Arkport, New York

Henry Strutz – 90 – of Cream Hill Road, Arkport, NY died Monday afternoon (May 28, 2018) at his home.

Born in New York City on October 31, 1932, he was the son of Henry & Barbara (Laches) Strutz.

He had been employed as a professor at several colleges including Alfred University.  He had authored several books and was fluent in several languages.

Henry was married to the former Suzanne Gouyet who survives.

At Henry’s requests there will be no calling hours or services.  Funeral arrangements are in care of the Dagon Funeral Home, 38 Church St., Hornell, NY.

Patricia O. “Pat” Richardson, – (90) – formerly of 22 McDougall Ave., Hornell, died Sunday Morning (May 27, 2018) at Elderwood of Hornell Nursing Facility where she had resided since 2016.

Born in Hornell on May 4, 1928, she was the daughter of Edward & Grace Louise (Mosher) O’Connor.

Pat grew up in Hornell and was a graduate of Hornell High School (class of 1946). She enjoyed traveling and in her younger years resided in Hawaii, Maine, San Diego and Florida.

She had been employed as a Key Punch Operator in the bookkeeping department of the former Erie Railroad Accounting Bureau until the business closed its doors in Hornell and relocated to Scranton, PA. in the early 1960’s, Pat began working as a bookkeeper at Steuben Trust Company in Hornell, retiring in the mid 1980’s.

Pat was a fourth generation member of Christ Episcopal Church of Hornell and had been a member of the Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR). She enjoyed working in her vegetable garden and was well known for growing HUGE TOMATOES. Pat had a deep affection for cats and owned many cats throughout her lifetime. She had one cat named Fluffy who actually lived for 22 years.

She was preceded in death by her brother, William J. O’Connor and also her daughter-in-law, Paulette (Crist) Richardson.

Surviving are 2 sons, Steven Richardson of Brockport, NY and George “Joe” (Rene) Richardson of Alfred Station, NY; 5 grandchildren, Charity (Rob) Strahs, Edward (Amanda) Richardson, Jessica (Eric) Sandler, Julie (Philip) Rubin and Jill (Craig) Reeves; 6 great-grandchildren, Christian James (C.J.) Cordaro, Jared Cordaro, Jonah Richardson, Caleb Richardson, Jordan Ochs and Jenna Sandler; several nieces & nephews.

At Pat’s request there will be no calling hours. Private graveside services will be held at Rural Cemetery at the convenience of the family.

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

Pat’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.

Meredith W. “Mert” Harrison – (91) – of 1724 County Road 16, Beaver Dams, NY (Town of Orange), died Wednesday morning (May 23, 2018) at his home, following a long illness.

Born in Point Pleasant, NJ on June 25, 1926, he was the son of William & Marie (Schenker) Harrison.

Mert grew up in Point Pleasant, NJ, Cassville, NJ and attended Lakewood High School in Lakewood, NJ.

Leaving high school during his senior year to join the US Navy, Mert served his country honorably during WWII touring the South Pacific. He had aboard several ships, including the USS Randall. He was honorably discharged in 1946 following two years of service.

Following his discharge from the US Navy, Mert returned to Cassville, NJ and was employed as a truck driver for Ralph Clayton & Sons Trucking Company. In 1950, he moved to Howell, NJ and began working as a heavy equipment operator in the construction industry. Mert eventually joined the International Union of Operating Engineers (IUOE) Local #825, and for over 40 years operated heavy equipment building roads, bridges & dams. He was a member in good standing with the union until his death. He has resided in Beaver Dams since 2008.

While living in New Jersey, Mert was passionate about deep sea fishing and loved spending time on his
18 foot fishing boat. He would spend countless hours fishing along the Jersey Shore for Tuna & Bluefish and also loved “clamming & crabbing.” In his younger days, Mert enjoyed hunting and especially loved deer hunting and rabbit hunting with his pet beagles. He had been a member of the 7 Bucks Hunting Club of Jackson, NJ and had also belonged to the Jackson Township VFW Post #4703.

Mert was married on April 1, 1950 to the former Mae E. Mikkonen who survives. Also surviving are two daughters, Lilyan (Perry) Harrison Baker of Phoenix, AZ and Cynthia (James) Mancil of Beaver Dams; two brothers, William Harrison of Bridgewater, ME and Elwood (Sally) Seiler of Jackson, NJ; two sisters, Ruth (Jim) Martin of Tucson, AZ and Celisha (Frank) Scarpone of Point Pleasant, NJ; 8 grandchildren; 8 great-grandchildren; several nieces & nephews.

