Brown & Powers Funeral Homes

10/28/2025

Michael J. Stephens
Greenwood
We are sad to announce that Michael J. Stephens, 46, of Greenwood, New York, passed away suddenly on October 26, 2025. He was born in Hornell May 13, 1979, where he lived most of his life and attended Hornell High School. He is the beloved son of John Stephens and Carrie Butler.
Mike was predeceased by his father, John Stephens, nephew, Matt Cummings, brother-in-law Shane Oakley, Step- Father Bud Moore and nephew David Troy.
Mike is survived by his wife Annmarie Stephens and his children, Michael (Sarah) Stephens Jr., Cassandra (Heah) Bolding and Julia (Scott) Coombs, his sisters, Wendy (Rich) Martin, Melanie Stephens (Rod Rowan) Laura( Mike) Novak, Stacy Oakley, Christina Kellogg (Brett Wessels), and Jenny (Seth) McGregor, his brothers, John (Linda Stephens Jr., Jeffery (Diana) Stephens, In laws, William and Marguerite Stephens, and step father, Tim Butler, nine grandchildren and several nieces and nephews. Mike’s four great friends, Jerry Murray, Dale Shinebarger, Seth Sabins and Larry Bacon
Mike had been employed by Alstom in Hornell, and previously Star Automotive and Hornell Gardens. He enjoyed working on cars, building computers, and playing computer games.
The family will be present to receive friends on Saturday (Nov. 1, 2025) at the Bender-Brown & Powers Funeral Home, 354 Canisteo Street in Hornell from 5 PM until 7 PM when services will be held with Deacon Robert McCormick officiating. Burial will be in Woodlawn Cemetery, Canisteo.

10/27/2025

Janette Marie Gavitt (nee Flint)
1936-2025


Janette Marie Gavitt, of South Canisteo, NY passed away on Saturday, October 25th in Rochester, New York. She was born and raised in Jasper, New York and graduated from Jasper Central in 1953. She was a cheerleader, played high school sports and a member of the first ladies triple trio formed at the school. Sports and music were early passions that remained with her throughout her life.

Janette spent her early adult years helping on the farm and taking care of her young family; six children in 10 years. She started playing piano and singing at local establishments on the weekends and developed a great reputation for her style and ability to play almost any song, She began cultivating the musical side in her children and soon the Drake Family became a touring group performing at several venues in the southern tier and northern Pennsylvania. She served in several churches as a church organist/pianist as well as teaching children’s Sunday school.

In her later years, she started childcare and after-school daycare for several local children. Her ability to make bible stories come alive and demonstrate God’s love allowed her to share Christ with so many children, many of whom made their own decisions for Christ. She would later work for 9 years as a caregiver for elderly home bound. Often she would take a small keyboard and play for the patients along with getting most of them to develop a love for baseball while watching the Atlanta Braves.

Janette was well known in the community as the quilt lady. She began making patchwork quilts for family members and it quickly grew to include local families in the community with need. She literally made dozens of quilts and afghans for families, often using sentimental clothing and scraps from the recipient. It made a personal keepsake and provided such joy.

Her devotion to her children and family was unwavering. But ultimately, her devotion to serving and following God was what made her a great lady. She loved reading, memorizing and sharing God’s word. Janette fervently believed in prayer and became a prayer warrior for so many who shared needs and concerns. Her faith was unshakeable and it inspired so many around her. It gave her great joy that all of her children made personal commitments to follow Christ. She was truly an amazing woman of God.

