.

Ralph grew up in Alfred Station and attended the former Alfred Station School.  He later graduated from Alfred-Almond Central School (class of 1948).

In the years following high school graduation Ralph worked a variety of jobs including working at Stearns Poultry Farm, as a machinist at Rogers Machine Shop of Alfred and installing gas pumps & gas tanks for K & R Electric of Alfred Station.  He later was employed as a machinist for Corning Glass Works and in the custodial department at the Alfred State College of Ceramics.  For 34 years he was employed as an electrician for Alfred State College, retiring in July, 1987.

Ralph was a member of the Andover First Baptist Church and for over 60 years was a member of the Alfred Free & Accepted Masons (F&AM). He was also a lifetime member of the Alfred Station volunteer fire department.

He enjoyed spending his time outdoors. His favorite place to be was a camp the family went to in the Adirondacks for over 40 years. He was an avid hunter & fisherman who enjoyed hunting deer, turkey, rabbit & squirrel and who also enjoyed both lake & stream fishing.

In his younger years, Ralph devoted himself to the youth of the Alfred / Almond community.  For many, many years, he served as a coach in the Alfred-Almond Little League and Cinderella Softball League. For 18 years he was a coach for the Hornell Babe Ruth League and Hornell Senior Babe Ruth League. He received a certificate of appreciation for his Outstanding and Dedicated service to the Hornell Babe Ruth League. He had a deep love of baseball and was an AVID BOSTON RED SOX FAN!!

Known as a “Jack of All Trades”, Ralph loved working with his hands and especially enjoyed woodworking and making beautiful works of art out of stained glass.  For the past 22 years, during the winter months, he and his wife, Betty resided in Sebring, FL with his extended Florida family & friends.

Ralph was preceded in death by his son, Dennis “Lumpy” Allen who died in 2002.

He was married on March 20, 1949 (70 years) to the former Betty Nye who survives.  Also surviving are his son, Larry (Robin Adkins) Allen of Delmar, DE; 2 daughters, Sherry (Lloyd) Winans of Andover and Susan (Mike) Snyder of Alfred; 1 brother, Russell (Ramona) Allen of Wellsville; 15 grandchildren; 26 great-grandchildren; many nieces & nephews.

Ralph was a kind and gentle man that always was available to help anyone at any time. His love ran deep for his wife of 70 years, Betty Nye Allen, whom he has taken care of for years. He adored his family, children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

The family of Ralph N. Allen will receive friends on Tuesday from 2:00 – 4:00 PM and 7:00 – 9:00 PM at the Dagon Funeral Home, 38 Church St., Hornell, NY.  A funeral service will be held on Wednesday at 1:00 PM at the Almond Union of Churches, Main St., Almond, NY.  A private burial ceremony will be in Maplewood Cemetery, Alfred Station, NY.

Ralph’s family request that in lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in his name be made to The Hart Comfort House, 141 East State St., Wellsville, NY 14895.  Memorial forms will be available at the Dagon Funeral Home.

Linda L. Kerr – 73 – of 6503 Ellsworth St. Ext., Hornell, died Wednesday afternoon (May 22, 2019) at Olean General Hospital, following a courageous battle with lung cancer.

Born at the former Bethesda Community Hospital in North Hornell on April 1, 1946, she was the daughter of Warren & Barbara (Hallett) Harwood.

For over 23 years, Linda was employed at Gunlocke Corporation in Wayland, retiring in 2005.  She was a former member of the Hornell Moose Lodge and the Veteran of Foreign Wars (VFW) Auxiliary in Hornell.  She enjoyed spending time at various Casinos and also loved traveling and taking trips throughout the country.

Linda was the mother of four sons, grandmother of nine and the great-grandmother of three.  Blessed with such a wonder family, she thoroughly enjoyed babysitting her grandchildren — especially her granddaughter, Caroline and grandson, Markus Kerr.

In 1970, she was married in Alfred Station to Gregory A. Kerr.  They were married for over 49 years!

In addition to her parents, Linda was preceded in death by her brother, Larry Harwood and her sister, Patricia Bebout.

Surviving are her husband, Gregory A. Kerr; 4 sons, Gerald L. Nichols, Patrick L. Nichols, Gregory A. Kerr JR and Michael S. Kerr of the Hornell area; 3 sisters, Wanda (Don) Lewis, Bonnie (Robert) Turner and Cheryl (Ron) Creeley all of Hornell; 2 brothers, Rusty (Carolyn) Harwood and Gary (Melody) Harwood of Hornell; 10 grandchildren; 4 great-grandchildren; brothers-in-law & sisters-in-law of Hornell, Bath & Alabama; several nieces & nephews.

