LCpl. Kevin Cornelius

Lance Corporal Kevin Michael Cornelius, 20, died Saturday, August 7, 2010 in the Helmand Province of Afghanistan while serving in the United States Marine Corps in support of Operation Enduring Freedom.

Born April 5, 1990 in Ashtabula, OH, Kevin graduated from Lakeside High School in 2008 after being active in the wrestling and football programs. One of Kevin’s favorite times was the bicycle trip he took in 2006 when he rode his bike from East Glacier, Montana to  Ashtabula, a distance of 1,975 miles.

He joined the U.S. Marine Corps immediately following graduation and at the time of his passing, had earned many honors during his time in the service including: Combat Action Ribbon, Sea Service Deployment Ribbon, Afghanistan Campaign Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal,  National Defense Service Medal, and the Purple Heart.

A lifetime member of Bethany Lutheran Church, he served as the only acolyte for many years and even filled the position again during his visit home this past Christmas. Anyone that knew Kevin can attest to his personality - always smiling, always caring, always willing to help those in need, and always finding a way to make people laugh or smile (even when they did not want to).  Kevin loved his family and friends, and was so proud of being a United States Marine.

His survivors include his father, Gerald E. (Marlene) Cornelius of Ashtabula; his mother, Valerie (Bob) Silleck of Ashtabula; one brother,
> 2LT Eric V. (Stephanie) Cornelius of Ft. Rucker, AL; his grandparents, Carmen “Lefty” Corbissero and Celeste Corbissero, both of Ashtabula; his step-brothers, Robert (Sandra) Fortune of Geneva and John “Jack” (Karen)
> Fortune of Ashtabula; his step-sister, Kelly (John) Romano of Cleveland;  his aunt, Vanessa (David) Petrosky; three uncles, Carl Corbissero, William E. (Joan) Cornelius, Jr., and Theodore E. (Mary) Cornelius; and numerous cousins, extended family, and friends.

He was preceded in death by his paternal grandparents, Olive  and William E. Cornelius, Sr. and his step-brother, Dwayne Fortune.

Calling hours will be held from 2 PM to 7 PM on Sunday, August 15, 2010 at Lakeside High School, 6600 Sanborn Road, Ashtabula, OH 44004 (use event entrance). A service will be held 1 PM on Monday, August 16,  2010 at Bethany Lutheran Church, 933 Michigan Avenue, Ashtabula, OH  44004.  Rev. Larry Mackey, Pastor of Bethany Lutheran Church and Rev. Karen Tews,  Pastor of Faith Lutheran Church are officiating.  Those unable to attend the funeral service may watch it via webcast through a link at www.ducro.com  or at www.ducrowebcast.com. It will be available within 24 hours after the service is complete.

A private burial will take place in Arlington National Cemetery, Arlington, VA at a later date.

Contributions may be made to the LCpl. Kevin Cornelius Memorial Fund c/o Huntington Bank, Ashtabula Branch, 4366 Main Avenue, Ashtabula,  OH 44004.

Ducro Funeral Services and Crematory, 4524 Elm Avenue, Ashtabula, OH is in charge of arrangements. www.ducro.com.

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