Bishop-Johnson & DeSanto Funeral Home, 285 Main Street, Hornell, NY (2025)

12/18/2025

CANANDAIGUA - William (Bill) L. Nesbitt, 94, passed away peacefully on Saturday, December 13, 2025, at Keuka Comfort Home, Penn Yan, NY.

Bill was born in Youngstown, Ohio, to Caroline J. Hamlin and Clarence L. Nesbitt on Wednesday, February 11, 1931, and would relocate with his family to Corning, NY.

He graduated from Corning Free Academy in 1949 and married his high-school sweetheart, Jean Theresa Wolff Nesbitt, on June 6, 1953. Shortly after marriage, Jean followed him to Killeen, Texas, where Bill fulfilled his U.S. Army assignment at Fort Hood from 1953 to 1955. The two returned to Corning, where they raised their family, spending summers at Keuka Lake.

He attended Alfred State College and received a degree in Business Administration, and attended Stonier Graduate School of Banking at Rutgers University and the National Trust School of Northwestern University.

He joined the First National Bank and Trust Company in 1955, was a trust officer from 1961 to 1968, and the Vice President and Trust Officer from 1968 until 1976. During this time, he was supervisor of Business Services for the Corning City School District from 1976 to 1978, elected to represent the city of Corning on the Steuben County Board of Supervisors from 1970 until 1978, held chairmanships of the County Treasurer’s committee, Data Processing Committee, and countless other committees within his community.

He was a Member and past President of the Corning Rotary Club, past president of the Steuben County Chapter of the American Cancer Society, and Alfred Alumni Association.

He held treasurer positions for United Way, Cancer Society, and Jaycees, and was active in the local Boy Scouts as cub master and Chairman of the Trust Committee, Concanoga District, Boy Scouts of America. He was also a Trustee for the YMCA in Corning for ten years.

In 1978, Bill was appointed as Trust Officer in charge of Endicott Trust Company’s Trust Division, where he worked until he and Jean retired to Keuka Lake in 1988.

Bill enjoyed sailing, swimming, motorboating, and anything involving Keuka Lake.

He is survived by his son, Steven (Karen) Nesbitt of Branchport NY and Vero Beach FL, daughters Nancy (David, 2025) Stenger of Pulteney NY and Janet (Aldis) Lemesis of Punta Gorda FL, grandchildren Mathew (Aimee) Nesbitt of Branchport NY, Michael (Danielle) Nesbitt of McKinney TX, and Marcus Nesbitt of Rochester, great-grandchildren, both children of Matthew and Aimee, Thomas and Andrew Nesbitt, and two bother-in-laws Tom (husband of the late Marrianne) Rumsey of Charlottesville VA and Stuart (Husband of the late Marilynne) Zeafla of Sayre PA.

Bill is predeceased by his wife, Jean Theresa Wolff Nesbitt (2023), daughter Lisa Ann Nesbitt (infant, 1964), his above-mentioned parents Caroline and Clarence, brother John D. Nesbitt (1999), and sisters Marianne Rumsey (2018), and Marilynne Zeafla (2025).

A celebration of life service will be held at 11:00 AM at the Pulteney Presbyterian Church, 9237 County Route 74, Pulteney, NY, on December 30, 2025, with a reception to follow at the Pulteney Free Library. A private burial service will be held at Bath National Cemetery the following day.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Keuka Comfort Care Home, P.O. Box 107, Penn Yan, NY, 14527.

Bishop & DeSanto Funeral Home, 35 Main St., HAMMONDSPORT, is honored to assist Bill’s family with the arrangements.

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

12/15/2025

BATH - Daniel Carl Reppert, 94, of Bath, NY, passed away peacefully on December 13, 2025, at the Fred & Harriet Taylor Nursing Home.

Born in Erie, PA, on May 16, 1931, Daniel was a proud Army veteran who served in Japan during the Korean War. After his service, Daniel attended Cornell University on the GI Bill, receiving both his Bachelor's and Master's in Education. In 1952, he married Frances Stewart, his devoted wife of 73 years. Together, they adopted and lovingly raised three children, twin daughters Cathleen and Cynthia, and son Graden.

