Bishop-Johnson & DeSanto Funeral Home

09/05/2025

Katherine M. “Kathy” Spears
AVOCA – Katherine M. “Kathy” Spears, 77, of Grant Street, passed away on Thursday (Sept. 4, 2025) at the Vincent House in Wayland, NY.
Born in Wayland on June 24, 1948 she was a daughter of the late Glenn W. and Alice V. (Payne) Wray. On Dec. 29, 1966 she was married to her “soul mate”, William S. Spears who predeceased her on June 14, 2019 after 52 years of marriage, loving each other every day. Besides her parents and husband, she was also predeceased by one sister, Lois in 2011 and a longtime friend, Debbie Mullikin in 2007.
They were blessed with two sons, that she was very proud of, Stacy (Maranda Norton) and Glenn (Jennifer Bedient); she had eight grandchildren, Darian (Justin), Kaylyn, Andrew (Jilly), Katherine, Shannon, Christopher “Dob”, Gabriel and Genna; and one great-grandson, Tyler. She also had a special brother-in-law, Aud and his wife, Donna.
Kathy will be remembered most of all for being kind to almost everyone.
The family would like to express their sincere appreciation to everyone at the Vincent House for the wonderful care she received.
Calling hours are from 1-3 p.m. Sunday (Sept. 7, 2025) at the Bishop & DeSanto Funeral Home,22 N. Main St., AVOCA, where a funeral service will take place following calling hours at 3 p.m. Sunday.
In lieu of flowers, Kathy requested that everyone should do something for someone else.
The Bishop & DeSanto Funeral Home in honored to assist Kathy’s family with the arrangements.
Online condolences or remembrances of Kathy are welcome below or at www.bishopdesanto.com

09/03/2025

HAMMONDSPORT - Margaret "Peg" Wilson, 74, passed away peacefully on September 2, 2025, in Hammondsport, New York.

Born on May 14, 1951, in Elmira, New York, Peg lived a life marked by compassion, dedication, and a deep love for the people and world around her.

Peg earned her Bachelor of Science in Physical Therapy from Ithaca College in 1975. Her professional path reflected her caring nature and commitment to helping others—a theme that carried through every aspect of her life.

For 50 years, Peg shared a devoted marriage with her husband Craig. Together, they built a loving family that includes their daughter Christine and son-in-law Jim R***r. Peg found immense joy in being a grandmother to Emma and Ellie R***r, cherishing every moment spent with them.

She was predeceased by her parents, Bob and Midge Bailey, as well as her sisters Carol Bailey and Roberta Wambold, along with her nephew Todd Wambold. Their memories remained close to Peg’s heart throughout her life.

Peg’s passions were rooted in connection with people, nature, and all living things. She loved spending time with family and friends, treasuring those relationships above all else. Her home was always brightened by the vibrant red geraniums she so lovingly tended. She also loved spending time with friends and family during the winter months in Florida. Whether hiking wooded trails, biking scenic routes, or fishing and boating on the water she adored, Peg found peace and joy in the outdoors. Keuka Lake held a special place in her heart; it was where she felt most at home.

A gentle spirit with a generous heart, Peg gave back to her community through volunteer work with local organizations. Her kindness extended beyond people—she had a deep affection for animals and all forms of life. Many of her friendships spanned more than five decades, a testament to the warmth and loyalty she brought into every relationship.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Peg’s name to the Lupus Foundation of America, The American Lung Association, or The American Heart Association—causes that reflect the values she held dear.

Peg’s legacy lives on through the love she shared and the lives she touched. May her memory bring comfort to those who knew her.

Calling hours will be held on September 6, 2025, from 11:00 AM to 01:00 PM at Bishop & DeSanto Funeral Home, 35 Main Street Hammondsport, NY. There will also be a celebration of life get-together in summer 2026, date to be determined.

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

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

09/03/2025

PULTENEY - John A. Tears, 73, a lifelong resident of Pulteney, New York, passed away on August 31, 2025, after a courageous battle with cancer. He was surrounded by his loving family. A devoted husband, dad, grandpa, friend, and neighbor. John will be remembered for his unwavering dedication to his family, his service to his country, and his boundless commitment to his community.

