Obituary of Michael J. Cornell

Michael J. “Mike” Cornell (66) of Norton Hill, NY passed away suddenly at his home on May 23, 2014. He was born in Catskill, NY on Oct. 13, 1947 son of Mary (Miller) Cornell and the late Harold Cornell. Mike was a graduate of G.C.S. Mike joined the Air Force in 1966 and was honorably discharged in 1970 with the Rank of Staff Sergeant. He worked for Orange Motors and then with his late wife Pauline operated the Kilcar during the 80’s. He also worked for many years as a carpenter. An avid snowmobiler he used to race and won many races throughout NY. His true passion though was his commitment to the American Legion. He was a 42 year member of the Greenville American Legion Post #291. He served twice as Post Commander and twice as the Greene County American Legion Commander; a position he held at the time of his passing. He was a 2010 graduate of the Dept. of NY’s American Legion College. His was the voice heard at most of the Color Guard Ceremonies as he barked out the commands as Color Guard Captain for the past two decades. He was also the 3rd District Color Guard Captain for the past 15 years and the Vice Chairman of the Sons of the American Legion for the entire Dept. of NY. Mike will be missed by his family, friends and his many Legion friends throughout New York State. Besides his father he was predeceased by his by his wife Pauline “Polly” Cornell and a brother Gary Cornell. Surviving is his mother Mary Cornell, three daughters Wendy M. Bridges (Richard), Melissa M. Santucci (Jerry) and Krystal L. Cornell; also his grandchildren; Amanda, Marcus, Corbin, Jaxon & Hailee. Funeral Service will be Wed. May 28 2014-7:00pm at the A.J. Cunningham Funeral Home, Greenville, NY. Friends may call at the funeral home on Wed. from 4 to 7pm prior to the service. Greenville American Legion Post #291 will conduct services at the funeral home on Wed. at 6:30pm. Interment with Military Honors will be Thurs. May 29-11:00am at the Greenville Cemetery. Those who would like to remember Mike in a special way may contribute in his memory to the Greenville American Legion Post #291. Write a condolence message at ajcunninghamfh.com.