JOSEPH A. "JOE" GRILLO
HORNELL - Joseph A. "Joe" Grillo, 73, of 49 John St., Hornell, died unexpectedly early Tuesday morning (July 22, 2003) at his home.
A native and life resident of Hornell, he was born Jan. 31, 1930, and was the son of Andrew and Mary (Losecco) Grillo.
Joe was a graduate of St. Ann's School and Hornell High School. He was a veteran of the Korean Conflict, having served in the medical corp. of the U.S. Army.
He was employed for about 45 years at Stern & Stern Textile Corporation, and had served in several capacities including weaver, chemist and colorist of the dye room; and later worked in management as a supervisor of the shipping and finishing departments.
Joe was a communicant of St. Ann's Church and was a member of the Hornell Association. He was a former member of the Hornell Knights of Columbus, Sons of Italy, Moose Lodge and American Legion.
He was an avid reader and enjoyed writing poetry and short stories. He also enjoyed spending countless hours communicating with family and friends on his computer.
Joe was preceded in death by his brother, Nick Grillo; and four sisters, Rose Oliver, Josephine Armeli, Nina Muzyka and Ann Dake.
He was married on Jan. 31, 1951, to the former Marilyn McClary, who survives. Also surviving are one son, Michael Grillo of Hornell; two daughters, Debbie (Jim) Fahl of Hornell and Mary (Steve) Westfall of West Palm Beach, Fla.; two sisters, Bertha Grillo of Hornell and Lucy Cole of Fort Worth, Texas; three grandchildren, Eric Grillo, Jessica (Eric) Shellenberger and Brian (Andrea) Fahl; two great-grandchildren; several nieces and nephews.
The family of Joseph A. "Joe" Grillo will receive friends on Thursday from 4-8 p.m. at the Dagon Funeral Home, 38 Church St., Hornell. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Friday at 11 a.m. at St. Ann's Church, with burial in St. Ann's Cemetery.
Joe's family request that in lieu of flowers, memorial contributions be made to St. Ann's School, 27 Erie Ave., Hornell, N.Y. 14843. Memorial forms will be available at the Dagon Funeral Home.
ALEX J. BROWN
WELLSVILLE/REXVILLE - Alex J. Brown, 98, formerly of Rexville, entered into rest Wednesday (July 23, 2003) at Highland Health Care Center in Wellsville, where he had resided since 1999.
Alex was born Sept. 6, 1904, in Greenwood, the son of Alexander and Jennie Thompson Brown. He married Mary Rita Kieff on June 20, 1932, in Rexville, who predeceased him in April of 1993. He was also predeceased by a son, Paul Joseph Brown; a daughter, Anna Marie Streeter; grandson, Sean Greaney; great-grandsons, Darin James and David Max Hoyt; two brothers, Fred and Ivan Brown; two sisters, Catherine Chandler and Frances Gardner; and two sons-in-law, Lyle Drake and William O'Rourke.
Alex was a life long resident and dairy farmer of the Rexville area, and had also served as Greenwood Town Highway Superintendent for 12 years. He was a member of the Greenwood Senior Citizens and the Greenwood Grange.
He is survived by seven daughters, Jennie (Darold) Coddington of Fredonia, Mary Drake of Canisteo, Louise (James) Ahearn of Rexville, Betty (Ralph) Empson of Andover, Peggy O'Rourke of Hornell, Alexis (Ned) Cole of Mendon, Mass., and Rosetta (Douglas) Greaney of Hornell; several grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces and nephews.
The family will receive friends from 2-4 and 7-9 p.m. Thursday at the H.P. Smith & Son, Inc. Funeral Home, 29 East Main St., Canisteo. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held Friday at 11 a.m. at St. Mary's Catholic Church in Rexville. Burial will be in St. Mary's Church Yard Cemetery, Rexville.
Memorials may be made to St. Mary's Catholic Church, Rexville, N.Y. 14877.
MILDRED E. WHEATON
WEIRTON, W. Va. - Mildred E. Wheaton, 84, of Weirton, W. Va., passed away Monday (July 21, 2003) at her home.
She was born Dec. 12, 1918, in Wayland. Preceding her in death were her parents, Charles and Susie Inscho; and children, David Wheaton and Mary Palmer.
Surviving are her children, Patricia Washburn of Lima; Anice Cragg (Larry Flickner) of Dansville, Martha (Bruce) West of Chili, Louis (Jackie) Wheaton of Wayland and Diane Bremiller (Jim Merten) of Weirton, W. Va.; and several grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces and nephews.
No services will being held.
PHYLLIS C. WASHBURN
ALMOND - Phyllis C. Washburn, 87, of 3 Canacadea St., passed away peacefully Wednesday (July 23, 2003) at her home.
She was born July 28, 1915, in Almond, the daughter of Claude M. and Mamie Perham Ferry. She was married Oct. 17, 1936, to Guy A. Washburn Sr., who died in 1996. She was also predeceased by a son, Roger Washburn; and two sisters, Jeanetta Markel and Florence Erskine.