Born on August 18, 1952, in Bath, NY, John was the son of Roy “Peck” Tears and Stella Tears. Growing up in Pulteney, he forged deep roots in the community he loved and would serve for decades.

John’s life exemplified commitment to others both at home and abroad. At just 20 years old, he became one of the last young men in New York State to be drafted into the U.S. Army, serving from 1972 to 1974. Stationed in Gieson, Germany, he had the unique experience of living in a castle alongside his Army buddy and lifelong friend, Larry Crabtree. Following active duty, John continued his service in the Army Reserves until 1996, embodying a steadfast sense of duty.

Upon returning home, John built a career at Mercury Aircraft, retiring after nearly four decades of dedicated work. But perhaps his greatest contributions were to the town he called home. A lifelong resident of Pulteney, John poured his time and energy into volunteering for his community. He was a proud and active member of the Pulteney Fire Department, Pulteney Fire Commissioners, Pulteney Fire Police Captain, and a dedicated driver for the Pulteney Ambulance Corps. He was also a past member of the Pulteney Ambulance Corps. He lent his help to countless calls.

John extended his service through active membership in the Bath Veterans of Foreign Wars and the Hammondsport American Legion Post 407. As a proud member of the American Legion Color Guard, he was a familiar presence at parades and ceremonial events, honoring fellow veterans and the country he served.

John took the greatest pride in his family. He was a loving husband to Conny, devoted dad to Jason (Becky) Tears, and the very best grandpa to Stefania and Madison Tears—never missing a concert, a sporting event, or any special moment. Grandpa was always ready with a joke, an encouraging word, or a cheer from the sidelines, and loved the adventures and crazy fun he shared with his granddaughters.

John had a soft spot for animals, especially compassion for the neighborhood stray cats. One special orange cat, Ollie, found a forever home with him and became a spoiled member of the house. He enjoyed gatherings with family, spending time with friends at the VFW and Legion, helping out with anything needed at the firehouse, and especially, going on many cruises with family and friends.

He is survived by his loving wife of over 50 years, Conny; beloved son Jason (Becky); his cherished granddaughters Stefania and Madison; brother Donald (Rhonda); sister Patty Williams; sisters-in-law, Peggy, Janet and Vivian; and brother-in-law Allen; and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his father, Roy “Peck” Tears, mother, Stella Tears and his brothers William, Ronald, and James Tears.

John will be remembered always as a loving husband, great dad, and the best grandpa—generous with his time, loyal to his friends, and dedicated to helping those in need. His sense of humor, kindness, and selflessness touched everyone fortunate enough to know him.

A Celebration of Life will be held at the Pulteney Fire House on Sunday, September 21, 2025, from 1:00 pm to 4:00 pm. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in John’s honor to the Pulteney Fire Department or Hammondsport American Legion Post 407. He will be dearly missed, but his legacy of service and love will carry on in the hearts of all who knew him.

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

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

08/28/2025

Funeral & Graveside Service Live Stream for Margaret L. Di Dio - Thursday morning at 10am!

August 21, 2025

08/26/2025

Luther C. Perkins of Hammondsport NY, died August 20th at his home.

He was born on July 2nd, 1928 in the town of Wayne, to Luther and Stella Bason Perkins. He graduated from Dundee Central School in 1946, and from Alfred State in 1948, with a degree in Rural Engineering. He served two years with the US Army Signal Corp, one year in Germany with the 321st Signal Battalion in 1952.

He and his father owned and operated Perkins and Son Hardware in the village of Hammondsport for 28 years. Following the sale of the business in 1976, he was employed by the school district as a bus driver, and as a Blue Bird bus parts salesman for Western NY.

He served a term as a town councilman and in 1984 the town of Urbana appointed him sole assessor, a position he held until his retirement in 1995. During this time he served as president of the Steuben County Assessors Association. The town of Urbana also appointed him voting machine custodian.

Following his retirement he joined the American Red Cross DSHR System and traveled to many areas in the US as well as Puerto Rico and Guam in order to assist victims of disasters.

He was very active in his church, St Gabriel's, where he was a lay reader, and Eucharist Minister, and served on the building and grounds committee.

