North Hornell, NY / Dansville, NY

Mary K. Hetrick – 92 – formerly of Dansville, NY, died Tuesday afternoon (April 9, 2024) at Elderwood at Hornell Nursing Facility in North Hornell where she had resided for the past 10 years.

Born in Rochester, NY on February 4, 1932, she was the daughter of Richard & Grace (Laraby) Knitter.

Mary grew up in Brighton, NY and was a graduate of Brighton High School (class of 1950). She had been employed at Kodak Corporation for many years and later served as a switchboard operator at Industry School in rush, NY.

She was an avid reader (especially paperback “Romance Novels”) and throughout the years enjoyed working in her flower garden. She also enjoyed crafts attending ceramic classes and creating ceramic pieces.

Mary was preceded in death by her sister, Clara Horn and her brother, Edward Knitter.

Surviving are her daughter, Pam (Jeff) Gaudioso of Dansville; 3 granddaughters, Tanya (Nelson) Tatu, Nicole (Joe) Jerome and Lindley (Chad) Conte; 8 great-grandchildren; 7 great-great-grandchildren; along with other family members.

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 a charity of the donor’s choice.

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

Hornell, New York

Pauline P. Holbrook – 96 – of 7 Adsit Place, Hornell, died peacefully Sunday evening (April 7, 2024) at her home, following a brief illness.

Born in Schenectady, NY, on November 6, 1927, she was the daughter of Irish immigrants John and Mary (Moore) McDonald.

Pauline (known to her friends as ‘Polly’) grew up in Schenectady and was a graduate of Mount Pleasant High School (class of 1944), where she and her sister were featured Irish Dancers on early local television broadcasts promoting US Government War Bonds. She later graduated from Syracuse University with a Bachelor’s Degree in History and started her career as a 2^nd grade teacher with the Syracuse School System.

While living in Syracuse, she met her future husband, William “Bill” Holbrook, who was attending Syracuse University Law School. They were married on December 16, 1950, and honeymooned in NYC and Bermuda. Bill had enrolled in the US Navy as an Officer Candidate during WWII, stayed on active duty until 1948, was later recalled for active duty during the Korean War, and thereafter continued as a 25-year member of the US Naval Reserves. Consequently, Pauline and Bill resided in various Navy ports of call, such as Charleston, SC, Newport, RI, and Norfolk, VA, during the early years of their marriage. In 1954, they moved to Hornell, where Pauline was an active member of the community for nearly 70 years.

After being blessed with six children, including five within seven years, Pauline resumed her teaching career, initially part-time as a substitute teacher in the Hornell area. As time went on, however, she was called in to substitute so often that it practically became a full-time job. Nearly every morning the phone would ring and the voice at the other end would simply say, “Polly, we need you … Can you come in to sub?” The answer was almost always “yes.”

A longtime stalwart of civic affairs in Hornell and Steuben County, Pauline was a 40-year member of the Board of Directors for the Steuben ARC (n/k/a Allegheny-Steuben ARC), a 65-year member and past president of the American Association of University Women; a member of the Hornell Fortnightly Club; Ladies of Columbus; Catholic Daughters of America; and a longtime active member of the Republican Party, which honored her at the Lincoln Day Dinner several years ago as Steuben County Republican of the Year.

In 2019, Pauline was recognized by the New York State Legislature as a ‘Woman of Distinction’ for her lifetime devotion to her community. At the presentation ceremony in Albany, during which she received a standing ovation from fellow recipients and attendees, Senator O’Mara said, “Pauline Holbrook exemplifies a commitment to family, community, and country that highlights her recognition this year as a ‘Woman of Distinction.’ From childhood, she was instilled with a strong sense of citizenship that she has passed on to her own family and that has guided her, for over six decades, to enjoy a remarkable standing within the Hornell community and across the Canisteo Valley. She has remained devoted to a life’s work of raising her family and serving her community as a teacher, and a tireless and giving friend, neighbor, and volunteer … She is unparalleled in her service and dedication to our community and surrounding areas. Her long record of volunteering is most noteworthy.”

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

Pauline was preceded in death by her husband, Bill Holbrook, who died February 10, 1989; her beloved son, Michael Holbrook, who died November 5, 2022; two brothers, Gerald McDonald and Eric McDonald; and her sister, Ethel (McDonald) Graves.

