Robert F. Cornell, 65, of Milford, died Wednesday July 12 at his residence after a courageous battle with cancer. He was the beloved husband of Mary (Howe) Cornell.
Robert was born in Westborough, the son of the late Edward Cornell and the late Mary (Harrigan) Cornell. He was a graduate of Westborough High School, Class of 1975. Upon graduation from high school as an accomplished baseball player, he was awarded a four year baseball scholarship to New Mexico Highland University but with the untimely passing of his mother at a young age, he returned home to support his family after only one year. He later received his bachelor’s degree from Assumption College in 1981.
As a young man, Robert was first employed as a police officer working for the City of Richmond, Virginia from 1982 to 1984. In 1984 he returned home to take over the management of the family owned business, Cornell’s of Hopkinton MA, which he managed until 2012.
Robert had been a resident of Milford since 1991. He was an avid supporter of the My One Wish Program and was named their “Man of the Year” in 1999. He was an avid sports fan and supported all of the New England sports teams. Robert was also a “history buff” and later in life, during his retirement years, he taught history to students in DYS.
Along with his beloved wife of 36 years, he is survived by his 2 sons: Robert James “Rory” Cornell of Valencia, Spain and Ian Timothy Cornell of Milford; his 4 siblings: Edward Cornell Jr. of Millbury, Marybeth Cornell of Vernon, Vermont, Paul Cornell of South Carolina and Richard Cornell and his wife Connie of Grafton, along with several nephews & cousins.
His funeral will be held Friday, July 21st at the Edwards Memorial Funeral Home, 44 Congress Street, Milford MA followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 12:00 PM at St. Mary of the Assumption Church, 19 Winter Street, Milford MA. In accordance with his wishes cremation will follow his Funeral Mass. Visiting hours will be held at the Edwards Memorial Funeral Home on a DAY & TIME TO BE ANNOUNCED.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to The Dana-Farber Cancer Institute @ Milford Regional Medical Center, c/o the Milford Regional Healthcare Foundation, 14 Prospect Street, Milford MA 01757 or to VNA Care Hospice, 100 Trade Center, Suite #G-500, Woburn MA 01801.
