HOWARD-Retired Hornell City Firefighter, Robert L. “Bob” Cornish, 75, passed away early Saturday morning (Feb. 2, 2019) at his home on Craig Road, Town of Howard.
Born in North Hornell on Dec. 29, 1943 he was a son of the late James Charles and Lois Althea (Woodworth) Cornish. Besides his parents, he was also predeceased by his daughter, Denise Cornish in 1967; and his three brothers, Ronald, Charles and O.L. Cornish.
Raised in Hornell, Bob was a graduate of Hornell High School, class of 1962 and proudly served his country with the U.S. Air Force from 1963 to his honorable discharge in 1967. After his military service he returned to Hornell where he resided until moving to the Town of Howard in 1995.
He was employed for 15 years for the New York State Department of Transportation (NYSDOT) in Hornell before he began his 23-year career as a Hornell City Firefighter from 1978 until his retirement in 2001. He was also self-employed as general contractor for many years and owned B & S Energy Savers in Hornell.
Bob was currently a member of the Whitetails Unlimited, Southern Tier Chapter and was a former member of the American War Dads of Cpl. J.J. Mooney VFW Post No. 2250, the Arthur H. Cunningham American Legion Post No. 440, the Hornell Association and the Hornell Moose Lodge No. 210.
Throughout the years Bob has been an avid collector and also enjoyed hunting and fishing. However, the most important things in his life were his wife, kids, grandkids and his dogs.
His loving family includes his wife of 53 years, Janet M. “Jan” (Bailey) Cornish; his three children, Mike (Becky) Cornish of Bath, D.J. (Patty) Cornish of Howard and Teresa (David) Mitzel of Chesapeake, Va.; his seven grandchildren, Derrick and Devin Cornish, Alison (Alec) Schmacher, Tyler and Hunter Cornish and Kiersten and Ryleigh Mitzel; also his sister-in-law, Eleanor Cornish of Hornell; as well as his nieces, nephews and cousins.
The Bishop & Johnson Funeral Home, Inc., 285 Main St., Hornell is honored to serve the family of Robert L. “Bob” Cornish.
To honor his wishes there will be no calling hours or funeral service. A private graveside service, conducted by members of the Hornell City Fire Department, will be held at the convenience of the family at Rural Cemetery, Hornell.
In lieu of flowers, those wishing may contribute in Bob’s memory and in honor of his granddaughter, Ryleigh, a childhood cancer survivor, to either Cure 4 the Kids, 1 Breakthrough Way, Las Vegas, Nevada 89135 (www.cure4thekids.org) or to Sophia’s Fund, 80 Northborough Road, Marlborough, Mass. 01752 (www.sophiasfund.com).
Online condolences or remembrances of Bob are welcomed on the Facebook page of Bishop & Johnson Funeral Home, Inc. or at www.bishopandjohnsonfuneralhome.com.
