John A. Cornell, 62, passed away unexpectedly on April 6, 2020. He is the husband of Lisa (Kurtz) Cornell, his best friend and loving wife of 36 years. John was born on November 20, 1957 in Middletown, the son of Barbara (Gaboury) Cornell and the late Ronald Cornell Sr. He was a longtime resident of Meriden, graduating from Maloney High School, Class of 1975. John went on to earn his bachelor's degree from Central Connecticut State University. He spent his entire career as a disaster and insurance claims adjuster and the last seven years as Manager of Town and County Autobody, a division of Mauro Motors, where he planned to retire.

John had a tremendous work ethic. Those who were closest to John knew he was very proud of his work. He was well-known for his reliability and standard of quality. Work allowed John to form relationships; talking to people is something he loved to do. His work was an extension of his dedication to his family, which was his pride and joy.

John was an avid golfer from a young age. John was a coach, umpire, and never missed an opportunity to cheer on his children and grandchildren. Some of his best memories included camping on the Cape, working in his yard, going for a swim in his pool, playing cards and Misquamicut Beach. More than anything, John valued his time with his wife, four daughters, and grandchildren. He was seldom seen without a coffee, but that did not stop him from taking a well-deserved nap. His sense of humor was infectious, as was his handsome smile. John was always there for everyone in his life at a moment's notice, and that trait goes unmatched.

In addition to his wife Lisa, he is survived by his daughters: Jaimie Cornell and Jon Saffo, Jacqueline Ferreira and her husband Joe, Jennifer Wilk and her husband Steve, and Jessica Cornell. John was "Pa" to five cherished grandchildren: Benjamin, JJ, Jaxon, Hunter and Scarlett. He is also survived by his brother and best friend Ron Cornell Jr. and his wife Ellen, Christopher Cornell and partner Robert; two sisters: Karen Stigliano and her husband Paul, Paula Sicuranza and her husband Robert and several nieces and nephews. His funeral is private. A celebration of his life will be held at a later date. Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to the Stempien Funeral Home, 450 Broad St., Meriden. To send an online expression of sympathy please visit www.stempienfuneralhome.com.

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Published by The Record-Journal on Apr. 12, 2020.

Memories and Condolences
for John Cornell

Sponsored by Stempien Funeral Home, Inc..

19 Entries

April 28, 2020

Dear Aunt Barbara, Mrs. John Cornell and Family,

Last week, I spoke to our cousin Donna and she mentioned that John had passed. I was so sorry to hear this.

Since I live so far away, I never had a chance to meet John, but I understand he was a wonderful father, and well-loved by friends and family.

Please accept my condolences.

Susan Casey

Lynn Percopo

April 17, 2020

I worked with John for many years at Travelers. Not only was he a fair, knowledgeable appraiser with integrity but a true family man. I could see the love he held for his wife and daughters. I saw the true joy in his eyes when his first grandchild was born.
We kept in touch as he moved on from Travelers. I always enjoyed our conversations and hearing how the family was growing with additional grandchildren.
To the Cornell family, I am so sorry for your loss. I truly enjoyed knowing and working with John.

John Hummel

April 15, 2020

I knew John from working with him at Travelers, and then dealing with him at Town and County. Always a pleasurable experience whether work or social. Very knowledgeable, always fair.

Jimmy Magistro

April 14, 2020

John was an incredible guy. Working with him throughout the years made me see how great of a person he was. I always looked forward when I had to go into his shop for an inspection. John gave me great career advice as he was an adjuster for many years. I would sit with him and listen to his many years of wisdom. A very special person and kind soul. You will be missed John. Rest In Peace.

John Waldron

April 14, 2020

Ron and family, Remember John fondly as your plucky little brother.Wishing you and the family peace and solace in the fullness of time.

Melissa Fertiguena

Sent Flowers

James Stevens sr

April 13, 2020

Till we meet again my friend, Rest In Peace.

Kevin Belezarian

April 13, 2020

John was my brother from a different mother, I had the good fortune of working with John and being his friend for over 26 years. I will miss him immensely. We shared many a laugh and worked very hard together, he was a mentor, a leader and as honest as the day he was born. You will be dearly missed but never forgotten. He was very proud of his daughters and his grandchildren, and he could wait to tell me about them, a true family man, a loving husband and the best friend i could have ever had. May you rest in peace until i see you again

Holly Hackbarth

April 13, 2020

Chris and the entire Cornell family - I am very sorry for your loss.

Jim Benoit

April 12, 2020

Sorry for your loss. I knew John a long time. I also worked for him l briefly before he close his business to work for Sentry Claims. John taught me a lot about being fair and reasonable! He was a great and loyal friend to me.I will miss him. Jim Benoit AIG Claims Service.

Anonymous

April 12, 2020

Rest In Peace My Dearest Friend

Linda Liversidge-Daley

April 12, 2020

So very, very sorry for all of you. I know how close you all were. Prayers and blessings.
-Linda

Russ Dibble

April 12, 2020

So sorry to hear about John's passing. He was a great friend from long ago. He will be deeply missed.

David Lavado

April 12, 2020

I am very sorry to hear of Johns passing. He and I played golf and pin ball throughout high school. To his family, please accept by condolences for John was a good man.

Scott Disbrow

April 12, 2020

We are so sorry to hear of Johns passing. Thoughts and prayers to all of his family.