While Dan’s degree was in teaching, he also served as a Methodist minister in Cortland and Avoca, NY. His teaching career in the sciences and technology took him to Jamestown, Avoca, and Arkport, NY. He was particularly proud of starting Arkport’s computer program in the early 80s.

Never one to slow down, in retirement, Dan launched Evergreen printing and a small remodeling/contracting business. This skill gave him the idea to create a ramp ministry, designing and building wheelchair ramps for people in need—improving accessibility and independence for many. He thoroughly enjoyed his group of “Ramp Guys.” He also served his community by coordinating the Town of Avoca’s water project implementation. Daniel was a longtime member of Centenary United Methodist Church in Bath, teaching Sunday School, singing in the choir, and making many cherished friendships.

A man of many interests, Dan loved woodworking, and sang tenor for over 20 years with the Hornell Barbershoppers. He was also an avid traveler, making memorable journeys across the country and to Europe.

Dan was known for his humor, generosity, and playful spirit. Whether entertaining his family or bringing laughter to those around him, even in his final years. His legacy of kindness, wit, and service to others will be remembered by all who knew him.

Daniel is survived by his beloved wife Frances, his children Cathleen Watters (Doug), Cynthia Cobb-Burke (Christopher), Graden (Pamela) Reppert, and his sister Judith Aho. He will be deeply missed by his grandchildren Gregory Cobb (Alexandria) Lauren Cobb, Steven Haunfelner (Nicole), Frances Firman (Nick), Garrett Reppert (Kristin Badeau), Austin Reppert (Karla Benware), Evan Reppert (Ashley), along with his ten great-grandchildren, and many nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his brother, Nelson Reppert, sisters, Carol Reppert and Ruth Reppert, and son-in-law Jeffrey Cobb.

Calling hours will be held Saturday, February 7, 2026, from 11am to 1pm at Centenary United Methodist Church in Bath, NY. A funeral service officiated by Reverend Leanne Zeck will be held immediately after calling hours, followed by a reception open to all.

Donations in lieu of flowers can be made to the Avoca Methodist Church, 8593 Jacobs Ladder Rd, Avoca, NY 14809, with “Ramp Guys” in the memo portion.

Bishop & DeSanto Funeral Home, 22 N. Main St., AVOCA, is honored to assist Dan’s family in remembering him.

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

12/09/2025

Celeste L. “Cindy” Kerr
HORNELL – Celeste L. “Cindy” Kerr, 61, formerly of Collier Street, passed away early Tuesday morning (Dec. 9, 2025) at Elderwood at Hornell after a long illness.
Born in Hornell on Aug. 21, 1964 she was a daughter of the late Thomas and Madeline (Wicks) Kerr. Besides her parents she was also predeceased by her infant nephew, Matthew Knapp and her longtime partner for more than 20 years, John Jones.
A graduate of Bradford (PA) High School, Cindy has resided in Hornell for most of her life and was most recently employed at the UniMart in Alfred, NY.
During her younger years Cindy was a member of the former Desperado Debs Color Guard in Hornell and was a very talented twirler of rifles and sabers. She was a very proud participant with the American Youth on Parade (AYOP)and was awarded a trophy for her solo saber routine at Notre Dame University, South Bend, IN. She was an avid bowler and also played softball in the adult leagues in Hornell and was a volunteer firefighter for the North Hornell and Arkport Fire Departments.
Throughout the years she was a member of the Hornell VFW and a social member of the Hornell American Legion, Hornell AmVets and the Hornell Moose Lodge.
She is lovingly survived by her two children, Kale Flynn and Meghan Payne (Christopher Gross) all of Hornell; three grandchildren, Trevor Payne, Nathaniel Gross and Charlotte Gross; two sisters, Veronica “Vickie” (William) Purcell of Hornell and Kristen Tovar of Debary, Fl; as well as three nephews, one niece, one great-niece and several cousins.
There will be no calling hours. A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date.
Because of her love of animals, those wishing may contribute in her memory 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 Cindy’s family with the arrangements.
Online condolences or remembrances of Cindy are welcome below or at bishopdesanto.com