She is survived by her caring husband of 48 years, Charles Gavitt; her seven children; Allen Drake of Greeneville Tennessee, Lorraine (Robert)Carr of Buffalo, New York, Kevin Drake of Newland, North Carolina, Charles (Ella)Drake of Eastvale, California, Barry (Karen) Drake of Irvine, California, Daniel Drake of Jasper, New York, Sonja (Daryl) Weepie of Yorba Linda, California; her stepchildren; Linda (Mark) Fitzgerald, Charles Gavitt, Jr., Bonnie (Joseph) Reidinger, James (Hui) Gavitt, Sr., David (Teri) Gavitt, Sr., Darlene (Russell) Cryer; her sister Marlene (Dennis) Friends of Woodhull, New York, her brother Duane (Sue} Flint of Jasper, New York along with her precious grandchildren and great grandchildren. Along with their family, Chuck and Janette had a special loving relationship with the Clark family of Jasper; Larry and Joyce and their three daughters, Stephanie, Ashley and Jenna. Janette was predeceased by her parents, Earl and Marie Flint, her brothers and sisters; Bessie, Madeline, Earl, Elijah ”Red”, Carl, Arnold, Dale, Sharon and Ronald. Janette also leaves behind numerous cousins, nieces, nephews and cherished friends.

Friends may call on Saturday, November 1st from 12 to 2 pm at the Bender-Brown and Powers funeral home at 6 Spruce Street in Canisteo, New York. A memorial service will follow at 2 pm officiated by Reverend Brian Diffenbacher. A private graveside service will follow. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the food bank of the Southern Tier.

10/18/2025

Francis G. Padden
Hornell
Francis G. Padden age 78, lifelong area resident ,and US Navy veteran, passed away on October 8, 2025, and was laid to rest at St Anns Cemetery in Hornell on October 14, 2025. Funeral arrangements are with the Bender-Brown & Powers Funeral Home in Hornell.

10/17/2025

Dorothy M. (Keiser) Green
Dorothy M. Green age 92, born on June 28th, 1933 in Angelica, NY, passed away on October 4th, 2025 in Brooksville, Florida peacefully.
She was the daughter of Elmer and Beulah (Decker, Reedy) Keiser. She had 3 brothers (Clifford, John, and Henry (Hank) Keiser, and 1 sister Betty (Hawkins) Keiser.
She was a 1951 graduate of Belmont Central School.
She was married to Daniel L. Green Sr. on May 13th, 1955, who predeceased her on May 1st, 2018 after 63 years of marriage.
She is survived by her son, Daniel L. (Robin) Green Jr., of Brooksville, FL, and her daughter Betty (Dowd, Selby) Green of Brooksville, FL, along with 5 grandchildren Jacqueline Green, Daniel Green III, Christopher Green, Robert Dowd Jr., and Michael Dowd. She also had 10 great grandchildren: Gino and Raelea Lepera, Aidan (Daniel) and Jackson Green, Emma, Noah, Caroline, and William Green, Brayden Dowd, and Hayden Dowd.
She was predeceased by her husband Daniel Green Sr., both parents, Elmer and Beulah Keiser, a stepfather Myrton Reedy, and her sister Betty Hawkins, and brothers: Clifford and John Keiser.
She formerly worked at Motorola and Monroe Games in Arcade, NY, worked in the Lab at Friendship Daires along with several other factories in the area before moving to Florida.
She enjoyed being with family, and doing word find puzzle books.
A private burial was held at Until the Day Dawn Cemetery in Angelica, NY.
There will be no visitation or services.
Memorials can be made to the following: Sturgill Hospice 12242 Cortez Blvd. Brooksville FL 34613 or to the charity of the donor’s choice.
Funeral arrangements are with the Brown & Powers Funeral Home in Angelica.
To send a remembrance please visit www.brownandpowersfuneralhomes.com or on Facebook @ Brown Powers FH.

10/16/2025

On October 11th, 2025, Wilma Joyce Dunham (Neale) went home to be with our Lord and Savior, along with her late husband Harley Dana Dunham.

Wilma was born May 23, 1936, in Dansville, NY to the late Martha Neale Prior (Thayer) and Harold Neale. She lived most of her life in the Arkport, NY area. She graduated from Arkport Central School in 1954. She married the love of her life, Harley Dunham, in Bishopville, NY on September 10th, 1955. Wilma was preceded by brothers, David Neale and Jack Neale, sister Viola Neale, and Grandson Shawn Houghtaling . She is survived by her sister Esther Meyers Luskis (Neale). Wilma and Harley are survived by 8 children, Sally Hedges (Scott) of Tarpon Springs Fl, Lisa Putman (Bill) of St Augustine Fl, Marie Houghtaling (Ron) of Leroy NY, Mark Dunham (Tammy) of Hornell NY, Laurie Dunham of Arkport NY, Scott Dunham of Hornell NY, Jason Dunham of Hornell NY and Amy Davis (Dunham) of Arkport NY, along with numerous nieces and nephews. Some of her greatest love was for her 14 grandchildren and 20 great-grandchildren.

