Bishop-Johnson & DeSanto Funeral Home, 285 Main Street, Hornell, NY (2026)

03/20/2026

We are very pleased that our associate Hannah has become an active volunteer with the Hammondsport fire department, and is working towards her interior qualifications. You go girl!

03/20/2026

We were honored to serve Richard French and his family. On display during his calling hours was one of his favorite vehicles, of which he took great pride and joy.

03/17/2026

Daniel G. Koehler
HORNELL – Daniel G. Koehler, 65, of South Division Street, was called home to be with our Lord late Saturday evening (March 14, 2026) while surrounded by his loving family at St. James Hospital in Hornell after a courageous battle with cancer.
Born in Hornell on April 22, 1960, he was the son of Donald and Constance “Connie” (Adams) Koehler. He was predeceased by his father, Donald, one brother, John Koehler and his father- and mother-in-law, John and Nancy Hann.
A resident of Hornell for most of his life, Dan was a graduate of St. Ann’s School and Hornell High School (Class of 1979). He proudly served his country with the U.S. Air Force from 1979 until his honorable discharge in 1985.
After his military service, he returned to Hornell where he was briefly employed for NYSEG and the former Dominic’s Bakery. He then began his 40-year career as an orderly and later as a pharmacy technician at the former St. James Mercy Hospital, now known as the UR Medicine St. James Hospital. Dan had recently completed this 40-year milestone, which was a testament to the commitment, work ethic and loyalty he exemplified in everything he did. Even while he was ill, he was still actively working until shortly before his death. His hospital coworkers were truly a second family to him.
He had a strong faith in his Catholic religion and was an active member of Our Lady of the Valley Parish. He was a longtime, devout communicant of both St. Ignatius Loyola Church and St. Ann’s Church in Hornell where he loved to sing the hymns throughout the celebration of Mass alongside his loving wife, children, and grandchildren.
Dan's greatest joy in life was his family. Throughout the years, he coached his three sons in Little League and Babe Ruth Baseball. He never missed a sporting event, concert, dance recital, or any other special event in the lives of his children, and more recently, his grandchildren. His role of "grandpa" or "grampie" was no doubt his favorite job. He cherished his family's annual camping trips to Darien Lake, attending Buffalo Bills games, sitting together around a campfire, and having his snack cupboard raided when his grandkids came to visit. He was an avid Buffalo Bills and New York Yankees fan and enjoyed walking. Ask any of his children and they will tell you the absolute blessing he was as a father and grandfather to their children.
He is lovingly survived by his wife, Terri (Hann) Koehler, who he was blessed to be together with for 46 years and married at St. Ann’s Church in Hornell on May 22, 1981; six children, Jennifer (Adam) Klinges of Hornell, Timothy (Carrie) Koehler of Arkport, NY, Joseph (Jolene) Koehler of Bath, NY, Andrew Koehler (Allison Pacer) of Almond, NY, Laura (Skyler) Mitchell of Rochester, NY and Stacey (Zachary) Lincoln of Arkport, NY; 10 grandchildren (soon to be 11), Emma Koehler, Amelia Klinges, Avery Lincoln, Knox Koehler, Aubrey Koehler, Sienna Lincoln, Braleigh Koehler, Collins Koehler, Dominic Lincoln and Clark Mitchell; his mother, Connie Koehler of Hornell; seven siblings, Stephen (Gesele) Koehler of Jamestown, NY, Kathleen Koehler (Bill Miller) of Ann Arbor, MI, Christopher (Lynda) Koehler of Hornell, Elizabeth LaPlante of Almond, NY, Mary Koehler of Ann Arbor, MI, Martha Koehler of Greensburg, PA, and Margaret Koehler (John Wright) of Westerville, OH; as well as many nieces and nephews.
Calling hours will be held from 1-4 p.m. on SUNDAY, (March 22, 2026) at the Bishop-Johnson & DeSanto Funeral Home, 285 Main St., Hornell. Relatives and friends are invited to join his family at St. Ann’s Church, 35 Erie Ave., Hornell where a Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10 a.m. on MONDAY, (March 23, 2026). Private committal prayers and interment, with military honors, will be at St. Mary’s Cemetery, Town of Fremont.
In lieu of flowers, those wishing may contribute in his memory to St. Ann’s Church of Our Lady of the Valley Parish, 27 Erie Ave., Hornell, NY 14843. Envelopes for memorial contributions will be available at the funeral home and church.
The United States flag and the Air Force flag will proudly fly at the Bishop-Johnson & DeSanto Funeral Home in recognition of Dan’s military service.
The Bishop-Johnson & DeSanto Funeral Home is honored to assist Dan’s family with the arrangements.
Online condolences or remembrances of Dan are welcome below or at bishopdesanto.com