Phyllis was a graduate of the former Almond High School and Hornell Business School. She was an office clerk for JCPenney Co., Hornell, for 20 years, retiring in 1972.
She was a long time member of Almond Union of Churches, Almond Historical Society and Almond Grange. She enjoyed Senior Citizens luncheons.
Phyllis had been comfortable at home with her constant companion, a little dog named "Parsley."
She is survived by two daughters, Patricia (Leo) Hulse, Almond; and Pamela (Jack Hatter) Brutsman, Wolcott; four sons, Donald (Sandra) Washburn, Richard (Suzanne) Washburn, Guy (Jeanne) Washburn Jr., and Philip (Betty) Washburn, all of Almond; 15 grandchildren, several great-grandchildren, and one great-great-grandson; several nieces, nephews, and many dear friends, including long time, good neighbor, Lonnie France.
The family will receive friends Friday from 2-4 and 7-9 p.m. at Robertson Funeral Home, Inc., Hornell, where funeral services will be held Saturday at 11 a.m., with Rev. Michael Childs officiating. Burial will be in Woodlawn Cemetery, Almond.
Memorial contributions may be made to Almond Union of Churches or to the Almond Ambulance Fund, Almond, N.Y. 14804.
JOHN E. McKINLEY
ROCHESTER - John E. McKinley, 64, passed away Wednesday (July 23, 2003) at his home in Chili.
He was born Sept. 27, 1938, in Hornell, where he was raised. He was a member of Chili American Legion Post #1830.
He was predeceased by his parents, Francis and Mary McKinley; brothers, Joseph and James McKinley.
He is survived by his loving wife, Marge; children, Lori McKinley, Jenny (Chuck) Hoehn, John P. McKinley; brothers, Thomas (Mary) and Michael McKinley; sisters, Sheila McKinley and Mary Ann (Kurt) Hoyer; sister-in-law, Anne McKinley; grandchildren, Daniel, Hayley and Jason Hoehn; nieces and nephews.
Friends may call Friday 2-4 and 7-9 p.m. at the James R. Gray Funeral Home, 1530 Buffalo Rd., Rochester. A Funeral Mass will be held Saturday at 10 a.m. at St. Pius X Church, 3000 Chili Ave., Rochester. Interment will be on Sunday at 1:30 p.m. in the Gate of Heaven Cemetery in Andover.
JESSIE B. THOMPSON
AVOCA/HORNELL - Jessie B. Thompson, 99, of 479 Canisteo St., Hornell, formerly of Avoca, died Sunday (May 18, 2003).
A memorial service will be held at 2 p.m. Sunday, July 27, at the First Baptist Church in Avoca, with the Rev. William McFeaters officiating. Burial will be in Clearview Cemetery, North Cohocton.
Arrangements are by the Bender-Brown & Powers Funeral Home of Hornell.
RUTH TANNER MORRIS
WILLIAMSVILLE - Ruth Tanner Morris passed away after a brief illness on Saturday (July 19, 2003) in Millard Fillmore Suburban Hospital, Williamsville.
Born in Hornell, in 1914, she distinguished herself early in her educational pursuits graduating from Hornell High School in 1931, after leading the high school debate team to the New York State Championship. Awarded a scholarship to Elmira College, she received her B.A. degree in 1935. While still an undergraduate at Elmira, her essay entitled "Why Young People Should Be Involved In Politics" was published by The New York Times. The essay attracted enough attention to lead to numerous job offers upon graduation including one as a correspondent with The New York Herald. Dedicated to learning and helping others, she remained in upstate New York and later earned her M.Ed. from the State University of New York at Buffalo.
Ruth taught for 18 years at Amherst Central High School after having taught in Cohocton, Dansville and Webster. While at Amherst, she inaugurated programs in remedial reading and critical thinking which received statewide attention. In addition to her school year accomplishments, she also taught summer reading programs at Vassar College and Temple University. She was a respected member of numerous professional organizations including Pi Lambda Theta, the Society of Educational Administrators, the National Education Association and the New York State Retired Teacher's Association, among others. An accomplished writer, she had a number of articles and essays published in various publications including The Saturday Evening Post. Well into retirement, she continued to contribute her time to those less fortunate by tutoring the learning disabled. At the age of 88, she enjoyed the respect of countless grateful students who benefited from her love of learning and teaching.
Ruth was preceded in death by her beloved son, Lewis; her brother, Dr. Charles J. Tanner of West Seneca; and her sister, Beatrice Clark Grupe of Lockport.
She is survived by her husband of 63 years, L. Donald Morris; sons, Robert (Carol) of New York City and William (Elizabeth) of London, England; daughter, Maryruth Morris Vohwinkel (Kenneth); and four grandchildren.
The family will be present to receive friends Sunday from 2-4 and 7-9 p.m. at Kevin W. Dougherty Funeral Home Inc., 21 Big Tree St. (Route 15), Livonia. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Saturday at Saints Peter & Paul Church, 5541 Main St., Williamsville. A Mass of Christian Burial will be offered Monday at 10 a.m. in St. Joseph Church, 14 Washington St., Livonia.
Scholarship donations may be made in her memory to Elmira College Scholarship Fund, Elmira College, One Park Place, Elmira, N.Y. 14901.