He was a volunteer docent for the Glenn Curtiss Museum. He served on the Advisory Board of the Office for the Aging. He was a member of the Board of Directors of the American Red Cross Northern Steuben County Chapter during the time it merged with Corning and Hornell to become the Greater Steuben County Chapter.

Luther was a 4th Degree Knight and active with the Precious Blood Council #5147 in Bath, NY, where he served as Grand Knight for two terms, and as treasurer of the Bingo Association for 11 years.

Other organizations for which he contributed include the Loaves and Fishes Pantry, Project Care, Hammondsport Ambulance Corps, of which he was a charter and Honorary member, the Institute for Human Services, and the American Heart Association. He was a member of the American Legion Post #407.

Luther was predeceased by his beloved wife Lucyna and by his son Kenneth. He is survived by his three sons, Patrick(Kim), Neal, John (Tammy), and daughter Cynthia, three granddaughters Kara (Tom) Wheeler, Sarah(Don) Gantz, Stella Perkins and grandsons Kyle Perkins, John, Justin, Joshua, Kenneth, and Dylan (Koryn) Cecce, and 19 great grand children.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at St Gabriel's on October the 4th at 11:00 AM, followed by a Celebration of Life reception at the American Legion Post #407. Burial will be at the National Cemetery of the Veterans Administration Center in Bath NY at a later date.

Arrangements are by Bishop & DeSanto Funeral Home, 35 Main St., HAMMONDSPORT.

Memorial contributions may be made to St Gabriel's, or to CareFirst NY, 3805 Meads Creek Road, Painted Post, NY 14870.

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

08/21/2025

Doris Parker Dailey
ALMOND/HORNELL - Doris Parker Dailey, 102, formerly of Karr Valley Road, Almond, NY passed away Monday afternoon (Aug. 18, 2025) at the home of her daughter, Anne, on Platt Street in Hornell.
Born in Angelica, NY in the home of her late grandparents, Jesse and Annie Rowe on June 26, 1923, she was the daughter of the late Claude and Blanche (Rowe) Parker. Besides her parents and grandparents, she was also predeceased by her husband, Orville Dailey to whom she was briefly married to (1951-1957) until his early death; her son-in-law, David Leo Hunt; her in-laws, Lee and Ida Dailey; siblings and their spouses, Jessie (Gordon) Wereley, Margaret (Francis) Kenney, Gerald (Virginia) Parker, Donald Parker and Kathryn (James) Renwand; along with several cousins, nieces and nephews.
A graduate of Blossburg (PA) High School, Doris was the valedictorian of her class. She also graduated from Alfred State College and Empire College of New York. Doris was a longtime resident of Almond before moving to Hornell several years ago. She was employed as a Cytologist and Bacteriologist for the former Karl Clinic in Hornell, the former Bethesda Community Hospital in North Hornell, Steuben County Labs and retired at the age of 74 from St. James Mercy Hospital in Hornell.
Doris was a member of the American Association of Clinical Pathologist (ASCP) and she thoroughly enjoyed volunteering as a Cub Scout Leader in the 1960’s,
An avid reader, she could read a book a day. Doris also gifted her grandchildren with her beautiful homemade crocheted afghans. She also enjoyed gardening flowers and vegetables. However, the greatest joys of her life were her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She followed all their sports and school events.
Doris was a member of the former St. Brendan’s Church in Almond and later became a member of Our Lady of the Valley Parish and was a communicant of St. Ann’s Church n Hornell. She was deeply spiritual throughout her life, constantly praying and wearing her rosary bracelet.
She is lovingly survived by her son, Lee Dailey; her daughter, Anne Hunt (Michael Caruso); grandchildren, David Hunt and his children, Kussondra and Ethan, Jessica Hunt (Edgardo Viera) and their children, Julianna, Giada and Benjamin, Christopher (Jennifer) Hunt and their children, Addison, Charlotte “Charlie” and Nolan Parker Hunt; her great-great-grandson, Leo M. Hunt; stepson, Russell (Ruth Ann) Dailey and their children, Chad and Nicole. In addition, she is also survived by her 107-year-old aunt, Bernie Maynard and her son, Patrick; as well as her sister-in-law, Lois Parker Scott. Doris also cherished her many nieces, nephews and cousins.
The family wishes to thank Teresa Bates for the loving respite care that she provided to Doris and to CareFirst in her final earthly days.
To honor her wishes there will be no calling hours. A private viewing and prayer service will take place at the convenience of the family at the Bishop-Johnson & DeSanto Funeral Home, 285 Main St., Hornell. Interment will follow at Fairview Cemetery on Karr Valley in Almond.
In lieu of flowers, those wishing may contribute in her memory to the Hornell Public Library, 64 Genesee St., Hornell, NY 14843.
The Bishop-Johnson & DeSanto Funeral Home, 285 Main St., Hornell is honored to assist Doris’ family with the arrangements.
Online condolences or remembrances of Doris are welcome below or at www.bishopdesanto.com.

