Catherine (DeSanto) Smart – (85) – a resident of Updyke’s Willow Ridge Nursing Facility, formerly of Dansville, died Monday afternoon (May 11, 2015) at Hornell Gardens, following a brief illness.
A native of Hornell, she was born March 13, 1930 and was the daughter of Nicholas and Catherine (Changose) DeSanto.
Catherine grew up in Hornell and was a graduate of St. Ann’s School and later graduated from Hornell High School.
She resided in Dansville for nearly 50 years where she was employed at Rochester Telephone and also The Dansville Press. While living in Dansville, Catherine was a communicant of St. Mary’s Church.
Catherine was married to Norman G. Smart who died in 2003. Following the death of her husband, she moved to Arkport where she lived until returning to Hornell about 6 years ago.
She was a member of Our Lady of the Valley Parish and a communicant of St. Ann’s Church.
In addition to her husband, she was preceded in death by six sisters, Rose DiVincenzo, Mary Leto, Louise Fratercangelo, Lucy Chapman, Anna Datini and Dorothy DeSanto; and two brothers, Joseph DeSanto and Nick DeSanto.
Surviving are her son, Greg (Sharon) Smart of McKinney, TX; 2 brothers, Francis “Sonny” (Ellen) DeSanto of Hornell, and Richard (Josephine) DeSanto of Rochester; three sisters, Theresa (Denny) Napolione of Olean, Helen (Joe) Pardi of Arkport, Margaret “Marge” DeSanto of Hornell; 3 grandchildren, Lauren (James) Moore of Hornell, Eric Smart of Atlanta, NY and Melissa (Richard) Solorio of Midlothian, TX; 2 great-grandchildren, Jessica and James, JR; and many nieces and nephews.
At Catherine’s request there will be no calling hours. A private grave-side service will be held at the convenience of the family in Holy Cross Cemetery, Dansville, NY. Funeral arrangements are in care of the Dagon Funeral Home, 38 Church St., Hornell, NY.
Catherine’s family requests that memorial contributions in her name be made to St. Ann’s Academy, PO Box 446, Hornell, NY.
Shirley D. Russell Elizabethton, Tennessee Shirley D. Russell, 85, formerly of Purdy Creek Road in Canisteo, passed away early Sunday morning, (May 17, 2015) at the Johnson City Medical Center in Johnson City, Tennessee. Born in Howard, NY, August 31, 1929, the son of Harold H. and Kathryn Harris Russell, he moved to Canisteo in 1965. He and his wife Phyllis moved to Zephyrhills Florida in 2004 until moving to Elizabethton to reside with their daughter and son-in-law in 2013. Shirley was a graduate of Canisteo Central School, class of 1948, and had been employed as a shipping and receiving foreman at the former SKF Industries in Hornell prior to his retirement in 1985. Shirley was a member of the First Baptist Church in Canisteo and the Big Springs Baptist Church in Elizabethton, TN; and had been active in masonry for several years. He was a member and past master of Morning Star Lodge #65 F&AM of Canisteo, a former member of the former Canisteo Chapter #210, Order of Eastern Star as well as a member and past patron of the Jasper Chapter #752, Order of Eastern Star. He was also a member of the Dashiell Lodge #238 in Elizabethton, TN. He was predeceased by his parents, his sister, Mary Houghtaling, his brothers: Joel Russell, Thomas Russell, Jack Russell and Richard Russell. He is survived by his wife, Phyllis Woodhouse Russell to whom he was married in Bath on February 20, 1959; his daughter, Cynthia (Tom) Slocum of Elizabethton, TN; his sons, William (Jeanne) Russell of Raleigh, NC., and Timothy (Terri) Russell of Elmira Heights; his sisters, Bonnie McNaughton and Karleen House both of Colorado, his brothers, Robert (Joan) Russell of Canisteo, and Frank (Deanna) Russell of Andover, and brother-in law James Houghtaling , and sister-in-law Eleanor Russell of Hornell, (7) grandchildren, (10) great-grandchildren and several nieces and nephews. To send a remembrance to the family or to light a candle in Shirley’s memory, please visit www.brownandpowersfuneralhomes,com. The family is being assisted by Gerald R. Brown, Director. The family will be present to receive friends at the Brown & Powers Funeral Home, 6 Spruce St., Canisteo on Saturday, May 23rd, 2015 1PM-3PM with Funeral services being immediately held following the visitation. Rev. Jim Patton will officiate. Burial will be in Woodlawn Cemetery, Canisteo. Friends may make memorial contributions to: Big Springs Baptist Church Elizabethton TN or the First Baptist Church Canisteo NY or to the charity of the donor’s choice.
