Hornell, NY / Almond, NY

Virginia M. Benson – (97) – a resident of Updyke’s Willow Ridge, formerly of Almond, died late Monday evening (May 8, 2023) following a brief illness.

Born in Hardy, OK on August 15, 1925, she was the daughter of Benjamin & Margaret (Hoback) Thomas.

Virginia grew up in Winfield, KS and was a graduate of Winfield High School (class of 1942). She resided in Susquehanna, PA from 1944 – 1954. She moved to Almond in 1954 and spent the bulk of her time there before moving to Hornell in 2011.

During WWII, Virginia served as a volunteer with the USO. She had been employed as a telephone operator for AT&T for about 2 years and for 25 years worked in the cafeteria at the Alfred-Almond Central School. Throughout the years Virginia also worked at the former Richmeyer’s Grocery, Tuttle & Rockwell Department Store and served as a hostess at the former Big Elms Restaurant.

Virginia was a member of the Almond Community Church and had also been a member of the Almond Historical Society and the 20th Century Club Library in Almond.

She was married on November 3, 1944 to George Benson who died in 1984. She was also preceded in death by her sister, Juanita Evans; brothers-in-law, Richard Jones and Jerry Evans; sister-in-law, Erla Shaw.

Surviving are her daughter, Margaret “Peggy” (James) Smith of Palm Coast, FL; 2 sons, Leo “Tom” (Vickie) Benson of Almond and George (Sue) Benson of Almond; 1 sister, Mary Ellen Jones of Derby, KS; 5 grandchildren, Angela Smith, Kari (Dale) Devendorf, Kellie (Joe) Bossie, Lisa Summers and Jennifer Benson; 8 great-grandchildren; several nieces & nephews.

The family of Virginia M. Benson will receive friends on Saturday from 1:00 PM – 3:00 PM at the Dagon Funeral Home, 38 Church St., Hornell, NY where funeral services will be held at the conclusion of calling hours at 3:00 PM with Rev. Scott Dumund officiating. Burial will be in Woodlawn Cemetery, Almond, NY.

Virginia’s family request that memorial contributions in her name be made to the Almond Union of Churches, Main St., Almond, NY 14804. 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

James J. “Jim” Beaver – 73 – of 16 Pine St., Hornell, died unexpectedly Friday morning (May 5, 2023) shortly after being admitted to St. James Hospital after being stricken at home.

Born on June 14, 1949, he was the son of John & Loretta (McCarthy) Beaver.

Jim, affectionately known as “Beav,” grew up in Hornell and attended St. Ann School.  He later graduated from Hornell High School (class of 1967).

Following high school graduation, Jim enlisted in the US Marine Corps and, after graduating from Boot Camp in Paris Island, SC, served 13 month in Vietnam during the height of the Vietnam War.  While serving in the Marines, he toured the world and was stationed in such places as Thailand and South Asia. Returning to the United States, Jim was stationed at Camp Lejeune, NC for several months before being honorably discharged with the rank of Corporal.  Jim was always proud of the fact that he joined the military at the same time as his high school buddies, Mike Crooks (US Army) and Mike Coogan (US Army).  

Returning to the Hornell area, Jim began his 45 year career working construction for Local Laborer Union #1358 of Elmira, NY.  Throughout the years, he worked on many major projects including the State Office Building in Hornell, construction of Route 36, countless bridge repairs, Hornell Middle School & Hornell High School additions & renovations, Arnot Ogden Hospital renovations, St. James Mercy Hospital addition & renovations and most recently the Windmill Project in Cohocton-Wayland just to name a few.  He retired in 2014.

Jim was a member of Our Lady of the Valley Parish and a communicant of St. Ann’s Church.  He had also been a member of the Hornell VFW, Hornell American Legion, Hornell Moose Lodge and the Hornell Association.  He enjoyed rooting FOR the New York Yankees and AGAINST the Buffalo Bills and also enjoyed driving around in his truck looking at new construction sites in the area. Jim loved amusement parks and visiting his brother, Frank, to go to Hershey Park and ride the roller coasters.

He always knew the people in charge of local construction.

In addition to his parents, Jim was preceded in death by 3 brothers, Francis “Fran” Beaver, Joseph “Joe” Beaver and John “Jack” Beaver, Jr.

