Buffalo, NY

Alfred “Brian” Miller – 84 – of Buffalo, NY, formerly of New Jersey, died March 27, 2023 at the Highpoint on Michigan Health Care Facility in Buffalo, NY.

Born in Belfast, Ireland on February 17, 1939, he was the son of George & Elizabeth (Beattie) Miller.  He resided in the United States for most of his life, living in many locations and working numerous jobs, primarily as a butcher.

In addition to his parents, Brian was preceded in death by his wife, Carolyn; 1 son, Glen; 1 daughter, Karen.

Surviving are 2 sons, Brian and Mark along with several siblings.

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.

Brian’s family request that 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

Christopher L. “Chris” Fenti – 53 – of 6390 County Route 68 (Crosby Creek Rd.), Hornell died Saturday morning (March 25, 2023) at Noyes Memorial Hospital in Dansville, following a long illness.

Born in Hornell on August 10, 1969, he was the son of Frank & Sue (Furlong) Fenti.

Chris grew up in Hornell and was a graduate of Hornell High School (class of 1987).  While in high school, he majored in welding in the BOCES Program.

Following high school graduation, Chris was employed as a certified welder at the Foster-Wheeler Corporation  in Dansville for several years and later worked as a welder for Alstom Transportation in Hornell.  For a time, Chris served as a welder for the Dresser-Rand Corporation in Wellsville, later transferring to the Dresser-Rand Olean Division.  Most recently he was employed as a welder for the Cutco Corporation in Olean, retiring in 2018 due to ill health.

Chris was a former member of the Hornell Association and the Hornell Moose Lodge.  He was a true outdoorsman who enjoyed camping (especially at Sun Valley Campsite), hunting (deer & turkey) and fishing (lakes, ponds & streams).  Chris enjoyed playing in the Men’s Softball League in Kanona and the co-ed softball league at James Street Park. He also enjoyed coaching his daughters in the Maple City Softball League and Hornell Little League.  He loved TV shows featuring Alaska and especially loved watching Gold Rush along with going “treasure hunting” with his metal detector.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Frank and Sue Fenti.

Chris was married on July 5, 2012 to the former Sherry Mullen who survives.  Also surviving are 3 daughters, Deborah “Debbie” (Shawn) Hertzog of Hawley, PA, Hallie (Serina) Gonzalez-Fenti of Orlando, FL and Maria (Timothy Murphy) Fenti of Almond; 1 step-daughter, Sydney White of Hornell;1 brother, Frank (Nancy) Fenti of Livonia, 4 grandchildren, Katie Sue Hertzog, Katie Gonzalez-Fenti, Camden Murphy and Emersyn Murphy; several aunts, uncles, nieces & nephews.

At Chris’ request there will be no calling hours.  Private services will be held at the convenience of the family with a “Celebration of Life” to be held at a later date.

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

Chris’ family request that in lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in his name be made to the American Diabetes Association, PO Box 13067, Alexandria, VA   22312 or to a charity of the donor’s choice.

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

Hornell, New York

Elizabeth Jean “Betty” Fenton – (98) – formerly of 363 South Division St., Hornell, died Monday morning (March 20, 2023) at Elderwood at Hornell Nursing Facility where she had resided for the past 12 years.

A native & life resident of Hornell, she was born August 11, 1924, and was the daughter of Thomas & Evelyn (Feeney) Fenton.

Betty was a graduate of St. Ann’s School and later graduated from Hornell High School (class of 1942). She 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.

For over 40 years, Betty was employed as an operator for New York Telephone Company. She was a member of the “Pioneers” — a group of retired NY Telephone employees. Betty was a self-proclaimed “shop-a-holic” specializing on QVC (Home Shopping Network).

She was preceded in death by her brother, Jack Fenton and 2 sisters, Ruth Comstock and Catherine “Kate” Histed.

Surviving are several nieces & nephews.

The family of Elizabeth J. “Betty” Fenton will receive friends on Sunday 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 Monday at 1:30 PM at St. Ann’s Church with burial in St. Mary’s Cemetery.

