Bishop-Johnson & DeSanto Funeral Home

02/03/2026

William R. “Bill” Dailey
ANDOVER – William R. “Bill” Dailey, born in Hornell, NY on Oct. 15, 1948 a son of the late William B. and Grace (Coogan) Dailey, died at home on Saturday (Jan. 31, 2026).
In 1997, Bill married Wendy Potter, who survives. Blending a family of 5 twenty-somethings and 2 preschoolers created some unique situations. But Bill and Wendy’s commitment to family and love for one another kept them smiling through it all. Bill is survived by his children: William (Kim) Dailey of Prairieville, LA, Kevin (Tricia) Dailey of Webster, NY, Brian (Amber) Dailey of Johnstown, NY, Adrienne (Colin Jones), Jeffery (Lisa) Dailey of Brookhaven, PA, Michelle Okoniewski (Aaron Whitcomb) of Latham, NY and Peter Okoniewski (Nicollette Carosi) of Otego, NY; his siblings: Sally Feeley of Hornell, NY, John (Mary) Dailey of Arvada, CO, Michael Dailey of Parker, CO, Richard (Laurie) Dailey of Belleville, PA and Barbara (Mike) Kramer of Hornell, NY; his grandchildren: Riggin Dailey, Katie Dailey, Ella Grace Dailey, Dan Dailey, Cooper Dailey, Kyle Dailey, Gavin Dailey, Colin Dailey and Brooke Dailey; and numerous nieces and nephews, cousins and special friends.
Bill was preceded in death by his parents, William and Grace Dailey; an infant sister, Peggy; sister-in-law, Elaine Lamping Dailey and brother-in-law, Joe Feeley.
A graduate of Hornell High School, Bill spent 36 years working on the railroad. He was proud that he started his railroad career as a jitney driver and ended it as a Vice President. Beginning on the Erie Lackawanna, he later worked for Conrail, Norfolk Southern and the Genesee Wyoming Railroads. Many years were spent as a Train Dispatcher both in Hornell and in Selkirk, a role in which Bill was highly respected. He often worked two and sometimes three jobs and skipped sleep so that he could provide for, and be present for his kids. Bill was well known for volunteering in the Hornell community, most notably 25 years coaching Little League baseball, and years coaching Babe Ruth and American Legion baseball.
But those who were closest to him knew that he cherished family above all, followed by his passion for horses, dogs and hunting. His favorite place was sitting at the head of the table at hunting camp. Bill loved old westerns and was a big fan of Willie Nelson. He found special meaning in Willie’s rendition of “My Way”. When asked how he had lived his life, he would always say “I did it my way”.
A gathering will be held at the family’s convenience.
Anyone wishing to make a donation in his name, please consider the Hornell Erie Depot Museum, 111 Loder St., Hornell, NY 14843.
The Bishop-Johnson & DeSanto Funeral Home, 285 Main St., Hornell is honored to assist Bill’s family with the arrangements.
Online condolences or remembrances of Bill are welcome below or at bishopdesanto.com

02/03/2026

Melissa Anne Turner
BATH – Melissa Anne Turner, 69, of Bath, NY passed away Friday (Jan. 30, 2026) at Strong Memorial Hospital in Rochester, NY, after a three-year battle with cancer.
Melissa was born on Feb. 1, 1956 and was the daughter of the late James Morgan and Carol Richie.
She is survived by her husband of 33 years, Bradley Turner, Sr.; her brother, James Morgan (Elizabeth); sister, Elizabeth Price (Joseph) and nieces and nephews.
Melissa graduated from Cornell University in 1978 with a bachelor’s degree in Food Science. After graduation she went to work at Crowley Foods in Binghamton, NY, then moved to New Jersey to work at the Campbell’s Research Center. She returned to New York and worked at Taylor Winery and the Ferro Corporations as lead lab technician.
She had a very green thumb and loved tending her flowers and vegetables around the yard or getting them ready to go into the basement for the winter. She liked to go to Ithaca and spend the day wandering through the comment stores, city events or remembering her time at Cornell. She loved to go through the plantations and all of the flower gardens in the spring. In the fall and winter, she could be found watching lacrosse and football at Schoellkopf Field.
Melissa will be sadly missed by all of her family and friends.
She did not want calling hours or a service. Burial will be at Pleasant Valley Cemetery in Hammondsport, NY at the convenience of the family.
In lieu of flowers those wishing may contribute in her memory to either Shriners Children’s or St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.
The Bishop & DeSanto Funeral Home, 35 Main St., HAMMONDSPORT is honored to assist Melissa’s family with the arrangements.
Online condolences or remembrances of Melissa are welcome below or at bishopdesanto.com

