| Date of Birth | January 14, 1940 |
| Date Deceased | September 10, 2024 |
| Hometown | Hornell |
| Home State | New York |
| Service Date | September 17, 2024 |
| Service Time | 1:00 PM |
| Service Location | Bishop-Johnson & DeSanto Funeral Home |
| Interment Location | St. Mary's Cemetery |
Jerry L. Prior
HORNELL – Jerry L. Prior, 84, passed away early Tuesday morning (Sept. 10, 2024), at his home on Bennett Street, with his family by his side, following a short illness.
Born in Conesus, NY on Jan. 14, 1940 he was the son of the late William and Frances (Haight) Prior. Besides his parents, he was also predeceased by two sisters, Karen Berry and Anne Mauro; and a brother-in-law, Rev. Gerard Drum.
A graduate of Hornell High School, class of 1958, Jerry was employed for 43 1/2 years with the Erie, Erie Lackawanna, Conrail, D&H and lastly retiring in 2002 from the Canadian Pacific Railroad.
Jerry was a hardworking father who dedicated his life to providing for his wife and children. He enjoyed watching the Yankee’s, playing euchre, going to Nascar races, and took great pride in keeping his cars in impeccable condition. Jerry especially enjoyed spending time with his grandchildren and great-grandchildren, and his morning outings having coffee with friends.
He is lovingly survived by his wife of 62 years, Beverly (Drum) Prior, who he married in Cohocton, NY on Sept. 20, 1962; four children, David Prior of Olean, NY, Judy (Tom) Dunn of Hornell, Pam Giglio of Hornell and Cherie (Ron) Smith of Fremont, NY; six grandchildren, Samantha (Josh) Schmitt, Matthew (Stephanie) Dunn, Melissa Dunn, Kelsi Giglio, Caelan Smith and Kali Giglio; six great-grandchildren, Alayna, Carter, Harper, Jaxon, Bowen and Micah; a brother-in-law, Joseph Mauro; and a sister-in-law, Earline Drum; as well as several nieces and nephews.
Calling hours are 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Tuesday (Sept. 17, 2024) at the Bishop-Johnson & DeSanto Funeral Home, 285 Main St., Hornell where a funeral service will take place following calling hours at 1 p.m. Tuesday with Deacon Robert McCormick officiating. Committal services and interment will follow at St. Mary’s Cemetery, Town of Fremont.
In lieu of flowers, those wishing may contribute in his memory to CareFirstNY, 3805 Meads Creek Road, Painted Post, NY 14870. Envelopes for memorial contributions will be available at the funeral home.
The Bishop-Johnson & DeSanto Funeral Home is honored to assist Jerry’s family with the arrangements.
Online condolences or remembrances of Jerry are welcome below or on the Facebook page of Bishop-Johnson & DeSanto Funeral Home.
Jerry and Beverly were our neighbors for many years, and Jerry was the best. Frankly, he taught me how to be a neighbor, giving me firm advice about lawn upkeep, snow removal, and many other things. My funniest memory of Jerry was the time that he called me to tell me that my car was missing a lugnut…it was pitch black outside. He was a great, great man. He will be missed!