Robert W Cornish

Robert W. "Bob" Cornish, 88, of Oneida, fondly known as" Cobb", "Cash Cornish", "Big Whistle" and "Corn" passed away on Thursday, February 12, 2026. Bob was known as the "Battleship" as he recovered many setbacks from various health issues over six years, finally succumbing to a cardiac episode. He just didn't want to leave his treasured family and friends.

He was born on January 3, 1938, in Rome, the son of Willis and Eunice (Reader) Cornish. Bob was a 1955 graduate of Vernon-Verona-Sherrill High School where he received his Varsity Letter in football, basketball, and baseball. He received many all-league honors in all three sports. Bob's accolades included league and sectional championships.

On June 26, 1959, Bob was united in marriage to Beverly A. Tayntor in Canastota. Beverly passed away on December 23, 2007.

Bob proudly served his country as a member of the United States Army from March 6, 1957, until his honorable discharged with the rank of Sergeant on March 5, 1962.

Bob was employed as the Plant Superintendent of the Mohawk Valley Psychiatric Center for thirty-nine years, retiring in 1994. He worked his entire life at the State Psychiatric Centers in many capacities. With his dedication, work ethic and respect by his peers, Bob finally became the "Big Boss'". He enjoyed working next to his Assistant and officiating sidekick Charlie Fobare.

A lifelong resident of the area, Bob was of the Catholic faith.

Bob was a proud lifetime member of the Stanwix Veterans & Men's Club and the Oneida Elks Lodge #767, enjoying the Monday night Pitch League. He was also an active member of the William Russell Post #404 American Legion in Vernon. His commitment to fellowship and service was evident in every organization he joined.

A founding member of the Crystal Springs Golf Course 9-hole league, Bob loved time spent on the golf course, sharing laughs and camaraderie with friends, especially with his golfing partner Lenny Maida, who was one of his best friends.

Bob's impact on athletics in the Mohawk Valley was extraordinary. He was a devoted member of the Mohawk Valley Football Officials Association for more than 50 years. In 1963, he began officiating high school basketball, embarking on a career that would span nearly five decades with IAABO Utica Board 51. Bob officiated numerous Sectional Finals and had the distinct honor of refereeing a New York State championship football game at the Carrier Dome. Bob had the pleasure of calling games with athletes who would go on to careers in Major League Baseball and the National Football League.

For many years, Bob served as Chairman of Board 51's basketball rating committee, a role he carried out with fairness, wisdom, and deep respect for the game. He was known for looking out for his fellow officials, both on and off the court. In recognition of his character and dedication, Bob was honored as the first recipient of the Len Maida "Good Guy" Board 51 Award. He also represented Board 51 at numerous National IAABO conferences.

Beyond officiating, Bob was one of the original co-founders of the Oneida Castle Little League. He dedicated countless hours to coaching Little League, Babe Ruth baseball, and youth basketball, instilling in young athletes the values of teamwork, sportsmanship, and perseverance.

Bob's greatest joy was seeing his grandchildren grow up, spending time with them and taking pride in their choosing careers in service to others. He was fortunate to be able to watch his son's sports games and coaching years, as well as his grandchildren's academic and sports achievements.

Bob loved the NY Yankees, all Notre Dame sports and Syracuse Football and basketball. He really enjoyed seeing SU basketball's 2003 National Championship firsthand.

Bob's greatest gift was that of love and giving. He gave jobs to many people, often without an interview, to help a friend's child or someone close to him. He would lend you money just with a handshake and a smile. He would buy close friends' gifts that included shirts and hats of their favorite sports team. He would be known to give his friends special foods he came across in his travels (a favorite was NYC smoked kielbasa). He would donate his time to cook for benefits for clubs with his favorite main dish, mushroom stew. His car was known as a melting pot of love.

Bob really cherished pending time with his brother Jim, especially their yearly hunting trips with their close friends. During retirement Bob would use some of his many talents to help a friend "save a buck". Whether it was installing a new furnace, boiler, hot water tank, fixing a leak or just mowing a lawn. He so enjoyed helping others whenever he could.

Surviving are his son, Jeffrey (Valerie) Cornish, of Oneida; three grandchildren, Dr. Nathan (Dr. Ayna) Cornish, of New York City, Dr. Nicole (Alex) Mischke of Washington, D.C., and Abigail Cornish of New York City; three great-grandchildren, Aidan, Noah and Alessia; two sisters-in-law, Dawn Cornish of Rome, and Nancy Cornish of Rome; two nephews, Evan (Susan) Cornish and Ryan (Chloe) Cornish; and a special great nephew, Devan Cornish; and nephews Tom and Randy Reader, niece Patti Schlick and a dear cousin Brenda Reader. Bob was predeceased two brothers, James F. Cornish on December 8, 2018, and John L. Cornish on January 11, 2026; a nephew, Mitchell J. "Mitch" Cornish on April 21, 2017; a sister-in-law, Shirley M. Cornish on September 28, 2023.

The family would like to thank Dr. Matthew Siegehthaler and his staff, Crouse Community Center, Oneida Health Wound Care, Dr. John Costello, Jr., Dr. William Cooley Jr., Katie Rolfe and her Nascentia team, Jim Mason and friends, Steve Potter, Ed Keyes, Bill Kiser, Terry Pazdur (adopted stepson), Fran Broski and Ed Krukowski who all lifted his spirits. A very special thanks goes to Gail for her gentle and kind care.

A Mass of the Christian Burial will be held on Saturday, March 7, 2026, at 12pm at St. Joseph's Church, 121 St. Joseph's Place, Oneida, where the Rev. Christopher J. Ballard will officiate. Family and friends are invited and may call on Saturday, March 7 from 10:00am-12-:00pm at St. Joseph's Church, Oneida, NY prior to mass. Private interment with Military Honors will take place in Oneida Castle Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made in Bob's memory to the IAABO #51 Scholarship Fund, 94 Brook St., Ilion, NY 13357 or the Stanwix Veterans & Men's Club Scholarship Fund, 6774 Lamphear Rd., Rome, NY, 13440. You may view his obituary and send his family a message of sympathy at www.ironsidefuneralhome.com.