01/27/2026

Mary C. Barnes
NORTH HORNELL – Mary C. Barnes of North Hornell, passed away early Monday morning (Jan. 26, 2026).
She is lovingly survived by her husband, Jim Barnes, Sr.; two sons, Jim and Sean; four grandchildren, Jay and Shauna Barnes and their mother, Cindy Mullen, Alex and Sadie Diehl and their mother, Beth Diehl; two great-grandchildren, Aria and Carter Barnes.
After her family was grown, Mary was employed as a teacher’s aide for Special Education at the Hornell Middle School and later she became employed at St. James Mercy Hospital in Hornell as a secretary in the Intensive Care Unit.
Throughout the years she enjoyed coaching and managing Cinderella Softball and also volunteered at Steuben County Rural Ministry in Canisteo with Sister Susan Cain.
Mary will be remembered for always having a smile and according to her, “There’s some good in everyone.” Go in peace!
To honor her wishes there will be no calling hours. Relatives and friends are invited to join her family at St. Ann’s Church, 35 Erie Ave., Hornell where a Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10 a.m. TUESDAY (Feb. 3, 2026). Private interment will be at St. Mary’s Cemetery, Town of Fremont.
FOLLIWING THE FUNERAL MASS EVERYONE IS INVITED TO THE MAIN PLACE, 251 MAIN ST., HORNELL FOR A LUNCHEON TO CELEBRATE MARY'S LIFE.
In lieu of flowers, those wishing may contribute in her memory to the Hornell Area Humane Society, 7649 Industrial Park Road, Hornell, NY 14843. Envelopes for memorial contributions will be available at the church.
The Bishop-Johnson & DeSanto Funeral Home, 285 Main St., Hornell is honored to assist Mary’s family with the arrangements.
Online condolences or remembrances of Mary are welcome below or at bishopdesanto.com