Betty’s family request that memorial contributions in her name be made to St. Ann’s Academy, 41 Genesee St., Hornell, NY 14843. Memorial forms will be available at the Dagon Funeral Home.

To leave an online condolence or share a memory of Betty, please visit our website at www.dagonfuneralhome.com

Geneseo, NY  /  Conesus Lake, NY

Ralph J. “Jim” Coogan – 71 – of Conesus Lake died Friday evening (March 17, 2023) at Highland Hospital in Rochester, following a long illness.

Born in Hornell on January 18, 1952, he was the son of Ralph and Pearl (Clark) Coogan. In addition to his parents, Jim was preceded in death by his brother, Frederick “Fred” Coogan who died in 2019.

He was married on June 30, 1989, to Judy (Backer) Coogan who survives. Also surviving are his children, Andrea Carty of Hammondsport and Jamie (Sam) Scalise of Lakeville; his sister, Teresa Jaycox of Rochester; his grandchildren, McKenzie and Maci Scalise; several nieces and nephews, and many friends. He will also be greatly missed by his canine companions, Cooper and Lexi.

Jim grew up in Hornell and was a graduate of Hornell High School (class of 1970). While in high school, he was a member of the HHS band where he played drums and was also a member of the Hornell Drill and Drum Team.

A veteran of the US Army, Jim served his country as a First Sergeant Drill Instructor during the Vietnam Conflict, receiving a marksmanship award during training.

Following his honorable discharge from the military, Jim returned to the Hornell area and was employed for several years in the maintenance department of the former St. James Mercy Hospital. For about 15 years he worked in many capacities at the former Erie Railroad, Erie Lackawanna Railroad and Delaware & Hudson (D&H) Railroad including trainman, conductor, and in the yard office.

Jim was later employed at Kodak Corporation in Rochester. While working at Kodak, he decided to further his education and received his Bachelor’s degree in Reliability Engineering from Rochester Institute of Technology (RIT), later retiring about 5 years ago.

An avid outdoorsman, Jim loved hunting and fishing, and was an excellent marksman and a longtime member of the Springwater Rod & Gun Club.

At Jim’s request there will be no calling hours. Private services will be held at the convenience of the family. A “Celebration of Life” for family and friends will be held at a later date.

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 Hornell Humane Society, 7649 Industrial Park Road, Hornell, NY 14843.

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

Hornell / Canisteo / Arkport

Marjorie E. “Marge” McDaniel – 76 – of Hornell, formerly of Arkport & Canisteo, died unexpectedly late Friday evening (March 10, 2023) at St. James Hospital.

Born in North Hornell on June 17, 1946, she was the daughter of Lester & Delores (Manhart) Wing.

Marge grew up in Burns, NY and attended Arkport Central School. Throughout the years she lived in Burns, Arkport, and Canisteo. She had been employed for several years at Westinghouse Corporation in Bath and for 21 years worked in the Custodial Department at Alfred University, retiring about 12 years ago. Along with her husband, Larry, Marge delivered The Evening Tribune to many people throughout the Canisteo Valley for several years. Following her “retirement” Marge returned to the workforce and for about 4 years was employed in the cafeteria at Arkport Central School and for ProAction serving food to youth in the summer through the Summer Food Program.

She was a former member of the Burns Community Church and later the Canisteo Methodist Church. Marge had also been a member of the former Hornell Eagles Club. She loved playing bingo throughout her entire live and could be found at any of the many bingo games formerly found throughout Hornell, with a younger “Ricky” in-tow. Marge also bowled on many bowling leagues over her lifetime but in her later years, she especially loved bowling with the ladies on the Wednesday Woman’s League at Maple City Bowl.

Marge was known for being a “spitfire” – most always saying what she thought, appropriate or not, especially if it would make someone laugh. She was frequently known to say things “incorrectly” which lovingly became known as “Marge-isms”.

She was a devoted momma to her two Bichon puppies and was rarely seen without them. Dixie and DeeDee unfortunately proceeded her in death. All her grandchildren and great grandchildren in one way or another held a very special place in her heart which was evident to anyone that saw her eyes light up when one of them walked into the room.