12/03/2025

Helen J. Persichilli
HORNELL – Helen J. Persichilli, 81, passed away Monday morning (Dec. 1, 2025) at her home on Cedar Street, surrounded by the love of her family.
Born in Hornell on Feb. 25, 1944, she was a daughter of the late Ludwig and Irene (Allison) Pauly. Besides her parents, she was also predeceased by three sisters, infant Freida Pauly, Mary Lou Jimerson and Nancy (Charles) Curran; also, two brothers, Louis (Virginia) Pauly and William Pauly; also, her brother-in-law, Earl Moore
A lifelong resident of Hornell, Helen was a graduate of Hornell High School, class of 1962. She was employed by the former K-Mart in Hornell for over 20 years and retired from the former Hornell Do It Best Center.
Throughout the years Helen has enjoyed spending time crocheting, gardening, cooking and baking.
She is lovingly survived by her devoted husband of 63 years, Gerald F. “Jerry” Persichilli who she married at the former St. Ignatius Loyola Church in Hornell on July 21, 1962; three sons, Richard (Theresa) Persichilli of Hornell, NY, Stephen (Melissa) Persichilli of Jasper, NY and Gregory (Robin) Persichilli of Arkport, NY; six grandchildren, Josh, Matt, Nick and Tony Persichilli, Kelsey Moran and Taren Drake; eight great-grandchildren; one sister, Linda Moore of Tipton, PA; her sister-in-law, Betty Pauly of Hornell; as well as several nieces, nephews and cousins.
To honor her wishes there will be no calling hours. Relatives and friends are invited to join her family at the Bishop-Johnson & DeSanto Funeral Home, 285 Main St., Hornell where a funeral service will take place in her memory at 12 p.m. (Noon) on SATURDAY (DEC. 13, 2025). Private interment will take place at Rural Cemetery, Hornell at the convenience of the family.
In lieu of flowers, those wishing may contribute in her memory to the Alzheimer’s Association, 200 Meridian Centre Blvd., Suite 110, Rochester, NY 14618 or to CareFirst, 3805 Meads Creek Road, Painted Post, NY 14870. Envelopes for memorial contributions will be available at the funeral home.
The Bishop-Johnson & Desanto Funeral Home is honored to assist Helen’s family with the arrangements.
Online condolences or remembrances of Helen are welcome below or at bishopdesanto.com