At Mert’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.

Mert’s family request that in lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in his name be made to the Humane Society of Schuyler County, (Montour Falls), PO Box 427 Montour Falls, New York 14865.

William S. “Bill” Argay – (78) –  of 14 Elm St., Canisteo, NY, died Tuesday afternoon (May 22, 2018) at the Bath VA Medical Center, following a brief illness.

Born in New York City on October 26, 1939, he was the son of William & Barbara (Steyskal) Argay.

Bill, affectionately known as “Pop” by his grandchildren, grew up in Lake Ronkonkoma, Long Island and was a graduate of Sayville High School in Sayville, Long Island (Class of 1956).  Following high school graduation, he enlisted in the US Navy and served his country from 1956 – 1962.

After being honorably discharged from the US Navy, Bill returned to Lake Ronkonkoma, Long Island where he worked various jobs.  He has resided in the Hornell – Canisteo area for nearly 50 years.  He had been employed for several years at the former Stern & Stern Textile Corporation in Hornell and for 13 plus years worked as a machinist at the former SKF Industries, retiring in 1988.

Bill was a former member of St. Joachim’s Church of Canisteo.  In recent years, he was a member of Our Lady of the Valley Parish.  For many years, Bill was a member of the Free & Accepted Masons (F&AM), Morning Star Lodge #65 of Canisteo, and was also a member of the Canisteo American Legion.  In his younger years he enjoyed deer hunting. He was also a very social man and willing to talk to anyone and everyone, often sharing a joke or two with anyone that would listen. However, his favorite pastime was spending time with his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren.

He is survived by his loving and devoted wife of 45 years, the former Dorothy Fogarty. The two were married on December 9, 1972 in Riverhead, NY. Also surviving are his son, Christopher (Rosanna) Argay of Canisteo; 4 daughters, Dianne (John) Heckel of Canisteo, Maureen Cone of Daytona Beach, FL, Sharon (Paul) Pacholski of Rice Lake, WI, and Jennifer (Rob) Larkin of Garnerville, NY; 1 brother, Steve Argay of FL; 2 sisters, Teresa Scott of NY and Peitra Alchermus of FL; 11 grandchildren, Kristen (Ed) LaFleur, Michael Heckel and girlfriend Brittany Guie, Willy Rideout, Sam (Pete) Lehman, T.J. Rideout, Jonathon (Melanie) Crider, Jeremy Crider, Brianna Larkin, Robert Larkin, Caden Argay & Alyvia Argay; 1 step-granddaughter, Elizabeth Loop; 8 great-grandchildren, Kendall LaFleur, Eddie LaFleur, Carter Lehman, Lucas Lehman, Morgan Lehman, Jayke Crider, Jocelyn Rideout & Evan Rideout; several nieces & nephews.

Bill had a deep affection for his beloved dogs, Chelsea who passed 15 years ago and Shatzi who was his constant companion until his recent illness.  Both of these canine friends brought Bill much happiness throughout the years.

The family of William S. “Bill” Argay will receive friends on Saturday from 2:00 PM – 5:00 PM at the Dagon Funeral Home, 38 Church St., Hornell, NY.  Private services will be held at the convenience of the family.

Bill received wonderful care in his final days at the Bath VA Hospice Unit. His family request that in lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in his name be made to the Bath VA Hospice Unit, c/o Volunteer Services, 76 Veterans Avenue, Bath, NY 14810.

In honor of Bill’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.

Shannon “Riley” Donahue – 54 – of Bath, NY, formerly of Hornell, died unexpectedly on Monday (May 7, 2018) in Baltimore, MD, where he had been working for the past several months.

Born in Hornell on August 27, 1963, he was the son of Edward “Mickey” Donahue and the former Susan Gay.

Riley grew up in the Hornell – Canisteo area and attended Canisteo Central School, class of 1981.

He was employed as a foreman for Carpenter Millwright, Local #1163 working on Nuclear Power Plants and a multitude of projects throughout the United States.  This was a very dangerous job which required extensive training and carried extensive responsibilities for all of the workers and the communities in which he worked.

Riley was an avid hunter who enjoyed hunting deer, rabbits and turkeys.  He especially loved hunting rabbits with his beloved beagles, Kelly & Cupid.  He also had a fondness for his beloved cats.  He had been a member of the Hornell Elks Lodge, Hornell Moose Lodge, Hornell American Legion and the Hornell VFW. He was an avid golfer and loved the Yankees and the Steelers.