Surviving are her daughter, Debby (Alexander Hoke) Holbrook of Juneau, Alaska; four sons, Dennis (Michele) Holbrook of East Aurora, NY, Bill Holbrook of Juneau, Alaska, J.P. Holbrook of Hornell, and Paul (Jill) Holbrook of East Aurora, NY; grandsons, Hayden, Ryan, Patrick, Zander, Billy, and Emilio; granddaughters, Heather, Jessica, Caitlin, Ashley, Hannah, Erin, and Emma; great-granddaughters, Ariana, Emery, Mackenzie, and Charlotte; and great-grandsons, Dylan and Levi.

The family of Pauline P. Holbrook will receive friends on Monday, April 15th, from 5:00 PM  until 7:00 PM at the Dagon Funeral Home, 38 Church St., Hornell, NY. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Tuesday, April 16th, at 10:00 AM at St. Ann’s Church with a private burial in St. Mary’s Cemetery.

Pauline’s family requests that in lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in her name be made to the Allegany-Steuben ARC, 240 O’Connor St., Wellsville, NY 14895. Memorial forms will be available at the Dagon Funeral Home.

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

Hornell, New York

Douglas B. “Doug” Cruikshank – (85) – a resident of Elderwood at Hornell Nursing Facility died Saturday morning (April 6, 2024) one day shy of his 86th birthday.

Born in Boise, ID on April 7, 1928, he was the son of Douglas & Muriel (Lehrer) Cruikshank.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his infant son.

Surviving are his wife, Diana Godwin; his children, Grant, Linda, Matthew and Randi; his brother, Robert; several grandchildren.

At Doug’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.

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

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

Hornell, NY

Pauline Holbrook – 96 – of Adsit Place Hornell, died Sunday evening (April 7, 2024) at her home following a lengthy illness.

Funeral arrangements are incomplete at the Dagon Funeral Home.

Hornell, New York

Anthony L. “Tony” Caruso – 73 – of 101 Buffalo St., Hornell, died Tuesday afternoon (January 23, 2024) at the Steuben Center in Bath, following a long illness.

Born in Hornell on January 22, 1951, he was the son of Angelo Caruso & Elinor (Burr) Caruso.

Tony grew up in Hornell and attended St. Ann School and later graduated from Hornell High School (class of 1970) and was a member of the HHS Red Raider Football Team. He later attended Hudson Valley Community College where he was a member of their football team.

He was employed for several years as a bartender / bouncer at Down by the Station, a popular Pizza Pub in Hornell. While working at “The Station,” Tony was not only well liked as a bartender but extremely well respected as a bouncer. Everyone knew not to start any trouble while Tony was on duty!!!

A mason by trade, Tony owned & operated Caruso’s roofing and was experienced in every aspect of the construction business. Throughout the years worked for several area construction companies and was proud to have obtained his Commercial Driver’s License (CDL). He was later employed by the City of Hornell working for nearly 20 years. He was a member of the Bricklayers Union in Rochester.

Tony was a gentle giant with a heart as big as he was. Throughout his life he was generous and helped others, often doing so in a quiet manner, never wanting recognition for his good deeds.

Tony had a deep love and connection to nature and New York State. He most enjoyed taking nature walks with his grandson and spending time at his Camp on Tobes Hill. “It’s God’s Country” as he would often say. Being a grandfather was the best part of his life. He often enjoyed a country drive taking in all the beauty of Western New York.

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

Tony was preceded in death by his parents, Angelo & Elinor; his step-mother, Ethel Caruso; his brothers, Larry Caruso, Joe Caruso & Angelo Caruso; his nephew, Jimmy Hess; and his “sister,” Pat Markel.

He will be greatly missed by his surviving daughters, Andrea Caruso of Carmel, CA and Julee (Mike) Kilsdonk of Hornell; his grandsons, Jericho Govea Caruso, Ethan Kilsdonk & Emmet Kilsdonk. Tony was also blessed with a big Italian Family who loved him that include Sandra Donlon, Nancy Beach, Angela Caruso, Michael Caruso, Richie Caruso, Vicky Southward, Kathy Wilbur, Linda Salyerds and Jeff Teeter along with several nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews and cousins.

At Tony’s request there will be no calling hours. A Memorial Mass will be held on Friday, April 12, 2024 at 10:00 AM St. Ann’s Church, Hornell, NY. Final interment will be in St. Mary’s Cemetery.