Suzanne F. “Suzi” Bennett Mt. Morris Suzanne F. ”Suzi” Bennett, 53, of 36 Narry Lane, passed away Sunday (May 17, 2015) at Noyes Hospital in Dansville after a long and courageous battle with diabetes. Born in Hornell, NY, February 18, 1962, the daughter of Robert and Jacqueline McKibben Widmer, she had resided in Arkport during her early life and in Mt. Morris the past 20 years. Suzi was a graduate of Arkport Central School, class of 1980, and received her LPN degree thru the Hornell BOCES. She had been employed as an LPN for Steuben, Allegany and Livingston-Wyoming Arc. She was a member of Our Lady of The Valley Parish and a communicant of St. Ann’s Church in Hornell. She was a member of the Mt. Morris Ambulance Corp., a member of several volunteer fire departments, and was active in the Special Olympics. She is survived by her husband, Edward Bennett of Mt. Morris, her parents, Robert and Jacqueline Widmer of Arkport, 2 step-sons, Edward (Mary) Bennett of Dansville, and Daniel (Sarah) Bennett of Mt. Morris; step-daughter, Kellie Carrier of Brighton, her brother, Robert (Pamela) Widmer of Sparta, two sisters, Patty Cartwright of Arkport and Rae Ann (Wayne) Mason of Hornell, four grandchildren, several nieces and nephews including Jason Rodriguez, Alicia Rodriguez, Erica Smith, Samantha Cartwright, Jesse Cartwright, Dustin Mason, Francesca “Cheka” Mason, Seth Harrison, William (Rebecca) Craft, Johnny, Duane ,Fred, Lyanne, Nicole, and Michael Bennett, Elaina and Tina DeBoard, Brothers and Sisters-in-law, Cindy Bennett (John-Deceased), Al and Patty Bennett, Brother and Sister-in-Law, Fred and Brenda Bennett, Sister and Brother-in-law, Peggy and Tim DeBoard. To send a remembrance to the family or to light a candle in Suzi’s memory, please visit www.brownandpowersfuneralhomes.com. The family is being assisted by Gerald R. Brown, Director. The family will be present to receive friends at the Bender- Brown & Powers Funeral Home, 354 Canisteo Street in Hornell on Wednesday from 2-4 and 6-8 PM and again on Thursday from 4 to 6 PM. Funeral services will be held following calling hours on Thursday at 6 PM. Deacon Robert McCormick will officiate. Burial will be in Heritage Hill Cemetery, Arkport. Friends may make memorial contributions to: The Noyes Dialysis Unit, 4616 Millenium Drive, Geneseo, NY 14454.
Ruby M. Chase Whitesville Ruby M. Chase, 91, formerly of Maple St. went to be with her Lord on Wednesday (May 20, 2015). Born in Woodbridge England May 19, 1924, to Arthur and Ethel Redit Rooke. Ruby married Harry W. Hutchison an American Serviceman serving in WWII in England on Nov. 5, 1944. When the war ended, she travelled to America on the USS Erickson which transported war brides and children to be reunited with their husbands. They settled in the Salamanca and Portville areas and raised three children. On June 28, 1967 she married Frank L. Chase, who predeceased her on Nov. 7, 2013. Ruby enjoyed family gatherings, knitting, camping, bird watching, and will be remembered most of all as being a loving family woman. She was a member of the Transatlantic Brides & Parents Assoc. as well as the Gospel Tabernacle. She worked for many years at the Portville Central School. In addition to her parents, Ruby was predeceased by her siblings, Jack, Doug, and Sal. She is survived by three children, Carol (Jim) Phillips of Virginia Beach, Dave (Janice) Hutchison and Cindy (Ron) Welch, both of Whitesville, two step-sons, Frank E. (Vickie) Chase of Whitesville and Randall Chase of Wellsville, two step-daughters, Sally Houston of Hornell and Tonya Whitsell of Rexville, several grand and great grandchildren. To send a remembrance to the family please visit www.brownandpowersfuneralhomes.com. The family is being assisted by Adam E. DuBois, director. The family will be present to receive friends from 2-4pm on Saturday (May 23, 2015) at the Bender-Brown & Powers Funeral Home, 354 Canisteo St. Hornell, NY 14843. Funeral Services will follow calling hours at 4pm at the Funeral Home, Rev. Tim Hammond officiating. Burial will be Whitesville Cemetery. Friends wishing may make memorial contributions to the Independence Emergency Squad, 508 Main St. Whitesville, NY 14897, or the Whitesville Library, 483 Main St. Whitesville, NY 14897.