12/01/2025

Barbara Lee Somerville Shults Finch

Barbara Lee Somerville Shults Finch, beloved wife, mother, grandmother, educator, and friend, passed away peacefully at Noyes Memorial Hospital in Dansville, NY, on Friday, November 14, 2025. She was 87 years old.
Born on January 7, 1938, in Hornell, New York, Barbara grew up surrounded by her close-knit family. There, she learned the values that would shape her lifelong devotion to learning, justice, and community.
Barbara was the daughter of Lee Ona Somerville Shults and Sherman Boynton Shults. She was the middle child of three. Her older brother, Sherman Shults Jr., passed away during childhood, and her younger brother, David Shults, survives her. From an early age, Barbara stood out as an exceptionally creative, curious, and compassionate person —a spirit she carried forward into every chapter of her life. A gifted student, Barbara graduated from Hornell High School in 1956 and went on to earn a Bachelor’s degree in the Arts with a focus on Government from Cornell University in 1960, where she was an active member of the Kappa Alpha Theta sorority.
Barbara’s early career began in New York City in 1960, where she worked at J. Walter Thompson Co. and attended classes at Columbia University. A few years later, she continued her studies at the University of Michigan, where she enjoyed writing movie reviews for the student newspaper and earned her Master’s degree in Education in 1964. This experience would later contribute to her finding her true calling as an educator.
Her love for writing and creativity led her west to San Francisco during a transformative and vibrant time in 1965, where she pursued new opportunities with the Working Girl Employment Agency and deepened her artistic interests, taking classes at the San Francisco Art Institute. A few years later she would move to Houston and become a teacher at a private catholic school.
For forty years, Barbara taught AP American Government, Economics, Civics, U.S. History, and Social Studies at Duchesne Academy of the Sacred Heart in Houston, Texas (1973–2013). Her classroom was both rigorous and joyful, a place where ideas were challenged, curiosity ignited, and every student was given room to grow, succeed, or learn from failure on their own terms.
She was a beloved teacher—dynamic, witty, endlessly patient, and deeply committed to helping her students understand the principles and responsibilities of citizenship. Each year, through a program called “Close Up,” she took a group of students to Washington DC to experience their government in action. One of her colleagues said, "Barb was great at getting her students to actively participate in their democracy by taking them to trials and encouraging them to register to vote.”
Her professional honors reflect the depth of her expertise and her impact on generations of students. Barbara was awarded the James Madison Fellowship in Constitutional Law at Rice University and the Woodrow Wilson Teaching Fellowship in American Government at Stanford University. She earned the APSA (American Political Science Association) Teaching Award and actively contributed to the Bill of Rights Education Collaborative, a joint initiative of the American Political Science Association and the American Historical Association, funded by The Pew Charitable Trusts. Her work helped strengthen civics education nationwide and supported teachers across the state of Texas in bringing constitutional literacy into all classrooms.
Later in life, guided by a strong belief in justice and civic engagement, Barbara returned to her studies and earned a Master’s degree in Constitutional Law from Rice University in 1998. She continued learning simply for the joy of it, taking part in summer fellowships at Stanford, Princeton, American University, and Georgetown University.
Barbara’s passions were as wide-ranging as they were sincere. She was an avid reader of The New York Times, a lifelong collector of magazines, a lover of travel, history, culture, and conversation. She drove cross-country more than 100 times—an astonishing testament to her independence, love of discovery, and delight in the open road. She embraced life with enthusiasm, humor, and an infectious joy that touched everyone who knew her.
Those who loved Barbara will remember her as a dynamic, sharp-witted, gracious, and tolerant person with endless curiosity. She was extroverted, loyal, a true social butterfly—and a legendary party-goer who cherished evenings with family, a glass of summer chardonnay, and long peaceful moments on the porch, overlooking Loon Lake. “Are we having fun yet?" was a question she would frequently ask her guests. She found joy everywhere, and no one could say her name without smiling.
Barbara is survived by her devoted husband of 63 years, Tremaine Finch, whom she married in August 1962. Together, they built a rich and loving life rooted in family, education, and shared adventure. She is also survived by her two sons, Terry and Sherman; her grandchildren, Grayson, Ava, Charlotte, and Eliot; and her brother, David Shults. She leaves behind countless friends, former students, colleagues, and loved ones who were inspired by her generosity, intellect, and radiant spirit.
Barbara maintained close and cherished friendships throughout her life. Her circle was wide, and her heart was open. She valued friendships deeply and delighted in spending time with others. She was welcoming, generous, and endlessly curious about the lives of those around her, and her presence brought joy wherever she went.
Barbara lived fully, loved deeply, and uplifted everyone around her. Her legacy lives on in her family, her students, her work, and the countless lives she touched with kindness, laughter, and unwavering belief in the goodness of people.
SERVCIE INFORMATION WILL BE ANNOUNCED BY THE FAMILY . The Bishop-Johnson & DeSanto Funeral Home, 285 Main St., Hornell is honored to assist Barbara’s family with the arrangements. Information on her Service and Celebration of Life arrangements will be posted on a later date.
In lieu of flowers, donations in Barbara’s honor may be made to the causes she cared about most—education, opportunity, and a free press: Hornell High School www.donorschoose.org/Hornell High School, Hornell High School Alumni Association, P.O. Box 135, Hornell, NY 14843 or Duchesne Academy – Library & Alumni Giving www.duchesne.org/giving/ways-to-give-clone, or organizations supporting fair journalism and a free press www.cpj.org or www.freepress.net
Online condolences or remembrances of Barbara are welcome at bishopdesanto.com or on the page of Bishop-Johnson & Desanto Funeral Home.