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

Tony’s family request that in lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in his name be made to the Sierra Club by visiting www.sierraclub.org.

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

Hornell, New York

Thomas P. “Tom” Aures – 61 – of 11 Marshall Ave., Hornell, died unexpectedly Monday (April 1, 2024) shortly after being admitted to Strong Memorial Hospital in Rochester, NY.

Born in Syracuse, NY on July 14, 1962, he was the son of Donald & Nancy (Gee) Aures.

Tom grew up in Dansville and was a graduate of Dansville High School. He attended Delhi State College (SUNY Delhi) in Delhi, NY and later graduated from Morrisville College with a Degree in Hospitality.

He was employed for a time at as manager at the Dansville Truck Stop and later served as head manager at Burger King in Clarence, NY. He also had been employed at Auto Auction of Dansville and for over 25 years was employed at Gunlock Corporation in Dansville, working in many capacities including the boiler room and Veneer Department.

Tom enjoyed watching football (NFL) on TV and especially loved rooting for the Miami Dolphins. He was an avid NASCAR fan whose favorite drivers were Bobby Labonte and Morgan Shephard. Tom enjoyed traveling and taking “cruise vacations” (his favorite vacation spot was Costa Rica). He also enjoyed visiting the casinos, especially in Salamanca. His greatest joy, however, was simply being with his family — especially his grandchildren and fishing with his dad.

He was preceded in death by his brother, Timothy Aures; his brothers-in-law, Bob Stillman and Johnny Griffith

Surviving are his fiancé & best friend, Sue Brewster of Hornell; his step-daughter, Crystal Brewster of Livonia; his parents, Donald & Nancy Aures of Scottsburg, NY; 2 sisters, Jacki (Richard) Bates of Scottsburg and Rachael Barnes of Scottsburg, NY; his brother, Dan Knights of Dansville; his
in-laws, Jim Stillman, Kathy (Joe) DeKay, Tim (Diane) Griffith and Sharon Stillman; 4 grandchildren, Arianna Dent, Jaykez Dent, Sacred Dent and Kastiella Dent; along with aunts, uncles & cousins, nieces, nephews, great-nieces & great-nephews. Tom will also be sadly missed by his many friends including his longtime “Best Bud,” Greg Burr.

The family of Thomas P. “Tom” Aures will receive friends on Saturday from 1:00 PM until 3:00 PM at the Dagon Funeral Home, 38 Church St., Hornell, NY. A Celebration of Life will be held on a date and at a time to be announced.

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

Bath, New York

Danny M. Powell – 66 – of West Washington St., Bath, died unexpectedly on Friday (March 29, 2024) at his home.

Born in Baltimore, MD on March 15, 1958, he had been employed as a laborer for various construction companies throughout New York State.

Surviving are his daughter, Angela Powell of Schenectady, NY along with several siblings.

At Danny’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.

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

Ronald James Arnault
May 13, 1943 – March 5, 2024

Ronald J. “Ron” Arnault passed away peacefully on March 5th, 2024 in Pasadena, CA at the age of 80. He was predeceased by his parents, Ronald W. Arnault and Margaret M. Arnault.

He was born and raised in Hornell, NY where his beloved mother was a nurse and his father ran the local hardware store. Ron attended St. Ann’s School and Hornell High School. After leaving Hornell, he attended Amherst College graduating in 1965 and received his M.B.A from the Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania in 1969. Following Wharton, he began working at Atlantic Richfield Company (ARCO) ultimately serving as ARCO’s Chief Financial Officer until his retirement.

In addition to his time with ARCO, Ron was a huge contributor to the Los Angeles civic community. As a former Chairman of the Music Center, he made significant contributions to the Joffrey Ballet and was an important figure in the completion of the Walt Disney Concert Hall in downtown Los Angeles. Additionally, he was heavily involved with the Center Theatre Group as a member of its Board of Directors and worked tirelessly on the Kirk Douglas Theatre project which opened in 2004. He remains as an Emeritus member of the Center Theatre Group’s Board of Directors.

He also devoted significant time to Occidental College as a member of its Board of Directors and was named as a Trustee Emeriti. Ron was instrumental to numerous other boards as well including the Wharton School, SunAmerica Inc. and the Brookings Institution. He had the unique ability to cut to the heart of institutional problems and effectuate change. His impact could be seen throughout the community.