Randall L. Gleason Hornell Randall L. “Randy” Gleason, 73, of County Route 66, passed away unexpectedly Thursday (May 21, 2015) at his home. Born in Wellsville, NY, September 3, 1941, the son of Lyle and Lodee Boucher Gleason, he had resided in Wellsville, Addison, Canisteo and in Hornell the past 15 years. He was a graduate of Addison Central School, and had been employed in auto sales for most of his life, at the former Russ Davis Motor Sales in Hornell, West Herr in Dansville and Lamac in Hornell. He was also a licensed insurance agent for Purdential Insurance Company. Randy will be remembered for his love of playing horseshoes and bowling. He was predeceased by his parents, and his first wife, C. Elaine Gleason in 1988. He is survived by his wife, Diane Hatch Gleason, to whom he was married 25 years, four daughters, Kelly (Victor) Loomis of Cortland, Robin (Michael) Schultz of Buffalo, Rebecca (Jason Wiser) McCaig of Bath and Randee (Josh Welch) Gleason of PA., his sister, Linda Jennings of Rochester, step-brothers, Roger, and Clinton Risley of Addison, and Lawrence Risley of Florida, his step-mother, Genevieve Gleason of Florida, 8 Grandchildren, Emily Arthur, Jared Arthur, Elaina Oliver, Tricia Stanford, Tiarra Schultz, James Tompkins, Christopher Vanfleet, and Payton Wiser. One great granddaughter, Skii Marie Stanford. To send a remembrance to the family or to light a candle in Randy’s memory, please visit www.brownandpowersfuneralhomes.com. The family is being assisted by Gerald R. Brown, Director at Bender-Brown & Powers Funeral Home of Hornell. Honoring Randy’s wishes, there will be no calling hours or services. Friends may make memorial contributions to: The Ronald McDonald House, 333 West Moreland Drive, Rochester, NY 14620.
Edwin J. Mighells Jr. Angelica Edwin J. Mighells, 78, of 190 West Main Street, passed away Monday (May 25, 2015) at Rochester General Hospital. Born in Great Valley, May 22, 1937, the son of Edwin J. and Doris Mighells, he was a long time resident of the area. After graduation he enlisted in the US Marines where he served from 1954-1958. He was employed as a truck driver most of his life. Ed was a member of the NRA, and enjoyed woodworking, fishing, traveling, and working on genealogy for the family tree. He was predeceased by his parents, and his wife Mary Lou (Hanchett) Mighells on August 11, 2009, whom he married August 15, 1959. He is survived by 2 daughters Mary F. Brownell of Alfred, Connie (Dwayne) Rose of Angelica, 2 sons Edwin (Velvet) Mighells III of Angelica, Jim (Paula) Mighells of Angelica, 2 sisters Anne Dobell of Hornell, Joyce Lorow of Howard, a brother James S. Mighells of Michigan, 5 grandchildren, 3 great grandchildren. The family will be present 12-2pm Saturday, May 30, 2015, at the Brown & Powers Funeral Home, 101 West Avenue, Angelica, where funeral services will be held at 2:00 PM, with the Rev. David Ford officiating. To send a remembrance visit www.brownandpowersfuneralhomes.com Friends may make memorial contributions to: Angelica Rescue Squad PO Box 154 Angelica NY 14709.