03/16/2026

Cheryl L. Ames
BATH – Cheryl L. Ames, 77, formerly of Bath, NY passed away Tuesday (March 10, 2026) at Maple City Rehabilitation and Nursing Center in Hornell, NY.
A loving daughter and sister, she was born in Bath on Sept. 5, 1948. She was predeceased by her father, Arthur Ames Sr. who was born on Aug. 19, 1919 and passed away on March 10, 1980; her mother, Ida Mae Ames, who was born on Dec. 3, 1924 and passed away on Jan. 13, 2013. She was also predeceased by her four siblings, Art, Clayton, Michael and Kimberly.
Surviving are her siblings and their families; brothers, Steven and Sherman; sister Stacey Lynne (Rod) Lee, she was known as “Lynne” to Cheryl; and their son, Rodney T. “Thompie” Lee
Private interment will take place on Tuesday (March 17, 2026) at Valley View Cemetery, Avoca, NY.
The Bishop & DeSanto Funeral Home, 22 N. Main St., AVOCA is honored to assist Cheryl’s name with the arrangements.
Online condolences or remembrances of Cheryl are welcome below or at bishopdesanto.com

03/16/2026

Richard Milton French
PULTENEY - Richard Milton French of Pulteney, NY passed away peacefully, surrounded by his family on Saturday, March 14, 2026. He leaves behind a life defined by service, dedication, humor, and love for family and friends.
Richard was born on April 28, 1943, in Salina, Kansas where his father was stationed in the Army. They moved back to Pulteney, NY shortly thereafter and he graduated from Franklin Academy in Prattsburgh, NY in 1962. He went on to attend SUNY Geneseo before earning his Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology from Ithaca College in 1968. Richard liked to brag that he had successfully crammed 4 years of college into 6.
In 1969, he began his career with Steuben County Department of Social Services as a caseworker, where he remained for 25 years until retiring in 1999. While working there, he met and then married his forever love, Ellen French (Parulski) in 1972. Together they built a life centered around their five beautiful daughters.
In addition to his work at the County, Richard always dreamed of owning his own dairy farm, and made that dream a reality in 1989 when he built Walnut Lane Farm. He successfully operated that farm, while also raising his family and working for the county, until he went into full retirement in 2018. Walnut Lane Farm was recognized as a Dairy of Distinction for many years and his passion for raising Jersey cows became a hobby that shaped the life of his family. There is no harder worker than a farmer and while Richard may have worked at his own speed, nobody could deny that he was a man who lacked ambition. His years of farming alongside his father only worked to strengthen their bond and love.
Richard also had a passion for his hometown. He served on the Pulteney Town Board from 1998 to 2002. He was a man who took pride in all that Pulteney had to offer to its community members and wanted to make sure that the people were always represented and felt spoken for. Like his father, he was honest and straightforward. He said what he meant and he meant what he said, whether you liked it or not. He was also known for his outgoing personality and fun-loving spirit. He loved to make people laugh with a witty joke or clever little prank and always had some story to share. Whether with lifelong friends, or someone he had just met, Richard enjoyed good conversation and was always ready to buy a beer and spend time catching up.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Lewis “Milton” French and Evelyn French (Hall).
He is survived by his loving wife of 53 years, Ellen French (Parulski), and their five daughters: Lisa (Derwin) Lamberson of Painted Post; Theresa (Richard) Keesey of Pulteney; Lori French of Rochester; Tricia French (Sophy Chainey) of Pulteney; and Paige (Steve) Knitter of Pulteney.
He is also survived by his cherished grandchildren: Ella Lamberson, Adler Lamberson, Lilly Keesey, Richard Keesey, Cooper Keesey, Violet Keesey, Abby Chainey-French, Zane Chainey-French, Harper Knitter, Madison Knitter, Karson Knitter, and Emma Knitter.
Richard will always be remembered for his humor and the friendships he built wherever he went, as well as his large Mopar collection. He was always a Plymouth man, and spent many years collecting and tinkering on cars that made him happy. His pride and joy were his Road Runners as well as the infamous Superbird. Until next time……Bye, love ya, see ya later!
Calling hours are 4-6 p.m. WEDNESDAY (March 18, 2026) at the Bishop & DeSanto Funeral Home, 35 Main St., HAMMONDSPORT, where a funeral service will take place following calling hours at 6 p.m. WEDNESDAY with the Rev. Donald Peek officiating. Interment will be in Glenview Cemetery, Pulteney at the convenience of the family.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you make a donation to the Pulteney Vol. Ambulance Corp. or the Pulteney Vol. Fire Department. Both of which played an integral role in his life in recent years.
The Bishop & DeSanto Funeral Home is honored to assist Richard’s family with the arrangements.
Online condolences or remembrances of Richard are welcome below or at bishopdesanto.com