At Linda’s request there will be no calling hours.  Private services will be held at the convenience of the family.  Final interment will be in the Bath National Cemetery, Bath, NY.

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

Brenda L. Towner – (55) – of 44 Center St., Hornell, died unexpectedly Sunday afternoon (May 19, 2019) at her home.

Born in Bath, NY on January 15, 1964, she was the daughter of L.D. & Nancy (Danielson) Towner.

Brenda grew up in Avoca, NY and was a graduate of Avoca Central School (class of 1982).  While in high school, she took courses to become a health care provider.  Following high school graduation, Brenda moved to Syracuse, NY and continued her studies in health care.  She had been employed as a home health care provider and also worked at a local nursing home.  She moved to the Hornell area about eight years ago.

Having a deep affection for animals, Brenda lovingly took care of her 4 dogs & 3 cats.  She enjoyed collecting glass & crystal figurines and had been an avid coin collector.  She also enjoyed taking her daily walks where she would often stop and talk to her many friends on her route.

In addition to her parents, Brenda was preceded in death by her infant sister, Christine Towner.

Surviving are 2 brothers, L.D. Towner of Buffalo, NY and Joseph (Kim) Towner of Avoca; 1 sister, Sara (Caesar) Taccone of Cohocton; many nieces & nephews.

At Brenda’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. 

Brenda’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.

Charles J. “Charlie” Wulforst – (84) – of Fremont, NY, died early Sunday morning (May 19, 2019) at Elderwood at Hornell Nursing Facility, following a long illness.

Born in Hicksville, Long Island on October 23, 1934, he was the son of Henry “Sam” & Helen “Nellie” (Horan) Wulforst.

Charlie was a graduate of Arkport Central School and was a veteran of the US Army, serving his country from 1957-1959.

Following his discharge from the US Army, he was associated with the family potato farming business until the late 1970’s.  For several years he worked in the construction industry with several companies, including Land Construction, Groves Construction and most recently Whitford’s Construction, retiring in 1996 as a foreman.  He was a member of Our Lady of the Valley Parish and a communicant of St. Ann’s Church.

In addition to his parents, Charlie was preceded in death by his sister, Carol Wulforst RSM (Sisters of Mercy); his brother & sister-in-law, James & Bonnie Wulforst.

Surviving are his brother, Henry (Lorraine) Wulforst of Fremont along with several nieces & nephews.

The family of Charles “Charlie” Wulforst will receive friends on Thursday from 4:00 PM until7:00 PM at the Dagon Funeral Home, 38 Church St., Hornell, NY.  A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Friday at 1:30 PM at St. Ann’s Church with Burial in St. Mary’s Cemetery.

Charlie’s family request that memorial contributions in his name be made to St. Ann’s Church, 31 Erie Ave., Hornell, NY 14843. Memorial forms will be available at the Dagon Funeral Home.

In recognition of Charlie’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.

Lewis Richard “Dick” Jenkins – 76 – of 2830 Bennett Rd., Hornell, (Town of Howard), died unexpectedly Saturday evening (May 11, 2019) at his home with his loving wife by his side.

Born in Akron, OH on August 5, 1942, he was the son of Dohme & Loretta (Dodson) Jenkins.

Dick grew up in Akron, OH and was a graduate of Akron Central School (class of 1960). He competed on the school swim team and was a member of the Boy Scouts of America, where he attained the rank of Eagle Scout.

A veteran of the US Navy during the Vietnam era, Dick served his country from 1961-1965. While in the Navy, he was stationed aboard the USS Diamond Head (an ammunition ship) and served as a radio operator and Morse Code communicator. Dick was proud of the fact that he had been stationed off the coast of Cuba during the Cuban Missile Crisis.

Following his honorable discharge from the Navy, Dick was employed for a time at Hornell Television as an Antenna Installer and also at Sears & Roebuck as a Service Manager. He later worked as a Forklift Operator for Matthews & Fields Lumber of Rochester. Dick was employed as a Professional Driver for United Parcel Service (UPS) for 30 years (1969-1999). During his employment at UPS, he received 20 & 30 year Safe Driving awards, and was inducted into the UPS Circle of Honor. His UPS “family” referred to Dick as “The Legend”.

