Bishop-Johnson & DeSanto Funeral Home

04/27/2026

These are only some of the responsibilities of our licensed Funeral Directors.

04/26/2026

Mary Theresa (Argentieri) Walsh
HORNELL – Mary Theresa (Argentieri) Walsh, formerly of Hornell and Rochester, NY, passed away Saturday evening (April 25, 2026) in Northport, Long Island, where she has resided the past five years.
Arrangements with the Bishop-Johnson & DeSanto Funeral Home, 285 Main St., Hornell are incomplete.
A complete obituary will appear soon.

04/26/2026

Valerie Mehlenbacher-Tears
Valerie Mehlenbacher-Tears, age 90, passed away peacefully on Thursday (April 23, 2026), after a long and courageous battle with dementia.
Born on March 24, 1936, Valerie lived a life centered on love, family, and resilience. She was a devoted mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother whose presence brought comfort and strength to those around her. Valerie was very active and found joy in life’s simple pleasures—playing cards, enjoying picnics, and, most of all, spending time surrounded by her beloved family. Valerie had a wonderful sense of humor and always knew how to make those around her laugh. She also had a deep love for old country music, which brought her much joy throughout her life.
Valerie dedicated over 40 years of her career to North American Phillips Lighting (formerly Westinghouse), where she was known for her strong work ethic and commitment. She was also an active member of the Pulteney Ladies Auxiliary for many years, where she built lasting friendships and contributed to her community.
She is survived by her six loving children: Florence (John) Updike, Lawrence Mehlenbacher, Doris Gilbert (Jack Ravis), Norman Edwin Mehlenbacher, Brian (Kelly) Mehlenbacher, and Norma (Russell) Hall. Valerie’s legacy continues through her 12 grandchildren, 27 great-grandchildren, and 9 great-great-grandchildren, all of whom she cherished deeply.
She was predeceased by the love of her life, her husband, Norman Charles Mehlenbacher, with whom she shared a lifetime of love and partnership.
Valerie is also survived by several nieces, nephews, and many dear friends and extended family members who will remember her kindness, strength, and enduring love.
The family will be holding a Celebration of Life from 1-4 p.m. SUNDAY (May 24, 2026), at the Bath VFW.
The Bishop & DeSanto Funeral Home, 35 Main St., HAMMONDSPORT is honored to assist Valerie’s family with the arrangement.
Online condolences or remembrances of Valerie are welcome below or at bishopdesanto.com