03/15/2026

Joanne M. Carpenter
HORNELL – Joanne M. Carpenter, 73, of Terry Street, entered into rest early Saturday morning (March 14, 2026) at Strong Memorial Hospital in Rochester, NY after a lengthy illness. It was 21 years go that Joanne had a partial liver transplant at Strong Memorial Hospital with her son, Bobby as the donor. According to Strong, she is their longest living survivor from a live donor.
Born in North Hornell, NY on May 10, 1952, she was a daughter of the late Harold and Beulah (Bennett) Stephens. Besides her parents, she was also predeceased by her husband of 36 years, Robert C. Carpenter; her brother, Larry Stephens; grandson, Michael Latham; her in- laws, Arthur and Rose Carpenter and her three beloved dogs, Lady, DJ and Maddie.
A lifelong resident of Hornell, Joanne was a graduate of Hornell High School and attended Alfred State College. Before her transplant, she was employed for many years as a Supervisor and the Coordinator of the Special Olympics for Steuben County Arc.
Joanne was a member of the Living waters Church in Hornell and the Ladies Auxiliary of the Corp. J.J. Mooney VFW Post No. 2250 also in Hornell.
She was an avid shopper and also enjoyed bingo, playing cards (especially Euchre) and trips to the Casinos.
Joanne is lovingly survived by her longtime significant other, Lawrence “Larry” French of Hornell; three children, Bobby (Glenda) Carpenter of Virginia, Stacy Roberts (Wayne Stonemetz) of Wellsville, NY and Stephen Carpenter of Hornell; one stepdaughter, Commande (Greg) Mitchell of Hornell; 10 grandchildren, Brittany (Lorenzo) Zaccaria, Nicholas Kerr, Theresa (Chris) Latham, Zachary (Karyssa) Roberts, Brent “BW” (Kaitlynn) Roberts, Steven Carpenter, September Carpenter, Scotty Rougeaux, Brandon Shattuck and Saralynn Donnelson; a granddaughter-in-law, Carla (Mark) Collins of Bolivar, NY; four sisters, Gloria (Pete) Fisher of Florida, Judy (Tom) Smith of Almond, NY, Bonnie Simms of Hornell and Brenda Gayhart-Franklin of Canisteo, NY; two sisters-in-law, Marcia Casterline-Johnson (George) and Connie (Pete) McDaniels all of Hornell; also her beloved dog, Allie; as well as several nieces, nephews and cousins.
Calling hours are 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. FRIDAY (March 20, 2026) at the Bishop-Johnson & DeSanto Funeral Home, 285 Main St., Hornell where a funeral and committal service will take place following calling hours at 1 p.m. FRIDAY with her sister-in-law, Marcia Casterline-Johnson officiating. Interment will be at St. Mary’s Cemetery, Town of Fremont at the convenience of the family.
In lieu of flowers, those wishing may contribute in her memory to Breast Cancer Research in care of the American Cancer Society, PO Box 6704, Hagerstown, MD 21741 (cancer.org/donate/today) or to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105 (stjude.org). Envelopes for memorial contributions will be available at the funeral home.
The Bishop-Johnson & DeSanto Funeral Home in Hornell is honored to assist Joanne’s family with the arrangements.
Online condolences or remembrances of Joanne are welcome below or at bishopdesanto.com