He was married on July 12, 1975 to the former Mary K. Witzman who survives.  Also surviving are 2 daughters, Jeanna (Rob Crosby) Beaver of Bel Haven and Bridget Loretta Beaver of Hornell; 1 son, James “Jim” (Lauren) Beaver, Jr. of Almond; his “brother,” Mike Crooks, with whom he was raised; 8 grandchildren, Lily Crosby, Ella Crosby, Oliver Crosby, Gavin Beaver, Jayla Beaver, Cooper Hanchett, Colton Hanchett and Brook Beaver (with whom he helped raise); several nieces & nephews.

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

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 Bath VA Hospital Activities Fund, 76 Veteran’s Ave., Bath, NY  14810.

Almond, New York

Ruth C. (McMichael) Shaw – 100 years young – a resident of Updyke’s Willow Ridge Nursing Facility, formerly of 7905 Bishopville Rd., Almond, died Thursday evening (May 4, 2023) at St. James Hospital, following a “Disagreement With Old Age.”

Born in Hornell on October 24, 1922, she was the daughter of Cornelius & Louise (Myers) Griffin.

A lifelong resident of the Hornell-Almond area, Ruth attended Hornell High School and later was employed in the housekeeping department of Alfred State College. Throughout the years, she served as a waitress for several area restaurants, including Coslo’s, Brother’s Four, Tops Diner, Sherwood Hotel, Texas Hot, Big Elms, Jumbo’s Restaurant (with her mother & sister) and the Arkport Inn. For 26 years Ruth was worked at Wegmans Grocery, first in the meat department (the older Wegmans) and later the deli department (new Wegmans). She retired in 2014 at the tender age of 91½.

Ruth was a former member of the Southside Baptist Church. Her happiest moments were simply raising her large family.

She was married to Clifford McMichael who died in 1975. She later married Stanley Shaw who died in 1996. She was also preceded in death by 2 brothers, Edward Griffin and Charles Griffin; 2 sisters, Ruby Childs and Gertrude McDaniels; 2 sons-in-law, Joe Rechichi and Larry Kame.

Surviving are 1 daughter, JoAnne Rechichi Kame of Arkport; 4 sons, Clifford “Pete” (Barb) McMichael of Bishopville, Edward (Claudia) McMichael of Alfred Station, Dale (Tera) McMichael of Alfred Station and Joseph (Janet) McMichael of Alfred Station; her step-son, Bud Shaw of Ohio; 26 grandchildren; many great-grandchildren; several nieces & nephews.

The family of Ruth C. (McMichael) Shaw will receive friends on Thursday from 3:00 PM – 5:00 PM a 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 Deacon Robert McCormick officiating. Burial will be in Heritage Hill Cemetery, Arkport, NY

Ruth’s family request that in lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in her name be made to St. Jude Children’s Hospital, PO Box 1000, Suite 300, Memphis, TN 38148. Memorial forms will be available at the Dagon Funeral Home.

To leave an online condolence or print a memorial form, visit www.dagonfuneralhome.com.

Thomas William Glynn, age 85, died October 31, 2022 while in Alive Hospice, Nashville, Tennessee.

He was born May 8, 1937 in Hornell, New York, the son of Thomas A. and Mary Alice (Riefer) Glynn.

Tom graduated from Hornell High School, Class of 1955. Following graduation he served in the US Army. After serving he married Nancy Lee Kull, also of Hornell. They would have celebrated 63 years of marriage on December 12. For 39 years Tom was a proud member of the International Union of Operating Engineers, Local 832 where he worked as a crane operator.

Tom and Nancy moved to Avon, NY in 1965 and raised four children. In addition to his wife, Tom is survived by Colleen (Stephen) Heyman of Nashville, TN, Thomas (Julie) Glynn of Canandaigua, NY, Shawn (Julee) Glynn of Durango, CO, and Dan (Kelly) Glynn of Longmont, CO He was blessed with ten grandchildren Tyler, Caitlin, Kevin, Shayla, Anna Rose, Mandi, Sam, Emily, Riley and Abbey. He was doubly blessed with 8 great grandchildren, Annabelle, Olivia, Keegan, Xander, Darby, Roree, Wyatt and Sawyer. He is also survived by his sisters Mary Ann Argentieri, Suzanne (Marty) Christensen, Peggy Argentieri/Cregan and Mary Helen (Mark) Huffsmith; his brother-in-law, Bob Samiec; as well as many nieces and nephews.

