Francis G. Cornelis Sr. of Woodbury, CT died December 6, 2010 after a long battle with Alzheimer's at the age of 90. He was born November 3, 1920 in Ossining, NY to the late Terence Cornelis and Loretta Graham in New York City. He was raised in Ossining NY and attended Renselear Polytechnic Institute prior to enlisting in the US Navy where he served from 1942-1945 as a Seaman 1st class on the USS Parle DE708. While serving he earned the European, Middle East, Asiatic, Pacific, and Philippines Liberations medals. Upon returning from service, his entrepreneurial spirit took him in many professional directions. He had a passion for the theater, including being a member of the Beechwood Players Summer Theater and Actors Equity in the early 1950's. He served as Captain of the Briarcliff Manor NY volunteer fire department prior to meeting his beloved wife of 60 years, Theresa. He moved his young family to Brookfield in 1964 where he was very active in community affairs, including serving on the Democratic Town Committing, Zoning and Planning Commission and VFW Post 1021 as well as serving as Justice of the Peace. He loved jazz and was an avid sport car enthusiast. One of the highlights of his life was when he had the opportunity to drive his 1966 Aston Martin at Lime Rock at the age of 70. He moved to Woodbury and was a devout Catholic and communicant of St Teresa's parish since 1997. Survivors along with his wife Theresa are daughter, Christine Staskiewicz and husband Tom, son Graham and wife Missy, son Timothy and wife Jane, daughter Lauri Bates and husband Dan and daughter Catherine. He is also survived by 5 much loved grandchildren, Trevor and Tristan Cornelis, Gabriella and Haley Bates and Casey Cornelis. He is also survived by brother Robert and wife Laura, nieces Cindy Merend, husband Allen and Claudine Cornelis and grandnephew Thomas Merend. He was predeceased by his brother Terence.

Memorials: In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to St Teresa's Church of Woodbury, Children of the Light Mission Attn: Father Bob, Main St. South, Woodbury, 06798 or St Jude's Children's Hospital, Graymoor of Garrison NY or the Lutheran Home of Southbury, Residents Fund, 990 Main St. North, Southbury, CT 06488 in thanks for all the wonderful care given to Fran during his illness.

Cemetery: Mt. Olivet Cemetery

Location: Munson-Lovetere Woodbury

Funeral: St. Teresa's Church

Services: A mass of Christian Burial will be held Friday, December 10 at 11: 00 am at St. Teresa's Church, Main St. South, Woodbury. Burial with military honors will be in Mt. Olivet Cemetery in Watertown.

Visitation: Calling hours will be held Thursday from 4 to 7 pm at the Woodbury Funeral Home of Munson-Lovetere, 2 School St.