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Ezra Colin Cornell
1993 - 2017
Ezra Colin Cornell
1993 - 2017
Obituary
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Ezra Cornell Obituary
Ezra Colin Cornell passed away at home in Ithaca NY on Monday, May 22, 2017 following a tragic accident. He was 24 years old.
Colin was born on May 1, 1993 in Elmira NY to his parents Ezra and Daphne Cornell and lived in Ithaca NY. While attending Ithaca High School, Colin discovered his passions for photography and game design. He continued to develop his skills in these areas as a student at Tompkins Cortland Community College. Colin had strong values and was proud of being a good person. He only asked others be nice to him and to each other. He got to know many members of the community while volunteering at the Tompkins County Public Library and The Science Center, and working at the Lehigh Valley House, Challenge Imaging, The Heights Café, and most recently at Kendal at Ithaca.
Colin took great pleasure working in the local community and through his infectious smile and gentle greetings he warranted a calm peaceful pause for connection, no matter where he was. Colin enjoyed traveling across the (as he would say) Great! United States, as well as Canada. More recently he had a wonderful visit with family and friends to Boca Grande, Florida, where he captured his favorite moments, as he always did, on camera. Some of his most memorable family adventures were to Missouri, Texas, Florida, California, Wyoming, Montana, New Mexico and New York City. Colin was the best known New Yorker in the Big Horn Mountains after traveling annually to a dude ranch in Wyoming, knowing every horse, cowboy, and guest by name. Colin made lifetime friends everywhere he went. His big smile and genuine interest in life was a beacon for others, impacting lives far and wide.
Colin will be remembered best by his surviving family members, Ezra and Daphne Cornell of Ithaca NY, sisters: Alie Cornell, Jackie Cornell, and Katy Cornell (husband Brian McMeekin).
Services for Colin will be held on Saturday May 27th, 2017 at 2:00pm at the First Congregational Church of Ithaca NY. All are welcome to attend and join in the celebration of Colin's life.
In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to either the Ezra Colin Cornell Memorial Fund for Children at Franziska Racker Centers or to the Ezra Colin Cornell Memorial Fund for Digital Photography, in the College of Architecture Art and Planning at Cornell University.
Franziska Racker Centers
3226 Wilkins Rd
Ithaca, NY 14850
RackerCenters.org
Cornell University
PO Box 25842
Leigh Valley, PA 18003-9692
giving.cornell.edu/waystogive/
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Ezra Cornell
September 17, 2023
Daphne and our entire family thank all the friends who have shared memories and condolences about Colin. We read and are touched but what you have written. As a boy and young man he loved, was loved and wanted only to make others happy. Thank you, ec
mary belous stein
May 19, 2023
Every time we interacted at Boynton Middle School and then later online and shared pictures, Colin was a bright light! I think of him often and still miss that infectious smile!
Susan Adie and Brad Stahl
May 19, 2023
Dear Ezra and family - I cannot imagine the emptiness inside. Our hearts are with you still.
Ezra Cornell
May 18, 2023
Colin was a very happy young man who loved everyone he ever met, and a Son never to be forgotten. Love you always, Dad
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May 21, 2019
Two years later Daphne and i still miss and shed tears for our dear Colin. Yet we are better because we can also smile in remembering how he made us so happy and we can share a laugh about moments when he laughed his hearty laugh. His joy in helping others and how he made so many friends and strangers happy are memories we treasure, and so much more. Colin is with God in Heaven, and I have no doubt he is just as great a helper there. Life in one sense may end, yet the love, feelings and goodness we shared with Colin is forever with us.
Love always,
Dad
Tim Millhiser
May 19, 2019
Colin was such a breath of fresh air and optimism. He makes me smile every time I think of him.
June 4, 2018
It has been one year of mourning and crying for the loss of Colin. With time our initial sadness has led to fewer tears and more smiles when recalling our dearly loved son. Colin's personal accomplishments and determination were truly amazing. We remain very proud of him and will forever miss him.
Thank you for being a wonderful part of our lives and for teaching us so much about the real meaning of life, and the importance of sharing happiness, comfort and kindness with others.
Love always,
Dad
December 20, 2017
Colin loved Christmas and will be dearly missed this and every year. God bless you my son. Love, Dad
Chris Cockbill
September 14, 2017
Dear Cornell family
It is so sad to too hear of the loss of Colin. My heart felt condolences to you.