08/20/2025

Margaret L. “Margie” Di Dio
HORNELL – Margaret L. “Margie” Di Dio, 95, of Riverside Place, went home to be with Jesus, in the presence of her loving family, on Monday afternoon (Aug. 18, 2025) at St. James Hospital in Hornell.
Born in Hornell on Jan. 11, 1930 she was a daughter of the late Giacomo “Jimmy” & Helena (Solo) Messina. Besides her parents, she was also predeceased by her granddaughter, Autumn Di Dio and great-grandson, Sawyer Karns-McManus; three sisters, infant Pauline Messina, Mary (William) Riker, Theresa (Charles)Van Volkenburg and one brother, Anthony “Tony” (Loretta) Messina; also, her two very dear friends, Leona Dessena an Edna (Fiacco)Tuite.
A lifelong resident of Hornell, Margie graduated from Hornell High School & was a participant in the Alumni. She was also a graduate of the International Academy of Beauty Culture in Buffalo, NY. Margie operated her own beauty salon” Marge’s Beauty Shop” for several years in Hornell before she assisted her husband, Ambrose “Andy” at Di Dio’s TV in Hornell where she served as a sale person and bookkeeper; they retired in 2003.
Margie was a member of Our Lady of the Valley Parish and was a devout communicant of St. Ann’s Church in Hornell where she volunteered as a member of the “Cleaning Crew” and was a member of the Perpetual Adoration Chapel. Throughout the years she served as a Campfire and Blue Bird co-leader and was a member of the Women’s Auxiliary of the Carducci Lodge, Sons of Italy.
A loving and devoted wife, mother, grandmother & aunt, she was always interested in what was going on in the lives of her children, grandchildren, nieces & nephews. Margie dearly loved being a homemaker and loved spending time with her family especially during the holidays. Margie was always concerned if you had something to eat, that was the Italian in her. One of her past times was watching her favorite shows; she loved the Hallmark channel “Christmas in July”, “Golden Girls”, “Everybody Loves Raymond” and ice skating during the Olympics. Margie was proud of the fact that she learned how to drive at the age of 40.
Margie will be remembered for her tremendous intellect, quick wit, humor, friendly demeanor, beautiful smile, loving nature, conversations on the phone with her loved ones & her home was always welcome to visitors. She will be dearly missed by all those who knew and loved her.
She is lovingly survived by her devoted husband of 69 years, Andy who she married at St. Ann’s Church in Hornell on Aug. 4, 1956; five children, Mary Ann Di Dio (Thomas M. Flansburg) of Cohocton, Joseph A. (Monica) Di Dio of Stafford, VA, James G. (Cindy) Di Dio of Bedford, TX, John P. Di Dio (Annette Freeland) of Hornell and Elizabeth A. “Beth” (Steven) Turner of Rochester, NY; 18 grandchildren, Nicholas (Nyki) Karns-McManus, Grady McManus, Cailey (Vincent) Taylor, Ashleigh (Eric) Wintersteen, Alexander (Lauren) Di Dio, Amelia (Matthew) Adams, Addison (Emily) Di Dio, Alden Di Dio, Nina (Shane) Pryor, Andy (Andrea) Di Dio, Jason Di Dio, Candice (James) Thornberg, Connor Di Dio, Briana (Brendan) Norman, Carson, Trevor, Paul Di Dio, Kelsey (Vinny) Guida,; 25 great-grandchildren; one brother, Joseph Messina of Boston, MA; as well as many nieces, nephews and cousins.
Thank you to the staff at Venture Forthe for providing wonderful care over the past year.
Calling hours are 4-6 p.m. Wednesday (Aug. 27, 2025) 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. Thursday (Aug. 28, 2025). Committal prayers an interment will follow at St. Ann’s Cemetery, Hornell. All the services will be live streamed and may be seen either on the homepage of www.bishopdesanto.com or on the page of Bishop-Johnson & DeSanto Funeral Home for 30 days beginning at 10 a.m. Thursday (Aug. 28, 2025).
In lieu of flowers, those wishing may contribute 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.
The Bishop-Johnson & DeSanto Funeral Home is honored to assist Margie’s family with the arrangements.
Online condolences or remembrances of Margie are welcome below or at www.bishopdesanto.com