Marge was married on January 6, 1973, to Larry McDaniel who died August 17, 2009. She was also preceded in death by her father and mother, Lester and Deloris (Manhart) Wing, her daughter and son-in-law, Rhonda (Aultman) and Dana Sawczyszyn; 2 sisters, Elizabeth “Liz” Holbrook and Rosemary “Rose” Burley.

Surviving are her children, Richard “Rick” (Polly) McDaniel of Canisteo, Tammy (Steve) Rauber of Burns, as well as her stepchildren, Bonnie (Tim) Smith of Cameron, Peggy (Gale) Miles of Canisteo, Lori O’Konski of Hornell, Chip McDaniel of Rochester and Bob (Linda) Houghtaling of Hornell, her grandchildren Allison McDaniel, Tyler Fay, Courtney (Stephen) Hierl, Randi Fay, Mackenzie (Corey) Towner, Dawson (Leighann) McDaniel, Jacob Fay, Sarah (Jason) Platt, Katie O’Rouke, Stephanie Rauber, Zack Rauber, Jennifer (Ronnie) Hendrick, Rebecca Smith, Thomas (Sarah) Smith, Kris (Lynn) Miles, Kelly (Jason) Woodworth, Michael (Nikki) McDaniel, Derik (Maya) O’Konski, Brent O’Konski, Emily Kent, Alysa Houghtaling, Angie (Mike) Vanderhoef, Anna Guiles and many, many great-grandchildren.

At Marge’s request there will be no calling hours. Please join the family in a celebration of life on Saturday at 1:00 PM at the Canisteo Methodist Church with a luncheon to follow in the fellowship hall.

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

Marge was an avid animal lover, especially for animals without a loving forever home. Therefore, please send memorial contributions, in lieu of flowers, to the Hornell Humane Society, 7649 Industrial Park Road, Hornell, NY 14843.

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

Almond, NY / Olean, NY

Karen A. (Patrick) Sweezy – 61 – of 326 North 5th St., Olean, NY, formerly of Almond, died Friday evening (March 10, 2023) at her home, surrounded by her family, following a long illness.

Born in Hornell on January 10, 1962, she was the daughter of Clifford “Chup” & Stella (Brundu) Patrick.

Karen grew up in Almond and was a graduate of Alfred-Almond Central School (class of 1980). She later earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Human Services from Alfred State College and a Master’s Degree in Education from Alfred University. While in high school and in college, Karen was a dedicated and talented athlete, excelling in softball and soccer. She was honored in 2016 by being inducted to the Alfred-Almond Alumni Association Sports Hall of Fame. She later served as a softball coach, passing on her love & knowledge of the game to future generations.

Karen resided in Alfred Station, Wellsville and Olean for the past several years. She was employed as a teacher for the Genesee Valley Central School where she worked as a reading specialist at the Middle School for about 10 years. She later served as an employment counselor for Pro-Action in Hornell helping to secure jobs for the unemployed. She retired about 8 years ago due to illness.

Karen was a member of Our Lady of the Valley Parish and a communicant of St. Ann’s Church. She was a former member of the Hornell Moose Lodge, Carducci Lodge and the Hornell AMVETS. In her younger years, she loved spending summers in the Adirondack Mountains with her family and would search for the friendly bear named “Trouble.” Throughout the years, Karen enjoyed “crafts” and loved making beautiful quilts for family and friends, creating baptismal gowns for pre-mature babies, and bedding for the homeless. She always had a purpose for her creations that would benefit others! Karen loved the outdoors and taking long motorcycle rides with her fiancé, John Ricci and being a grandmother to Alexandria and Salvatore Sweezy.

She was preceded in death by her father, Clifford “Chup” Patrick.

Surviving are her fiancé, John Ricci with whom she resided; her son, Andrew (Kristen) Sweezy of Wellsville; 2 daughters, Maria (A. J. Butera) Sweezy of St. Petersburg, FL and Laura (Connor Insley) Sweezy of Tarrytown, NY; 3 sisters, Lisa Patrick of Hornell, Sherrill (William) Keihl of Geneseo and Mary (Fred) Grabowski of Geneseo; her mother, Stella (Brundu) Patrick of Hornell; 2 grandchildren, Alexandria Sweezy and Salvatore Sweezy; several aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, and cousins.

