Leo Cornett

Leo Conley Cornett, age 92, passed away peacefully at home in Union Center, NY Wednesday, August 12, 2015 with his immediate family at his side. He was born on May 1, 1923 in Elizabethton, TN to Onell and Anna (Byers) Cornett. He is survived by his wife Jean Cornett and their children Nancy, Dean, and Scott (Leigh) Cornett. Their extended family includes four grandchildren; Sara (Aaron) Humble, Allison Cornett (Mike Vanden Berg), Rachel (Eric) Hollenbeck, and Sean Cornett. Also, six great-grandchildren; Logan King, Ethan Humble, Nathan Hollenbeck, and James, Jessica, and Jasmine Cornett. He is also survived by brother, Charles (Bonnie) Cornett, sisters-in-law Jane Cornett and Ruth Wheeler, brothers-in-law Conrad Kishpaugh and Harold Beavan along with several cousins and many nieces and nephews. Leo was predeceased by his sisters Cora (Jean) Ackerman, Lois Beavan, and Margaret Kishpaugh, and by his brother Lloyd (Jack) Cornett. He was a member of the Union Center United Methodist Church where he was active for many years. A 42 year employee of the IBM corporation at both the Endicott and Owego, NY plants, he was part of the original management team which established the Owego site in 1957. Leo was a member of the US Army from 1943 until his discharge at the end of World War II as a first lieutenant, having been selected for Officer Candidate School early in his service. He was recently the subject of an Owego Pennysaver article concerning the National POW/MIA Recognition Day which described him as “believed to be the last remaining WWII veteran originally from Tioga County who was a POW” and described some of which he experienced after his capture at the Battle of the Bulge. Especially significant was that, against standard procedure, a German guard allowed Leo to keep his wedding band since “I’ve only been married a few months and we promised to never take off our rings”. And they remained on for the entirety of their 71 year marriage. In his later years one of his deepest joys was his family. Among his grandchildren’s’ favorite memories are sailing with grandpa at Dorchester. Our deepest appreciation to his loving aides for the last three years, Alaina Dempsey, Debbie Gates, and Nikkia Hoover for their care and devotion in making it possible for Leo and Jean to remain in their home which they built 58 years ago on a portion of Jean’s grandparents’ farm. A Celebration of Life will be held Saturday 11 am at Union Center United Methodist Church, 128 Maple Street, Endicott. Burial will be in Nanticoke Valley Cemetery, Endicott at 11 am the following Monday. The family will receive friends at the Allen Memorial Home, 511-513 East Main Street, Endicott, Friday from 4-7 pm. In lieu of flowers, anyone wishing may make a donation in his memory to the Union Center United Methodist Church, 128 Maple Drive, Endicott, NY 13760, the Alzheimer’s Association, or to the charity of your choice.