Raymond P. Cornelius

RAYMOND P. CORNELIUS age 94, beloved husband for 32 years of the late Charlotte and the late Marjorie Hess; loving father of Cliff (wife Joanne) and Jim Cornelius and step-father of Terry Winters; devoted grandfather of Christopher, Elizabeth (James Hughes) and Stephanie Sevastos (husband Jon) and step-grandfather of Gene Winters (wife Kristen); treasured great-grandfather of Leo and Lucy Sevastos and step-great-grandfather of Morgan and Payton Winters and Ava Hughes; cherished son of the late Ernest and Gertrude (nee Kessler); dearest brother of the late Laverne Erickson, Betty, Ernest, Eileen DeCrane and Carol Farinacci; dear uncle and friend of many. U.S. Navy Veteran.

Ray was a man of sharp wit, warm laughter and deep pride in the life he built. A skilled tool and die maker, he spent decades working for General Motors and Chrysler, taking pride in his craft and the people he worked alongside. His Navy service aboard the USS Pandemus in the 1950s remained one of the proudest chapters of his life, and he cherished the friendships forged at sea. In later years, he and his beloved wife, Charlotte, traveled the country attending Navy reunions – a tradition that brought him great joy, connection and countless stories. Ray was a devoted family man with a genius for car repair and home remodeling – it often seemed there was nothing he couldn’t do. His sense of humor never dimmed, and his presence was always marked by a quick quip and a genuine smile. He will be remembered with love and laughter by all who had the privilege to know him.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made in memory of Ray to the Alzheimer’s Association, 23215 Commerce Park, #300, Beachwood, OH 44122 or online at https://www.alz.org/Cleveland/donate .

Celebration of Life Service Monday, June 30, 2025 at 11AM AT THE FUNERAL HOME. Entombment following with Military Honors at All Souls Cemetery. Family will receive friends to pay tribute to and celebrate the life of Ray at THE DeJOHN FUNERAL HOME & CREMATORY OF CHARDON (formerly Ritondaro) 126 SOUTH ST. (Rt. 44, south of Rt. 6/Chardon Square) SUNDAY, JUNE 29, FROM 2-5PM.