I worked at Ithaca High School when Colin was a student there. He was a kind, intelligent, happy, friendly young man and I always enjoyed having conversations with him on many subjects from computer gaming to engineering design. Colin always had a smile and a kind word for everyone he met. I will always remember him with great fondness.
Aureliano BONINI
August 1, 2017
Dear Daphne and Ezra,
yesterday Giuseppe told me of your recent painfull grief for the departure of your beloved son Colin.
Please accept my sincere condolences and a virtual strong embrace.
Aureliano Bonini
Ann Kline
June 29, 2017
Dear Daphne and Ezra,
We are deeply saddened to learn of Colin's passing. We are remembering his beautiful smile and our happy conversations last summer with him about our shared love of Eatons' Ranch. Our love and prayers are with you and the family.
Bob and Ann Kline
Ezra Cornell
June 22, 2017
Ezra Cornell
June 22, 2017
Ezra Cornell
June 22, 2017
Ezra Cornell
June 22, 2017
Ezra Cornell
June 22, 2017
Ezra Cornell
June 22, 2017
Ezra Cornell
June 22, 2017
Ezra Cornell
June 22, 2017
Ezra Cornell
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Ezra Cornell
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Ezra Cornell
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Ezra Cornell
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Ezra Cornell
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Ezra Cornell
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Ezra Cornell
June 22, 2017
Ezra Cornell
June 22, 2017
Ezra Cornell
June 22, 2017
Ezra Cornell
June 22, 2017
gloria
June 4, 2017
I am so sorry to hear of your loss. May God be with you and your family .
My sincere condolences
June 2, 2017
I was shocked and saddened to learn of Colin's death. I haven't seen him for many years, but vividly remember him as a sweet and beautiful child. The photos and tributes show how beautifully he has grown up. I am also very sorry for Ezra, Daphne, Ally, Jackie and Katie, who have lost a real treasure. The world has as well.
Kathy Stone, Los Angeles
Randy Allen
June 2, 2017
I am so sorry to hear of your loss. My thoughts and prayers go out to you at this difficult time.
June 1, 2017
You are in our thoughts and prayers.
Brookdale Senior Living Memory Care
Nancy Wilson
May 30, 2017
Dear Daphne, Ezra and family,
WE just learned of Ezra's passing and are saddened by his loss. Our hearts , prayers and love go to you...
Love, Nancy Russo Wilson and Bruce
Colin with friends, 2011
Laura Johnson-Kelly
May 30, 2017
My deepest condolences to all of Colin's friends and family. He was a lovely and special young man, and he will be missed.
Kim Cotton
May 30, 2017
I am so sorry to hear of Colin's passing. Please know you all are in my thoughts and prayers.
Sarah Galbreath
May 29, 2017
Dear Cornell family-
We were so sorry to hear about Ezra's passing. Our thoughts and love are very much with you.
Sarah Galbreath and Steve Hugo
Tammy Russell
May 28, 2017
Dear Cornell family,
Colin was like a friend to me here at Kendal. I always enjoyed hearing him say good morning Tammy to me every morning and I could count on him to share photos, information and events every lunch time. He had a great personality. It was a pleasure working with him. He was a hard and proud worker. Me and other coworkers will miss him deeply and we'll always remember him. My prayers and thoughts are with you.
Teresa Tyrrell
May 28, 2017
Colin introduced himself to me on a Tcat bus and was very friendly, kind and engaging. My condolences go to his family in deep sympathy.
Susan and Brad Adie - Stahl
May 28, 2017
Dear Ezra and Daphne
I cannot imagine how your hearts must be breaking. Our prayers are with you for the loss of your beautiful son.
Susan and Brad
May 27, 2017
Ezra and Daphne,
There are no words to tell you how sorry I am. I will always remember Colin with fondness.
Thinking of you both,
Kathy Berry
Eric & Cheryl Humerez
May 27, 2017
Ezra and family,
Our heartfelt condolences are sent to you all. So very sorry for your loss.
Dede Hatch
May 27, 2017
Daphne and Ezra, I'm so very sorry to learn this terrible, unimaginable news. My heart goes out to your entire family. I remember when I photographed Colin just a few years ago, he spoke about his keen interest in photography and technology that was so far over my head.. it was the first time I really sensed a confidence that the future was in good hands with such bright, young people. I won't forget that gift, nor his beautiful spirit.