03/11/2026

In honor of today being National Funeral Director and Mortician Day, we’d like to highlight the unwavering professionalism, dedication, and compassion of our staff: Bill, Steve, and Hannah.
We are available 24/7 to be there for our communities in their time of need, and often the most rewarding part of such a demanding job is a sincere and heartfelt Thank You.
Thank you to our neighbors, friends, and families who support the work we do, and who allow us to continue our steadfast commitment to ensuring respectful, personalized services to families and friends.

02/26/2026

Louise Ann "Weezie" Wintermute
NORTH HORNELL – Louise Ann "Weezie" Wintermute, 91, formerly of Cleveland Avenue, passed away peacefully Wednesday morning (Feb. 25, 2026) at Updyke’s Willow Ridge in Hornell where she had resided the past year. She received wonderful care at Updyke’s and it was the perfect community setting for her to experience.
Born in Dansville, NY on Jan. 14, 1935 she was a daughter of the late Gerald and Mildred (Wallace) Beckwith. On May 21, 1960 she was married in Clinton, NJ to her beloved husband, William J. Wintermute, Sr. who predeceased her on June 3, 2014; they were blessed with 54 years of marriage. Besides her parents and husband, she was also predeceased by two granddaughters, Brooke and Claire Weyand; three sisters, Mary Conarow, Geri Gross and Peggy Celetano.
After graduating in 1950 from Our Lady of Mercy High School in Rochester, NY she felt a calling to join the Religious Sisters of Mercy, starting as a postulant and subsequently as a novice. Louise eventually decided to pursue a different course in life and moved to Jacksonville, NC where she met her future husband, Bill. Throughout the years they resided in various states including New Jersey, Pennsylvania and Texas before becoming residents of the village of North Hornell in 2009.
Louise was a member of Our Lady of the Valley Parish and was a devoted communicant of St. Ann’s Church in Hornell. She loved flowers, refinishing antique trunks, quilting and watercolor painting. No matter where Louise resided, she always appreciated her neighbors and treasured their long-time friendships.
Louise is lovingly survived by her four children, Cheryl (Stephen) Roth of Sergeantsville, PA, Linda (David) Weyand of Hornell, William J. Wintermute, Jr. of McElhatton, PA and David (Amy) Wintermute of Argyle, TX; four granddaughters, Audrey (Jared) McAllister, Anna Weyand (fiancé, Harrison Gregg), Emily (Derek) Zimmerman and Rylee Wintermute; two great-granddaughter, Hannah and Zoe Zimmerman; three sisters-in-law (who she considered as sisters), Ginger Constravova, Betty Price and Holly Wintermute; as well as several nieces and nephews including her beloved nephew, Larry (Theresa) Gross.
Calling hours are 4-6 p.m. THURSDAY (March 5, 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. FRIDAY (March 6, 2026). Interment will follow at St. Mary’s Cemetery, Town of Fremont.
In lieu of flowers, those wishing may contribute in her memory for handicap accessible entry ways at St. Ann’s Church in care of Our Lady of the Valley Parish, 27 Erie Ave., 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 Louise’s family with the arrangements.
Online condolences or remembrances of Louise are welcome below or at bishopdesanto.com

02/14/2026

This Valentine's Day, we remember the love that continues to shape our lives. Let's cherish the memories that never fade, and remember that love does not end with absence. Today we honor the special people who remain in our hearts forever.

For those facing a quiet or difficult Valentine's Day, please know you are in our thoughts, we are here for you, and we love you.

02/08/2026

We always do our best to honor a family's request. When a family asked if they could bring their dog to a private viewing to see her beloved "master" we absolutely said yes. Our pets grieve too, right along with us. Now, not only does the family have closure, but so does "Maggie." What is important to YOU, is important to us. We post these pictures with the family's permission.