01/25/2026

Charles L. “Charlie” Bill
ARKPORT – Charles L. “Charlie” Bill, 87, of Arkport, NY entered into rest suddenly on Thursday (Jan. 22, 2026).
Born in Naples, NY on Feb. 12, 1938 he was one of 12 children born to the late Harold and Jennie (Wheaton) Bill. On October 1, 1976 he was married at the North Cohocton Presbyterian Church to his soulmate and best friend, Kathleen D. “Kathy” (Snowden) Bill and they were blessed with nearly 50 years of marriage.
During his younger years Charlie grew up in North Cohocton, NY and graduated from Wayland Central School in 1957 and was a member and former Chief of the Atlanta Hatch Hose Company. After graduating, he became employed with the former Guy Bennett Buick in Wayland, NY as an auto technician. In 1977 he began his employment with the former Elsenheimer Chevrolet in Hornell retiring in 2003.
He and Kathy have resided in Arkport since 1977 and together for the past 50 years they owned and operated C & K Bill Fire Extinguisher Service.
Throughout his life Charlie loved railroads, trains, reading old newspapers about local history and was interested in his family tree. He was a very talented photographer and especially enjoyed maintaining their pristine property in Arkport and growing beautiful flower and vegetable gardens; he was known for growing the best tomatoes. He was an avid fan of the Buffalo Bills, the NY Yankees and the New York Knicks.
Charlie will be remembered for being a man of few words and for always being prepared to help anyone in need. He taught by example and passed his strong work ethics on to his beautiful family who he loved to spend time with, especially his grandchildren.
He and Kathy were instrumental in forming the “Let’s Dance Club” and enjoyed being members for 23 years.
Charlie is lovingly survived by his devoted wife, Kathy; four children, Deborah (Paul) Drozdziel of Avon, NY, Jeffrey (Cassandra) Cooper of Arkport, Kristine Bill (Scot Lance) of Middlebury Center, PA and Thomas (Joannah) Bill of Arkport; nine grandchildren, Brittany, Brenton, Stephanie, Jackson, Marrisa, Mason, Sophie, Kendall and Jacob; four great-grandchildren, Arabella, Cassius, Elliana and Cyrus; his beloved dog, Lena; as well as two other daughters, one son and several grandchildren.
Besides his parents he was predeceased by six sisters and five brothers.
Calling hours are 1-3 and 6-8 p.m. FRIDAY (Jan. 30, 2026) at the Bishop-Johnson & Desanto Funeral Home, 285 Main St., Hornell. Relatives and friends are invited to join his family at the Arkport Community Church, 15 Main St., where a funeral service will take place at 1 p.m. SATURDAY (Jan. 31, 2026), with the Rev. Bruce Incze officiating. Private committal services and interment will be at Heritage Hill Cemetery, Arkport.
Those wishing may contribute in his memory to either the Hornell Area Humane Society, 7649 Industrial Park Road, Hornell, NY 14843 (envelopes will be available at the funeral home and church) or to a charity of the donor’s choice.
The Bishop-Johnson & DeSanto Funeral Home is honored to assist Charlie’s family with the arrangements.
Online condolences or remembrances of Charlie are welcome below or at bishopdesanto.com

01/21/2026

Hammondsport - David Lee Drum, 77, died very unexpectedly on January 18, 2026, while on a kayaking trip in the Everglades National Park. He was born in Wayland, NY, on November 5, 1948, the son of Paul David and Cora Lee (Neil) Drum. He graduated from Wayland Central School in 1966, studied Mechanical Engineering at the University of Rochester, graduating Magna Cum Laude in 1970. He received his MSME from Massachusetts Institute of Technology in 1971.

Dave had a strong work ethic. When in school, he worked on the Bernie Mack farm, cleaned school buses for Wayland Central School, and worked in production for the Gunlocke Chair Company. After graduating, he worked for the Naval Ship Engineering Center from 1971 to 1972, doing hydrofoil design. On January 2, 1973, he started his career at Corning Inc in the MTE division, retiring April 1, 2009, as a Distinguished Associate. He received his 50-year service pin in 2023.

David served as Scoutmaster for Troop 18 in Hammondsport, where he and his scouts had many an outdoor adventure together, culminating in a trip to Philmont Scout Ranch with his son. His favorite scouting phrase was “We are not lost, just not where we are supposed to be.” In retirement, he volunteered for the Finger Lakes Trail, coordinating the construction of the Hickory Hill Lean To, and served as a certified sawyer. He also volunteered for the Finger Lakes Boating Museum, first remodeling the current facility and then restoring three boats, the Lady Jane, a 1905-1950 Henry Sutherland, a Dispro, and a 1905 Fairchild-Grant.

Dave loved anything to do with the great outdoors, hiking in many National Parks and with friends all over the world, cross-country ski racing (competed in many races, including the American Birkebeiner several times), and fishing in Canada, the Amazon, and Christmas Island. But his real passion was marathon canoe and kayak racing. He was a proud member of the 700-mile club of the General Clinton Canoe Regatta and winner of the 1990 USCAA National Championship C-2 Masters race. His favorite race was the Adirondack Canoe Classic (90-miler), which he paddled both solo and with partners in his kayak or canoe many times, over 2000
miles total. As he put it, “finishing my usual third place.”