He was preceded in death by his father, Edward “Mickey” Donahue who died January 27, 2007.

Surviving are his son of whom he was very proud, Nathan (Natalie Bossard) Donahue of Howard, NY; his mother, Sue Cullen of Panasoffkee, FL; 4 brothers, Michael (Nodja) Donahue of Homer, NY, Shaun (Debbie) Donahue of Blossburg, PA, Shane (Cristina) Donahue of Corning and Tim Donahue of Hornell; 3 sisters, Patricia Donahue of Homer, Colleen Donahue of Englewood, FL and Christine Cullen of Palm Harbor, FL; several nieces, nephews & cousins.

The family of Shannon “Riley” Donahue will receive friends on Friday from 4:00 PM until 7:00 PM at the Dagon Funeral Home, 38 Church St., Hornell, NY.  A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Saturday at 1:00 PM at St. Ann’s Church with burial in St. Mary’s Cemetery.

Riley’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.

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

Anthony John Hawkins—86—known to everyone as Tony, passed away peacefully at Elderwood Nursing Facility in Hornell (April 30, 2018), following a two-month illness.

Tony was born to Walter and Mary (Scoon) Hawkins on July 7, 1931 in Bristol, England, where he grew up an only child.  Little is known about his early life.  From sixteen to nineteen he took evening classes in math, physics and chemistry at a local technical college.  David Rossington of Alfred met Tony in the early 1950’s at Bristol University where David was a student and Tony was an apprentice glass blower, learning the techniques of the trade that would support him the rest of his life.  (See the picture above showing Tony at work at the College of Ceramics in Alfred at age 37.)

Tony served in the English Army from 1952 – 1954, followed by years as a glassblower at the University of Nottingham, University of British Columbia (Vancouver) and finally at Alfred University where Tony was the laboratory glass blower at the College of Ceramics from 1960 to 1983, when he retired.  Tony had a rare ability to fashion molten glass, whether it became a piece of laboratory apparatus or an intricate animal given to a child or sold at Mary Lou Cartledge’s gift shop in Alfred.

In his youth at Vancouver and Alfred, Tony was an enthusiastic skier, a pursuit that unfortunately ended when an auto accident damaged his left knee in 1968.

A lifelong bachelor, Tony lived alone at 4960 East Valley Road, halfway between Alfred Station and Andover, for most of his fifty-eight years in the Alfred area.  Tony loved movies and classical music, having an encyclopedic knowledge of both.  In the years when Juilliard came to Alfred for summer concerts, Tony rarely missed one.  When computers became popular, Tony quickly became adept, programming a Wine Grape Glossary still in use on the internet and establishing himself as a wine expert.  He loved food, having a passion for cookbooks and recipes.  For years he belonged to a group of gourmets who met once a month at a top notch restaurant for a meal.  In later years he was an enthusiastic member of a bridge club in Hornell.

My wife and I (David and Aurora Palmer) met Tony around 1990 and were close friends for the rest of his life.  I spent many happy hours with Tony “picking apart” current events, wine, movies and the colorful life of Richard Feynman, one of our mutual heroes.  Recently Tony and I watched a ten-week series on the life of Einstein at Tony’s home.   He will be greatly missed.

At sometime around 2010 Tony befriended Joan Speca, recently widowed and making a difficult adjustment to the loss of her husband.  He and Joan became constant companions.  He saw her through the difficulties of Alzheimer’s disease, handling her affairs and adopting her dog Sasha until Joan’s and Sasha’s death.

Since Tony’s passion for food did not include a strong desire to cook, he ate most meals at the Collegiate Restaurant (fondly nicknamed the Jet) after coming to Alfred in 1960.  There he was on the first stool at the near end of the counter—three times a day in the early years, twice a day later on.  At some point Tony’s name was placed on the stool top, where it still stands.  Tony made friends at the Jet—two generations of owners (John Senior and Angie Ninos, then John-John and Chelly Ninos), Bob Heineman and many others.  For several months before Tony’s death my wife Aurora and I took him weekly to the Duke House (patterned after an English Tea House) in Wellsville for Sunday brunch.  Tony greatly appreciated its atmosphere, its tea and the hospitality of Nancy, Ruben and John.

