H. Joseph “Joe” Donlon, 72, of 6282 Gypsy Hill Road,
Hornell, died Thursday afternoon (August 16, 2018) at his home, surrounded by
his family and friends, following a long illness.
A native & life resident of Hornell, he was born on
August 22, 1945, and was the son of Harry & Elizabeth (Conklin) Donlon.
Joe was a graduate of Hornell High School (class of
1964). He later attended Alfred State
College. He was a veteran of the US
Army, serving in the 25th Infantry Division in Vietnam in 1967.
In his younger years, Joe & his wife owned &
operated a family dairy farm in Hornell.
He also worked as a mason & bricklayer for Local #3 Bricklayers
Union for many years.
He was a member of Our Lady of the Valley Parish and had
been a communicant of St. Ignatius Loyola Church where he sang in the choir
& served as an usher. In later years
he was a communicant of St. Mary’s Church of Rexville and also St. Ann’s Church
where he served on the building & grounds committee. Joe was a charter member the Ancient Order of
Hibernians, Sons of Ireland, Steuben County Division 1. In 2013 he was awarded
Hibernian of the year for his service to his church and community.
The Hornell community will remember Joe for many of his
talents, most of all his humor and willingness to help others. “Uncle Joe” to
many, he brightened every room with quick words of wit and his infectious
smile. Joe will be remembered as a
person that could make you laugh a little louder, smile a little bigger and
live a little better.
He was predeceased by his loving wife Christine (Egmond) of
40 years, who passed away on February 5, 2010. He was also preceded in death by
his sister, Bonnie Cheresnowsky.
Surviving are 3 sons, Joe (Julie) Donlon of Hornell, Jeremy
(Sara) Donlon of Scio and Stephen (Kelly) Donlon of Alfred; 4 sisters,
Jacqueline (Jack) McGraw of Mattapoisett, MA, Beverly Donlon of Horseheads,
Elaine (Barry) Ceci of Rochester and Elizabeth Donlon of Rochester; 1 brother,
Mike Donlon of Hornell; grandchildren, Breccan, Ryann, McKenna, Brogan &
Katen; many close nieces & nephews, brothers and sisters-in laws and close
companion Frances Shute.
The family of H. Joseph “Joe” Donlon will receive friends on
Monday from 3:00 – 6:00 p.m. at the Dagon Funeral Home, 38 Church St., Hornell,
NY. A Mass of Christian Burial will be
celebrated on Tuesday at 10 AM at St. Ann’s Church with burial in St. Mary’s
Cemetery with military honors.
Joe’s family request that memorial contributions in his name
be made to CareFirst Hospice, 3805 Meads Creek Road, Painted Post, NY
14870. Memorial forms will be available
at the Dagon Funeral Home.
