Jack M. Hendee – 88 – of 8063 State Rt. 21, Hornell, (Town of Fremont) died Sunday morning (December 16, 2018) at Elderwood at Hornell Nursing Facility, following a long illness.

Born in Hornell on August 13, 1930, he was the son of Earl & Gladys (Kilbury) Hendee.

Jack grew up in Fremont and was a graduate of Arkport Central School (class of 1948). A lifelong dairy farmer, he was the fourth generation owner / manager of Hendee Homestead Dairy Farm in Fremont which was established by his great-grandfather and continues today by his sons, grandsons and great-grandsons (seven generations total). He retired following a career that spanned over 65 years.

He was a former member of the Hornell Elks Lodge and, in his younger years, enjoyed his many visits to the Blue Angel and Arkport American Legion. Jack was an avid woodworker who built many of the cabinets, doors, desks and furniture in his home.

Jack was married on December 31, 1955 to the former Lois Young who died January 21, 2014. He was also preceded in death by his daughter-in-law, Theresa Hendee who died October 15, 2012 and his sister & brother-in-law, Carol & Carl Marino.

Surviving are 4 sons, Sam (Kate) Hendee of Hornell, Dave (Sue) Hendee of Almond, Jack (Linda) Hendee of Hornell and Joe Hendee of Prattsburgh; his sister, Sue; 9 grandchildren;
2 great-grandchildren; several nieces & nephews.

At Jack’s request there will be no calling hours. A “Celebration of Life” will be held at the convenience of the family.

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

Jack’s family request that in lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in his name be made to the Fremont Fire Department, PO Box 462, Arkport, NY 14807.

Richard P. “Dick” Dresser, 85, of Arkport passed away Wednesday afternoon (December 12, 2018) at home, surrounded by his family.

Born in Canaseraga, NY on July 13, 1933, he was the son of Cleveland & Doris (Pierce) Dresser.

Dick was a graduate of Canaseraga Central School (class of 1951). He later served eight years as a member of the US Army National Guard.

On August 18, 1962 he married Betty Kame and was proud of the fact he was married to his beautiful bride for 56 years.

Dick made his career working for Greyhound Bus Company as a driver and also a trainer. He loved to drive and teach people how to drive. Dick prided himself on being a professional driver and even drove himself to his last doctor’s appointment. He had previously worked for Allegany County Sheriff’s department as a deputy in the Canaseraga area.

An incredible wood worker and artist, Dick could make anything. If he didn’t have a tool he would simply make a tool to finish his projects. He was most proud of his professional motorcycle racing career where he held titles as both a United States and Canadian professional hill climbing champion in the late 50’s. Dick collected antique motorcycles and loved his 1956 Triumph the most. He was proud of his son Steven’s racing career and cherished the memories they made racing together as they passed the racing “bug” and torch to John Koester who has made him very proud.

In addition to his parents, Richard was preceded in death by his brother Dean; and also his brother-in-law, Larry Kame; his sister-in-law, Muriel Kame. His beloved dog, “Climber” (a shelter dog) will be buried with him, forever guarding his best friend.

Dick is survived by his wife of 56 years Betty (Kame) Dresser; his son, Steven (Nichole) Dresser of Hammondsport; his daughter, Wendy (Mark) Dresser-Recktenwald of Arkport; his grandchildren, Danica Dresser, Hannah Dresser, Justin (Kyleigh) Recktenwald, Cody Recktenwald; his extended family, Gordy and Julie Koester, Jenna Koester, Nicolle (Nate) Matthews, Nolan, Nessa & Nevelyn, John (Brittany) Koester and his cat, Ernie. He is also survived by his in-laws, Vincent and Patricia Kame, Irene Tychi and Joanne Kame along with several nieces and nephews. He was always extremely proud of his family.

