Richard Wayne Cornelius

Richard Wayne Cornelius, age 76, passed away unexpectedly on January 2, 2024, in Sarasota, Florida. He was born on June 6, 1947, in San Diego, California. Richard was a man who lived life passionately to the fullest, and had a larger-than-life personality.

Richard dedicated 35 years of his career as an Architect, including owning his own practice at one point. He was well-respected in his field and had a passion for creating beautiful structures. Just prior to his passing, he was working as a contracted site inspector, serving in areas such as Puerto Rico, Pensacola, Kentucky, and Lake Mary, Florida.

In addition to his professional accomplishments, Richard had a deep love for his hobbies. He grew up a baseball enthusiast and was a dedicated fan of the San Diego Padres. He also played on several adult baseball leagues throughout his life. Golf was another one of his passions, and he took great pride in teaching his wife Cheryl how to play in the Autumn of 2020. After 7 months of “training”, Richard took pride in Cheryl’s achievement of her first hole-in-one in early 2021 a feat Richard himself had not accomplished in his 35 years of golf. He called Cheryl his “little golfing buddy”.

Richard's military service was a significant part of his life. He enlisted in the United States Air Force on August 1, 1968, and spent his first year in Vietnam. He was honorably discharged from active duty on April 18, 1972, after serving his country with dedication and bravery.

Richard will be dearly missed by his adoring, loving wife Cheryl, his son Michael and his wife Michelle, his three precious grandchildren Jacob, Sienna, and Dylan, as well as his brother Don and his wife Mary, nephews Geoffrey, Gregory, and Eric and his step-mother Ruth Cornelius. Also, Cheryl’s children James Mahoney (Mary) and their sons Joseph and Russell, Jeremy Mahoney (Aimee), and their daughter Addison, Aaron Mahoney (Amanda), and their sons Duke and Remy.

He was preceded in death by his father Stuart Elbridge Cornelius, his mother Kathleen Joyce Cornelius, and his nephew Gerald Cornelius.

A funeral visitation will be held on Friday, January 19th, from 2:00 pm to 4:00 pm at Shannon Funeral Home located at 1015 14th Street W. Bradenton, Florida. Attendees are encouraged to wear casual attire, specifically Hawaiian/Floral shirts, as a tribute to Richard's vibrant personality. A burial service will take place on Monday January 22nd at 1:00 pm at the Sarasota National Cemetery at 9810 State Road 72, Sarasota, FL 34241. After the burial, friends and family are invited to gather at TARA Golf and Country Club located at 6602 Drewry's Bluff, Bradenton, Florida, to raise a toast and celebrate Richard's life.

The compassionate staff at Shannon Funeral Home is assisting the family with the funeral arrangements.