08/18/2025

Terry DeMello (Rose Agnes Santana)

NAPLES - Terry DeMello, born Rose Agnes Santana, passed away peacefully on August 18, 2025 at home in Naples, NY at the age of 90. She was born on November 1, 1934, in Kapaia, Kauai, Hawaii and was the beloved granddaughter of Jack and Victoria DeMello, who lovingly raised her on their farm on the Big Island of Hawaii.

She was preceded in death by her grandparents, Jack and Victoria DeMello; her mother, Katherine DeMello; her children, John Lee Svoboda (Delaney), Larry Kohn, Jacqueline Kohn, and her husband Michael Taylor. She is survived by her companion of many years John Delaney, her daughters, Leslie (Deb) Svoboda (Delaney), Sally Kohn and her stepchildren Richard Svoboda Jr., Theresa Lundquist and Michael Svoboda; 15 grandchildren and 31 great-grandchildren who will carry forward her legacy of love, strength and creativity.

Terry lived a life that was filled with adventure, grace and artistry. Though Hawaii was always her heart’s home, her life carried her across the world living in New York, California and more than 20 years in Australia. She proudly celebrated her Portuguese Hawaiian heritage everywhere she lived while also adopting and honoring Australian culture as her own.

Terry was a true artist and expressed herself in many ways. She created heirloom Hawaiian quilts, painted and sewed countless pieces, wrote with passion, cooked with creativity and even modeled and danced hula in her younger years. Her gardens bloomed like something out of a fairytale full of vibrant flowers and fruits. She also had a deep love for animals from her cherished Chihuahuas, cats or the wild animals she always found a way to feed and care for.

Of all her passions, nothing brought Terry more happiness than her Ohana. She loved deeply and was most happy when she was surrounded by her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
Her life was a beautiful tapestry that was woven with heritage, creativity, resilience and devotion to family. Terry’s spirit will continue to live on in every quilt stitched, every garden bloomed, every recipe cooked, and every story told by those who loved her.

Services will be held at a later date.

This obituary was lovingly written by her granddaughter, Blythe Luana DeClerck.

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

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

08/18/2025

Augusta Marie Draper was reunited with her husband, Kenneth, son Ryan, and companion, Roger Sincerbox, on August 15, 2025. She passed away peacefully with her family at her side.

Kit, as she had been called since childhood, was a force to be reckoned with and had a strength that marveled all that knew her.
Kit was born August 26, 1939, to Clyde and Neva Andrews. She is survived by their 12th child, June.

As a child, Kit bravely battled and overcame Polio at a time when the disease claimed so many a testament to her strength and resilience. Kit graduated high school and then married Kenneth in 1957. Together they had five children; Jeanette (Ronald), Rodney (Melanie), Roger (Teresa), Robert (Karen), and the late Ryan Draper (Miriam).
Kit was stepmother to Rogette, Ryan (Michelle), Glen (Danette), and the late Susan Sincerbox.

