William G. Cornelius, 79 of North Haven, CT and Ocean City, MD moved on to his next adventure on Saturday, April 2. At the time of his passing Bill had been enjoying time with his family in Ocean City where he had spent a few weeks relaxing before suffering a final health challenge. Born in Newport News, VA to Gordon M. and Elizabeth F. Byrd Cornelius, Bill lived in Joppa, MD during his youth and spent two years living in Izmir, Turkey when his father was stationed there. Fond memories of his childhood and the experience of living overseas generated many wonderful stories over the years. Bill was active in DeMolay as a young man, a member of Mt. Christian Church in Joppa, and proudly graduated from Milligan College (now Milligan University) in Johnson City, TN. During his years at Milligan, he was on the cross country and track teams, receiving letters all four years. The foundation created by Bill’s college education started him on a career path with the Travelers Insurance Co. in Baltimore, MD which took him to Reading, PA and ultimately Connecticut. His career in the insurance industry spanned over 40 years and included independent agency and corporate executive positions. During those years he developed countless business and personal relationships, many of which he retained well after his retirement in 2007. During his working years Bill also gave his time serving on the North Haven Board of Education, the New York Christian Institute, the Boy Scouts, and the Jaycees where he forged lifelong friendships. Mourning his passing are Bill’s wife of 38 years, Cynthia Celso (Cindi), his loving daughter Iris E. (Beth) White, son-in-law Steven M. White and cherished granddaughter Rebecca E. (Ellie) White of Lexington, KY. He also leaves siblings Nancy C. Huff (Lester) of Unicoi, TN, Richard J. Cornelius (Sharon) of Joppa, MD, and Robin Ritter (Ron Vito) of Berlin, MD, along with a much-loved niece, four nephews and their children. Bill and Cindi were blessed to travel extensively throughout the US, Europe and the Caribbean, and Bill was able to enjoy one of his favorite hobbies, golf, at some legendary locations including St. Andrews in Scotland. Other favorite pastimes were tending to his yard and flowers and writing countless cards and letters to his granddaughter.
Bill will be remembered on Saturday, April 9 with visitation at The Havens Family, North Haven Funeral Home, 36 Washington Avenue from 9:00 to 11:00. Service to follow at the Funeral Home at 11:00 am. Interment will be at All Saints Cemetery. Attendees are invited to join the family for lunch immediately following to share memories of Bill and celebrate his life. In lieu of flowers friends may pay tribute to Bill with a donation to Milligan University, 1 Blowers Blvd, Milligan, TN. 37682, or the Closer to Free Fund, which jointly supports Smilow Cancer Hospital at Yale-New Haven and Yale Cancer Center. Please make checks payable to Closer to Free Fund and mail to P.O. Box 1849, New Haven, CT 06508. Please include the honoree’s name on the memo line. Secure online gifts can be made at www.giveclosertofree.org
Just a huge loss…such a special man. Much love and hugs to you, Cindi, Beth, Steve and Ellie.
my sympathy to Cindi and family I always consider {bill} a good friend and agood person Micheline and real
Cindy we are so saddened by Bill passing. I thank you always for being the best neighbor and friends to my parents. Thank you. Take care. Love, Anna
Cindi, all my love and prayers to you, Beth, Steve, Ellie and the countless friends and family left behind by Bill. Thinking of you all, all my love, Donna
Cindi, I am extremely saddened by the news of Bill’s passing. I have many fond memories in Ocean City of such wonderful neighbors. He will be missed. Thinking of you with warmest regards. Robin and Howard Sturman
Cindi,
Our hearts go out to you and the family.
Bill was a great friend and OC neighbor.
Wishing you peace and comfort in the memories of your life with Bill.
Bob and Kathy
Bill:
You’ve been a great and unforgettable friend over the years.
From our first encounter at BAHS (class of ’61) to sharing our teen years together to our many connections with you and Cindy in more recent times.
Of special memory are the many text messages and phone calls inquiring about family, health and future plans.
You have been a significant person in my life and our frequent connections will be greatly missed.
Cindi, you are in my thoughts and prayers.
May God continue to bless and comfort you during this time and give you perfect peace.
Keith
Dear Cindi and Family,
Bill will be remembered by me as a distinguished and great man who was both interesting and interested in others. He was blessed to have shared the last 38 years of his life with you, Cindi. You have been loving and supportive wife. and the with love of his daughter, grand daughter, and son-in law he was truly a happy man. We treasure the many good times we have had through the years with you and Bill and I especially appreciate that Bill was a dear friend to my husband, Keith by staying connected through text right up until a few weeks before his passing. We are saddened by the loss of Bill’s presence in our lives. He will be remembered and greatly missed. May God’s infinite love and healing be with you as you walk through this difficult time. You are in our prayers. We are thankful for the hope we have through Jesus Christ that Bill is now in the presence of God.
Love,
Pat Webster
Sending love and prayers for peace as you say goodbye. Love never dies.
Found memories of Bill during our years at Founders Insurance. Always a gentleman. Full of amusing stories accumulated during a successful career. He will be missed.
Dear Cindi,
I did as you requested and made a key to your unit using Earl’s key you gave him, so now if one of us isn’t here, you have another option if you need something checked in your unit. Please don’t hesitate to call me if I can help you in any way at all or do anything for you and I mean anything! We are all so sad to lose such a wonderful person in our condo. Love, Margaret
Cindy – I just heard the sad news of Bill’s passing. My heart is broken. Bill was a 1st tier insurance executive, a consumate gentleman but most of all a dependable and honest friend. He will be remembered fondly by many. You are in my prayers.
As a childhood friend of Bill, fellow DeMolay, Mountain Christian Church member and a Milligan grad as well I was dismayed to hear of Bill’s passing. His influence on me was very positive.