Eric J. Cornell

Eric "Ric" J. Cornell, 81, of Shirley, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, October 29, 2025, in Boston Medical Center-Menino Pavillion, Boston, after an illness, with his family by his side.

Born in Montreal, Quebec, Canada, on June 13, 1944, he was the son of the late Charles and Doris (Quigley) Cornell. Rick proudly served in the United States Army, where he dedicated many years of service to his country until his retirement. During his time in the military he received numerous awards including the Army Comendation Medal, Army Good Conduct Medal, Vietnam Service Medal, Vietnam Campaign Medal, Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal, Army Service Ribbon, and the Overseas Service Ribbon. Following his military career, he was employed in the IT Department at Hanscom Air Force Base in Concord, where he worked for many years before retiring.

Rick was an avid bowler and enjoyed organizing recreational events on base, always up for a friendly game whenever time allowed. He also loved golfing and cheering on his favorite Boston sports teams. Above all, Rick cherished time spent with his family, treasuring the memories and special moments they shared together.

He leaves his beloved wife, Lolita (Mallari) Cornell of Shirley; sons, Frank Cornell and his wife Kim of Wisconsin and Eric J. Cornell Jr. and his wife Charmane of Hawaii; William Justice and his wife Katherine of Pepperell; Joseph Justice and his wife Cliris of Pensacola, FL; Daniel, Limuel, and Arnel Cornell, all of the Philippines; and Grady Justice and his wife Nikki of Amherst; a daughter, Celia Justice and her husband Kody Thiphavong of Japan; one sister Joan Howe and her husband Gordon of Hanover, Maine; two brothers Ken Cornell and his wife Patty of Oxford, Maine, and Keith Cornell and his wife April Hunt of Hudson, Florida; along with several grandchildren, nieces, nephews, and cousins.

Graveside Services with Military Honors will be held on Friday, November 14, 2025, at 11:00 a.m. in the Massachusetts Veterans Memorial Cemetery, 111 Glenallen Street, Winchendon, MA.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to a charity of the donor's choice, in memory of Eric J. Cornell.