Robert Francis Cornell

Mr. Robert F. Cornell, 65, of Milford MA died Wednesday (July 12, 2023) at his residence after a courageous battle with cancer. He was the beloved husband of Mary (Howe) Cornell.

Robert was born in Westboro MA, the son of the late Edward Cornell and the late Mary (Harrigan) Cornell. He was a graduate of Westboro High School, Class of 1975. Upon graduation from high school as an accomplished baseball player, he was awarded a four year baseball scholarship to New Mexico Highland University but with the untimely passing of his mother at a young age, he returned home to support his family after only one year. He later received his bachelor’s degree from Assumption College in 1981.

Robert was first employed as a young man as a police officer working for the City of Richmond VA from 1982 to 1984. In 1984 he returned home to take over the management of the family owned business, Cornell’s of Hopkinton MA, which he managed until 2012.

Robert had been a resident of Milford MA since 1991. He was an avid supporter of the My One Wish Program and was named their “Man of the Year” in1999. He was an avid sports fan and supported all of the New England sports teams. Robert was also a “history buff”  and later in life, during his retirement years, he taught history to students in DYS.

Along with his beloved wife of 36 years, he is survived by his 2 sons: Robert James “Rory” Cornell of Valencia Spain and Ian Timothy Cornell of Milford MA & “Planet Mars”; his 4 siblings: Edward Cornell Jr. of Millbury MA, Marybeth Cornell of Vernon VT, Paul Cornell of South Carolina and Richard Cornell and his wife Connie of Grafton MA; also several nephews & cousins.

His funeral will be held FRIDAY (July 21st) from the Edwards Memorial Funeral Home, 44 Congress Street, Milford MA followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at St. Mary of the Assumption Church, 19 Winter Street, Milford MA at 12 NOON. In accordance with his wishes cremation will follow his Funeral Mass. Visiting hours will be held FRIDAY (July 21st) from 10am to 11:30am at the Edwards Memorial Funeral Home, prior to his Funeral Mass.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to The Dana-Farber Cancer Institute @ Milford Regional Medical Center, c/o the Milford Regional Healthcare Foundation, 14 Prospect Street, Milford MA 01757      or to  VNA Care Hospice, 100 Trade Center Drive, Suite #G-500, Woburn MA 01801.

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