The family of Richard P. “Dick” Dresser will receive friends on Monday from 4:00 PM – 6:00 PM at the Dagon Funeral Home, 38 Church St., Hornell, NY. Funeral & committal services will be held at the conclusion of calling hours at 6:00 PM with Deacon Robert McCormick officiating. Burial will be in Heritage Hill Cemetery, Arkport, at the convenience of the family.

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

The family of Richard P. “Dick” Dresser wishes to extend our sincere thanks to Thelma Canfield who provided unconditional support during this time, Dr. Virginia Shepard, and Care First/Hospice. His grand-daughter-in-law, Kyleigh was the best “princess” ever and took exceptional care of him.

Stephen D. “Steve” Bigger – 78 – of 2639 County Rt. 70A (Big Creek Rd.), Hornell died early Saturday morning (December 8, 2018) following a 30 year battle with Parkinson’s Disease.

Born in Scranton, PA on August 23, 1940, he was the son of Michael & Helen (Fedor) Bigger.

Steve grew up in Hornell and was a graduate of St. Ann’s School and later graduated from Hornell High School (class of 1958).  Following his high school graduation, he enlisted in the US Navy, serving his country aboard the USS Yorktown.  He was honorably discharged in 1961.

For 22 years, Steve served as a New York State Trooper, primarily in the Hornell, Bath & Canisteo area.  He retired in 1987.  Having a lifelong interest in government, he served the community as a member of the Steuben County Legislator from 1993 – 2002.

Steve had been a member of Our Lady of the Valley Parish and a communicant of St. Ann’s Church.  A true outdoorsman, he was an avid hunter & fisherman.  He not only hunted & fished locally, he would often travel throughout the United States visiting such places as Alaska (fishing), Wyoming (elk hunting) and Nebraska (pheasant hunting).  There was no place on earth than he would rather be than outdoors and enjoying all that Mother Nature had to offer.

In addition to his parents, Steve was preceded in death by his brother, Michael Bigger who died in 1944 at the age of seven.

Surviving are his son, Stephen (Michelle) Bigger of Alpine Wyoming; his sister, Marie Diestler of Hornell; his nephew, Andrew (Billie Jean) Diestler of Alfred Station; 2 great-nieces; 1 great-nephew; several cousins.

The family of Stephen D. “Steve” Bigger will receive friends on Friday from 4:00 PM – 6:00 PM at the Dagon Funeral Home, 38 Church St., Hornell, NY.   Funeral & committal services will be held at the conclusion of calling hours at 6:00 PM with Deacon Robert McCormick officiating.  Burial will be inSt. Mary’s Cemetery. 

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

All of Steve’s family are eternally grateful to Rheanna and her devoted staff of caregivers who, because of their love & devotion, allowed Steve to remain in his home for the past four years.  Thank-you from the bottom of our hearts!!!

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

Mary J. Lantz – 79 – of 6886 Turnpike Rd., Hornell, died Sunday evening (December 2, 2018) at the Steuben Center for Rehabilitation & Healthcare in Bath, following a long illness.

Born in Andover, NY on August 9, 1939, she was the daughter of Harold & Thelma (Youngs) Loper.

Mary grew up in the Hornell – Canisteo area and attended Canisteo Central School. In her younger years, Mary had been employed at the former Bethesda Hospital and also at Hornell Gardens. For many years she served as a Private Duty Health Care Provider in the Hornell, Canisteo & Almond areas.

She enjoyed cooking, baking and spending time in the kitchen providing delicious meals for her family.

Mary was married on November 23, 1957 to Jacob G. Lantz who survives. Also surviving are her son, Richard “Rich” Lantz; 3 brothers, Kenneth Loper of Hornell, Robert Loper of Alvarado, TX and Harold “Cookie” Loper of Hornell; 4 granddaughters, Melissa (Theron) Wagner of Olean, Samantha “Sam” Lantz of Waterbury, CT, Kelsey Lantz of New Castle, PA and Sabrina Lantz of Buffalo; 2 grandsons, Jacob Lantz of Long Island and Kollin Lantz of Hornell; 6 great-grandchildren; several nieces & nephews.