In addition to his parents, Tom was predeceased by his sister, Martha Samiec; his brothers-in-law, Roger Argentieri, Jack Creagan and Babi Argentieri.

The only son in a family of daughters, Tom was a man of steadfast character who found ways to connect with family even while being, in his late years, a man of few words. He was an avid lover of sports, having his share of favorite teams, namely the New York Yankees and the Buffalo Bills, that he followed with his sons and grandsons and when geography allowed, he also enjoyed going fishing. His hardworking and frugal nature helped him build a life for his family that enabled them to thrive and in his retirement, he remained the beloved patriarch of his sprawling family stretching from Canandaigua to Colorado, until the end.

Family & friends are invited to attend a Memorial Mass to be celebrated on Friday, May 5th, 2023 at 10:00 AM at St. Ann’s Church. Final interment will be in St. Ann’s Cemetery.

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

Memorial Contributions can be made to Alive Hospice of Nashville, Tennessee http://alivehospice.org.

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

Hornell, New York

Joseph “Joe” Beckerman – 72 – a lifelong resident of Hornell, died Wednesday evening (April 26, 2023) at Elderwood at Hornell Nursing Facility where he had resided for the past 2 ½ years.

A native & life resident of Hornell, he was born on November 25, 1950 and was the son of Kenneth & Eleanor (Nugent) Beckerman.

Joe was a graduate of St. Ann’s School and later graduated from Hornell High School (class of 1969). Following high school graduation, he began working at the Hornell Wholesale Grocery, a family owned beer distributorship in Hornell. Beginning as a driver and beer deliveryman, Joe served as a sales representative for several years and eventually, following the death of his father, became president of the company, working alongside his brothers.

Having a deep love of horses, Joe owned many race horses (harness racing) throughout the years and had several sire-stake champions. He enjoyed traveling to watch his horses racing at many racetracks, including Batavia Downs, Buffalo Raceway, Syracuse Raceway, Monticello Racetrack, Saratoga Racetrack and Vernon Downs, just to mention a few. Joe was a “hands-on” owner and was highly respected in the world of harness racing.

Joe was a member of Our Lady of the Valley Parish and a communicant of St. Ann’s Church. He enjoyed the time spent having coffee and “holding court” with several of his buddies when they met daily at several local restaurants simply to “shoot-the-bull.”

In addition to his parents, Joe was preceded in death by his wife, Kathleen “Kathy” Beckerman who died in 2010; 2 daughters, Jacqueline “Jackie” Beckerman and Mary Jo Beckerman; 2 brothers, Kenneth Beckerman and Edward “Eddie” Beckerman; 1 sister, Sandra “Sandy” Marcello.

Surviving are 2 sons, Michael “Mike” Beckerman of Myrtle Beach, SC and Christopher “Chris” Beckerman of Myrtle Beach; 3 grandsons, Reilly, Brennan, and Behren Beckerman, 2 brothers, John (Jennifer) Beckerman of South Lyon, MI and Robert “Bob” (David Chapman) Beckerman of Rochester; his brother-in-law, Tony Marcello of Churchville, NY; several nieces & nephews.

At Joe’s request there will be no calling hours. Private services will be held at the convenience of the family with final interment in St. Ann’s Cemetery.

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

Joe’s family request that in lieu of flowers, memorial contributions 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, New York

Francis E. “Fran” Smith – 89 – of 11 Marick Park Dr., North Hornell, died early Friday morning (April 21, 2023) at his home, surrounded by his family, following a short illness.

Born in Hornell on February 11, 1934, he was the son of Edward & Margaret (Wallace) Smith.

Fran grew up in Hornell and was a graduate of St. Ann’s School and later graduated from Hornell High School (class of 1952). While in high school, he was employed at the Hornell Country Club as a caddie and greenskeeper, helping his father who served as Head Greenskeeper.

Following high school graduation, Fran enlisted in the United States Marine Corps and served his country from 1953 – 1955 during the Korean Conflict. While serving in the Marines, he was stationed at Camp Pendleton Marine Corps Base in Southern California.

After being honorably discharged from the US Marines, Fran returned to the Hornell area and began his career with the New York State Department of Transportation (NYSDOT). He began as a Laborer and eventually served as a Principal Accounting Clerk; retiring in 1995 with over 40 years of service. Fran later served as a “Ranger” at the Twin Hickory Golf Club, talking with the golfers and being outdoors.