Kit took great joy being Grandmother to; Kyle, Jeremy, Jennifer, David, Ashley, Chelsea, Nicholas, Taylor, Eric, Zane, Tucker, Logan, Kenneth, Keith, Autumn, Erin, Cameron, Ryan, Cole, Susan, Morgan, Keagan, and Morgan. And Great Grandmother to; Brianna, Emily, Landon, Dakota, Harper, Oliver, Delta, Keera, Connor, and Daelyn.

Kit enjoyed tending to her flower garden, bird watching, and giving too many treats to her grand dogs. A scoop of ice cream or an occasional glass of sweet white Niagara wine could always put a twinkle in her eye.

A graveside service will be held Friday, August 22, at 12:30 PM at the Mitchellsville Cemetery, Bath, NY, following a private viewing and service at Bishop & DeSanto, Hammondsport, NY.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Kit's honor to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital.

Bishop & DeSanto Funeral Home, Hammondsport, is honored to assist Kit’s family with the arrangements.
Online condolences or remembrances are welcome below in the comment section, or at bishopdesanto.com.

08/11/2025

Shirley K. Griffin

PULTENEY - Shirley K. Griffin of Pulteney, NY, passed away peacefully on Saturday, January 18, 2025.

Shirley was born on January 29, 1931, to the late Edwin and Florence Kniffin. She married David Griffin on July 11, 1953, at Saint Mary’s Church in Corning, NY. Shirley was a loving wife, mother, and grandmother.

Shirley graduated from Corning Northside High School, Class of 1949, and remained active in the Northside High School Alumni Association for many years. She retired from Corning Painted Post School District where she was an administration assistant at West High School. Shirley loved living at Keuka Lake with her husband David, enjoying the view, sailing, and all that lake life has to offer.

Shirley is survived by daughters Michelle (Michael) Quattrini of Corning, NY, Stephany (Morris) Skenderian of Laguna Beach, CA, and grandson Richard (Colleen) Miller of Denver, CO. She is also survived by sisters Jane Goltry of Dunedin, FL, and Rosalie (Lee) Wilson of Tucson AZ, along with many loving nieces and nephews.

Shirley was predeceased by her husband David and son Dan, brothers Dan Kniffin and Dick Kniffin, and brother-in-law Dick Goltry.

A Celebration of Shirley's Life will be held on Saturday, August 23, 2025, at The Center located at 400 Park Avenue, Corning, NY 14830, from 12 noon until 3:00 p.m.

Those wishing to make donations in her memory, please consider the Pulteney Free Library, 9224 County Route 74, Pulteney, NY 14874, or The Keuka Lake Association, 2466 NY-54A, Suite 207, Penn Yan, NY 14527, for the preservation of Keuka Lake, which was very near and dear to her heart.

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

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

08/08/2025

Charles Albert Zimmerman

PULTENEY - Charles Albert Zimmerman passed away on Wednesday, August 6, 2025.

Charles was born April 13, 1939, to the late Theodore and Esther (Nichols) Zimmerman in Rochester, New York, and moved to Pulteney in the early 70’s, where he raised his children and made many friends.

Charles was a member of the Prattsburgh Fire Department for many years before moving to Pulteney, and was a member of the Pulteney Fire Department for more than 50 years. He was also a Cub Scout Leader and enjoyed spending his free time fishing.

He had several jobs working on farms and worked for Genoe Tree Services before working for Airflo Manufacturing for 27 years, retiring in 2002. Charles spent his first few months as a retiree traveling the United States in his camper and visiting relatives along his journey.

He is predeceased by his above-mentioned parents, Theodore and Esther (Nishols) Zimmerman, brother Theodore “Elmer” Zimmerman, sister-in-law Judy Zimmerman, brother-in-law Edward Brown, daughter Corina Peters, nephew Brian Brown, son-in-law Donald Weaver Jr., and great-granddaughter Anessa Chancio.

Charles is survived by his brother Michael (Phyllis) Zimmerman, and sister Patricia (Cookie) Brown, children Christine and Robert Sullivan, Terry Zimmerman, Marcia Martin, Tammy Weaver, and Rodney (Christie) Zimmerman, grandchildren Johnnie (Danielle) Peters, Christina Peters, Kathy Peters, Michael (Emma) Sullivan, Joey (Kristen) Sullivan, Brooke Zimmerman, Tanner Zimmerman, Eddie Martin Jr., Dania Martin, Alina Martin, Tiara (Nick) Quant, Haley Weaver, Kadence Weaver, Dylan (Stephanie) Storrs, Brittany (Christopher Sagerman) Storrs, and Logan Zimmerman, as well as 19 great-grandchildren, and several nieces, nephews, and cousins.