At Mary’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.

Mary’s family request that in lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in her name be made to the American Lung Association, 1595 Elmwood Ave., Rochester, NY 14620.

Hazel F. Mu – 103 – of Wilmington, NC, formerly of Hornell, died Nov 29, 2018 following a short illness.

Born in Kent’s Store, VA on September 28, 1915, she was the daughter of Adam Liberty & Anna Mae (Grubbs) Cosner.

The oldest of 12 children, Hazel grew up on the family farm in Kent’s Store, VA and was a graduate of Columbia High School (Class of 1933).  After earning an Bachelor’s Degree from the University of Virginia, she graduated from nursing school in Roanoke, VA.

As a Registered Nurse, Hazel served her country in the US Navy during WWII.  While serving in the Navy, she met and married Lt. C. Bernard McAllister who was a pilot with the US marines and was killed in action during WWII.

Following her honorable discharge from the Navy, Hazel moved to Hornell in 1943 where she met Salvatore F. “Sal” Mu.  They were married in 1947 and remained devoted to each other until his death on January 4, 2000 following 53 years of marriage.

While living in Hornell, Hazel was an active communicant of St. Ann’s Church where she volunteered her time helping out with various parish projects.  She was an avid golfer and was a member of the former Hornell Country Club.  Hazel enjoyed cooking and was a member of a local gourmet cooking club.  She also was an active volunteer for the Hornell American Red Cross.

In 1987, Sal & Hazel moved to Hilton Head, SC where they enjoyed the warmer weather and were able to play golf on a daily basis.  She loved working in her flower garden and for many years would take long walks on the beach — long before it was “fashionable.”  She was an active member of Holy Family and St. Gregory Roman Catholic Church.  She resided in Wilmington, NC since 2006.  While living in the Carolinas, Hazel continued volunteering her time with the American Red Cross and also enthusiastically volunteered for the Volunteers in Medicine Clinic Hilton Head Island where former nurses were very much appreciated and needed.

In addition to her first husband, C. Bernard McAllister and her second husband, Sal Mu, Hazel was preceded in death by her son, C. Bernard McAllister III; 7 brothers; and 2 sisters.

Surviving are 2 sons, John Mu of Elmira and Dick (Dorie) Mu of Jacksonville, NC; 5 daughters, Anne (Steve) Miller of Cazenovia, NY, Theresa (Tom Jones) Thiel of Durham, NC, Marguerite (Larry Small) Mu of Jupiter, FL, Mary (Doug) Martin of Freeport, ME and Diane Ashby of Clarence, NY; 2 sisters, Merle C. Garner of Palmyra, Va.& Maryanne Woods of Newport News, Va. & sister-in-law Catherine (Kitty) Cosner & Elizabeth S. Cosner of Kents Store, VA;16 grandchildren; 13 great-grandchildren; many nieces & nephews.

A Private graveside service will be held at St. Mary’s Cemetery, Hornell, NY in the spring, 2019.

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

Hazel’s family request that in lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in her name be made to the Hornell American Red Cross, 24 Maple St., Hornell, NY 14843.

Audrey R. Morris – (87) – a resident of Elderwood of Hornell Nursing Facility, died Tuesday afternoon (November 27, 2018) at Rochester General Hospital following a brief illness.

Born in North Hornell on February 8, 1931, she was the daughter of Clayton & Gertrude (Roberts) Roe.

Audrey grew up in Hornell and was a graduate of Hornell High School (class of 1948). She later earned her Registered Nurse’s License at the Highland Hospital School of Nursing in Rochester..

For over 30 years, Audrey was employed as a Registered Nurse at the Bath VA Medical Center, retiring in 1990 as a supervisor.

Throughout the years, Audrey resided in several locations, including Hornell, Cohocton & Florida, moving back to Hornell in the early 1990’s. She was a lifelong member of the First Baptist Church of Hornell where she had served as a member of the Board of Christian Ed. She was a member of the American Baptist Women’s Group (ABW) and was active in Bible Studies as well as other church functions.