Wilma was well known by her family and the community for her smile and big heart. She never put herself ahead of anyone, always helping, giving and loving almost to a fault. Wilma worked at Westinghouse, Acme, and Kmart. But her biggest job and the one she loved the most was raising her family and caring for them till the end.

The family will have a small gathering at Arkport Cemetary October 23rd, 2025, at 1pm to say their goodbyes. Future plans for a Celebration of Life gathering will be determined at a later time.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks for donations to Canandaigua Thompson Hospital ICU who took excellent loving care of her to the very end.

10/14/2025

Karen Richie-Skinner
Hinsdale/Richburg
Karen Richie-Skinner age 66, passed away on October 8, 2025 at Olean General Hospital.
She was born in Brooklyn, New York on March 8, 1959 the daughter of Joseph Richie and Louise McCoy Richie. She was a graduate of Richburg Central School “Class of 1977”. Karen had worked in the Nursing field for many years, but the longest at Highland Nursing Home in Wellsville. She loved collecting dolls, loved roses, and the colors red and burgundy.
She was predeceased by her parents and her husband William Skinner in 2002, and her sisters Sharon Richie, Angie Richie and Regina Richie.
She is survived by her siblings Joseph Richie Jr., Joanne Richie, Karen Richie, Adrienne Newton, Jeannette Brighon, Eliza Kifer, Jewel Miles, Donna Richie, several nieces and nephews.
A Celebration of Life will be on Thursday (October 16, 2025) at the Richburg Fire Hall starting at 1:00pm. Burial will be at the Richburg Cemetery.
To send a remembrance please visit www.brownandpowersfuneralhomes.com or on Facebook @ Brown Powers FH.
Funeral arrangements are with Brown & Powers Funeral Home in Angelica.
Memorial contributions can be made to the Richburg Fireman’s Auxiliary or the Will Creek Retirement Home in Hinsdale, New York

Brown & Powers Funeral Homes provides complete funeral services in Angelica, NY. Call us today for pre-planning or custom planning options.

10/14/2025

Charles DeVon “Chuck” Comer of Almond, NY entered eternal rest with his Lord and Savior on October 13, 2025, passing due to post-surgery complications.

Chuck was born in Cleveland, Ohio on October 27, 1960, the son of DeVon “Gene” and the late Joan (Carmitchel) Comer. Chuck was a 1978 graduate of Heritage Christian High School in Cleveland, Ohio. Chuck’s family moved to the Hornell area shortly after his high school years, where he met his future bride and love of his life, Rebecca “Becky” Schwartz. Chuck and Becky were married on October 2, 1982 in Alfred, NY.

Chuck was a valued and highly sought after employee at various transit industry firms for over 30 years. He travelled the United States and the world (golf bag accompanying whenever possible) securing, monitoring, and expediting rail industry contracts.

Chuck accepted the Lord as his Savior at an early age and lived a life evident to all as His disciple. Chuck was an exceptionally loving, kind, and gentle man who treasured his family, friends, church, and community, ever ready to live out his faith in selfless service to others. Chuck served at Alfred-Almond Bible Church, where his beautiful tenor voice regularly moved hearts to tears singing praises to his Lord.

He was predeceased by his mother, Joan, and his father-in-law, Robert “Bob” Schwartz. He is survived by his wife of 43 years, Becky (Schwartz) Comer, of Almond; three sons, Robert (Joni) Comer of Meridianville, AL, Jerrod (fiancée Jess Labbe) Comer of Eliot, ME, and Alex Comer of Andover, NY; two daughters, Bailey (Will) Kwasigroh of Huntsville, AL, and Reagan Comer of Olean, NY; one cherished granddaughter, Charley Joy Comer of Meridianville, AL; his father, DeVon Eugene Comer of Maryville, TN; two sisters, Cynthia (Scott) Haines of Tucson, AZ, and Bonnie (Bruce) Skolfield of Maryville, TN; several nieces and nephews, brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law.