11/26/2025

Cathy Lou Swift
HORNELL - Cathy Lou Swift, age 80, of Big Creek Road, Hornell (Town of Fremont), died peacefully at home early Wednesday morning (Nov. 26, 2025) after a long illness.
She was born in Hornell on Aug. 25, 1945 to Ralph and Alberta Harris. Cathy worked in Hornell until her retirement in 2010. She will be best remembered as the smiling face in the Produce Department of the former Hornell Food Barn, and later-Cy’s Shurfine in Arkport, NY
Cathy was a very talented artist and woodworker. Many people still have her painted saws and slates. She loved horses and the ocean, traveling to the Outer Banks many times.
She was predeceased by her parents; sister, Billye, and daughter, Beth.
Cathy is survived by her devoted and loving partner of 43 years, Doug O’Dell; also, daughters, Lynn (Joe) D’Agostino of Hornell, Michelle Harris of Cortland, NY and step-daughter Anne Marie (Luke) West of Tennessee. She is also survived by one nephew, James (Kathy) Moore of Hornell. She was blessed with eight grandchildren, and eight great grandchildren.
The family would like to extend special thanks to Cathy’s caregiver, Valerie M. for her kindness and dedication over the past 15 months.
A celebration of Cathy’s life will be held at a later date.
The Bishop-Johnson & DeSanto Funeral Home, 285 Main St., Hornell is honored to assist Cathy’s family with the arrangements.
Online condolences or remembrances of Cathy are welcome below or at bishopdesanto.com

11/25/2025

Alan B. Turner

BATH - Alan B. Turner, 75, of Bath, NY, passed away on Saturday, November 22, 2025.
Alan was born on November 3, 1950, in Hammondsport, NY, to Durwood and Minnie Turner. He was predeceased by his first wife, Teresa Turner, and is survived by his loving wife, Lucky Turner.
Alan is also survived by his brothers Brad (Melissa) Turner and Richard (Donna) Turner; his children Ryan (Karen) Turner, Scott (Beverley) Turner, and Shawna (Bill) Dennison; stepchildren Tabitha (Keith) Rushmore and Shane (Jessica) Kinney; grandchildren Clarence Turner, Meghan & Alaina Murphy, Jake, Ryan, and Ellie Rushmore, Dee, James, Katie, and Emma Kinney; and great-grandsons Keegan & Krew Hoad.
Alan had many passions throughout his life, including fishing, hunting, camping, playing cards, and performing and directing with the Keuka Lake Players. He loved spending time with family and friends and was always willing to lend a helping hand.
Calling hours will be held on Saturday, November 29, from 1:00 PM to 3:00 PM, with a service to follow at Bishop & DeSanto Funeral Home, 35 Main Street, HAMMONDSPORT, NY.
In honor of Alan’s generous spirit, please consider doing an act of kindness in his memory.
The Bishop & DeSanto Funeral Home is honored to assist Alan’s family with the arrangements.
Online condolences or remembrances of Alan are welcome below or at bishopdesanto.com

11/16/2025

PULTENEY - Doris Reliance Romig, 104, passed peacefully on the evening of Friday, November 14, 2025, at Fred & Harriett Taylor Health, Bath, New York.

Doris was born in Benton, New York, on July 9, 1921, to the late Ethel and William Phillips and graduated from Penn Yan Academy in 1939.

On August 31, 1941, she married the late Marwood Romig and followed his work to Kenmore and Syracuse, before settling in Pulteney, New York, where they moved into her family home.

She was a homemaker and farmer for their homestead in Pulteney, where she was especially proud of her flower garden. She was also a member of the New York State Federation of Home Bureaus, Inc., Sisterhood of Friends.

Doris enjoyed both knitting and crocheting, and especially so to make gifts for her family and friends. Her children and each grandchild will be kept warm by the Afghan blankets she made for each of them.

When not knitting or crocheting, Doris could be found reading, shooting pool, or sipping on her favorite, room-temperature Niagara wine.

She is lovingly survived by daughters Judy (David) Stone and Sandy (John) Heil, several grandchildren, great-grandchildren, great-great-grandchildren, nieces, and nephews.

She is predeceased by husband Marwood Romig, parents Ethel and William Phillips, brothers Harold, Ed, Loren, and Eugene Phillips, sisters Eva Charlson and Thelma Greek, and son William Romig.

A celebration of life will be announced at a later date.