Dick’s greatest joy was spending time with his family. He was a true outdoorsman who loved hunting, fishing, 4th of July picnics, Andover fireworks and annual “Shoot Fest”. He was a weekend farmer, enjoyed taking care of his property and mowing his lawn, and was a long-time member of the Arkport American Legion.

He was married on January 10, 1966 in St. Joachim’s Church of Canisteo to Patricia “Pat” Jacobs who survives.  Also surviving are 2 sons, John Joseph (Michele Schutt) Jenkins of Macedon, NY and Richard Thomas “Tommy” (Jill) Jenkins of Summerfield, FL; his daughter, Wendy Michele (Brett) Evans of Lincoln, DE; his former daughter-in-law, Linda Jenkins of Macedon, NY; 4 grandchildren, Brittanie (Aaron) Sutton, Brett (Amanda Campbell) Evans JR, Andrew Jenkins and Bailey Jenkins; great-granddaughter, Emma Sutton; another great-granddaughter, Madeline Sutton, “on the way”; “Adopted” son Jason Smith; and best friend and “brother he never had”, Gerard Smith.

The family of Lewis Richard “Dick” Jenkins will receive friends on Friday, May 17th from 3:00 PM – 6:00 PM at the Dagon Funeral Home, 38 Church St., Hornell, NY. A Memorial Service with Military Honors will be held at the conclusion of calling hours at 6:00 PM with Deacon Robert McCormick officiating. During the service, family & friends will have an opportunity to share stories about Dick.

Dick’s family request that in lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in his name be made to the Hornell Humane Society, 7649 Industrial Park Road, Hornell, NY 14843. Memorial forms will be available at the Dagon Funeral Home.

Jean Marie Hach – (84) – formerly of Hornell, died Tuesday, May 7, 2019 at the Livingston County Center for Nursing & Rehabilitation, where she has resided for the past 8 years.

Born in Rochester on March 17, 1935, she was the daughter of Norman & Lillian (Sink) Krapf.

Growing up in Rochester, Jean she graduated from St. Ambrose Elementary School (class of 1949).  In 1953 she graduated from Lady of Mercy High School and was a 1957 graduate of Seton Hill College in Greensburg, PA.  She later received her Master’s Degree from the University of Buffalo.

Jean served as a school teacher at St. Benedict’s Elementary School, Bennet Park Montessori School, and later at St. Leo’s Elementary School in Buffalo, NY.  She began a Montessori program at St. Leo’s Elementary and ran the program for many years.

She was married in 1960 to John Hach who died in 2002 following 42 years of marriage. For several years, Jean & John served as missionaries, first in California and later spent 3 ½ years in Kenya.  When they returned from Kenya, they resided in Buffalo where they raised their three adopted children and for many years lived in Texas.  She moved to Hornell in 2006 and has been a member of Our Lady of the Valley Parish and a communicant of  St. Ann’s Church in Hornell and also St. Mary’s Church in Canaseraga.

Jean was committed to her Catholic faith and taught Religious Education, Pre Cana, RCIA, and Youth Ministry.  She began the Youth 2000 Ministry in Texas.  Jean was proud to be a 3^rd Order Franciscan.  She was a passionate ProLife advocate and dedicated a great deal of time at ProLife marches, writing to elected officials, and spreading the message that life is sacred from conception to natural death.

Surviving are her children, John (Karen) Hach of Tonawanda, NY, Jennifer (Brian) Spoth of Arkport, and Joseph (Melissa) Hach of Alvarado, TX; 1 brother, Robert (Frances) Krapf of Williamsville; 9 grandchildren, Jessica, Josh (Kelley), Catherine, Christine, Grace, Shannon, & Matthew Spoth and Cody & Gretchen Hach; 2 great-grandchildren, Ashton & Liam Spoth; nieces & nephews.

Family and friends are invited to St. Mary’s Church, 6 North St., Canaseraga for calling hours on Saturday at 9:00AM to 10:20AM.  Following calling hours, a Mass of Christian Burial will take place at 10:30AM with Father John Cullen officiating followed by a reception downstairs.  Burial will be in Holy Sepulcher Cemetery in Rochester.

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

Jean’s family request that memorial contributions in her name be made to St. Ann’s Academy, 41 Genesee St., Hornell, NY 14843 or the Alzheimer’s Association, 225 M. Michigan Ave., Fl. 17, Chicago, IL 60601.

A special thank you to all the caregivers from the Livingston County Center for Nursing & Rehabilitation for their wonderful care, love, and respect for our Mom.