04/23/2026

Theodore “Ted” Harold Egger
HORNELL - Theodore “Ted” Harold Egger, 78, of Hornell, NY passed away peacefully in the early morning hours of Tuesday (April 21, 2026), surrounded by his wife and children.
Born on July 23, 1947, in Corning, NY, he was the son of the late Theodore Charles Egger and Helen Scott Overton. Ted lived a life defined by service, devotion to family, and an unwavering commitment to youth sports. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his brother, Daniel Overton. Ted was a dedicated family man, lifelong sports enthusiast, and beloved member of the Hornell community.
A native of Corning, NY, Ted graduated from Corning West High School. His accomplishments later led to his induction into the Corning Sports Hall of Fame. He continued his education at Miami Dade College and Baylor University. Ted was a decorated United State Marine and Vietnam veteran, serving two tours as a crew chief and gunner. He held the rank of E-4 Corporal and was awarded 13 Air Medals along with his flight wings for his service.
He worked for the Delaware & Hudson Railroad as a conductor and for the Erie Lackawanna Railroad as a trainman. He enjoyed golfing, watching the Buffalo Bills and watching his grandkids excel in their sports.
In 1974, Ted made Hornell his home, where he met and married the love of his life, Susan Peroginelli, in 1976. Together they built a beautiful life and raised six children. He was also the proud grandfather of nine grandchildren and four great grandchildren.
Ted’s passion for youth and sports shaped much of his life. He devoted over two decades to coaching and mentoring young athletes. He began with the Maple City Softball League, where he served as a coach, umpire, Vice President and eventually President. He also coached YMCA girls’ and boys’ basketball, Little League baseball, and spent 14 years coaching Hornell Youth Football. Wrestling remained close to his heart, and he could often be found supporting youth wrestling tournaments. Beyond athletics, Ted was deeply committed to his community. He was a communicant of Our Lady of the Valley Church and volunteered at St. Ann’s School. He served on the Board of Directors for Hornell Campfire. His dedication to youth and community earned him the honor of being named the Hornell Knights of Columbus Sportsman of the Year in 2005. Ted will be remembered for his kindness, sense of humor, and his unwavering support for his family and community.
Ted is survived by his wife of 50 years, Susan Peroginelli Egger; children Sarah Becher (Joe) of Ferdinand, IN, Ted Egger (Sarah) of Angola, NY, Julie Stuart (David) of Hornell, NY, Brian Egger of Charlotte, NC, Eric Egger of Hornell, NY and Matthew Shannon of Tampa, FL; grandchildren, Cody (Tina), Riley, Aleah, Maddie, Dylan, Collin, Sadie, TJ & Christian.
Great-grandchildren, Dylan, Izzy, Jonah and Scarlette. Siblings, Larry David Egger (Janet), Karen Overton Mix (Walter) and sister-in-law, Ella Overton. As well as several nieces and nephews.
To his family, he was everything-a husband, a father, a grandfather, a protector and a constant source of strength. He gave his time, his energy and his whole heart to those he loved, never asking for anything in return. The world feels quieter without him, and there is a space in our lives that can never be filled. But the love he built-the love he was-will carry on in each of us. We will hear him in our laughter, feel him in our strength and see him in the way we show up for one another. His legacy will continue to guide us, steady us and remind us of what truly matters.
There will be no calling hours. 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. TUESDAY (April 28, 2026). Interment, with full military honors, will take place at 1 p.m. TUESDAY at Bath National Cemetery. Following the services at the cemetery everyone is invited to a celebration of Ted’s life beginning at 2 p.m. at The Main Place, 251 Main St., Hornell.
In lieu of flowers, those wishing may contribute in Ted’s memory to Hornell Youth Football (please make checks payable to HYFL), P.O. Box 66, Hornell or to Maple City Softball, 11 Adsit St., 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 Ted’s family with the arrangements.
Online condolences or remembrances of Ted are welcome below or at bishopdesanto.com

04/23/2026

What happens when someone passes away in another state?