At Tony’s request, there will be no calling hours or formal services.  Friends are invited to attend a “scattering of ashes” on Saturday, May 19 at 2:00 PM at Tony’s home at 4960 East Valley Road, Alfred Station. Please come prepared to share stories and memories.

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

In lieu of flowers, friends are asked to consider making a donation in Tony’s memory to any worthwhile charity

Jennifer (Skakal) Howe Luther – 75 – of 59 Glen Ave., Hornell died Thursday morning (May 3, 2018) at St. James Mercy Hospital following a long illness.

Born January 11, 1943 in Buffalo, NY, she was the daughter of Otto and Jennifer (Withey) Skakal.

Jennifer was a graduate of Hornell High School, the 1962 Nurses Aide Training Class of St. James Mercy Hospital and the International Business Training Institute of Buffalo in 1965.

She was employed in the late 1950’s as a tray & cleaning girl at St. James Hospital and also at Mattie’s Soda and Lunch. She had also worked at the Collegiate Restaurant in Alfred, and Batavia Downs Track Kitchen, transferring to Buffalo as a manager of a Deco Restaurant in 1964. She returned to Hornell in 1967 to work as a nurse’s aid at St. James Hospital.

In partnership with her former husband, Douglas Spencer, she ran flower Haven Greenhouse & Florist in Canisteo from 1968 until the flooding of 1972 caused by hurricane Agnes. She had also worked at the former Harris Nursing Home and other health care facilities throughout the years.

Jennifer was a former member of the Junior Chamber of Commerce and the Fraternal Order of Eagles. She served as assistant Den Leader for Troop 20 Cub Scouts from 1976 – 1983 and also Troop 20 Cub Scouts day camp crafts instructor. She was a member of Maple Leaf Cootiettes #228 – writing the club news articles since 1980 and serving as secretary for several years and also as club president from March 1998 until March 2000. Since 1994, she was the Supreme Cootiettes V.A.V.S. representative at Bath VA Hospital and also served as a Bath VA volunteer. Jennifer also transported many people to many hospitals and doctor’s appointments over a 30 year span.

Her interests were vegetable & flower gardening, crocheting, cooking, baking and canning. She also enjoyed genealogy and corresponding with many relatives, located while searching for her family in 1964 and her family roots in 1998. She was one of the “lucky ones” to be accepted back and know the love of two families.

Jennifer is a life member of the VFW #2250 Ladies Auxiliary, Moose Lodge #210, Hornell Association, BPOE #364, and the Arkport American Legion.

On June 25, 1977, she married Leo J. Luther who survives. In addition to her husband survivors include 2 sons, Michael (Amy Payne) Spencer of Hornell and Scott Alan Spencer of Petersburg, VA; granddaughter, Bridgette Jeanette Spencer of Richmond, VA; two brothers, William (Jacqueline) Skakal of Irving, NY, and Donald (Patricia) Howe, of Hornell; her sister-in-law, Arlene Howe of Hornell; her brothers-in-law & sisters-in-law, Thor & Beverly Luther, Dorothy Tiede, Stephen & rose Luther and Patrick & Julie Luther; many very dear nieces, nephews, great nieces and great nephews, cousins, and several people with whom she was a “2nd mom”.

She was preceded in death by her parents, 2 sisters, Rose Getti and Viola LaPonia; 3 brothers, Robert Skakal, Gerald Skakal and Lewis Howe; 2 step fathers, LJ Howe, Sr. and Paul Warriner; and an infant son, Lewis Donald Howe.

Preferring others remember her in their own way, at Jennifer’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.

Jennifer’s family request that in lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in her name may be made to an organization of their choice or by donating a few hours of time helping their fellow mankind.

MaryAnn Gath – 76 – of 23 East Main St., Hornell, died Saturday afternoon (April 28, 2018) at St. James Mercy Hospital, following a long illness.

Born in Hornell on September 1, 1941, she was the daughter of Nicholas Alexin and the former Betty Totten. MaryAnn was a graduate of the former St. Ann’s School and later graduated from Hornell High School.

For several years, she was employed as a production worker at the former Corbin Wood Products Corporation and also Morrison Knudsen (MK) in Hornell.

While in her 40’s, MaryAnn decided to further her education and obtained her Registered Nursing Degree from Alfred State College. For many years she was employed as a registered nurse at St. James Mercy Hospital.

MaryAnn was a lifelong member of Our Lady of the Valley Parish and a communicant of
St. Ann’s Church. Throughout the years, she was a “die hard” bingo player.

