Robert Arthur Cornelius

Robert Arthur Cornelius, 81, of Ithaca, NY, went to be with our Lord and Savior on June 1, 2026. He was born on November 28, 1944, in Ithaca, NY to N. Ward Cornelius and Herma S. Moiseichik.

After graduating from Ithaca High School, he enlisted in the United States Navy where he served for 4 years.

On November 25, 1966, he married Loretta McFall and together they shared just shy of 60 years.

He was employed by Statler Auditorium at Cornell University for 25 years as a Maintenance Mechanic and Theater Lighting Technician, after that he moved to South Carolina with his family and worked for Heritage USA as a Security Officer for 2 years. Bob ultimately moved back to New York in 1987 to become a Security Officer at Tompkins Cortland Community College (TC3) where he worked until his retirement in 2011. While working for TC3, he received a Diploma from Rhema Correspondence Bible School.

Bob enjoyed fishing, hiking, reading and studying the Bible and music. He was a self-taught guitarist and played in a few bands. He loved playing guitar for many churches as well.

He is survived by his loving wife, Loretta Cornelius; and his daughter, Kirsten Wagner; his sister, Deanna Brown; 5 grandchildren, and 8 great grandchildren. Bob is predeceased by his son, Scott Cornelius.

A funeral service for Bob will be held at Perkins Funeral Home in Dryden, NY on June 8, 2026, at 1:00PM. The family thanks Hospice for their care and support.

In lieu of flowers, the family wishes you please consider making a donation to Grace Christian Fellowship at 1250 Fisher Ave, Cortland, NY 13045, or to Hospicare, 172 E King Rd, Ithaca, NY 14850.