| Date of Birth | August 21, 1964 |
| Passed Away | December 9, 2025 |
| Place of Residence | Hornell |
| Home State | New York |
Celeste L. “Cindy” Kerr
HORNELL – Celeste L. “Cindy” Kerr, 61, formerly of Collier Street, passed away early Tuesday morning (Dec. 9, 2025) at Elderwood at Hornell after a long illness.
Born in Hornell on Aug. 21, 1964 she was a daughter of the late Thomas and Madeline (Wicks) Kerr. Besides her parents she was also predeceased by her infant nephew, Matthew Knapp and her longtime partner for more than 20 years, John Jones.
A graduate of Bradford (PA) High School, Cindy has resided in Hornell for most of her life and was most recently employed at the UniMart in Alfred, NY.
During her younger years Cindy was a member of the former Desperado Debs Color Guard in Hornell and was a very talented twirler of rifles and sabers. She was a very proud participant with the American Youth on Parade (AYOP)and was awarded a trophy for her solo saber routine at Notre Dame University, South Bend, IN. She was an avid bowler and also played softball in the adult leagues in Hornell and was a volunteer firefighter for the North Hornell and Arkport Fire Departments.
Throughout the years she was a member of the Hornell VFW and a social member of the Hornell American Legion, Hornell AmVets and the Hornell Moose Lodge.
She is lovingly survived by her two children, Kale Flynn and Meghan Payne (Christopher Gross) all of Hornell; three grandchildren, Trevor Payne, Nathaniel Gross and Charlotte Gross; two sisters, Veronica “Vickie” (William) Purcell of Hornell and Kristen Tovar of Debary, Fl; as well as three nephews, one niece, one great-niece and several cousins.
There will be no calling hours. A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date.
Because of her love of animals, those wishing may contribute in her memory to the Hornell Area Humane Society, 7649 Industrial Park Road, Hornell, NY 14843.
The Bishop-Johnson & DeSanto Funeral Home, 285 Main St., Hornell is honored to assist Cindy’s family with the arrangements.
Online condolences or remembrances of Cindy are welcome below or on the Facebook page of Bishop-Johnson & DeSanto Funeral Home.
