Richard “Dick” Cornell, age 98, of Bath, NY went home to join his wife and heavenly Father September 22, 2026. Born Richard Cornell to Clyde and Helen Cornell of Corning, NY, he will be remembered as a loving husband, father, grandfather, great grandfather and friend.

He is survived by his son Rick, two granddaughters Courtney (Jennifer) Smith, Jennifer (Caleb) Bent and three great-grandsons - Ezra Bent, Jack and James Smith.

He was predeceased by his wife of 65 years, Dorothy, and daughter Beth Cornell-Smith (Paul), parents Clyde and Helen Cornell, sister Irene Hall, brothers Clyde and Bob Cornell.

Growing up on Corning’s northside he worked for NY Telephone Company as an installer repairman and eventually a Wire-Chief in Bath, NY. He married Dorothy at her family home in May of 1954. Moving from Caton to Liverpool, they eventually settled in Bath where he was a Wire Chief for the phone company. His time was split between being a parent, the phone company and a self-proclaimed “gentleman farmer”. He loved spending time and eventually moving to his home of more than 40 years on Mount Washington. It was on this property he would raise animals such as beef cattle, horses, rabbits, pigeons, peacocks, guinea fowl, emus, donkeys and mules. His favorite was a giant-donkey named Bud. Bud would follow him around the property as would a dog while Dick was doing chores. Dick and Bud were quite the pair when participating in mule-donkey shows and events into his 80s.

Growing up Dick enjoyed the outdoors and activities such as hunting and fishing. He was also an accomplished pistol marksmen at the Bath Rod and Gun club. He was also very active in the United Methodist Church of Bath, Steuben Historical Society, helping with many projects and events. He would prove to be be very active in the local Kiwanis Club, Old Time Mule and Donkey Club. As his children grew up, he was by their side helping with the 4H Horse club, teaching them to ride and take care of their own horses.

Dick and Dorothy loved being active and cherished their outdoor time at their “place on the hill” overlooking the Cohocton River valley. While spring and summer found him working on the hill and enjoying his animals. During the winter seasons he was known to strap on cross country skies and even go toboggining with the rest of his family. As he and Dorothy grew into a couple and eventually spouses, he loved spending time at the family cottage on Lamoka Lake. Fishing, boating, and activities such as playing cards with his wife and in-laws,

While on the whole he was a quiet man, once he knew someone, his personality would really shine. He had an unassuming sense of humor and could swap tales with the best of them. As he grew older, it might be said he never grew up. Even in his later years, he was known to flirt with restaurant and nursing home staff! When prodded, he would regale stories of his time the Marines such as when they were learning how to properly handle a grenade and he threw a dummy grenade into the midst of the recruits. Summing up his time in the Marines, he said, I don’t know who was happier to see me go – me or the Marines!

As per his wishes there will be no service but rather a celebration of his life at the Centenary United Methodist Church of Bath, October 9, 2026 at 6:00 PM . In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made in his name to Bath United Methodist Church or Finger Lakes SPCA in Bath.