Calling hours for Charles will be held on Friday, August 15, 2025, from 2:00 PM to 6:00 PM at the Bishop & DeSanto Funeral Home, 35 Main Street, Hammondsport, New York, where a service will take place at 6:00 PM.

In lieu of flowers, please consider donating in Charles’ memory to the Pulteney Fire Department, PO Box 35, Pulteney, New York 14874.

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

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

08/04/2025

Charles Robert Flansburg
HORNELL- Born July 18, 1943, died Sunday Aug. 3, 2025 at the age of 82.
Born to Charles E. Flansburg and Helen G (Lorow) Flansburg here in Hornell at the old St. James Hospital. Charles grew up on Clay Street and Hart Street in Hornell. He is a graduate of Hornell High School class of 1961 and graduated from Geneseo College in 1970 graduating the same year as his wife Mary Ann (Stilson) Flansburg. Charles and Mary Ann were married July 24, 1971. Together they raised six children; Charles F. Flansburg of Allentown Pa, Joseph M. Flansburg of Hornell, Mary Liz (Kevin) Bartell of Hornell, Ann (Derek) Hardy of Oceanside, CA, Thomas G. Flansburg of Hornell, and Rebecca H. Flansburg of Hornell.
Charles is predeceased by his parents, Charles and Helen Flansburg, as well as his brother, Thomas M. Flansburg. Charles is survived by his wife of 54 years, Mary; and their children, as well as his brothers and sister, James Flansburg, Robert Flansburg, Michele Flansburg, Liz Lieb, and Ellen Tobin, and his seven grandchildren, and two adopted grandchildren.
Charles along with his brothers and father co-owned and operated Charles’ Supreme Ice Cream on Seneca Street until its closure. Charles was employed by the Erie Lackawanna Railroad in Hornell, Barkers Lumber of Bath, Fatima International in Cheadle, Stoke-on Trent, England, McDonalds (on Seneca Street) in Hornell, Stern & Stern Textile, Crowley Foods, and retired from the New York State Department of Transportation after 36 years. Charles sat as Chairman of the Board of the Erie Federal Credit Union until its acquisition by First Heritage Credit Union which he served as an unpaid Chairman to give to the community all he could.
Charles loved to sing with the Hornell Barbershoppers, and share in his fellowship with the Ancient Order of Hibernians (AOH). He was an active member of Our Lady of the Valley Parish and was a devout communicant of St. Ann’s Church in Hornell where he enjoyed singing with the choir, Christmas Cantatas and every occasion he could, including 4th of July and Memorial Day celebration leading the community in song. Charles would do lip singing in his hospital bed during his final days. Charles was an assistant Cub Scout Master during the 1990’s and was involved in Prison Ministries participating in REC (Resident Encounters with Christ), Crusillo making men’s 16, and numerous activities within the St. Ann’s Parish Community. Charles was a member of the Legion of Mary and sang for countless weddings and funerals both solo and as a member of the Resurrection Choir. Charles served as Principal of the Sunday School CCD program during the early1990’s.
Charles enjoyed camping, taking walks, visiting parks, and almost any outdoor recreational gathering, taking railroad excursions, and babysitting his grandchildren whenever he had a chance or was asked. Charles’ words of wisdom to others have always been “Be kind to each other.”
Calling hours are 5-7 P.M. THURSDAY (AUG. 7, 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. FRIDAY (AUG. 8, 2025). Committal prayers and interment will follow at St. Mary’s Cemetery, Town of Fremont.
In lieu of flowers, those wishing may contribute in his memory to their favorite charity.
The Bishop-Johnson & DeSanto Funeral Home is honored to assist Charles’ family with the arrangements.
Online condolences or remembrances of Charles are welcome below or at www.bishopdesanto.com