Chuck had a deep love for the game of golf, enjoying the fellowship and camaraderie of time on the course with friends, family, and acquaintances alike. He always talked and reminisced about one of his favorite rounds in Ireland with the man who instilled that love in him, his dad, Gene. He recently enjoyed these times the most with his pride and joy: Charley.

He served his community in many capacities, including being a beloved coach to the Alfred-Almond youth. Coach Comer could be found helping with the wrestling and soccer programs, being the head coach of the boys modified soccer program for 10 years.

Chuck enjoyed and was skilled at home improvements. He was an especially dedicated follower of all of his children' s athletic, musical, and theatrical activities. In recent years, he discovered the role that was perhaps his favorite of all: that of “Papa” to his beloved Charley Joy.

The family will receive friends on Friday, October 17th from 2-5pm at the Alfred-Almond Bible Church, 6751 State Route 21, Almond, NY. A celebration of Chuck’s life will be conducted by Charles Newman.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Alfred-Almond Bible Church.

10/10/2025

MARY ELIZABETH “BETTY” REDFIELD
Jan. 17, 1937–Sept. 24, 2025
ALFRED–Mary Elizabeth “Betty” Redfield entered her eternal rest on Friday, Sept. 24, 2025, after a difficult journey with Alzheimer’s.
Formerly of Liverpool and North Syracuse, she most recently made her home in Alfred, where she joined her daughter’s family.
Born during a snowstorm on Jan. 17, 1937, in Syracuse, Betty was the daughter of Scott F. Redfield and Dorothy (McCarthy) Redfield. The nickname “Betty” came early, as there were already several Mary's in the family.
A lifelong learner, Betty loved education and discovery. She often said her favorite school subjects were geography and spelling because “they opened new worlds.” She spent portions of her childhood studying in Ireland and at a boarding school in Scotland following her mother’s passing.
Upon returning to the States, she earned her Bachelor’s degree in Sociology and Philosophy from Le Moyne College in Syracuse and later completed her Master’s in Mental Health Counseling at SUNY Brockport while working full-time.
Betty worked as a career counselor for the New York State Department of Labor from 1972 until her retirement in 2002. Her deep compassion and insight made her a trusted guide for countless individuals navigating change. In 2003, she was honored as Retiree of the Year by the International Association of Workforce Professionals in recognition of her dedicated service.
Even as Alzheimer’s took much of her memory, talking about her support group always brought her joy. Betty had been granted special permission to host an after-hours support group for those suddenly unemployed—many of whom stayed in touch for decades, a testament to how sincerely she touched people’s lives.
Betty loved deeply, especially her family. Though spread from Europe to across the U.S., she loved to show her affection in countless ways. As the eldest of four siblings, she was overjoyed when the family reunited in 2023 after years apart—two coming from Germany and one from Arizona.
From her daughter’s earliest memories, Betty’s home was a welcoming place where friends and family were always invited to stop in for a visit.
A friend once said Betty was “always a giver.” Whether it was a listening ear, a temporary home, or a warm hug, she gave from her heart. She also volunteered for six years with Hospice in Syracuse, offering comfort and care to others in their final days.
Betty called herself a lifelong learner and was always eager to explore new interests. She enjoyed years as a “birder,” delighting in the chickadees and cardinals that visited her suet feeders. She was also a passionate photographer, beginning with her 35mm camera and later mastering digital photography as technology evolved.
After purchasing her home in 1991, Betty poured her heart into creating lush gardens filled with dahlias, hydrangeas, roses, hostas, and peonies. She preferred garden paths to lawns, designing her backyard as both sanctuary and habitat for the many birds and wildlife who visited daily. During her stay at Highland Park Nursing Home she loved watching the deer and the occasional hummingbird come out to visit her on the pavilion.
True to her curiosity, she took her learning to another level, enrolling in adult education courses in electrical work and woodworking. She loved the challenge of mastering new skills, never afraid to get her hands dirty or learn something completely new.
Betty was predeceased by her parents, Dorothy (McCarthy) Redfield and Scott Forrest Redfield, son William Hotaling, and Charles D. Hotaling, her husband of twenty years.
She is survived by her siblings: Scott Redfield (AZ), Carol (Detlef) Redfield and John (Birgit) Redfield of Germany. Daughter Dorothy (Gerald) Snyder, (Alfred) and son Charles (Donna) Hotaling (VA) along with several grandchildren and many great-grandchildren who carry forward her love of learning and her generous spirit.
She will be remembered for her curiosity, her compassion, and the way she made every person feel seen and valued. Her home, her heart, and her gardens were open to all.
A Celebration of Life will be held at 12:00pm Saturday, Nov. 1 at Lighthouse Christian Fellowship, Randolph Road, Alfred.
Arrangements are with Brown and Powers Funeral Home. Online condolences and memories of Betty may be expressed at https://www.brownandpowersfuneralhomes.com. Or on Facebook @ Brown Powers FH.