Gleeda M. Plank Almond Gleeda M. Plank, 72, formerly of Gayhart Road., passed away Monday (May 25, 2015) at the Hornell Gardens. Born in Hartsville, July 11, 1942, the daughter of Clayton and Alta Davis Stewart, she had resided in Caniseo, and Hornell before moving to Almond. She attended Canisteo Central School and had been employed at the former Marion Rohr’s in Hornell and had been employed as a cook in several area restaurants including the Texas Café, Woolworths Lunch Counter, Alfred College, and had owned and operated Plank’s Drive Inn in Alfred. She was a former member and past president of the ladies Auxiliary of the Hornell Eagles Club. Gleeda enjoyed quilting and all kinds of crafts, as well as making and decorating wedding and birthday cakes. She loved being outdoors and enjoyed camping and fishing with Gordy and the children. She was also an avid gardener and loved her flower gardens. In later years, she enjoyed Facebook, and other social media as a way of keeping in touch with family and friends. She was predeceased by her parents, her husband, Gordon Plank in 2012, and one brother, Sterling Stewart. She is survived by two daughters, Kimberly Sanford of Hornell and Teresa (Steven) Reep of Florida, her son, Timothy Plank of Hornell, a special niece, Melva (John) Fairchild of Virginia, a step-son, Tim (Bernadette) Kramer of Virginia, her sister, Alice Marvin of Pennsylvania, her grandchildren, Carrie Sanford, Matthew Bailey, Christian Bailey, Rachel Plank, MacKenzie Plank, Alexander Reep, her great grandson Konnor Winn, and two step-grandchildren, Gregory and Jonathan Kramer, several nieces & nephews. To send a remembrance to the family or to light a candle in Gleeda’s memory, please visit www.brownandpowersfuneralhomes.com. The family is being assisted by Gerald R. Brown, Director. The family will be present to receive friends at the Bender – Brown & Powers Funeral Home, 354 Canisteo St, Hornell on Saturday from 4 PM until 6 PM at which time a Funeral services will be held with Rev. Patrick Harrison officiating. Friends may make memorial contributions to: B. Thomas Galisano Hope Lodge Hospitality House, 1120 Goodman Street South, Rochester, NY 14620.
Patricia A. McAllister Hornell Patricia A. McAllister, 75, of Marshall Ave., passed away Tuesday (June 2, 2015) at St. James Mercy Hospital. Born in Rhode Island, September 25, 1939, the daughter of Francis and Marion (Powers) Crowe, she had resided most of her life in Hornell. Pat was a member of Our Lady of the Valley Parish and a communicant of St. Ann’s Church as well as the AZB Sorority and the Six Pack Alley. She loved to go to the casino and playing bingo. In addition to her parent’s Pat was predeceased by one sister, Marilyn Borden and one brother, Jake Crowe. She is survived by her husband Wayne McAllister of Hornell, one son, Daniel McAllister of Alaska and his family, two daughters, Kyra and Caroline of Alaska, Dawn McAllister, Brandon and Josh McAllister all of Dansville, one daughter, Beth Remchuck of Hornell and her family, Trystan and Zoe, Craig Remchuck of Hornell, Nieces, Kathleen Walker of AZ and her family as well as Susan Wood of Hornell and her family, Special friends, Jeannie Todd, Sandra Brundu and Johanna Curtis. To send a remembrance to the family please visit www.brownandpowersfuneralhomes.com. The family is being assisted by Adam E. DuBois, Director. The family will be present to receive friends from 2Pm-4Pm on Saturday (June 6, 2015), at the Bender – Brown & Powers Funeral Home, 354 Canisteo St, Hornell, NY 14843. Honoring Pat’s wishes there will be no service. Burial will be in St. Ann’s Cemetery. Friends may make memorial contributions to the Susan G. Komen Foundation, P. O. Box 650309 Dallas, TX 75265-0309.