The family of Karen A Sweezy will receive friends on Thursday from 5:00 PM – 7:00 PM at the Dagon Funeral Home, 38 Church St., Hornell. A Memorial Mass will be celebrated on Friday at 1:30 PM at St. Ann’s Church.

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

Karen’s family request that in lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in her name be made to the Ronald McDonald House, 333 Westmoreland Drive, Rochester, NY 14620. Memorial forms will be available at the Dagon Funeral Home

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

Hornell, New York

Russ A. Parlavecchio – 70 – of 62 Oak St., Hornell, died Wednesday evening (March 8, 2023) at St. James Hospital following a long illness.

Born in Hornell on March 11, 1952, he was the son of Samuel & Rose Mary (Mulley) Parlavecchio.

Russ grew up in Hornell and was a graduate of Hornell High School (class of 1970).  While in high school, he worked as a disc jockey at WHHO Radio in Hornell and was later employed at Gunlock Corporation in Wayland, NY.

He had a deep affection for animals and throughout the years owned and loved many dogs & cats (his canine & feline companions).  He enjoyed rooting for the Buffalo Bills and also operating his elaborate train set which occupied an entire room at this home.

Russ was preceded in death by his parents, Sam & Rose Parlavecchio.

Surviving are his sister, Mary (Eric Reed) Parlavecchio of Wayland; his brother, Sam Parlavecchio of Hornell; 1 niece, Lindsey Lajoie of Coopers Plains, NY; 1 nephew, Jason Woodworth of Adams, NY; 6 great-nephews, Nicholas Woodworth, Zander Woodworth, Caiden Frasier, Jaylen King, Elijah King and Declan Brace.

At Russ’s request there will be no calling hours.  A private graveside service will be held at the convenience of the family at St. Mary’s Cemetery with Deacon Robert McCormick officiating.

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

Russ’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.

Hornell, New York

William J. “Will” Livingston – 67 – AKA “Wilbur” of Palm Beach Gardens, FL, formerly of Hornell, passed away on Monday, March 6, 2023 at Palm Beach Gardens Medical Center, following a brief illness.

Born in Hornell on June 19, 1955, he was the son of William “Bill” & Lucy Ellen (Dagon) Livingston.

Will grew up in Hornell with his three brothers and one sister. He graduated from Hornell High School (class of 1973). Following his high school graduation, he became a plumber’s “apprentice” with a local plumbing company.

Moving to Palm Beach Gardens, FL in the early 1980s, Will continued his plumbing career working mostly on construction of many new high-rise apartments, condominiums and office buildings.

Will was an avid sports fan & his knowledge of all sports trivia was impressive. His favorite teams were the New York Yankees (MLB) and the Miami Dolphins (NFL). He also enjoyed playing the guitar and spoiling his cats, having raised several over his lifetime.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Bill & Lucy Ellen Livingston; and his brother, Steve Livingston.

Surviving are his sister, Joanie (Dave) Shabala of Olean, 2 brothers, Jim Livingston of Penfield, NY and Joe Livingston of Hornell; 2 nieces, Kate (Bryan) Lochner of Rochester and Sydney Livingston of Tampa, FL; 1 nephew, Tim (Rebecca Matt) Prior of Hornell; along with many cousins.

The family of William J. “Will” Livingston will receive friends on Saturday, April 1st, 2023 from 11:00 AM until 1:00 PM at the Dagon Funeral Home, 38 Church St., Hornell, NY. A Memorial Service will be held at the conclusion of calling hours at 1:00 PM with Deacon Robert McCormick officiating. Final interment will be in St. Mary’s Cemetery at the convenience of the family.

Will’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.

Almond, NY  /  Hornell, NY

Stephen D. “Steve” Kays, 75, of Almond, NY passed away Thursday morning (March 2, 2023) at home surrounded by family after a long illness.  

