Gary A. Cornwell

1943 - 2023

Gary A. Cornwell

ORANGE, MA - Gary A. Cornwell, 80, of Red Brook Lane, died unexpectedly Wednesday evening, October 4, 2023 at home after being stricken ill.

Born in Montague on September 8, 1943, he was the son of Earl F. Cornwell Sr. and Shirley C. (Kidder) Cornwell and grew up in Orange, graduating from New Salem Academy in 1961.

On July 6, 1967, Gary enlisted in the United States Army and served in Vietnam. He was honorably discharged on February 9, 1969. He had served with his life long friend, Wayne Corey and had been hit by shrapnel in the legs three times.

Gary married Sandra (Kingsbury) on September 25, 1971 and enjoyed over 23 years of marriage until her death on April 17, 1995.

Gary worked in the foundry at the Rodney Hunt Company in Orange for many years and had also worked at Athol Table.

Gary loved all the New England sports teams as well as being outdoors. He played sports with his children and grandchildren and loved his apple pie and other snacks.

Gary was a member of the former Athol- Orange Elks Lodge #1837 and played in a softball league. He also like to play "pitch" and was on a league. Gary also did candlepin bowling in a league at the French King Bowling Alley.

Gary's PCA's took care of him the last year and a half so he was able to stay in his house till his time to leave this earth. Thank you for all they have done and love you gave dad- Tina Pace, Holly Matthews, Heidi Saviski and Scott Patrick.

Gary is survived by his children, Gary Cornwell Jr. of Gill, Anthony Wheeler (Buffi) of Largo, FL, Robert Wood III (Erika) of Northfield, Jenny Benoit (Todd) of Richmond, NH and Yvette Wheeler of Vernon, FL; 13 grandchildren; and 22 great grandchildren. He also leaves his siblings, Daryl Cornwell of Northfield, Kenny Cornwell of Greenfield, Donald Cornwell of Florida & Maine, Robert Cornwell of Orange, Richard Cornwell of Bernardston, and Sharon McLean of Athol; and numerous nephews, nieces and cousins.

Gary was predeceased by his mother in 1993, his father in 1996, brothers, David in 1958, Rodney in 1968, Howard in 1995, Earl Jr. in 2006, and Brian 2023, as well his sister, Linda Brown in 2018.

There are no calling hours.

A graveside service will be held on October 28, 2023 at 11 a.m. in South Cemetery, 585 South Main Street, Orange. A gathering will follow.

In lieu of flowers, please donate in Gary's name to the Orange American Legion, P.O. Box 172, Orange, MA 01364-0172.

Witty's Funeral Home, 158 South Main Street, Orange, is assisting the family.

Guest book and directions online at WWW.WITTYFUNERALHOME.COM