04/22/2026

William Fitch Cheney IV “Bill”
SCIO - William Fitch Cheney IV (Bill), 87, of Scio, NY, passed away on Tuesday (April 21, 2026), after a courageous battle with cancer. He was surrounded by his loving wife and children at the time of his passing.
Born on January 9, 1939, in Willimantic, Connecticut, to William F. and Helene (Walter) Cheney, Bill’s lifelong curiosity and drive were evident early. At age 14, he earned his amateur radio license (call signs W1YWU and W8AEI), a hobby he pursued with passion for decades.
He graduated from the University of Connecticut at age 20 with a degree in Electrical Engineering and participated in ROTC. In 1959, he was commissioned into the United States Air Force, where he served with distinction for 26½ years, retiring as a full Colonel in 1985. His career included a tour in Vietnam; assignments at a radar station in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula; service as a Missile Launch Officer at Cape Canaveral, Florida; a posting at the Pentagon; and two tours at Wright-Patterson AFB in Ohio. He earned a master’s degree from the Air Force Institute of Technology and a PhD in Strategic Management from Purdue University. His final active-duty assignment was with the Electronic Systems Division at Hanscom AFB, Massachusetts. He retired with a memorable ceremony aboard the USS Constitution (“Old Ironsides”) in Boston Harbor.
After his military service, Bill worked for 10 years at Lockheed Martin. He then fulfilled a longtime dream by building a custom cedar home in Scio, New York—a project that inspired him to launch his own business, Cheney Custom Cedar Homes, which he operated for 10 years before retiring in 2006.
Bill shared 66 years of marriage with his beloved wife, Elizabeth (Betty) Daley. Together, they raised six children and created a close-knit family that remained central to his life. He was preceded in death by his third son, Steven E. Cheney. He is survived by his wife Betty; children William R. (Brenda) Cheney, Katherine A. Alley, David A. (Olga) Cheney, Susan M. (Eric) Otto, and Kenneth V. Cheney; 18 grandchildren; and 10 great-grandchildren.
The family’s cedar home on the hill, affectionately known as “VEAMAR Vista,” became a beloved gathering place for the extended family. An avid reader, Bill maintained a library of more than 6,000 books, along with numerous professional journals. In his later years, Bill enjoyed traveling to visit his children and grandchildren, tending his large homestead from his John Deere tractor, and—more often than not—defeating family members in spirited games of Words with Friends and Canasta. Bill will be remembered for his intellect, determination, patriotism, and deep devotion to his family.
There will be an hour of calling from 10-11 a.m. MONDAY (April 27, 2026) at the Bishop-Johnson & DeSanto Funeral Home, 285 Main St., Hornell where a funeral service will take place at 11 a.m. MONDAY. Private interment, with military honors, will follow at Alfred Rural Cemetery, Alfred Station, NY.
The United States flag and the Air Force flag will proudly fly at the Bishop-Johnson & DeSanto Funeral Home in recognition of Bill’s military service.
In lieu of flowers, donations in Bill’s memory may be made to the Wounded Warrior Project, P.O. Box 758516, Topeka, KS 66675-8516, (woundedwarriorproject.org), the Tunnel to Towers Foundation, 2361 Hyland Blvd., Staten Island, NY 10306 (t2t.org) or the American Head & Neck Society (AHNS),15821 Ventura Blvd., Suite 400, Encino, CA 91436 (foundation@ahns.info). Envelopes for memorial contributions will be available at the funeral home.
The family extends heartfelt thanks to the Allegany County Hospice team, the Jones Memorial Hospital Comfort Care team, and Bill’s oncology caregivers for their compassionate support and dignity in his final days.
Online condolences or remembrances of Bill are welcome below or at bishopdesanto.com

04/22/2026

Painted Post - Patricia A. Collins passed peacefully, surrounded by family, on April 13, 2026.

Born in Cameron, New York, to the late Belva (Wright) and Gerald F. Clark, she was known to appreciate a change in scenery and moved between Bath, Hammondsport, and Florida, before settling in Painted Post in the last few years.

She graduated from Canisteo Central High School and went on to earn a Liberal Arts Degree from SUNY Corning Community College.

Patricia had a diverse portfolio working as a Village Trustee in Hammondsport, at the old Phillips Lighting Company, Taylor Winery, Keuka Family Practice, and Empire 9. She was a member of both the Hammondsport and Bath Volunteer Ambulance Corps’, and a member of the Red Hat Society.

She enjoyed quilting, applique, embroidery, along with hosting game nights playing cards, board games, or dominoes.

She is lovingly survived by her siblings Barb (Lynn) Neal, Janet States, and Larry Dickinson, children Marcia Drake and Terry (Tina) Learn, step-children Erin Collins, and Craig (Trish) Collins, 11 grandchildren, many great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews, and friends.

Patricia is predeceased by her above-mentioned parents and her loving husband, Kent Collins.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation in Patricia’s name to the Hammondsport Fire Department, Po Box 337, Hammondsport, New York, 14840.

A graveside service will be held at 11:00 AM Saturday, May 23, 2026, at Pleasant Valley Cemetery, Hammondsport, with Rev. Sheila Price officiating. There will be a luncheon to follow at the Hammondsport Fire Department.

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

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

04/20/2026

The purchase of our funeral home in Avoca & Hammondsport, and Steven DeSanto.

04/17/2026

Funeral Service Live Stream for George W. Quackenbush - Saturday, 10am from St. Ann's Church

April 18, 2026

04/17/2026

Our casket selection room in our Hammondsport location.

04/15/2026

I want to thank everyone for their amazing comments about my 50th anniversary as a funeral director! They meant so much to me!

04/15/2026

What happens when someone passes away at home? Unexpectedly or under the care of hospice, we take your loved one into our care with dignity and respect.