Sara Christine Dagon – 31 – of 32 Church St., Hornell, died unexpectedly Saturday (May 4, 2019) at her home.

Born in Hornell on September 12, 1987, she was the youngest daughter of Jim & Patty (Class) Dagon.

Sara grew up in Hornell and attended St. Ann School.  She later graduated from Hornell High School (class of 2005).  While in high school, she was a member of the Hornell Swim Team and the HHS Girls Modified Soccer Team.  Following high school graduation, Sara attended Alfred State College, Monroe Community College, Fingerlakes College at Canandaigua and Buffalo State College.  While attending Monroe Community College in Rochester, she was employed as a waitress at Flour City Diner.

For about 10 years, Sara resided in Florida where she worked as a waitress for several restaurants, including Flashback Diner in Ft. Lauderdale and IHOP Diner in Port St. Lucie.  Returning to Hornell in 2015, she had served as a waitress at the Country Kitchen in Hornell and The Collegiate in Alfred.  Most recently, Sara worked as a Day Care Provider for the Hornell Children’s Home, primarily at the After School Program at North Hornell School.

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 Association.

Without a doubt, Sara will be remembered as a warm, compassionate girl who was loved by everyone.  She really had no enemies except, maybe herself.  For over 12 years, she struggled with opioid addiction.  Throughout the years, Sara tried so hard to stay clean but it seemed almost impossible to do.  She would be clean for months at a time and for some reason would relapse.  In and out of rehab facilities became the norm.

In January, 2018, Sara received the good news that she was expecting a baby.  She took the news very, very seriously and was determined to stay clean.  On September 6, 2018, Sara gave birth to a beautiful, healthy baby boy — Leo James Dagon.  Because of her addiction problems, Sara never thought that she would ever be blessed with a baby.  Despite her decade long battle with opiates, Sara fulfilled her lifelong dream of becoming a wonderful, caring & loving mother.  But, on Saturday, her demons resurfaced…….

If Sara could speak to the youth of today, she would plead to everyone listening to BE SCARED OF DRUGS — BE VERY SCARED OF DRUGS — STAY AS FAR AWAY FROM DRUGS AS POSSIBLE!!!

Sara was preceded in death by her paternal grandparents, Jim & Rickey Dagon; her maternal grandmother, Rosemary King; her maternal grandfather, Robert Class; her cousin, Jill Andolina; her uncle, Larry Clark.

Survivors include her 8 month old son, Leo James Dagon; her parents, Jim & Patty Dagon of Hornell;

3 sisters, Laura (Dr. Pasquale) Picco of Hornell, Jenny (Jeff) Reynolds of Arkport and Erin (Erik) Werner of North Hornell; her nieces & nephews, Nicholas Picco, Gennaro Picco, Pasquale “PJ” Picco, Marco Picco, Hannah Reynolds, Ethan Reynolds, Bryant Reynolds, Logan Werner, Harrison Werner & Evelyn Werner; many aunts, uncles & cousins.

At Sara’s family’s request there will be no calling hours.  Family & friends are invited to attend a Mass of Christian Burial on Friday at 2:00 PM at St. Ann’s Church.  Burial will be in St. Mary’s Cemetery.

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

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

A special thank you to the caring staff at CASA-TRINITY in Dansville for their tireless dedication to those struggling with the disease of addiction.

Michael Anthony Tanner – 61 – of 1246 Maple Court, Hornell, (Town of Hornellsville) died unexpectedly Friday evening (May 3, 2019) at his home.

Born in Batavia, NY on June 26, 1957, he was the son of William & LaRue (Paul) Tanner.

Michael grew up in Oakfield, NY and was a graduate of Oakfield-Alabama High School (class of 1975).  He was a Veteran of the United States Marine Corp, serving his country from Dec, 13, 1976 – Dec. 12, 1980 and again from Nov. 26, 1982 – Nov. 25, 1986.  He was honorably discharged with the rank of Sergeant.

Following his honorable discharge from the US Marines, Michael resided for several years in Mt. Morris, NY and was employed at Sabin Metals in Scottsville, NY.  He later lived in Bath, NY and Avoca, NY and worked at the former Philips Lighting.  He has resided in Hornell since 2010.

Michael had been a member of Grace Bible Baptist Church in Bath.  He was an avid New York Yankee fan, a Buffalo Bills fan and also loved rooting for the Buffalo Sabres.  He also enjoyed collecting sports memorabilia such as sports cards and autographs.