David is survived by his wife of 55 years, Nancy Jo (nee Littleton), his son John and wife Molly and two grandchildren Benjamin David and Isabelle Jo all of which he adored. He is also survived by his brother Marshall (Bobbie) and sister Virginia (Don) as well as many cousins, nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his parents and an infant sister, Mary Sue.

It was David’s wish that there be no calling hours or services. A Celebration of Life will be held next summer at his home, where he hoped all his friends would come enjoy the day telling tall tales about him.

Memorial contributions can be made to the Finger Lakes Boating Museum, 8231 Pleasant Valley Road, Hammondsport, NY, The Finger Lakes Trail Association, 6111 Visitor Center Road, Mt. Morris, NY, or a charity of your choice.

Bishop & DeSanto Funeral Home, Hammondsport, is honored to assist David's family with the arrangements.

Online remembrances or condolences are welcome in the comments below, or at bishopdesanto.com.

01/19/2026

PULTENEY - Victor L. Card, 80, of Pulteney, N.Y., passed away on Tuesday, January 13, 2026, at Arnot Ogden Hospital in Elmira, N.Y. Victor was born on April 06, 1945, in Corning, N.Y. He was the son of the late Ephriam and Marjorie (Oakden) Card.

Victor was known for his warm smile and kindness. He had a deep love for his family, gardening, and animals.

Victor is survived and will be deeply missed by his loving wife of 57 years, Rose Marie (Stewart) Card. His daughter Michele (Bryan) Howell, Shawn (Kathy) Card and Shane Card. His grandchildren Nathan (Alyssa) Howell, Michaela (Brie) Howell, Megan Howell, Ashley Card, Brianna Card, Christopher Card, Ryan Card and Jenna Card. He also had several great-grandchildren.

Victor was predeceased by his parents and sibling, Cynthia Anderson.

In keeping with his wishes, there will be no services.

The family asks those who would like to make a contribution in his name to kindly consider donating to the Bath Humane Society.

“Your life was a blessing, your memory a treasure. You are loved beyond words and missed beyond measure.” -Renee Wood

Bishop and DeSanto Funeral Home, Hammondsport, is honored to assist Victor's family with the arrangements.

Online condolences or remembrances are welcome in the comment section below, or at bishopdesanto.com.

01/13/2026

HAMMONDSPORT - Kay Wilder, age 88 died January 9, 2026

Kay was born on February 11, 1937, the daughter of Hubert and Alberta George Fye of Tioga, PA. At a young age, the family moved to Union Town, PA, where Mr. Fye was employed by the North Penn Gas Company. They later moved back to Tioga when they purchased a farm on the River Road in Tioga, where they grew cabbage and corn, and later added chickens and dairy cattle. Kay enjoyed living in the country while being able to spend time with her grandparents in town.

Kay graduated from Williamson High School in 1955 and was a member of St. Andrew’s Episcopal Church in Tioga. Kay was employed at Ingersoll Rand, Painted Post in 1955-56, Sylvania Electric in Muncy, PA, from 1957-60, and then began her career with Corning Incorporated in 1960 through her retirement in 1986.

Kay and Art Wilder were married in 1973. They were active skiers, ice boaters, and, as long-time members of Keuka Yacht Club, they enjoyed sailboat racing for many years. She and Art moved from Corning to Keuka Lake in 1986.

Kay worked as an agent in the Lucy Knapp Real Estate office in Hammondsport, NY, and she and Art spent winters in Marsh Harbour, Abaco, Bahamas, until 2015. They were hosts to many visitors and drew friends to the area as a retirement destination.

In 2021, Kay and Art moved to Penn Yan, and he predeceased her in February 2022. In 2024, Kay moved to Clark Meadows in Canandaigua, NY, and enjoyed the activities there.