Audrey enjoyed sewing, crocheting, knitting and reading. She was a member of the National Association of Retired Federal Employees and, in her younger years, served as a Boy Scout Leader. Throughout the years she enjoyed attending her children’s and grandchildren’s school functions and sporting events.

She was preceded in death by her son, James Morris who died in 2014 as well as her brothers, Keith Roe & Leroy Roe.

Surviving are her son, Joseph (Sharon) Morris of Seffner, FL; her daughter, Kathleen (Richard) Stephens of Canaseraga, NY; 2 sisters, Alma Dunham of Hornell and Carol (Robert) Dickey of Hornell; her sisters-in-law, Dorothy Lee Roe of Canisteo and Janet Roe of Endicott; 3 grandchildren, Kaitlyn (Josh) Eskenazi, Victoria Stephens and James Stephens; 3 great-grandchildren, Cassidy, Harper & Elijah; several nieces & nephews.

At Audrey’s request there will be no calling hours. A Memorial Service will be held at the convenience of the family.

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

Audrey’s family request that in lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in her name be made to the First Baptist Church, 28 Church St., Hornell, NY.

Hornell, NY / Cohocton, NY

Tracy L. Taber – 48 – of 7 Church St., Cohocton, died unexpectedly Thursday (November 15, 2018) at her home.

Born in Oneida, NY on January 25, 1970, she was the daughter or Michael & Barbara (Miller) Taber.

Tracy grew up in the Oneida / Canastota area and attended Oneida High School. She later earned her General Education Diploma (GED).

She resided in Florida for 17 years before moving to the Cohocton area about 8 years ago. Tracy enjoyed collecting antiques and was a NASCAR fan.

Tracy was married on May 31, 2001 to the former Stacie Malura who survives. She is also survived by her step-daughter, Willow Blowers; 1 brother, John Winterton; 1 sister, Alisa Maxam; aunts, uncles, nieces & nephews.

At Tracy’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.

David B. “Dave” Dolph – 59 – of 82 East Ave., Hornell, died unexpectedly Thursday afternoon (November 15, 2018) at his home.

Born in Hornell on April 20, 1959, he was the son of Keith & Marilyn (Coleman) Dolph.

A lifelong Hornell resident, Dave had been a member of the Hornell VFW and also member of the War Dads. He was an avid Buffalo Bills fan and enjoyed spending time with his many friends at the Southside Tavern.

David was preceded in death by his parents and also an infant brother, Ivan Dolph.

Surviving are three children, David Dolph, JR of Corning, Christine Dolph of Hornell and Anita Dolph of Painted Post, NY; 2 sisters, Elaine (Claire) Slawson of Pennsylvania and Linda Young of Greenwood; 2 brothers, John (Colleen) Dolph of Hornell and Morris (Ruby) Dolph of Lima, NY; 8 grandchildren; several nieces & nephews.

At Dave’s request there will be no calling hours. A Celebration of Life will be held on Sunday (November 25, 2018) from 1:00 PM – 4:00 PM at the Hornell VFW, Canisteo St., Hornell, NY where family & friends can gather & share stories of David’s life.

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

Hornell, New York

Beatrice C. “Bea” Long – (94) – formerly of Hornell, NY, died early Thursday morning (November 15, 2018) at the Cayuga Medical Center in Ithaca, following a brief illness.

Born in Hornell on March 3, 1924, she was the daughter of William & Stella (Ray) Conz.

Bea was a graduate of Hornell High School. She married William J. Long, also of Hornell, NY, on August 28, 1946. She lived in Rochester, NY and Warsaw, NY while raising her family and most recently was a resident of Ithaca, NY.

Bea was preceded in death by her husband, William J. Long, (July 9, 1999), and her sister, Mildred Buckley.