He was preceded in death by his father, William (died Jan. 14, 2014); his mother, LaRue (died Nov. 28, 2012); 2 sisters, Regina Tanner (died July 20, 2018) and Teresa Tanner (died Sept. 9, 2018).

Surviving are 2 brothers, Milton (Deborah) Tanner of Bath, NY and Edward Tanner of Oakfield, NY; 1 nephew, Daniel Eaton of South Corning, NY.

At Michael’s request there will be no calling hours.  A Memorial Service will be held on Saturday (May 11, 2019) at 3:00 PM at the Grace Bible Baptist Church in Bath with Rev Garrett Hall officiating.  Burial will be in the Bath National Cemetery, Bath, NY.

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

Michael’s family request that in lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in his name be made to either the American Heart Association, PO Box 3049, Syracuse, NY  13220 or to the American Cancer Society. 13 Beech St., Johnson City, NY 13790.

Loretta M. Messina – (85) – formerly of Cream Hill Road, Arkport, NY, died Thursday afternoon (May 2, 2019) at Hornell Gardens where she had resided for the past seven years.

Born in Corning, NY on February 7, 1934, she was the daughter of Henry & Blanche (Sibley) Damon.

Loretta grew up in the Elmira & Amherst areas and attended Kenmore High School and later graduated from Horseheads High School (class of 1951).  In her younger years she enjoyed traveling from Maine to California.  Loretta had been employed as a secretary in the Military Engineering Department of Bausch & Lomb in Rochester.  She later worked as a secretary at Sears in Hornell.

She had been a member of Our Lady of the Valley Parish and a communicant of the former St. Ignatius Loyola Church.  Loretta enjoyed listening to music and playing the lottery (which she enjoyed many “winners” throughout the years.)  Her greatest joy in life was simply spending time with her family and many friends.

Loretta was preceded in death by her former husband, Anthony “Tony” Messina who died in 1996.  She was also preceded in death by 3 sisters, Calista “Chris” Mazzella, Irene Snyder and Catherine Cornish; and her dear friend, Seymour Woodworth.

Surviving are 2 daughters, Pauline Messina and Justine (Chris Rappa) Messina, both of Chambersburg, PA; 1 son, Anthony “Tony” (Patti) Messina of Springwater, NY; 6 grandchildren, Eric (Misty) Grillo, Christy (Jason) Rugh, Robbie (Hope) Cameron, Shawn Cameron, Amera Sagonas & Solena Sagonas; 7 great-grandchildren, Jude, Luciana, Jett, Cadence, Peyton , Cameron & Atley; several nieces & nephews.

The family of Loretta M. Messina will receive friends on Saturday from 11:00 AM until 1:00 PM at the Dagon Funeral Home, 38 Church St., Hornell, NY.  Services will be held at the conclusion of calling hours at1:00 PM with Lynsey Cameron officiating.  Burial will be in St. Ann’s Cemetery.

The Messina family would like to express their sincere gratitude and appreciation to the staff at Hornell Gardens, for the wonderful care and support given to their mother/grandmother during her final days.  Their compassion will never be forgotten.  Thank-you!

Loretta’s family request that memorial contributions in her name be made to Hornell Humane Society, 7649 Industrial Park Road, Hornell, NY  14843 or to the Alzheimer’s  Association, 435 East Henrietta Road, Rochester, NY  14620.  Memorial forms will be available at the Dagon Funeral Home.

Canisteo, New York

Peyton Elizabeth Sexton, infant daughter of Danielle Sexton of 5522 Ordway Lane, Canisteo, was embraced by Angels and taken to Heaven on Friday (April 26, 2019).

Although Peyton was only on earth for one day, she was loved and cherished by her entire family.  She will continue to be loved and will live in the hearts of her of all those that she touched!

Welcoming her at the “Gates of Heaven” are her grandfather, Joseph Sexton; her great-grandfather, John D’Apice; her great-grandmother, Mildred D’Apice who preceded her in death.

Peyton will be sadly missed by her mother, Danielle Sexton; her brothers, Christian Brewer and Brendan Brewer; her grandmother, Johna (Steve Contos) D’Apice of Canisteo; her great-grandmother, Kathy Sexton; her step-great-grandmother, Dolores D’Apice; her aunt, Nikki (Jeffery) Ross of Pittsford; her uncle, Joe Sexton of Port Aransas, TX along with many other relatives.

Private services will be held at the convenience of the family.

Peyton’s family request that in lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in her name be made to the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, Golisano Children’s Hospital, 601 Elmwood Ave., PO Box 651, Rochester, NY 14642.

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