She is survived by children Sheryl Campbell (Bill) of San Diego, Mary Corwin (Brett) of Ft. Myers, FL, and Steven Bender of Painted Post. She was predeceased by son, Robert Wilder in 2012 and granddaughter Ashley White in 2023. She is survived by 5 grandchildren: Andrew (Jacqueline) Campbell of San Diego, CA; Michael (Tom Freeman) Campbell of San Francisco, CA; Cameron (Victoria) Bender of Bloomfield, NY; Emily (Lyncoln) Barber of Cortland, NY; Cara (Carolyn Rozycki) Bender of Brooklyn, NY; and 8 great grandchildren and several nieces and nephews.

Calling hours will be held at the Bishop & DeSanto (LaMarche) Funeral Home, 35 Main Street, Hammondsport, NY on Saturday, February 7th, from 1-3 pm, followed by a brief service at 3 pm, after which friends and family are invited to a reception at the Curtiss Museum, Hammondsport, NY. Burial will be at a later date at the Evergreen Cemetery in Tioga, PA.

In lieu of flowers, donations are suggested to the Curtiss Museum, 8419 NY 54, Hammondsport, NY 14840, the Lake Keuka Sailing Foundation, PO Box 334, Bath, NY 14810, or St. Luke’s Episcopal Church, 187 W Lake Road, Branchport, NY 14418.

Bishop & DeSanto Funeral Home, Hammondsport, is honored to assist Kay's family with the arrangements.

Online condolences or remembrances of Kay are welcome in the comments below, or at bishopdesanto.com.

01/11/2026

01/11/2026

Theresa A. (Crosby) Watson
HORNELL/TUCSON – Theresa A. (Crosby) Watson, 73, formerly of Hornell, passed away late Wednesday evening (Jan. 7, 2026) at her home in Tucson, AZ, after a long illness.
Born in Hornell on June 20, 1952, she was a daughter of the late Robert and Anna Eileen (Hargreaves) Crosby.
While residing in Hornell, during her younger years, Theresa was a graduate of St. Ann’s School and Hornell High School, class of 1970.
Throughout the years she was employed as a social worker at a Catholic home for troubled girls in Tarrytown, NY and later she was employed at Solo Cup and Collegiate Cap & Gown in Champaign, IL before retiring and moving to Tucson, AZ in 1998.
Theresa was a communicant of St. Ann Elizabeth Ann Seton Catholic Church in Tucson.
She was known for being silly, fun and was very musically inclined. She loved spending time quilting, doing crafts and wood carvings.
Theresa is lovingly survived by her devoted husband of 34 years, Ray Watson; four siblings, Mike (Rhonda) Crosby of Champaign, IL, Margaret (Dale) Foster of Loda, IL, Joanne (Kirk) Baker of El Paso, AR and Casey (Luanne) Crosby of Rochester, NY; a step sibling, Sheldon of Hartford, CT; three step grandchildren as well as 10 nieces and nephews.
Calling hours are 4-6 p.m. FRIDAY (Jan. 23. 2026) at the Bishop-Johnson & DeSanto Funeral Home, 285 Main St., Hornell. Relatives and friends are invited to join her family at St. Ann’s Church, 35 Erie Ave., Hornell where a Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10 a.m. SATURDAY (Jan. 24, 2026). Committal prayers and interment will follow at St. Mary’s Cemetery, Town of Fremont.
In lieu of flowers, those wishing may contribute in her memory to Catholic Charities Steuben/Livingston, 12 Allen St., Hornell, NY 14843. Envelopes will be available at the funeral home and church.
Online condolences or remembrances of Theresa are welcome below or at bishopdesanto.com