10/09/2025

10/07/2025

Mary M. Walters
Howard
Mary M. Walters age 84, passed away peacefully on Sunday (October 5, 2025) at UR St James Hospital.
She was born in Richmond, VA on August 26, 1941 the daughter of John and Mahalia Huffman. Mary honorably served in the US Air Force, where she met her future husband Richard. They married on November 25, 1960, and they moved to this area in 1963. She taught Sunday School at Howard Union Church, enjoyed baking, cooking and taking care of everyone. Mary will be remembered for her kind, caring and sweet nature, who would do anything for anybody. Family was always her priority and will be remembered for that fondly.
She was predeceased by her parents, her 12 siblings, and her son William Walters in 2025.
She is survived by her husband of 65 years Richard Walters, her daughters Thelma (Michael) Spears of Whitesville, Sharon (Calvin) Clark of Howard, 7 grandchildren, and 8 great grandchildren.
A private graveside will be at Howard Cemetery.
To send a remembrance please visit www.brownandpowersfuneralhomes.com or on Facebook @ Brown Powers FH.
A special thank you to all her wonderful and caring caretakers at Elderwood Nursing Home in North Hornell.

10/04/2025

Curtiss “Curt” Lewis
West Almond
Curtiss Lewis age 87, passed away peacefully on Thursday (October 2, 2025) at the Hart Comfort House in Wellsville. Curt was born in Olean, NY on February 6,1938 to the late John Lewis and Helen (Lautenslager) Nesbit Lewis. On May 7,1988 in North Hornell, he married Carol A. MacDonald Lewis.
Curt graduated from Hornell High School, and retired from Foster-Wheeler in Dansville, where he worked as a welder. He was a member of Gods People Who Care Church, and had proudly served his country in the US Marine Corps. He enjoyed spreading the word of Jesus, and would spend time praying within the community including nursing homes and hospitals. Curt enjoyed fishing, hunting, gardening and spending time with his grandchildren. He also enjoyed taking road trips, playing chess and will also be remembered for his love of dogs. Curt also enjoyed having coffee with his friends at Burger King on Tuesday’s.
He was predeceased by his parents, his brothers Louis Lewis, Homer Lewis, and his sister Julie Harding.
He is survived by his loving wife of 37 years Carol A. Lewis, his son Greg Lewis of CA, his daughter Debbie Hannon of MN, 3 brothers John Nesbit of Hornell, Sam Nesbit of Canisteo, Raymond Nesbit of Hornell, 3 sisters Nancy Brutsman of Cameron Mills, Helen (Thomas) Stephens of Cameron Mills, Twyla (Kevin) Bates of FL, step daughter Laurie Haskins of Cuba, step son Steven Haigh of Geneseo, grandchildren Natalie (Ryan) Doyle, Daryle “Xavier” Haigh, Corrisa Loncher, Ryan (Angelina) Loncher, Jocelyn “Greyson” Haigh, and Quinn Haigh, along with several nieces and nephews.
A Memorial Service will be held on Thursday (October 9, 2025) at 11:00am at the Bender-Brown & Powers Funeral Home 354 Canisteo Street in Hornell, with Rev. Pat Harrsion officiating.
Memorial contributions can be made to the Hart Comfort House of Allegany County 141 East State Street, Wellsville, NY 14895.
Family and friends may leave e-mail condolences at lewiscurtcarol@gmail.com .
You may also visit www.brownandpowersfuneralhomes.com or on Facebook @ Brown Powers FH.