02/06/2026

Margaret P. “Pat” Nephew
ARKPORT/SAN ANTONIO – Margaret P. Nephew, 82, formerly of Arkport, NY passed away peacefully Saturday (Jan. 31, 2026) surrounded by love at the home of her daughter, Laura “Margie” Couball in San Antonio, TX.
Born in Buffalo, NY on Feb. 6, 1943 she was a daughter of the late Edward and Dorothy (Razey) Deaver. Besides her parents, she was also predeceased by her husbands, Merrill V. Nephew and Lewis James Robords; one daughter, Diana Warriner, one sister, Linda Sawkins, three brothers, David Deaver, Richard Deaver, and Michael Deaver.
Formerly of Avoca and Howard, NY, Pat was a graduate of Avoca Central School and received her Registered Nurse certification from Alfred State College.
She began her nursing career at the former St. James Mercy Hospital in Hornell, NY where she was employed for 11 years. Pat retired from the V.A. Medical Center in Bath, NY after 22 years of employment. After retiring she did private duty nursing and was also employed at Arkport Central School as a part-time nurse and assisted handicap children with their classes.
Pat has resided in Arkport since 1951where she was an active member of the Arkport Community Church. She enjoyed quilting, yard work and traveling to spend time with her children and grandchildren. She will be remembered most of all for her passion to take care of others.
She is lovingly survived by her two children, Michael Nephew of Tennessee and Laura “Margie” (Shane) Couball with whom she resided with in San Antonio, TX; eight grandchildren, Christopher Dyring, Elizabeth (Drew) Hickox, Matthew Nephew, Eva Munoz, Victoria Hunt, Ender Hunt, Greyson Couball, and Theodore “Teddy” Couball; two great grandchildren, Re*****on and Colton; one brother, Edward (Carol) Deaver of Fulton, NY; an uncle Mark (Kathy) Razey; several nieces and nephews; and her very special caretaker, Lupe Martinez.
A service celebrating Pat’s life will take place at the Arkport Community Church at a date and time to be announced. Interment will be in Heritage Hill Cemetery, Arkport.
The Bishop-Johnson & DeSanto Funeral Home, 285 Main St., Hornell is honored to assist Pat’s family with the arrangements.
Online condolences or remembrances of Pat are welcome below or at bishopdesanto.com

02/06/2026

Donald Paul Matula
HORNELL – Donald Paul Matula, 89, entered into rest peacefully Saturday morning (Jan. 31, 2026) at his home in Hornell.
Born in Schenectady, NY on May 14, 1936 he was a son of the late Anthony and Mary (Siatkowski) Matula. Besides his parents he was also predeceased by his brother, Robert (Barbara) Matula and his sister, Marilyn (Kevin) Murphy.
A graduate of Draper High School in Schenectady in 1955, Donald received a bachelor’s degree from Lafayette College in Easton, PA in 1959 and a master’s degree in Civil Engineering from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute (RPI) in Troy, NY in 1963. He proudly served with the Air National Guard from 1959 to his honorable discharge as a Sergeant in 1965.
Donald began his career with the New York State Department of Transportation (NYSDOT) in 1960 with Region 1 in Albany, NY. In 1979 he was transferred to Region 6 in Hornell where he was employed until retiring as a Regional Construction Engineer.
A member of the Hornell Council No. 243, Knights of Columbus and the Maple City Lions Club, Donald enjoyed spending time hunting, fishing, scuba diving and playing poker. Throughout the years he also owned horses and raced them at Green Mountain, VT and since his retirement he enjoyed attending auctions, was a Master Beekeeper and a New York State Bee Inspector, and a Master Gardener and Forrester.
He is lovingly survived by his wife of 60 years, Joan (Potpinka) Matula who he married at St. Joseph’s Church in Scotia, NY on Oct. 9, 1965; two children, Michelle (Scott) Wissick of Rochester, NY and Gregory Matula of Portland, OR; also, several nieces and nephews; as well as his beloved companion, Maggie.
There will be no calling hours or funeral service. Private interment will take place at St. Cyril’s Cemetery in Schenectady, NY at the convenience of the family.
Because of Donald’s love of dogs, the family has requested memorial contributions be made to the Hornell Area Humane Society, 7649 Industrial Park Road, Hornell, NY 14843.
The Bishop-Johnson & DeSanto Funeral Home, 285 Main St., Hornell is honored to assist Donald’s family with the arrangements.
Online condolences or remembrance of Donald are welcome below or at bishopdesanto.com

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