Paul Lincoln Cornell Jr.

Paul Lincoln Cornell Jr.
Paul Lincoln Cornell Jr. "Linc" of Washington, Connecticut passed away peacefully with his family by his side on Saturday June 17th, 2023. Linc was born on June 23, 1930, in New York City to Ruth Hull Cornell and Paul Lincoln Cornell Sr, an advertising executive and politician.
Linc attended The Buckley School, Phillips Academy – Andover '48, and Yale University class of '52. While at Yale, Linc was an All-American varsity lacrosse player, a member of the Wolf's Head Society, and ROTC program. Following graduation in 1952, he entered the United States Air Force, earning the rank of First Lieutenant while serving as a fighter jet pilot flying a North American F-86 Sabre Jet. A natural seat-of-the-pants pilot, he made his first dead-stick landing over Texas while listening to the Harvard Yale football game. He also flew under the George Washington Bridge although he would never acknowledge this maneuver.
Upon returning home, he married the love of his life Lynette Maxwell, and their journey together began. He attended UConn Law School while building homes to pay for school, graduating in 1958. He opened his law practice in 1960 and worked for over 50 years in Washington Depot as a real estate attorney.
Engaged in the community, Linc was the "Senator" of Washington. He devoted himself to his family, the town, schools, and helping those in need. After the hurricane and flood of 1955, he helped clean out stores, restore homes, and raise money to rebuild the town. He also served as Washington's Probate Judge, Zoning Board Chairman and worked with the Parks and Recreation Commission. A humble man, he received numerous awards for his generosity and commitment to his community.
A trustee of the EagleBrook School and lifelong benefactor of the Rumsey Hall School, he recognized the need to help students reach their dream of higher education. Linc's stewardship of the Washington Scholarship Fund began. He served as President since its inception in 1965 and the fund has awarded millions of dollars in scholarships to over 700 graduates of local high schools. Linc was also Chairman of National Iron Bank and served on the Bank Board for more than 40 years.
Linc was happiest spending time with family and life-long friends. He was a kind and empathetic soul who had the unique ability to make you feel special in his presence. He was extremely generous, treated everyone as family, and positively changed the lives of many. He enjoyed ice cold Coca-Cola while watching the N.Y. Giants, Yale football games and the N.Y. Rangers. He could often be seen cruising
around town in his 61' T-bird or water skiing on Lake Waramaug. An avid tennis player, Linc and Lynette enjoyed spending mornings at the courts with friends. He spent countless summers on Martha's Vineyard boating and riding his moped around East Chop. The Vineyard was the site of many special memories: East Chop, Swish, Bloody Marys, Nancy's, and picnics on Cape Poge.
Linc was the beloved husband of Lynette, "Mother," for more than 68 years, loving father to Linc III (Lois), Steven (Sally), Michael (Athina) and Melinda (Kevin). Linc's 11 grandchildren and 2 great grandchildren were his pride and joy. In addition to his immediate family, Linc is survived by his nieces: Katherine Hull Cook, Karen Case Cook, Allison Cook Cutshall, and his beloved Gene Baslow. He was preceded in death by his sister Agnes Cornell Cook, brother-in-law Jeff Wilcox Cook and wife Lynette.
The family would like to extend its gratitude to the staff at Watermark, Art Mulligan, Mary Donofrio, and all the wonderful aides who supported Linc and family in his final days. We truly appreciate the outpouring of love and support. Per Linc's wishes services will be private. Please consider a donation in Linc's memory to the Washington Scholarship Fund. https://washscholarshipfund.org/about-us/