May 27, 2017
We are all so sorry to hear of Colin's passing. We send our love and healing thoughts to all of you. Linda, Ed, Beth and Savanna Pasto
Dylan Marcus
May 27, 2017
To the Cornell Family,
I am truly sorry to hear of Colin's passing. I cannot remember a single negative interaction with Colin. From our younger days up to the present he was always an endless source of positive energy, and I am grateful that I was able to soak some of it up. I will miss him greatly. Sending my sincere condolences to you all.
May 27, 2017
We are so sorry for your painful loss of a dear son.
Nothing could be more devastating.
Our thoughts and prayers are with you all.
Marlene and Bill Jewell
Rick and Jo Gikbert
May 27, 2017
Rick and I are so sorry. Prayers are with you all.
Jo and Rick Gilbert
Marta Weiner
May 27, 2017
Dear Daphne and Ezra,
Heartfelt sympathy to you and the family. I'll always remember the lovely conversation I had with Colin in the garden at the Lynn household. He was so sweet. I hope the thoughts and prayers being sent your way are of comfort to you.
With deepest sympathy,
Marta Weiner
Hannah Hadi (Amsili)
May 27, 2017
Dear Cornell family, I am so sorry for your loss. My memories of Colin are from our hockey days, he was so sweet and that is how I will always remember him! Sending so much love to you all.
May 26, 2017
We are so sorry for your loss. Colin was a bright spot for so many, with his warm smile and gentle nature. Liza and Mike Burger
Maria Mintz
May 26, 2017
Dear Daphne, Ezra and Family,
I was so sorry to hear of the passing of Colin. He was such a delightful young man, aways happy and thoughtful. I will keep all of you in my prayers, and hope that many happy memories and photos will bring you some comfort.
Maria C. Mintz (retired, ICSD)
Ginger Krupa
May 26, 2017
I'm so very sorry for your loss. Prayers and condolences for family and friends.
Judy Cogan
May 26, 2017
I'm so sorry for your loss....Colin was a bright, caring, kind young man. I am so happy to hear that he continued his study of photography after high school. He showed great promise and passion for making images and he was always so eager to learn. He was a teacher's dream....motivated, hard working and oh-so-curious. Sending love and light to you all.
Dorothea Schrader
May 26, 2017
Dear Daphne and Ezra, Dawn and I wish to express our sincere condolences on your loss of Colin. God be with you. Dorothea Schrader
Ryan Hawthorne
May 26, 2017
I have only a few memories of Colin, but I'll remember them fondly. He was one of the kindest people I've met in my life and I am sending love and healing thoughts to his family and others impacted by his passing.
Thank you for always showing kindness, Colin.
The Rev. Kate Bryant
May 26, 2017
Ezra, Daphne, Alie, Jackie and Katy,
My heart is groaning. Every summer, I so looked forward to engaging in conversation with Colin at our beloved Eatons' Ranch where we shared the experience of being dudes. I will always remember Colin's ready smile, his openness to the world, and his joy at being at the ranch.
"Rest eternal grant to him, O Lord; And let light perpetual shine upon him."
Randi Millman-Brown
May 26, 2017
I was totally taken aback by this news. I knew him as a student at TC3 - he loved the professors and the community there. He was always working and asking questions - sometimes going to in long explanations about a project or idea. Sincere condolences to his family and friends.
Maureen Sullivan
May 26, 2017
So terribly sorry to hear of Colin's passing. I remember him and Alie when I was teaching at Cayuga Heights. He was a beautiful soul with a very caring sister in Alie, also a beautiful soul. Colin is "not gone. He has just changed his address." - quote from a recent friend's memorial service. My thoughts and prayers are with all of you.
David Forrest
May 26, 2017
Alie, Jackie and family:
So sorry to learn of the passing of your brother! Our prayers are with you in this difficult time!
Nicole Benenati
May 26, 2017
I will always remember Colin as a kind person who was a pleasure to teach. I am so sorry he is gone.
Tammy Moore
May 26, 2017
I was deeply saddened to hear of Colin's passing. I will miss his sweet personality and beautiful contagious smile. Much Love and Comfort to his Family.
Jolan Burger
May 26, 2017
Jackie,
I'm so sorry to hear about Colin's passing. I'll be thinking of you and your family.
Emily Grippin
May 26, 2017
Alie, Jackie and Family,
I am reminded of Colin at the hockey rink every weekend, supporting his sisters through the cold weather. What a sweet and caring brother and fan. So sorry for your loss.