Born in Phoenix, AZ on June 9, 1947, he was the son of Joe and Esther Kays. 

Steve grew up in Hornell with his two brothers and two sisters where he excelled in high school sports.  During his years in High School, Steve was active in student leadership having served as the Class President and captured attention as a talented baseball and basketball player, gifts he shared with Hornell youth for many years following. 

Following high school graduation, Steve made a career working for the New York State Department of Transportation (NYSDOT), working his way from cleaning offices to managing multi-million dollar highway projects.  He retired following 30 years of service but continued to serve as a contracted project manager on highway project until 2017 when he was sidelined by illness. He saw the development of Route 17 and oversaw elements of its transformation into I-86 as well as numerous bridge replacement projects with his last being the Seneca St / Seneca Rd bridge replacement. 

Steve remained active in youth programs and sports for decades.  He was a Den Leader for Webelos, umpired baseball games, coached baseball teams in Little League and Babe Ruth League, and coached Biddy and High School Basketball.  His commitment to Hornell youth and was further demonstrated when he served on the Hornell School Board with a simple goal to improve the school experience for Hornell’s youth. 

He married the former Sue Perry in October 1966 and had four sons, Don, Bill, Mike, and Jim.  To give his boys a better life, Steve worked nights at the Coachlight Motel and poured concrete driveways and sidewalks for homes and businesses throughout Hornell.  He had a passion for classic cars and could identify one by its headlights.  Steve was a quiet man who preferred simple things in life — trips to Loon Lake, sledding at the Country Club, family trips to Darien Lake, Eldridge Park, or Long Point (which he did for the boys).  In his later years, he could be found tending to the yard or watching NASCAR races, football, or the Weather Channel.  While he regularly ducked cameras, many pictures show him in a rocking chair with a child on his lap. 

Steve is survived by his wife of 56 years, Sue; sons, Don Kays of Wilmington, NC, Bill (Eileen) Kays of Wasilla, AK, Mike (Tonya Drake) Kays of Almond, and Jim (Marie) Kays of Angelica; 17 Grandkids; 7 Great-Grandkids; his brother Mike (Judy) Kays and sister Laurie Kays. 

He was preceded in death by his parents; his brother Don “Butch”; sister Sunny; and grandchildren Mary Kathryn, Thomas, and Zoey. 

The family of Stephen D. “Steve” Kays will receive friends on Monday from 5:00 PM – 7:00 PM at the Dagon Funeral Home, 38 Church St., Hornell, NY.  A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Tuesday at 10:00 AM at St. Ann’s Church with burial in St. Mary’s Cemetery.  A “Celebration of Life” will follow at Muhleisen’s Restaurant in Almond, NY.

The Funeral Mass & graveside service for Steve Kays will be streamed live and can be viewed on the Dagon Funeral Home Facebook page on Tuesday at 10:00 AM by visiting www.facebook.com/dagonfuneralhome.  The video will remain available for viewing on our Facebook page for 30 days.   

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the Hornell YMCA, 18 Center St., Hornell, NY  14843.  Memorial forms will be available at the Dagon Funeral Home.  

A special “Thank-You” to Dr. Pasquale Picco and his staff for the wonderful care that Steve received during his long illness.

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

Hornell, New York

Elizabeth S. “Kate” Campbell – 72 – a resident of the Houghton Nursing Facility, formerly of Hornell, died Sunday afternoon at Strong Memorial Hospital, following a brief illness. 

Born in Franklin, OH on March 3, 1950, she was the daughter of Richard & Verda (Smith) Erwin.   Her father, Rich was a professional wrestler who went by the name “The Oklahoma Ranger.” 

Growing up in a wrestling family, Kate traveled extensively throughout the United States and Europe.  For several years, she also performed as a wrestler under the name “Fallen Angel.”

A resident of the Hornell area for about 25 years, Kate enjoyed making jewelry — especially beaded necklaces. She had a deep affection for animals and at one time owned & operated a dog kennel and served as a dog breeder.

She is survived by her loving companion of 25 years, Tom Blake; several children & grandchildren.

At Kate’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.

Kate’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.

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