10/03/2025

John Smith Obituary
John L. Smith, 99 of Hornell, passed away peacefully in his sleep on Monday, September 29, 2025, at the home of his son.
John was born April 9, 1926, in Arkport, NY, to the late Elmer Jack and Hazel Belle (Clark) Smith. He was the second child of five, including Doris (Ralph) Bloom, Katherine (Charles) Storm, Donald (Kate) Smith, and Anne (John) Trentanelli, all of whom predeceased him.
John entered the US Army in 1943 and proudly served in WWII, stationed in the Philippines and Japan. He was awarded the Army of Occupation Medal while serving in Japan. He received an honorable discharge as a Private First Class.
He is known as Hornell’s oldest living veteran and was a proud member of the Hornell VFW and Canisteo American Legion.
In 1951, he married his wife, Carolyn Ann Nichols Smith. They had 12 children together. Carolyn preceded him in death, along with three of their daughters: Anna Smith Valentine, Darlene Lynn Smith, Cory Sue Smith, one son, Kenneth Faye Smith, a granddaughter, Joleene Smith Palmer, and several great-grandchildren.
John was a jack of all trades, working many jobs in his long lifetime. In addition to employment at Corning Glass Works, John worked as a mechanic and a carpenter. His longest employment was with Fred Johnson & Son, Inc., where he worked doing blacktopping for 60 years, retiring for the last time at the age of 97. He was well known and recognized in the community for his hard work ethic and dedication to his family and to Johnsons.
John was an avid hunter and taught many of his kids and grandchildren the love of hunting. He also enjoyed fishing, riding snowmobiles, motorcycles, and ATVs. What he loved most was dancing! For many years, he could be found on a dance floor on any given Saturday night, dancing a two-step or square dance.
He is survived by his children: John Smith of Canisteo; Elmer (Kathleen) Smith of Hornell; Christine Smith of Hornell; Delores (Lisa) Smith of Wainwright, Alaska; William (Patricia) Donovan of Branson, Missouri; Terry (Richard) Woodworth of Angleton, Texas; and Donald (Kimberly) Smith of Canisteo.
He is also survived by his current wife, Jennifer Raish Smith, their children, Mark (Jessica) Raish of Canisteo Scott (Samantha) Raish of Savona, NY, and Robert Smith (Sarah Elwell) of Hornell.
In addition to his 15 children, John leaves behind a legacy of 58 living grandchildren, 92 great-grandchildren, and 25 great-great-grandchildren.
John loved his family and was happiest when surrounded by his many grandchildren, several of whom he raised and helped raise. John was well known and liked by all who met him for a moment and by those who knew him for a lifetime.
We would like to offer a special thank you to the Bath VA and CAREFIRST for providing medical services and care during his illness, and to his granddaughters Jamie Smith, Kendra Ridgeway and Jazmyne Ridgeway for taking care of him these past months.
The family will receive visitors at Brown & Powers Funeral Home, Canisteo Street, Hornell, NY, on Sunday, October 5, 2025, from 12-2 pm and 4-6 pm, with a Funeral Service at 6 pm. Burial will be at Woodlawn Cemetery, Greenwood Street, Canisteo, NY on Monday, October 6, 2025, at 1:00 pm, with Military Honors, with a dinner following at the Hornell VFW at 4:00 pm. All are welcome to come to share a story or a memory.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Bath VA Recreational Dept.