VIRGINIA L. PFLAGER "GINGER" COVILL
Virginia L. Pflager "Ginger" Covill, 73, of Crystal Beach Road, Hammondsport, Keuka Lake passed away unexpectedly on Wednesday, July 23, 2003 at Strong Memorial Hospital in Rochester.
Ginger was born Oct. 21, 1929 in Wellsville, the daughter of the late Laurence and Sweetheart (Wroten) Pflager.
She married her husband, Grant Covill on Apr. 15, 1950.
Her surviving family includes her husband, Grant of Keuka Lake; Daughter and son-in-law, Linda and Marshall Young of Spencerport; Grandson, W. Blakeney Hedrick attending MCSU, NROTC in Raleigh, N.C.; Sister and brother-in-law, Rachael Anne and Richard Bellows of Waterloo; Three nieces, and several grand nieces and nephews and great-grand nieces and nephews.
Having graduated from Wellsville High school, Ginger earned her LPN and worked most of her life in various phases of the medical field.
Ginger was a Girl Scout Leader for 17 years and Camp Director for 4 years in Wellsville. A 50-year member of the Eastern Star, She was also past matron of Burton Chapter O.E.S.
Ginger was a member of St. John's Episcopal Church and active in St. Ann's Guild, Choir and Sunday School there until moving to Pennsylvania in 1972. After retiring in 1986, she and her husband moved back to their home on Keuka Lake.
Ginger was an active member of the Sampson WWII Navy Veterans Auxiliary and president from 1997 through 1999. She was also a member of the Keukauna Women's Club and served as president from 1999-2002.
Family and friends are invited to attend her memorial service to take place Saturday, Aug. 9, 2003 at 11 a.m. in The Chapel located within the Bath VA Medical Center, Veterans Ave. Bath. As Ginger loved the lake so much, expressions of sympathy and remembrance may be directed in her memory to Keuka Lake Association P.O. Box 415 Hammondsport. N.Y. 14840. In addition memorials may also be directed to Strong Memorial Hospital Friends of Strong 601 Elmwood Ave Box 660 Rochester, N.Y. 14642 or charity of ones' choice.
Arrangements with Barber Funeral Home, Horseheads.
MARY E. HARRINGTON
TROUPSBURG - Mary E. Harrington, 72, of 936 State Route 36, Troupsburg, passed away Saturday afternoon (July 26, 2003) at home, surrounded by her loving family.
Mary was born in Corning January 31, 1931 was the daughter of Seth and Elizabeth Jones Burton.
She was a 1948 graduate of Addison High School, a member of the Troupsburg Methodist Church, President of the United Methodist Women and a member of the Troupsburg Grange.
She married Ronald D. Harrington on April 9, 1950 and they operated a dairy farm in the town of Troupsburg until their retirement.
She is survived by her husband, Ronald, two sons and daughters-in-law, Ronald L. and Donna Harrington of Troupsburg and Paul B. and Virginia Harrington of Hornell.
Also surviving are her grandchildren, Kate Ross, Ryan Harrington, Cheryl Talbot and Aaron Harrington. Her brother, Robert Burton, of Wellsville and several nieces and nephews.
She is predeceased in death by her brother, Richard Burton.
Friends may call Monday, July 28 from 2-4 and 7-9 p.m. at the H.P. Smith & Sons Funeral Home, 1607 Main Street,Woodhull.
Funeral services will be conducted Tuesday at 11 a.m. at the Troupsburg United Methodist Church.
The Rev. Mark Wade, assisted by the Rev. Natalya Cherry will officiate.
Burial will be in the Mt. Hope Cemetery in Troupsburg.
Memorials will be received for the Troupsburg United Methodist Church, Troupsburg Fire and Ambulance or Southern Tier Hospice.
BETTY J. WATSON
CAMERON - Betty J. Watson, 74, of County Route 119, entered into rest Saturday (July 26, 2003) at her home.
Betty was born Sept. 24, 1928, in Bath, the daughter of Lavina Cole Goodwin. She married Beldon L. Watson Jr., who predeceased her in August 1995. She was predeceased by a son, Beldon "Bud" J. Watson III, in 1971; a sister, Dorothy Goodwin; and a brother, Kenneth Goodwin.
She had resided in Cameron for over 50 years and had worked at Westinghouse in Bath, and also the Bath VA. She was a member of the Cameron Fire Department Auxiliary.
Survivors include two sons, Theodore (Karlee) Watson of Lyndhurst, N.J., Kenneth Watson of Cameron; a daughter, Tammy Galligan of Warsaw; three grandchildren; sisters-in-law, Doris Hallett of Canisteo and Margaret Goodwin of Bath.
The family will receive friends from 2-4 and 7-9 p.m. Tuesday at the H.P. Smith & Son, Inc. Funeral Home in Canisteo. A funeral service will be held Wednesday at 11 a.m. at the funeral home. Burial will be in Nondaga Cemetery in Bath.
Memorials may be made to the Cameron Ambulance Corp., c/o Donna Stratton, Cameron, N.Y. 14819.
