| Date of Birth | November 15, 1929 |
| Passed Away | August 15, 2011 |
| Place of Residence | Hornell |
| Home State | NY |
Oliver Lee Cornish
Oliver L. Cornish, 81, of 29 Mays Ave. passed away late Monday evening (Aug. 15, 2011) at home.
Born on November 15, 1929, in Hornell, the son of James and Lois (Woodworth) Cornish. Oliver graduated from Hornell High, alumnus of class of 48′. Lee, as his co-workers knew him, started working at the Hornell Woodworking Company in 1948. He was drafted into the Army in 1951 and served during the Korean War. Returning he began his career in the NYSDPW as an engineering aide and ending his career as NYSDOT District 6 Surveying Supervisor. He was awarded Engineer of the Year in 1977 from the NYS Department of Transportation Engineers. He was also a member of the American Legion Post 440, and NRA.
Oliver enjoyed summer vacationing on the St. Lawrence River with his family every year for 41 years. He was an avid hunter and fisherman who enjoyed the outdoors. He also enjoyed hunting for Indian artifacts around the Canisteo Valley often finding some. Oliver was very close with his family and always loved having his family around him on every occasion. Lest we forget, Oliver was a staunch Republican and a frequent contributor to The Evening Tribune’s Letters to the Editor.
Oliver was predeceased by his parents, brothers and sister-in-law Charles and Margaret (Lorow) Cornish and Ronald Cornish.
For 57 wonderful years he was married to his childhood sweetheart Eleanor L. (Lorow) who survives. Also surviving are his daughters and sons; Kelly and Roger Kerr of Brockport with their children Jessica, Katie, Leeza and Ian, Linda Cornish of Hornell and her daughter Madelaine Gallese, Mitchell and Collette Cornish of Hornell and son Lee, James and Tonya Cornish of Farmington and son Connor, and Benjamin Cornish of Boston. Also surviving is his brother Robert and Janet Cornish of Howard, and many nieces and nephews.
Oliver’s wishes were that there is neither service nor calling hours, just that his ashes to be loaded into shotgun shells and fired away some fall day! His family would like to celebrate his life with a reception at their home on Thursday August 18, from 5-8pm.
In lieu of flowers, memorials would be appreciated to the Five River’s Council Boy Scouts of America, 244 West Water St., Elmira, N.Y. 14901.
Arrangements are with the Bishop & Johnson Funeral Home, Inc., 285 Main St., Hornell.
Online condolences or remembrances of Oliver are welcomed at www.bishopandjohnsonfuneralhome.com.
lee will be missed very much loved to run in to both of you whenever we were in mcdonalds or uptown….our thoughts and prayers are with you at this time of sorrow.
It was always enjoyable meeting Lee, at the DOT, anywhere around town and always meeting him at Cold Brook during the first few weeks of the fishing season. I would like to extend my sympathy and best wishes to his family.
OZ & Family, I am sorry to learn that your Dad has died. He was a great guy. I bought my first car from him…the little white Renault. You and you family are in my thoughts.
i will miss my Uncle Lee..i always enjoyed seeing him out in the community and getting a chance to catch up…i am sending out heartfelt sympathy to his family and his wife Eleanor….Sorry for your loss …he will be missed !!
Oz and Family,
Very sorry for your loss. Your Dad was a very nice man, with a great sense of humor, as passed down to his children.
My thoughts and prayers…
Pete Secondo
Van Etten, NY
growing up in hornell mr. c. lived down the street from me. i graduated with Kelly– he was a kind hearted man that i’m sure will be sadly missed.:( my deepest condolences to the Cornish families. god bless
I miss you dad.. xoxo