Obituary of Pasquale M. Cornacchio

Elmira: Age 79, passed away Sunday, October 20, 2013 at the Arnot Ogden Medical Center, with his beloved family by his side. Patsy was born January 9, 1934, in Elmira, a son of Michele and Rosemarie (D'Ambrosio) Cornacchio. He is predeceased by his son Christopher Michael, brothers and sisters-in-law, Tony and Marie Cornacchio, Joseph and Nellie Cornacchio, sisters and brothers-in-law, Irene and Sasa Messina, Grace and Bill Marrone, son-in-law James Robert Hooey, brothers-in-law, Lee Conklin, Edward Dean and Jack Fisher. Patsy is survived by his wife of 55 years Linda (Dean) Cornacchio; children, Kathleen Cornacchio Risso and husband Andrew; Beth J. Cornacchio; Patrick Cornacchio and wife Carol, with children, Nicole (Robert Seymour) Cornacchio and Jessica (Mark Golden) Cornacchio-Golden; Michele Cornacchio Hooey, with children, Angella (Justin) Beard, Elaina, Michaela and Lucas; Christy Cornacchio, with children, Victoria Hansen and Michael Cornacchio; great-grandchildren, Mark Anthony, Ayden, Arryanna, Anthony James, Connor Michael, Jeremiah and Nevaeh; best friend, his dog "Bear"; siblings, Sam Cornacchio, and his wife Ida, Lucy Rundell and Theresa Conklin; brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law, Sandy and John Anderson, Richard and Kim Dean, Reggie Dean; along with numerous nieces, nephews, cousins and neighbors. Patsy was a 1953 graduate of Elmira Free Academy where he was a stand out athlete playing several sports, excelling in basketball. After high school he served in the U S Army. Upon leaving the military he played several years in the Blackhawk Basketball League. Patsy was a car salesman, with most of his career spent working at Clute Motors. For the past several years he worked as a crossing guard at Hendy Avenue School, something he really enjoyed doing. Patsy was very involved in the local sports community for decades. He was a youth coach, long time booster at EFA, a football official and a basketball referee. Patsy could also be found on the sidelines at his children, and grandchildren's, sporting events. He was a long time loyal NY Yankee fan, except for a brief time during the Earl Weaver years in Baltimore. Patsy loved going to auctions, having perfected the "art of the deal". He enjoyed his morning breakfast meetings at Cozy Corners, where he and his friends would solve the problems of the world. Patsy was an overall good and happy person, who cherished his family and friends, always looking forward to the next family gathering at his home for good food and good conversation. He will be forever loved and missed. Family and friends are invited to McInerny Funeral Home, 502 W. Water Street, Elmira on Wednesday, October 23, 2013 from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. A prayer service will be held there on Thursday, October 24, 2013 at 9:15 a.m., followed by a 10:00 a.m. Mass of Christian Burial at Our Lady of Lourdes Church. Military honors will be held outside of church following the Mass. Those wishing may remember Patsy with a donation to the Bath VA, Volunteer Services, Building 18, 76 Veterans Avenue, Bath NY 14810, or a charity of one's choice. Patsy's family offers a special thank you to the entire staff at the Arnot Ogden Medical Center for the wonderful care he received the past three months.