Robert Cornell

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

Robert was born in Westborough, the son of the late Edward Cornell and the late Mary (Harrigan) Cornell. He was a graduate of Westborough 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, Virginia, from 1982-84. In 1984, he returned home to take over the management of the family owned business, Cornell’s of Hopkinton, which he managed until 2012.

Robert had been a resident of Milford since 1991. He was an avid supporter of the My One Wish Program and was named the organization’s Man of the Year in 1999. He was an avid sports fan and supported all of the New England teams. Robert also was a history buff, and, during his retirement years, he taught history to students in the Department of Youth Services.

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

His funeral will be held from the Edwards Memorial Funeral Home, 44 Congress Street, Milford, on a day and time to be announced, followed by a Mass of Christian burial at St. Mary of the Assumption Church, 19 Winter Street, Milford, on a day and time to be announced. In accordance with his wishes, cremation will follow his mass. Visiting hours will be held at the Edwards Memorial Funeral Home on a day and time to be announced.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute at 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, Suite #G-500, Woburn, MA 01801.

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