Harold R. Amidon Hartsville Harold R. Amidon, 84, of County Route 64, passed away Wednesday (June 3, 2015) at St James Mercy Hospital. Born in Canisteo, NY, April 14, 1931, the son of Harland and Cleva Hawkins Amidon, he had resided in Hartsville all his life. He was a graduate of Canisteo Central School, Class of 1949, and had been employed for the Erie, Erie Lackawana Railroad as well as Conrail, until his retirement in 1984 where he affectionately earned the nickname “Old Rail”. He was a member of the New York State Pageant of Steam. Harold served his country as a member of the United States Army during the Korean Conflict and was a member of the Canisteo American Legion Post. He enjoyed hunting and time spent at his cabin in Hartsville. He was well versed in Carpentry and Plumbing , and helped build homes for all his children, He enjoyed sports during high school where he received letters in four sports. This enthusiasm carried over to his adult life and he enjoyed supporting all his grandchildren in their school sport activities, and was a great supporter of all sports at the Canisteo Greenwood Central School. He enjoyed having morning coffee with his friends. He was predeceased by his parents and his daughter Betty Lou Amidon in 1966. He is survived by his wife, Harriet Curtis Amidon to whom he was married on March 31, 1951, his daughter, Vickie (James) Weyand of Kane, PA., his sons, Larry (Diane) Amidon , Randy (Shelly) Amidon and Steve (Lisa) Amidon all of Hartsville, his sisters, Ruth (Deo) Mayo of Canisteo and Carol (Dan) Lefort of Florida, his brother, Paul (Terrie) Amidon of Hartsville, his grandchildren (to whom he was affectionately called “Bompie”); Sara, Rachel, Hannah, Kyle, Danika, Alec, Craig ,Kori, Briana, Zach, Jaden, Evan, Nathan, and his seven great grandchildren. Last but not least is his “Grand Pets”, Abby and Muff. To send a remembrance to the family or to light a candle in Harold’s memory, please visit www.brownandpowersfuneralhomes.com. The family is being assisted by Gerald R. Brown, Director. The family will be present to receive friends at the Brown & Powers Funeral Home, 6 Spruce St., Canisteo on Sunday from 4 to 7PM and Monday from 10 to 11AM where Funeral services will be held on Monday at 11 AM with Rev. Dudley Jenkins officiating. Burial with military honors will be in Hillside Cemetery in Canisteo. Friends may make memorial contributions to: The Canisteo Fire dept. or the Canisteo ambulance corp. or to the charity of the donor’s choice.
Richard D. Reynolds Wellsville Did I make a difference? Did I do enough? Richard D. Reynolds, 78, of 249 North Main Street, a longtime resident of Angelica, passed away peacefully on Tuesday (June 2, 2015) at Absolut of Houghton. Born in Dunkirk, June 27, 1936, the son of Adelbert and Elva Mae (Murrey) Reynolds, he was a graduate of the Wilsonian School in Angelica. Rich was retired from the former Angelica Central School in 1996, where he served as custodian for many years, and later retired from Genesee Valley Central School as a bus driver. He was a former member of the Angelica United Methodist Church, and the Alfred-Almond Bible Church, and currently attended the Genesis Bible Church. Rich was the former Angelica Town Clerk for many years, and was a member of the Angelica Fire Department. He enjoyed Mopar cars, but there was nothing he loved more than his family and his loving wife who predeceased him in January of 2014. He was predeceased by his parents and his wife Evelyne Morton Reynolds whom he married on July 4, 1959, his sister Edna Mae Young, and his 2 brothers Adelbert Reynolds Jr. and Edward Reynolds. He is survived by his daughter Deborah Auman of Wellsville, 2 sons Douglas Reynolds of Angelica, Bradley (Karen) Reynolds of Olean, 4 grandchildren Kari, Raymie, Nikole, and Jarrett, 4 great grandchildren. A Memorial service and an Angelica Fire Department service will be held on Saturday (June 6, 2015) at 11:00am at the Angelica Park Circle, with Pastor Bill Sylor officiating. Bring a comfortable chair and share music, and memories on the lawn. To send a remembrance please visit www.brownandpowersfuneralhomes.com Friends may make memorial contributions to: Angelica Fire Department PO Box 154 Angelica NY 14709.
Lillian M. Jones Hornell Lillian M. Jones, 85, of 480 Maple City Drive, passed away Wednesday (June 3, 2015) at the Fred and Harriett Taylor Health Care Center in Bath. Born in Brockport, NY, June 7, 1929, the daughter of William and Susan Lafler Stetson, she had resided in Cleveland, Ohio for several years where she was employed at Economy Plating. She moved to Hornell in 2009. She was predeceased by her parents, her sister, Inez Dickinson, her brother, Donald Stetson and her lifelong companion, Matthew Fitts who died in 2008. She is survived by her daughters, Sharon Kruger of PA., Louise Creller of Michigan, Sue Wood of North Carolina, and Carrie Butler of Hornell, her son, Leo Wood of Hornell, her sister, Cathy Hamilton of Connecticut, as well as several grandchildren, great grandchildren, and great great grandchildren. To send a remembrance to the family or to light a candle in Lillian’s memory, please visit www.brownandpowersfuneralhomes.com. The family is being assisted by Gerald R. Brown, Director at Bender-Brown & Powers Funeral Home of Hornell. Honoring Lillian’s wishes, there will be no calling hours or services.