Obituary of Lavern C. Clark

ALMOND/ALFRED STATION: Lavern C. Clark, 82, passed away Sunday, December 14, 2025 at Strong Memorial Hospital in Rochester following a brief illness. He was born November 12, 1943 in the former Bethesda Hospital in North Hornell, to the late Russell C. and Mabel M. (Young) Clark. On March 27, 1965 in Alfred, he married the former Priscilla M. Cornell, who predeceased him in January of 2019. He was also predeceased by a brother Bert Clark and sister Judy Pierce. Lavern was a lifelong resident of the Canisteo Valley and Alfred Station/Almond area. He proudly served our country in the US Navy from 1961-64 and after completion of his service time, returned home where he made his living as a general contractor in home improvements, owned and operated the Old Mill Inn in Alfred Station and made furniture for his wife’s shop, “Terra Cotta Country Creations”. He was a collector of multiple items of interest some being gumball machines, beer steins, elephant figures, sports cards, coins, Zippo lighters and various other antiques. He was a huge fan of Elvis Presley collecting many Elvis memorabilia. In his younger years he enjoyed a good round of golf with friends. Lavern took pleasure in many memorable moments spending time at the family cabin in the town of Ward where music and a few “scotches” were enjoyed. Civically, he was a life member of the former Alfred Station American Legion and the Hornell Kiwanis Club. Survivors include a son Shawn Clark (Tammy Weaver) of Hornell, grandsons, Cody Clark and fiance’ Christina Canniff of Almond, Hunter Clark of Almond and Nicholas Clark (Katie Sirianni) of Alfred Station, great grandchildren, Gracelynn Canniff, Ava and Nathaniel Clark, former daughter-in-law Marybess Clark, and his dog and close companion “Chloe”. There will be no calling hours or service at this time. A celebration of life will be announced at a later date. Memorial contributions in Lavern’s name may be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105. Arrangements are in care of the H.P. Smith & Son, Inc. Funeral Home in Canisteo.