Ron was a devoted father to his daughters, Ami and Lauren, and provided a never ending source of love and support. Despite his busy career, Ron could always be found on the sidelines of soccer games, driving carpool, and helping with homework no matter where he was in the world.

He offered wisdom and humor to the numerous friends and family that often gathered at his home. A natural father figure to so many, Ron influenced lives through his generosity, kindness, and deep caring for others.

Ron had been in declining health for the last decade, but prior to his decline he adored spending time at his home in Tahoe, traveling, reading and being with his family. He particularly loved to fish and be outdoors saying the most peaceful sound to him was the lapping of waves on a lake.

Ron is survived by his wife, Terez Kreisz, his daughters Ami Arnault and Lauren Arnault (with son-in-law David Fleck), his three grandchildren, Eloise Fleck, Leo Fleck and Fiona Fleck, his brother John Arnault (with sister-in-law Barbara Arnault) and nephews Bryan Arnault (with Kathleen Arnault), Eric Arnault (with Terri Arnault) and Brendan Arnault.

A service will be held for Ron later this year in Hornell, New York. If you would like information regarding the service or care to be in touch with his family, please email: lauren.arnault@gmail.com.

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

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

Hornell, NY

Akhtar M. Al-Sinjari – 82 – formerly of Seneca Road, Hornell died peacefully Tuesday evening (April 2, 2024) at Elderwood Nursing Facility.

Funeral arrangements are incomplete at Dagon Funeral Home.

Hornell, New York

Martin Carl “Marty” Christensen – 89 – of 119 Thacher Street, Hornell, passed away Sunday afternoon (March 31, 2024) at his home, surrounded by his loving family, following a long illness.

Born in Hornell on May 31, 1934, he was the son of the late Carl Martin & Catherine (Campfield) Christensen.

Marty was a lifelong Hornell resident and graduated from Hornell High School (class of 1953).

After graduation, he enlisted in the United States Navy and served his country from 1953 to 1957 during the Korean Conflict. Upon his honorable discharge from the US Navy, Marty attended Alfred University. In 1958 he was employed by the New York State DOT and retired in 1991 as a Civil Engineer I in the Traffic & Safety Group. Upon retirement Marty enjoyed volunteering for Habitat for Humanity.

Marty was a member of the Chemung Valley Region Antique Car Club for more than 30 years. He was also a member of the American Legion Post 440 in Hornell. Marty always enjoyed working with wood, often building furniture, carving figures and completing countless house remodeling projects over the years. He loved to fish, build model trains and meet for coffee monthly with his retired friends. He had a special love of riding the back roads of Steuben County looking for deer and he was an avid Yankees and Bills fan.

On November 23, 1957, Marty was married at St. Ann’s Church to the former Suzanne Glynn who survives. Also surviving are his children, Joan (Dan) McAllister of Hornell, Karen (Ernest) Eichensehr of Bath, Diane (Larry) Amidon of Hartsville, and Carl (Julie) Christensen of Kendall, NY; his cousins, David (Sharon) Campfield of Lockport, NY, Arthur (Gayle) Krause of Narrowsburg, NY, Verna Krause of Narrowsburg, NY; several special sister and brother in laws; many nieces and nephews; fourteen grandchildren and ten great-grandchildren.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his uncle and aunt, Arthur and Phyllis Campfield and aunt and uncle Viola and Arthur Krause, his cousin Arthur W. Krause and infant sons Kenneth and Edward Christensen.

Marty’s family would like to thank the Tender Loving In-Home Care Agency, and especially Dani Jo Zschoche, for the outstanding care they provided for our husband/father over the last several months.

Martin’s family will receive friends on Friday from 11:00 AM until 1:00 PM at the Dagon Funeral Home, 38 Church Street, Hornell, NY. A Funeral Service will be held at the conclusion of calling hours at 1:00 PM with Deacon Robert McCormick officiating. Burial will be in St. Mary’s Cemetery. Please join the family at the Main Place for a luncheon following the service.

In lieu of flowers, Marty’s family requests that memorial contributions be made in his name to Habitat for Humanity or the Hornell Alumni Association. Memorial forms will be available at the Dagon Funeral Home.

In recognition of Marty’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.

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