Thomas E. “Tom” Cornish, 59, of Harrison Valley, PA, died Saturday, December 14, 2019 in his home surrounded by family. Born May 5, 1960, Hornell, NY, he was the son of Stanley and Kathleen Burdick Cornish. On March 19, 1977, in the Harrison Valley Federated Church, he married the former Cheryl L. Jones, who survives. A 1978 graduate of Troupsburg High School, he served honorably with the US Air Force from 1978 – 1995, retiring as a Technical Sergeant. Continuing his mastery of heavy equipment operation, he was employed with the International Union of Operating Engineers Local #542. Tom was a member of the Harrison Township Volunteer Fire Company and served as a fire warden. Tom enjoyed ‘tinkering’ in his garage, boating, and fishing. He was most at home in his family’s vacation cottage in Canada. Surviving besides his wife, Cheryl, are: his children, Jodie Cornish of Camden, NY, Cassandra (James) Gertzen of Harrison Valley, and Justin (Mindy) Cornish of Minnetonka, MN; five grandchildren, Mackenzie, Nykayla, Riley, Ryan, and Ean; his mother, Kathleen (Leonard) Tompkins of Knoxville; three sisters, Tina (Anthony) Wanat of Arnot, Tammy Johnson and Tonya Cornish, both of Troupsburg; a half-brother, Steve (Ruby) Jones of Wellsville, NY; a step-brother, William “Wilbur” Tompkins; a step-sister, Peg (Dave) Brown; nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his father. In lieu of flowers, memorials are encouraged to the Harrison Township Volunteer Fire Company, 112 E. Tannery St., Harrison Valley, PA 16927 or St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital at www.stjude.org. A Memorial Gathering will be announced by Olney Funeral Home & Cremation Service, Ulysses, PA. Online condolences may be expressed at www.olneyfuneralhome.com.
