Photo courtesy of Angelus Funeral Home - San Antonio
SAN ANTONIO, Texas
1941 - 2022
BRO. HARRY BERT CORNELL, III, S.M. died in the service of the Blessed Virgin Mary on September 19, 2022, at the age of 81 and with 63 years of vowed life. He was born in Schofield Barracks of Honolulu, HI on January 23, 1941 (less than a year before the bombing of Pearl Harbor.) He is the son of Harry Bert Cornell, II and Mary Elizabeth Helms.
Bro. Harry met the Marianists at Central Catholic H.S. in San Antonio, TX. After graduating in 1958, he entered the Marianist Novitiate at Galesville, WI and professed First Vows on September 5, 1959. Four years later, on August 18, 1963, he made his Perpetual Profession in St. Louis, MO. He studied at St. Mary University where he first earned a BA in Math in 1962, and later in 1964, an MS also in Math.
A Central Alumnus, he returned to Central Catholic H.S. as a teacher in 1962 where he began to excel as a Master Instructor in all things mathematics. Bro. Harry introduced classes in Computer Science when most other schools thought electric typewriters and calculators were advanced technologies, he moderated Photography and Debate Clubs, coached football, and mentored thousands of Central students for nearly 55 years. In 1968 he began to announce the Button sports events as a sub, and soon began a 50 plus year career as the “Voice of the Buttons”. Bro. Harry was also the Director of Camp TECABOCA for over 30 years. Whatever else he may have been, in his heart and life, Bro. Harry was a Religious of the Society of Mary, a “Brother of Mary,” devoted to his Brothers and the Mission they share, in their common faith in Jesus.
Bro. Cornell is survived by two sisters: Helen Janet Brown and Mary Carol (Gerhart) Klumb; nieces: Jennifer Brown, Lisa (Butch) Darnell, and Cynthia (Chris) Prokop; nephews: George Brown, Samuel Brown, Daniel (Barbara) Brown, Gary (Lori) Klumb, Brennan (Michele) Klumb, Eric (Michele) Klumb; and numerous cousins, great nieces, and great nephews.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Central Catholic H.S. Scholarship Fund or to the Marianist Mission, Mt. St. John, 4435 East Patterson Road, Dayton, OH 45430-1033.
Funeral Arrangements: Monday, September 26, 2022, 6:00 PM Viewing & 7:00 PM Rosary at Holy Rosary Church, and Tuesday, September 27, 2022, 3:00 PM Viewing & 4:00 PM Mass also at Holy Rosary Church. Burial will be in the Marianist Cemetery immediately following the Mass.
(Mass will be Live Streamed starting @ 3:50 PM https://www.facebook.com/holyrosarysa/videos)
Thank you for wearing your face mask.
Read MoreThis is very sad news for all that knew and loved Bro. Cornell. I had him for Geometry, Computer Science and Calculus. What a great teacher and wise man he was. I remember him saying when something did not go the way it was planned - "That's the way the Mercedes Benz" - he was one of a kind. He also taught many other family members that graduated from '70-'78. Thank you for everything and rest in peace.
Ted DeLeon Class of '92
September 28, 2022 | School
May you Rest In Peace. It was a pleasure working with you at Central. My condolences to your family
Rosie Delgado
September 28, 2022 | San Antonio, TX | Coworker
circa 1980
Bro. Cornell was one of my favorite CCHS teachers. He was my computer science teacher in the early 80's when personal computers were just catching on. He was brilliant and contributed immensely to my computer skills. Thank you for your excellent devoted service. May you rest in peace.
James Knoebel
September 27, 2022 | Austin, TX | Student
May condolences to Bro. Cornell´s family and his Marianist Family. Bro. Cornell was my freshmen Algebra teacher in 1962. He was great at explaining things and was very patient with those that were experiencing issues with Algebra. Would occasionally much later see Brother Harry at my eye doctor´s office. He amazed me that even 50 years later he could name most of that 62 freshmen class. He was committed to ensuring every one of his students were successful in his math classes. He was a...
Joe Valdez, 66"
September 27, 2022 | School
Just a great person to be around. He was my first professional math teacher. After him, I went on to meet many other great people, including: Papa Joe Cortez, SGM Johnny Salazar, Bro Herb Janson, Fr Ted Hesburgh, and many more. But Bro Harry started me off. Just great both inside and outside the classroom. He will be greatly missed by generations of young boys who need guidance and education such as his.
Gary Evins '71
September 26, 2022 | Las Vegas, NV | Student
Coach Keller´s Family sends their sympathy to Bro Cornell and his family. We worked beside him at Central Catholic for many years.
Velma Keller
September 26, 2022 | Work
Brother Harry was by far one of my favorite teachers at Central. His style of teaching made it easy and fun to learn. But his demeanor outside of class is what made him a "gentle" role model and a friend. Our loss is heavens' gain. May he rest in eternal peace and may eternal light shine upon him.
jack Moulder Class of '70
September 26, 2022 | San Antonio, TX | Student
I was very sad to hear of Brother Cornell’s passing. I send my deepest condolences to his family and to the Marianists. I thoroughly enjoyed his math classes as a student at Central Catholic. Bro. Cornell captivated students with his outstanding class presentations. Outside the classroom, he was a kind and faithful pillar of the school. As an adult, I enjoyed many conversations with him at several reunion Masses and a Houston alumni gathering. He remembered so much about all his...
John Knoebel
September 25, 2022 | Sugar Land, TX | Student
Brother Cornell gave me the foundation in college prep math which allowed me to excel above my peers in college and ensured my eventual success in electrical engineering. Many thanks to and respectful memories of a great teacher!
Robert C. Raiford, COL, USA (Ret'd)
September 25, 2022 | School