Lisa Pate
May 26, 2017
Ezra, Daphne, Katy, Alie and Jackie,
Our hearts are broken for you all. I wish I could find better words to express our sadness at hearing of your loss. Sending you all love-
Lisa and Chris Pate and family
Marcia and Barry Strauss
May 26, 2017
To Daphne, Ezra and the rest of the family. We were shocked and saddened to hear this news. We send you our deepest condolences and our most hearffelt prayers to help you through this very, very sad time. May his memory be a blessing.
Sara Knapp
May 26, 2017
I can't believe this....... Colin was such wonderful person. I am just dumb founded that he is really gone. R.I.P!!!
Tammy Michaud
May 25, 2017
Colin was a great person.
My heart and prayers to his family. Missing him at Kendal. Rip Colin Cornell
You are greatly missed by many at Kendal
Jeffrey DuMont
May 25, 2017
My deepest sympathy to the Cornell family and all those whose life he touched. Some of my fondest memories as a teacher in Ithaca involve Colin. He was a kind and gentle young man who brought a ray of sunshine everywhere he went. -Jeffrey DuMont
Pamela Swieringa
May 25, 2017
Dear Daphne and Ezra,
Sending our heartfelt sympathies to you and the girls. We remember Colin singing in the children's choir so sweetly, such a blessing.
May you be comforted by your fond memories, the support of your friends, and the abiding love for each other.
Pam and Bob Swieringa
Katherine Beissner
May 25, 2017
Colin was a unique and wonderful human being. Dylan and I cherish memories of his ready smile, creative ideas, and his genuine kindness. Ezra and Daphne, my heart weighs heavy for you.
Lauren Cooley
May 25, 2017
Jackie, Daphne, Ezra, and family,
I am so tremendously sorry for your loss. I have many happy memories of family dinners with the Cornells and Colin's big smile and goofy jokes were always such a highlight. How lucky Colin was to have spent his 24 years with such a warm and loving family. Thinking of you all today and in the days and weeks to come.
Ellen Reynolds
May 25, 2017
We remember Colin many years ago as a sweet boy - may you be enveloped by the love of family and friends. Thought and prayers for all of you,
Ellen and David Reynolds
John & Diane Mehrman
May 25, 2017
Ezra, Daphne and Family,
Our hearts are broken, but we find peace and healing in our memories of your very special Colin. His gentle nature and beautiful smile will remain with us forever.
John and Diane Mehrman
May 25, 2017
Daphne and Ezra,
We are so sad about Colin's passing, and our thoughts are with you. Anne Adesso let us know. We will see you Saturday to express condolences in person. Love, Daphne and Jim
Karen and Dave Cole
May 25, 2017
Our hearts are breaking for Colin's family. Please know our thoughts and prayers are with you all.
May 25, 2017
We are all heartbroken over Colin's passing and the enormity of this loss for you and your family. His warmth, kindness and good humor are in our fondest memories. Our love to you in this difficult time.
Dawn, Katherine, and Lauren Schrader
Keith Millman
May 25, 2017
This is such terrible news, Colin was a passionate student and 3D creator in the New Media program Tompkins Cortland Community College. He always found new software and was excited make work. There was a place in the future for his skills and the skills he had yet to master. I am just so sorry, for all of us.
We will miss you Colin.
Heather Scott
May 25, 2017
Oh I'm so sorry to hear this terrible news. I was Colin's biology teacher at IHS and he was such a pleasure to have as a student! Always full of positivity and so kind to his peers. Greg Ruddick and I really enjoyed working with him. Thinking of Jackie and your whole family.
Noble Fowler
May 25, 2017
It was a blessing meeting Colin in Boca Grande. He was such a nice guy. My prayers and condolences go out to your entire family. God has him now and he is in a great place.
Vicki John
May 25, 2017
I am just heartbroken for you, his loving family. Please know that you are in my prayers.
Claudia Lazzaro
May 25, 2017
Ezra and Daphne,
We are so sorry to learn of your tragic loss. Our thoughts and greatest sympathy are with you in this terribly difficult time.
Gregory Chu
May 25, 2017
I first met Colin in pre-school. I was very shy at the time and had a speech and hearing impediment, which made making friends difficult for me. Yet this did not matter for Colin, who nonetheless took me in as his friend.
