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Robert Sherrill Cornelius II

Robert Sherrill Cornelius II '52

Aug. 2, 1930-Oct. 3, 2018

Robert Sherrill Cornelius II ’52, a manufacturer of flexible packaging of Orchard Park, N.Y., was born on Aug. 2, 1930, in Buffalo, N.Y., the son of the former Sadie Belle James and Robert Cornelius, a businessman. He graduated from Orchard Park High School.

Cornelius majored in anthropology and English literature at the College. He was a member of Doers & Thinkers, Psi Upsilon, and the football, lacrosse, and cross-country track teams. Following his graduation, he served in the U.S. Army during the Korean War from 1952 to 1954 and was awarded a Bronze Star for meritorious service.

He went on to a long career in the packing industry, retiring as president and CEO of Cello-Pack Corp., a flexible packaging manufacturing company in Buffalo that he owned. He also served a term as president and as a board member of the former Services for the Mentally Retarded of Erie County, which became People, Inc., a mental health agency for people with disabilities.

Remarking on Hamilton’s influence on his life for his 50th reunion yearbook, Cornelius noted, “Outside of the influence of my mother and father, my years at Hamilton have had the greatest impact on my life and values. The basic grounding we received in wanting to learn art, literature, language and ethics still has a profound influence on my life today.”

Cornelius and his wife, the former Elizabeth Hartnett, traveled extensively, particularly after retirement in 1994, according to a published obituary. He was also a renowned watercolor artist, influenced by artist and Hamilton professor Paul Parker during his College days.

Robert S. Cornelius II died on Oct. 3, 2018, at age 88. He is survived by his wife of 62 years, three daughters, three sons, and seven grandchildren. A brother, Chase Cornelius ’54, attended the College from 1950 to 1951.

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Note: Memorial biographies published prior to 2004 will not appear on this list.



Necrology Writer and Contact:
Christopher Wilkinson '68
Email: Chris.Wilkinson@mail.wvu.edu

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