Walter J. Canfield

Walter J. Canfield

ARKPORT/HORNELL – Walter J. Canfield, 88, formerly of Arkport and Hornell, passed away late Thursday evening, Nov. 5, 2026, at Mercy Hospital in Buffalo, NY.

Born in Hornell on Aug. 19, 1938, he was the son of the late Francis and Lola (Murdoch) Canfield. In addition to his parents, he was predeceased by three sisters, Frances (Bill) Smith, Doris Bossard and Joan (Francis) Privitera; his brother-in-law, Joseph Cieslak and three nephews, Francis Privitera, Terry Smith, and Robert Bossard.

Walter was a graduate of Hornell High School class of 1956. He was in the Army National Guard until his honorable discharge in 1964. He and his wife bought their first home on East Avenue in Hornell, where they lived until 1994. They moved to Arkport after their children moved out and remained there until 2025. For the past year and a half he has lived in Orchard Park, NY to be closer to family.

He worked for the Erie, Erie-Lackawanna and Conrail railroads, retiring in 2000 from Norfolk Southern as a locomotive engineer.

Walter was a member of the Hornell Association, the Arthur H. Cunningham American Legion Post No. 440, the Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers, and the United Transportation Union (UTU). He enjoyed hunting, reading, cooking, and tending the vegetable garden at his home. Walter and his wife, enjoyed trips to Florida, the New England states, Washington D.C., and the Adirondacks.

He is lovingly survived by his wife of 67 years, Dolores (Cieslak) Canfield, whom he married at St. Ann’s Church in Hornell on June 27, 1959; three children, Daniel (Susan) Canfield of Houston, PA, Thomas (Veronica) Canfield of Canandaigua, NY, and Christine (Orlando) Monaco of East Aurora, NY; three  grandchildren; Gretchen Canfield (Nick Howe), Derek Canfield; Aislinn (Tim) Cornish; four great-grandchildren; Logan Howe, Paige Howe, Matilda Cornish, and newborn Myra Cornish;  a sister- in-law, Susan Cieslak; nephews, Joseph Cieslak, William (Kiko) Bossard, Steve (Arla) Privitera, and Kim Privitera; nieces, Angela (Tom) Panter and Andrea (Richard) Daley; as well as other extended family members.

We would be remiss in not mentioning his love of the East Avenue neighborhood who were like family. Many fond memories were from that time of his life thanks to the: O’Brien, Willsey, D’Apice, Eveland, and Wellington families.

His greatest joy was when his grandchildren and great children came along. He enjoyed spending time with them, taking them on vacations, and supporting them in their endeavors through life.

A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made 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 Walter’s family with the arrangements.

Online condolences are welcome of Walter are welcome below or on the Facebook page of Bishop-Johnson & DeSanto Funeral Home.