Joseph Cornicelli

Joseph Anthony Cornicelli Jr, 71, passed away peacefully on Wednesday August 23, surrounded by his loving family after a courageous battle with prostate cancer. Born in Niles, OH to his parents, Ann and Joe, he fondly remembered Sunday dinners with his siblings, Tony and Maria. After obtaining a PhD in biochemistry from the University of Cincinnati, Joe's life took him numerous places before he settled in Ann Arbor, MI with his loving wife Ann Cornicelli. Joe lived the dream every person has but few realize - he loved his work and had a hand in impacting the lives of numerous people - both colleagues and society as a whole - through his scientific research efforts at Warner Lambert, Pfizer, MiR, and Charles River Laboratories.
However it was Joe's family and friends that truly inspired him to celebrate each day. Together with Ann, they raised three boys, Joseph, Matthew (Stephanie), and Nicholas, in a "never a dull moment" household. A passionate photographer, fisherman, exquisite home chef, and Hawaiian shirt Friday fashionista, Joe lived life as it should be lived, making the most of every moment with everyone he loved. Cheering on his children at every hockey game, enjoying morning coffee with his wife, taking annual family vacations to northern Michigan, cooking the Feast of the Seven Fishes every Christmas Eve, and celebrating game days filled with food from the smoker to cheer on Michigan (and Notre Dame) football are just a few ways Joe experienced the joys of life. Though not renowned for his golfing prowess, "One Eye" relished a round on the course as it allowed him to spend valuable time with his sons and friends outside in the sun, followed, of course, by happy hour. At the end of his day, Joe could often be found in his favorite chair with a bourbon or a scotch watching an old movie or engrossed in a good book. With his family by his side, all was right in the world.
Joe was always quick witted with a story and a joke. He could remember and reference even the smallest details about someone that often went unnoticed by others and would celebrate any accomplishment achieved by his loved ones. People gravitated towards him for this and his kindness. Joe was not shy in expressing to people how they made a difference in his life and he meant it. He loved being a husband to his wife and a Dad to his three boys and daughter-in-law. Joe truly excelled in these roles; he was the best of us at both. More recently, nothing brought him more joy than becoming "Baffi" to his grandchildren, with whom he would FaceTime, dance, and love. While saddened by his loss, we know Joe is up in heaven, and proclaiming to all he sees that "if I were a dog, I'd be wagging my tail." Joe will be dearly missed by all who were in his life, but he undoubtedly left the world in a better place than he found it. To honor his life and legacy, all who remember Joe may be spiritual and kind to one another.
He is survived by his wife, Ann; his sons, Joseph, Matthew (wife, Stephanie), Nicholas; his two grandchildren, Caroline Grace and Michael Joseph; and his siblings, Tony (Cindy) and Maria (Jeff).
Visitation will be held on Wednesday, August 30, 2023 from 5:00 to 8:00 pm at Nie Funeral Home - 3767 W. Liberty Road, Ann Arbor. During visitation a Rosary Service will begin at 7:30 pm. Funeral Mass will be held on Thursday, August 31, 2023 at 12:00 pm at St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church - 2250 E. Stadium Blvd, Ann Arbor with Fr. Seamus Kettner presiding. Burial will take place immediately following services. For those who wish to join, a luncheon will take place after the burial.
In lieu of flowers, the family kindly asks for donations on his behalf to the Wellness House at wellnesshouse.org/donate, which provided Joe with guidance, support, mentorship, grace, and prayers as he dealt with prostate cancer.
Please sign the Tribute Wall and share a memory of Joe.