01/07/2026

James Everett Dexter
HORNELL – James Everett Dexter, 78, passed away unexpectedly Monday morning (Jan. 5, 2026) at his home.
Born in Hornell on Dec. 17, 1947 he was the son of the late Martin and Helen (Haskell) Dexter.
A resident of Hornell for most of his life, Jim was a graduate of Hornell High School, class of 1965. He attended Alfred University and in 1968 he received a degree in auto mechanics from the Wellsville Campus of Alfred State College. On July 10, 1968 he enlisted with the U.S. Navy and served two tours in Vietnam with Unit No. 62 of the Seabees. He was honorably discharged on Nov. 10, 1970 and was a recipient of the National Defense Service Medal, the Vietnam Service Medal (2 stars), the Vietnam Campaign Medal, the Army Meritorious Unit Commendation, the Meritorious Unit Citation and the Combat Action Ribbon.
Jim was employed for 32 years as a parts manager at Lamacchia’s and later for several years at the former Elsenheimer’s in Hornell. He was well known in this area for his expertise as a parts manager. Before retiring he was employed at Alstom.
He was a long-time active member of the Park United Methodist Church, and the Hornell United Methodist Church, now known as the Webbs Crossing Bible Church, where he served as a financial secretary, usher, as a Youth Group Leader and served quietly in several other capacities. Jim enjoyed attending musical concerts and always supported local arts and music. He was a very talented mechanic and especially loved spending time working on cars and motorcycles. Jim was curious and creative and would often spend time researching different subject on his computer.
He was very devoted to his family and will always be remembered as a loving and caring husband and father.
Jim is lovingly survived by his devoted wife of 56 years, Milene (Boag) Dexter who he married at the former Park Methodist Church in Hornell on Dec. 27, 1969; two children, Marty (Nicky) Dexter of Conway, SC and Heather Dexter of Tyngsboro, MA; two sisters, Adele Hyla-Brewster (James Brewster) of Swansboro, NC and Kathy (Bruce) Griesmer of Vero Beach, FL; a bonus daughter, Jenny Yacuzzo, and several nieces and nephews including, Bret (Marci) Hyla, Craig (Heidi) Hyla, David (Peggy) Brewster and Kate Brewster. He is also survived by many friends of his children who affectionately called him “Dad.”
Calling hours are 3-5 p.m. MONDAY (Jan. 12, 2026) at the Bishop-Johnson & DeSanto Funeral Home, 285 Main St., Hornell. Relatives and friends are invited to join his family at the Webbs Crossing Bible Church, 7528 North Main St., Ext. where a funeral service will take place at 11 a.m. TUESDAY (Jan. 13, 2026). Committal services and interment, with military honors, will follow at 1 p.m. at Bath National Cemetery.
The United States flag and the Navy flag will proudly fly at the Bishop-Johnson & DeSanto Funeral Home in recognition of Jim’s military service.
In lieu of flowers, those wishing may contribute in his memory to either the Webbs Crossing Bible Church, 7528 North Main St., Ext., Hornell or the Hornell High School Alumni Association, P.O. Box 135, Hornell, NY 14843. Envelopes for memorial contributions will be available at the funeral home and church.
The Bishop-Johnson & DeSanto Funeral Home is honored to assist Jim’s family with the arrangements.
Online condolence or remembrance of Jim are welcome below or at bishopdesanto.com