As per her wishes, Doris generously donated her remains as an anatomical gift to Northeast College of Health Sciences. Her donation to medical science will help train future healthcare professionals.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the Anatomical Gift Program, Northeast College of Health Sciences, 2360 State Route 89, Seneca Falls, N.Y. 13148-0800 OR to the Fingerlakes SPCA, 72 Cameron St, Bath, NY 14810.

Bishop & DeSanto Funeral Home, Hammondsport, is honored to assist Doris’ family with the arrangements.

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

11/12/2025

Stanley Joseph Shafer
BELFAST – Stanley Joseph Shafer, 75, of Belfast, NY, passed away peacefully late Monday morning (Nov. 10, 2025) at Strong Memorial Hospital in Rochester, NY after a brief illness.
Stan is lovingly survived by his family and friends.
Calling hours are 1-3 p.m. SUNDAY (Nov. 16, 2025) 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. MONDAY (Nov. 17, 2025).
Committal prayers and interment, with military honors, will follow at St. Mary’s Cemetery, Town of Fremont.
The United States flag and the Army flag will proudly fly at the Bishop-Johnson & Desanto Funeral Home in recognition of Stan’s military service.
In lieu of flowers, those wishing may contribute in his memory 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 and church.
The Bishop -Johnson & DeSanto Funeral Home is honored to assist Stan’s family with the arrangements.
Online condolences or remembrances of Stan are welcome below or at bishopdesanto.com

11/10/2025

In Loving Memory of Darlynn (McCormick) Spizzeri

With profound sadness and disbelief, we announce the passing of our beloved mother, Darlynn (McCormick) Spizzeri, on November 5, 2025, at the age of 73.

Born to Charles and Loyola McCormick, Darlynn was raised in a close-knit family that instilled in her the values of love, kindness, and hard work. She carried those values throughout her life, touching everyone she met with her warmth, generosity, and unwavering devotion to family.

Darlynn was predeceased by her mother, Loyola McCormick; her father, Charles McCormick; her sisters Agnes McConnell, Denise McCormick, and Micki Allis; her brother Michael McCormick; and her husband, Ernest Spizzeri.

She is survived by her daughter Gina Spizzeri and, son-in-law Mike Heinzman, and their children, Evelyn, Jessi, and Mikey; her son, Michael Spizzeri, and daughter-in-law, Amy Kim, and their children, Ernie and Emmi. She is also survived by her siblings: William (Martha) McCormick, Connie (Glen) Cole, Charlene (Gary) Wilson, Babette (Jim) Byington, Kevin (Colette) McCormick, Candice (Jim) Zimar, Kimberly (Howard) Sautter, Todd (Jackie) McCormick, Greg McCormick, Trisha (Terry) Brown; her sister-in-law Barb McCormick; and her brothers-in-law, Terry Allis and Len McConnell.

Family gatherings were always filled with laughter, stories, and the warmth of shared history—moments Darlynn cherished deeply. She was a wonderful cook who found joy in feeding everyone, whether it was a holiday feast or a simple weekday meal. Her kitchen was a place of comfort, and her food was an expression of love.

Her legacy of love, kindness, and strength will live on in all of us. While we are heartbroken by her passing, we find comfort in knowing she is breathing freely and surrounded by the people she loved who have gone before her.

Calling hours will be held on Saturday, November 15th, from 12–2 PM at Bishop & DeSanto Funeral Home, 35 Main St., HAMMONDSPORT, NY 14840. Interment will be private at St. Patrick’s Cemetery. A gathering of friends, family and loved ones will be at the Prattsburgh Firehall at 13 Allis Street, Prattsburgh, NY.

In lieu of flowers, donations in Darlynn’s memory may be made to the Prattsburgh Protective Volunteer Fire Department, 13 Allis St., Prattsburgh, NY 14873.

Bishop & DeSanto Funeral Home, HAMMONDSPORT, is honored to assist Darlynn’s family with the arrangements.