No matter what we did, whether it was digging for treasure in his backyard, hiking in the Adirondacks, sleeping over at his house, or trying to beat the high score on his dad's retro flash Gordon pinball machine, my time with Colin was always an adventure.
I was truly blessed to have met Colin. He has and will always be my first and best friend.
I sincerely express my condolences to Colin's family. I cannot imagine the pain and suffering you must be experiencing right now. But I, and the rest of the community will do our best to help you get through this terrible situation. It's the least we can do given all that Colin has done for us.
May 25, 2017
This is heartbreaking, I'm so sorry for your loss. Colin was a funny kid. My deepest sympathy and condolences.
Nancy Massicci
Linda Luciano
May 25, 2017
Ezra and Daphne -
Our hearts go out to you at this difficult time. Please know your friends at South Hill Business Campus are keeping you in our thoughts and prayers.
Martha and C.C. Chu
May 25, 2017
Daphne and Ezra, we are truly heartbroken to hear of the untimely loss of your son, Colin. It is far, far too soon. We vividly see him over the years from a tot or child playing with our son Greg up through the kind, friendly young man Colin became. Whenever you spoke with Colin, his friendly smile and greetings made you feel that speaking with you was the only thing he wanted to do just then. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family at this difficult time.
Chris and Steve Zinder
May 25, 2017
Dear Allie and family, Please know that the Zinder's are holding you close in our hearts during this heartbreaking time.
Rich Couch
May 25, 2017
I was fortunate to work with Colin at Kendal at Ithaca. He trained me my first day. He was always pleasant to me. and would go out of his way to greet everyone at the start of his shift. You always knew Colin was there.
I only work weekends and worked with him most recently last Saturday. I miss him already!
My thoughts are with his family at this difficult time.
Your son and brother was a kind and thoughtful person who will be missed greatly by all who knew him. He touched many lives in a positive way.
Manley Thaler
May 25, 2017
Ezra and family--having lost a son 6 months ago we are aware of the pain you are going through. One day at a time and life goes on. Look at the bright side of your memories. Manley
Laura and Bob Andolina
May 25, 2017
Dear Ezra and Daphne and family, we are so very sorry for the loss of your beautiful son, taken far too soon. Our love and prayers go out to you, may he rest in peace. Please know we are thinking of you.
May 25, 2017
I am so sorry for the loss of your son and brother.
My prayers and thoughts are with your family.
Martha Collacchi
May 25, 2017
My heart goes out to the family at the loss of their wonderful son and brother. I was a school crossing guard when he was in grade school and he was such a special little guy. I always looked forward to seeing my little toe head coming up the hill and he always gave me a boost to my day. Fly high with the angels Colin. You were so loved.
Brian and Jennifer Wansink
May 24, 2017
We are heartbroken to hear of Colin's passing. Our thoughts and prayers are with the family and for the wider community of people who's lives he touched and brightened.
Our girls are also very touched by this, knowing that they spent their baby years sleeping in his former crib that was lent to us.
Elaine Mays
May 24, 2017
I feel so bad about his passing. He was always smiling and spoke every time I saw him. Such a sweet friendly person. My prayers go out to his family. I will never forget Colin and am already missing him at Kendal. RIP Colin.
Mary Belous Stein
May 24, 2017
I shall remember this fine young man for his smiles and conversations from first interacting with him at Boynton Middle School to our chance meetings at Wegmans and around town. It was a pleasure to watch him grow ! Sending peaceful thoughts to all of the family.
Penny Givin
May 24, 2017
My thought and prayers are with the Cornell family.
Pamela Hanna Menzenski
May 24, 2017
I have just learned of Colin's passing and am heartbroken for his family and friends. I have such sweet memories of him in Cub Scouts, and over the years. Much love and light and prayers for you all at this difficult time.
Tim Millhiser
May 24, 2017
Collin was such a bright, curious soul. So very sorry to hear the very sad news.
Tilly Garnett
May 24, 2017
I am so sorry to hear of your loss. I will always remember Colin's quiet nature and his smile.
Kathleen Morrow
May 24, 2017
To the family and friends of Colin,
This is devastating news and my heart goes out to all of you.
I worked with Colin at Kendal. We became friends very easily. He always had a smile and a genuine " Hello, how are you today?". Colin was a true bright light in a world that needs more light.
We also share the same birthday, and I'll always remember him, especially on May 1st.
Love and Light, Colin.
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