01/05/2026

Margaret “Peggy” Clancy
HORNELL - Margaret “Peggy” Clancy, age 92, entered eternal rest on Saturday (Jan. 3, 2026) at her home, surrounded by the love of her family.
Born in Hornell, NY, Peggy was the eldest of nine children born to the late Robert and Margaret Haley. She was predeceased by her beloved husband, John Leo Clancy; her cherished granddaughter, Lauren Clancy; her brothers Robert, Thomas, Lawrence, and Joseph Haley; her sisters, Patricia Thompson and Eleachea Buono; and her sisters-in-law, Ruth Haley and Sybil Haley. She was also predeceased by her parents-in-law, Edward and Florence Clancy; her brothers-in-law, Edward and Thomas Clancy and James O’Connor; and her sisters-in-law, Barbara Scott Clancy, Mary Francis Clancy, and Barbara Clancy.
Peggy graduated from Hornell High School in 1951 and went on to St. James School of Nursing, graduating in 1954. She devoted more than 57 years to the nursing profession, dedicating her life to the care of others with compassion, strength, and grace. Her distinguished career culminated at the Bath VA Medical Center, where she proudly served as Head Nurse of the Intensive Care Unit prior to her retirement.
In 1956, Peggy married the “boy next door,” John Leo Clancy. Together, they built a loving home and raised a beautiful family that remained the center of Peggy’s life. Family was her greatest joy and proudest accomplishment.
She is survived by her loving children: John (Shelly), Michael, Theresa, Susan (David), Mary, and Mitch (Dora); her 20 grandchildren; 24 great-grandchildren; and one great-great-grandchild, all of whom she deeply loved and treasured. She is also survived by her brothers, Spike (Karen) Haley and Timothy (Sharon) Haley; her brother-in-law, Richard Clancy; her sisters-in-law, Mary O’Connor and Sandra Haley; and many nieces and nephews.
Peggy was truly a force of nature, resilient, kind, and unwaveringly strong. She met life’s challenges with determination and grace, and her wisdom, love, and steadfast support shaped generations of family and friends.
Her legacy lives on not only through her family, but also through her many passions, including tending her beautiful flower gardens, cooking, baking, sewing, and quilting, a reflection of her care, creativity, and generous spirit.
Peggy was a member of Our Lady of the Valley Parish and a devoted communicant of St. Ann’s Church in Hornell.
She will be remembered always for her selfless heart, her quiet strength, and the deep love she shared with all who were blessed to know her.
The family would like to express their sincere appreciation to Tammy Donovan for the wonderful care she gave to Peggy; also, Misty Moore and Allegany Hospice
To honor her wishes there will be no calling hours. Relatives and friends are invited to join her family at St. Ann’s Church, 35 Erie Ave., Hornell where a Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10 a.m. FRIDAY (Jan. 9, 2026). Committal prayers and interment will follow at St. Mary’s Cemetery, Town of Fremont.
In lieu of flowers, those wishing may contribute in her memory to St. Ann’s Academy, P.O. Box 446, Hornell, NY 14843. Envelopes for memorial contributions will be available at the church.
The Bishop-Johnson & DeSanto Funeral Home 285 Main St., Hornell is honored to assist Peggy’s family with the arrangements.
Online condolences or remembrances of Peggy are welcome below or at bishopdesanto.com

01/02/2026

Diane Dee Roosa
ARKPORT – Diane Dee Roosa, 82, passed away peacefully at her home in Arkport on Thursday (Jan. 1, 2026)
Born on Dec. 12, 1943 she was the daughter of the late Orville and Mildred Mathews.
A former resident of Midwest City, OK, Diane resided in Arkport before moving to Summerfield, FL. where she resided for 26 years before returning to Arkport in 2024.
She was a graduate of the University of Oklahoma, Alfred State College, Geneseo State College and received her master’s degree from Elmira College. Throughout the years she was employed as a general reporter for the former Evening Tribune in Hornell, as a substitute teacher for nine years at Arkport Central School and retired from Wayland Central School where she was employed as a middle school teacher for 25 years.
Diane was a member of the Arkport Memorial American Legion Auxiliary Post No. 1248 and while residing in Florida she was a member of the Lady Lake American Legion Auxiliary Post No. 347. She enjoyed spending time bowling and playing bocce ball.
She is lovingly survived by her husband of 62 years, James J. Roosa who she married on March 23, 1963 in Midwest City, OK; two children, Robin (Geoff) Westphal of Asheville, NC and James “Jay” (Stephanie) Roosa of Arkport; six grandchildren; one sister, Pamela (Jo) Ferguson of Pawnee, OK; as well as several nieces and nephews.
To honor her wishes there will be no calling hours. A private graveside service will take place at Heritage Hill Cemetery in Arkport at the convenience of the family.
In lieu of flowers, those wishing may contribute in her memory to their favorite charity.
The Bishop-Johnson & DeSanto Funeral Home, 285 Main St., Hornell is honored to assist Diane’s family with the arrangements.
Online condolences or remembrances of Diane are welcome below or at bishopdesanto.com