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

11/08/2025

Eleanor L. Cornish
HORNELL - Eleanor L. Cornish of Hornell, NY passed away peacefully in her home on Wednesday, November 5, 2025, at the age of 93.
She was born at home in Hornell, NY on January 10, 1932, to William and Gertrude (Weaver) Lorow. Eleanor was the youngest of six children: Helen, Robert, Donald, Margaret, Audrey and Eleanor.
In August of 1954 she married her beloved Oliver Lee Cornish, and they were married for 57 years. Together they raised five children: Kelly, Linda, Mitchell, James and Benjamin.
Eleanor was a woman with a great love for her family and friends. She and Oliver enjoyed their annual camping trips to the 1,000 Islands and trips out west with their children.
Eleanor was a homemaker: she was a wonderful cook serving up hearty family meals and delicious deserts. She also was a great ballplayer, spending many afternoons throwing the baseball with her son, Ben and attending his games.
Eleanor was predeceased by her husband, Oliver Lee Cornish; daughter, Linda D. Cornish of Hornell; son-in-law, Roger S. Kerr and grandson, Ian D. Kerr of Brockport NY. She is survived by her children; Kelly Kerr Brockport NY, Mitchell (Collette) Cornish Hornell NY, James (Tonya) Cornish Hornell NY, and Benjamin (Luisa) Cornish of Salem MA, and her grandchildren, Jessica (Jordan) Pruss of Scottsville NY, Katie (Tyler) Wi******er of Glen Burnie MD and Leeza (Brian) Kerr of Rochester NY, Madelaine Gallese, Lee Cornish , Connor and Ella Cornish, all of Hornell and three great-grandchildren, Dean and Cole Pruss and Maeve Wi******er; along with many nieces and nephews and great nieces and nephews.
A celebration of her life will be held at a later date.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to 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 Eleanor’s family with the arrangements.
Online condolences or remembrances of Eleanor are welcome below or at bishopdesanto.com

11/03/2025

Lois E. Force
BATH – Lois E. Force, 82, passed away Saturday morning (Nov. 1, 2025) at her home in Bath, NY.
Born on Dec. 21, 1942 in Penn Yan, NY, she was the eldest child of the late Durwood and Elizabeth (Hammond) Lounsberry. Besides her parents, she was also predeceased by her son, Alan Force; sister and brother-in-law, Darlene and John Hotman; daughter-in-law, Tina Force and great-grandson, Larson.

Lois is survived by one son, Wayne (Chris) Force; two sisters, Linda (Norm) Passmore and Dale (Steve) Case; grandchildren, Heather Henderson, Sabrina (Waylon) Holland, Cameron (Christina) Force, Adrian (Michelle) Force, Alex (Jennifer) Force, Adam (Patience) Force, April (Alex) Force; great-grandchildren, Rowen, Eva, Jayden, Trenton, Daria, Kora, Alan, Kelsie, Aubrey, Kenneth, Jaxon, Logan, Landon, Trenton, Kendra, Kason, Katie. Also, her great friend and wonderful caregiver, Christine Shaut; as well as many, many valued friends that she was so grateful that they were in her life including, Mary Moyer, Carol Robie and Linda Dubois.

Lois married Gordon Force in 1961, and they had two sons, Alan and Wayne. She provided daycare in her home so she could raise her family. She and Gordon parted ways but remained very good friends for life.
She did a party plan for a company called Tri-chem (liquid embroidery) for many years, where she made many lifetime friends. Lois went to work for McDonald's first in the restaurant and then in the office. While working for McDonald's, she organized many fundraisers for MDA and Ronald McDonald House. She worked there for many years until she became ill with a neuromuscular disease and was forced to resign to take time to rehabilitate. She later started her own business. Sew Happy Stitches, a custom embroidery business in Howard, NY.

Lois joined the Bath Business and Professional Women's group, which eventually changed its name to NYS Women Inc., organizing many fundraisers for the organization and served as President for many years. She also belonged to the North Cameron Grange, the Red Tornadoes Red Hat Club, a member of the board for the Dairy Festival, served as President of the Friends of Howard Community Center, where she organized many fundraisers. When she moved into the Lakeview Apartments in Bath, she started a women's club called Spunky Old Broads and they died many fundraisers to do things for the tenants that lived there. There are many other organizations that she was involved with and helped when and where she was needed. This is something that she really loved doing. Working with and helping people was her favorite thing to do.

A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date and at a place and time to be announced.

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 her family with the arrangements.

Online condolences or remembrances of Lois are welcome below or at bishopdesanto.com

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