She was married on June 26, 1976 to Lawrence “Larry” Gath who survives. Also surviving are her son, Michael Vosburg of Hornell; her brother, Nicholas “Nick” (Debbie) Alexin of Hornell; 2 grandchildren, Andrea Vosburg and Brandon Vosburg; several nieces & nephews.

At MaryAnn’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.

MaryAnn’s family request that in lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in her name be made to the Dialysis Unit of Elderwood of Hornell, 1 Bethesda Dr., Hornell, NY 14843.

Mary R. Clancy – 73 – of 408 Duane St., Hornell, died late Monday evening (April 23, 2018) at Noyes Memorial Hospital in Dansville following a long illness.

Born in Hornell on August 24, 1944, she was the daughter of Thomas & Ruth (Binney) McDonald.

Mary grew up in Hornell and was a graduate of Hornell High School (class of 1962).  She later received her Associate’s Degree from Alfred State College.

She was a member of Our Lady of the Valley Parish and a communicant of St. Ann’s Church.  She was a former member of St. Ignatius Loyola Church.

Mary had been employed for a time at Castle Company of Rochester and also Shay Trucking of Dansville.  For many years she served as an executive secretary at Alfred State College, retiring about 11 years ago. She had been a member of the Woman’s Auxiliary of the Arkport American Legion and also volunteered her time with Faith in Action in Hornell.

In addition to her parents, Mary was preceded in death by her husband, Daniel Clancy who died in 1992.

Surviving are brother, Joseph (Trudi) McDonald of Wilmington, NC; 2 sisters, Joanne M. McDonald of Webster, NY and Elizabeth “Betty” Stewart of Walworth, NY; 3 nieces, Shannon Stewart, Courtney (Mike Smith) Stewart and Cameron Stewart; 2 granddaughters; 2 great-grandchildren.  She will be sadly missed by her two cats, Fluffy & Button.

The family of Mary R. Clancy will receive friends on Thursday from 4:00 PM until 7:00 PM at the Dagon Funeral Home, 38 Church St., Hornell, NY.  A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Friday at 10:00 AM at St. Ann’s Church with burial in Heritage Hill Cemetery, Arkport, NY.

Mary’s family request that in lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in her name be made to either the Hornell Humane Society 7649 Industrial Park Road, Hornell, NY or to Faith in Action, 20 Broadway Mall, PO Box 117, Hornell, NY 14843.  Memorial forms will be available at the funeral home or click here to print a form.

William “Billy” Figueroa – 78 – of 13 Bostwick Place, died early Sunday morning (April 22, 2018) at St. James Mercy Hospital following a long illness.

Born in Puerto Rico on April 17, 1940, he was the son of Estervina (Colero) Figueroa.

Billy’s family moved to Mainland United States when Billy was a child.  He grew up in the Chicago, IL area, moving to the Hornell area 37 years ago.

He was employed for many years in the maintenance department of Morrison-Knudsen (MK) Corporation and in recent years worked in the kitchen of the Texas Café in Hornell.

On religious Holy Days, Billy would often attend services at St. Ann’s Church.  He was an avid baseball fan and especially enjoyed rooting for his beloved Chicago White Sox.  He also enjoyed watching professional wrestling on television.  One of Billy’s favorite pastimes was “Making a Friendly Wager or Two” at OTB.

Billy was preceded in death by his mother, Estervina (Colero) Figueroa and also her brother, Gualberto Figueroa.

Surviving are his lifelong companion, Marsha Dailey; 2 daughters, Kelly (Roger) Hall of Hornell and Casey (Jerry) Lathers of Hornell; 1 son, William Figueroa JR of Chicago; 4 brothers, Jose Santiago of Puerto Rico, Manuel (Maria) Figueroa of Florida, Rafael (Neomi) Figueroa of Chicago, IL and Leonardo (Guadalupe) Figueroa of Chicago, IL; 6 grandchildren, Christopher, Hazel, Ethan, Shelby, Paige & Aiden; several nieces & nephews.

At Billy’s request there will be no prior calling hours.  Family & friends are invited to attend a Memorial Service on Saturday, (May 19, 2018) at 2:00 PM at the Dagon Funeral Home, 38 Church St., Hornell, NY with Deacon Robert McCormick officiating.

Billy’s family request that in lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in his name be made to National Parkinson Foundation, PO Box 23204,  Rochester, NY  14692.  Memorial forms will be available at the Dagon Funeral Home.