Fran was a member of Our Lady of the Valley Parish and had been a communicant of St. Ignatius Loyola Church and St. Ann’s Church. He was a 59 year member and former Commander of the Hornell American Legion and also a member of the Ancient Order of Hibernians. Every Memorial Day weekend Fran and Sandy paid respect to our veterans by placing flags on their graves. Fran was a member of the Hornell Alumni Association and always enjoyed participating in the planning of their class reunions; as recent as 2020.

In his younger years, Fran served as a coach in the Hornell Grasshopper Baseball League. He was an avid golfer and a longtime member of the Hornell Twin Hickory Golf Club. Fran enjoyed camping throughout New York State and more recently loved the time spent at Sun Valley Campsite in Canaseraga. He was a true outdoorsman who enjoyed hunting (deer, pheasant & rabbit) and fishing (streams & lakes). Fran loved tending to his vegetable garden and flower garden and simply “puttering around” in the yard. He was also a die-hard New York Yankee fan (MLB) and Buffalo Bills fan (NFL) who for many years was a Buffalo Bills season ticketholder.

However, Fran’s greatest joy was simply being the best husband, father, brother, grandfather, great-grandfather and friend that he could possibly be. To him, family was everything. Through dance recitals, sporting events, birthday parties, graduations, weddings, and more, Fran was always there for his family. He was trustworthy, honest, humble, and loyal, and he had such a great sense of humor. His family will forever cherish his selfless devotion to them.

In addition to his parents, Fran was preceded in death by his brothers, Charles Smith (and wife Ann), James Smith (and wife Donna); his sister, Helen Ann O’Rourke (and husband, Ronald).

He was married on September 6, 1958 to the former Sandra Oxx who survives. Also surviving are 2 sons, Daniel (Sharon) Smith of Arkport and Kevin (Debbie) Smith of Hornell; 1 daughter, Kathleen Lynn of Rochester; 1 brother, Paul (Mary Jo) Smith of Elizabethtown, PA; 8 grandchildren, Ryan (Danielle) Smith, Aryn (Mark) Bailey, Lauryn (Tyler Crouch) Smith, Jessica (Devin) White, Shawn (Bobbie) Smith, Colleen Smith, Leigha (Rob Eisenhardt) Smith and Christopher Lynn; 7 great-grandchildren with “three on the way”; and several nieces & nephews.

The family of Francis E. “Fran” Smith will receive friends on Wednesday from 4:00 PM – 7:00 PM at the Dagon Funeral Home, 38 Church St., Hornell, NY. A Mass of Christian burial will be celebrated on Thursday at 10:00 AM at St. Ann’s Church with burial in St. Mary’s Cemetery with full Military Honors.

Fran’s family would especially like to thank Rhonda Peterson, MD for her extraordinary compassionate care and support throughout Fran’s illness. Fran’s family requests that in lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in his name be made to Twin Tiers Honor Flight, P O Box 1770, Binghamton NY 13902 and CareFirst Hospice, 3805 Meads Creek Rd., Painted Post NY 14870. Memorial forms will be available at the Dagon Funeral Home.

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

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

Canisteo, New York

Michael J. LePosa – 56 – of 28 Second St., Canisteo, NY died unexpectedly Monday afternoon (April 17, 2023) at his home.

He was born in New Jersey and was the son of William & Kay LePosa. Mike resided in Rochester for most of his adult life and had been employed as a sheet metal worker at Advantech Industries.  He has lived in Canisteo for the past four years.  He was a veteran of the US Army.

Surviving are his wife, Eliza; his son, Michael T. LePosa; his mother, Kay LePosa; 2 brothers; 2 sisters.

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

Arkport, NY  /  Fremont, NY

Margaret A. Callahan – 74 – of State Route 21, Arkport, NY (Town of Fremont) died unexpectedly Monday afternoon (April 10, 2023) at her home.

Born in North Hornell on March 29, 1949, she was the daughter of Lawrence & Arlene (King) Callahan.

Margaret grew up in Fremont and was a graduate of Arkport Central School (class of 1967).  Following high school graduation, she attended Alfred State College where she studied secretarial science and stenography.  Margaret later graduated from Alfred University where she eventually earned her Master’s Degree in Education.