Surviving are 3 daughters, Mary Ellen (John) Sarver of Katy, TX, Joanne (Harris) Silver of Keuka Lake, NY, and Christine Heslop of Lansing, NY; her grandchildren, William Sarver, Mary Elizabeth Sarver, Michael McCabe (Janine), Jay McCabe, Jeffrey McCabe (Carly), Amanda Gandhi (Amish) and Alyson Stevens (Kevin); great grandchildren, Bryce and Colden Stevens, Ashton Gandhi, Calvin McCabe, and William and Taylor McCabe; close family friend Alvin Parker, and nieces & nephews.

At Bea’s request there will be no calling hours. A private graveside service will be held at St. Mary’s Cemetery at the convenience of the family.

The family requests that in lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in Bea’s name be made to Lakeside Beikirch Care Center, 170 West Avenue, Brockport, NY 14420.

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

Bertha E. “Bert” Nickel – 84 – of 15 Meadowbrook, Arkport, NY died Thursday morning (November 8, 2018) at Noyes Memorial Hospital in Dansville following a brief illness.

Born in Wetmore Township, PA on April 28, 1934, she was the daughter of W. Ervin & Fern (Boyd) McKee.

Bert grew up in East Kane, PA and was a graduate of East Kane High School (class of 1952).

While living in East Kane, she met Robert R. “Bob” Nickel whom she married on October 8, 1955.  Shortly after they were married, Bert & Bob moved to Niagara Falls, NY where they resided for about 5 years.  In 1960, they moved to Jamestown, NY where they lived before moving to Allegany, NY in 1971.  From 1972 – 1979 they resided in Fairmont, WV where Bert was employed as a cook at a Mormon Nursing Facility.  Bert had resided in Arkport since 1979. She and her husband, Bob, operated an appliance repair service called B & B Appliance after Bob retired. Bert was in charge of everything except the actual appliance repair.

For many years, Bert operated a baby-sitting service out of her home, helping to raise many neighborhood and area children. She volunteered her time at the Arkport Presbyterian Church serving as a baby sitter during Sunday church services and for Mothers of Preschoolers (MOPS). She also volunteered as an unofficial member of the Arkport Fire Department. Any time the fire whistle blew during daytime hours, her phone would ring and Bert would jump in her car and go down to care for and watch over the fire fighters’ children and grandchildren.

Bert was a member of Our Lady of the Valley Parish and a communicant of St. Ann’s Church.  She enjoyed sewing, crocheting, reading and had a deep affection for all animals, especially her pet dog & cats. She loved working at anything — gardening, feeding and housing the wild birds, chipmunks, rabbits, and squirrels that frequented her yard.

Affectionately known as “GG” by most children, Bert had a deep love of her family as well as her many friends and neighbors.  She will be sadly missed by all those whose lives she touched!

She was preceded in death by her husband, Robert R. “Bob” Nickel who died January 13, 2001; her granddaughter, Cheyanna Nickel who died February 20, 2017; a great-grandson, Anthony Jason Bogging, JR; her brother, Samuel McKee; her sister, Florence LaJean Stanley.

Surviving are a son, Robert “Rob” (Mary) Nickel of Ft. Walton Beach, FL;  three daughters, Denise (Jim) Kemp of Covington, GA, Melinda “Mindy” (David) Gates of Arkport and Michele (Terry Muchler) Nickel of Hornell; 12 grandchildren; 7 great-grandchildren; several nieces & nephews, and an “adopted” grandson.

The family of Bertha E. “Bert” Nickel will receive friends on Monday from 3:00 PM – 5:00 PM at the Dagon Funeral Home, 38 Church St., Hornell, NY where funeral & committal services will be held at the conclusion of calling hours at 5:00 PM with Rev. Bruce Incze officiating.  Burial will be in Heritage Hill Cemetery, Arkport, NY.

Bert’s family request that in lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in her name be made to the American Diabetes Association, PO Box 13067, Alexandria, VA   22312.  Memorial forms will be available at the Dagon Funeral Home.