Richard "Rich" Alan Cornelius

Richard “Rich” Alan Cornelius, 67, of Diamond, Ohio, passed away on November 11, 2024, at UH Portage Medical Center. He was born in Warren, Ohio, on September 5, 1957, to the late Wilbur and Agnes (Orwig) Cornelius. He was a 1975 graduate of Austintown Fitch High School, and upon graduation served his country in the United States Air Force, then the Reserves, with the 910th Airlift Wing at the Youngstown Air Reserve Station for 30+ years. After his active military service he was employed by and retired from the United States Postal Service. 

Rich volunteered as a soccer coach for 10 years, was an avid photographer, and enjoyed woodworking and being outdoors. He was known for his sense of humor, quick wit, and his ready smile. Rich hosted the annual Cornelius Family Cornhole Tournaments where he reigned as champion. 

Rich is survived by his wife, Connie (Hughes) Beal-Cornelius, whom he married on December 31, 2016, and his children Richard Jr., Katie, Craig, Sean, Kristin (Jimmy Vennetti), Ryan, Michael (Angie Antonucci), Ian Cornelius-Rommel, and stepson Wyatt (Dina Rathburn) Beal. He also leaves behind his beloved granddaughters, Kayli and Emmerson “Emmy,” as well as siblings Karen Green, William (Cheryl) Cornelius, Brenda Cornelius (Denny Papic), sisters-in-law Rose Cornelius Bukovina, Colette (Ed) Westfall, Lori Coss and several nieces and nephews. 

Preceding Rich in death were siblings Barbara Davis and Randall Cornelius, and brothers-in-law Charles McCleery and Steve Coss.

Private services will be held at a later date. 

Contributions may be made to Wounded Warrior Project, an organization close to Richard’s heart.