She was employed for a time at Canisteo Central School where she taught several business courses and for several years Margaret was employed as a professor, teaching business courses at Alfred State College.  She eventually retired from teaching to take care of her parents.

Margaret was a self-proclaimed “Home Body” who enjoyed reading (especially novels) and watching her favorite TV shows.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her brother, John Callahan.

Surviving are her brother, Lawrence “Larry” (Claire) Callahan of Clay, NY; 2 nephews, Paul Callahan and Michael Callahan; 1 niece, Kara Brooks.

At Margaret’s request there will be no calling hours.  Private services will be held at the convenience of the family with final interment in Fremont Cemetery.

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

Margaret’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

Canisteo, New York

Frances R. “Fran” Wilke – (97) – of 11 Fifth St., Canisteo, NY (Canisteo Manor), died Wednesday afternoon (April 12, 2023) at her home, following a long illness.

Born in Waterbury, CT on September 7, 1927, she was the daughter of Raymond & Harriet (Lawton) Reichenbach.

Fran grew up in Bucks Hill (Waterbury), CT and was a graduate of Crosby High School (class of 1945). She resided in Bucks Hill until 1968 when she moved to Old Saybrook, CT.

She had been employed for a time at the New London Federal Savings and Loan in New London, CT and later worked as a sales person at Amazing Grace book store in Old Saybrook, CT.

A resident of the Canisteo area since the 1990s, Fran was a member of the Gospel Tabernacle Church in Canisteo. She enjoyed bible study and prayer groups as well as praying for the needs of other people. An accomplished artist, she created many beautiful paintings which she gave to family & friends. In her younger years, Fran belonged to a high school rifle club and was considered an excellent marksman. She enjoyed her time living at the Canisteo Manor where she made many friends and enjoyed participating in the activities.

Fran was preceded in death by her sister & brother-in-law, Jean & William Molin; her grandsons, Brett Wilke and Christopher Wilke; her nephew, Kerry Molin; and her former husband, Raymond Wilke.

Surviving are 2 sons, Kenneth (Susan) Wilke of Summerfield, FL and Michael (Wendy) Wilke of Old Saybrook, CT; 4 daughters, Sarah (Larry) Newhart of Andover, Paula (Rick) Riviezzo of Woodstock, VT, Katherine (Rob) Thomas of Caywood, NY and Gretchen (Bennett) Whipple of Swannanoa, NC; 9 grandchildren; 9 great-grandchildren; 2 nieces; her “honorary granddaughter,” Mari Hammond.

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

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

Fran’s request is that in lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in her name be made to Pregnancy Resource Center of the Valleys, 22 Liberty St Bath, NY 14810.

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

Hornell, NY / Arkport, NY

Edward J. “Eddie” Beckerman – 68 – a resident of Perry Ira (Individual Residential Alternative) Group Home in Perry, NY died Sunday evening (April 9, 2023) following a long illness.

Born in Hornell on April 21, 1954, he was the son of Kenneth & Eleanor (Nugent) Beckerman.

Eddie lived in the Hornell – Arkport area until 2004 when he moved to Springwater Ira Group Home in Springwater, NY and has resided in Perry for the past 1½ years. 

An avid John Wayne fan, Eddie loved watching John Wayne movies and owned a collection of John Wayne DVDs.  He enjoyed having good meals, especially chicken, mashed potatoes and ice cream.  He loved simply being around people and relaxing in his recliner.

Eddie had an amazing knack for remembering the names of people, even if he hadn’t seen them in many years.  He also loved the time spent going for rides in the car with his brothers.

In addition to his parents, Eddie was preceded in death by his brother, Kenneth “Ken” Beckerman; his sister Sandra “Sandy” Marcello; his sister-in-law, Kathy Beckerman; his nieces, Jacqueline “Jackie” Beckerman & Mary Jo Beckerman; and his longtime caregiver, Ella O’Dell.

Surviving are 3 brothers, Joseph “Joe” Beckerman of Hornell, John (Jennifer) Beckerman of South Lyon, MI and Robert “Bob” (David Chapman) Beckerman of Rochester; his brother-in-law, Tony Marcello of Churchville, NY; several nieces & nephews.

There will be no calling hours.  Private services will be held at the convenience of the family with burial in St. Ann’s Cemetery, Hornell, NY.

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

Eddie’s family request that in lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in his name be made to Perry Ira Activities Fund, 344 South Main St., Perry, NY  14530.

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