WELLSVILLE – Lawrence E. Cornelius, 80, passed away unexpectedly on Tuesday (June 30, 2026) while tinkering on a project at home.
Larry was born on October 1, 1945 in Wellsville to Robert and Marguerite (Quick) Cornelius.
Larry was a welder for Turbodyne in Wellsville for 13 years, retiring due to an injury in 1978. Since then he became the proverbial “Jack of All Trades” lending his hand to many projects, most notably rebuilding engines.
Larry is survived by seven children, Laura (Stephen) Sheridan of Wellsville, Leisa (Jeffrey) Teribury of Wellsville, Lawrence E. “Charlie” Cornelius of Elmira, Lance (Ellen) Cornelius of Wellsville, Larann “Randy” (Renee) Cornelius of Wellsville, Laramy (Tiffany) Cornelius of Wellsville and Lacy Reisman of Brockport; three sisters, Roberta Mesler and Carolyn Slocum, both of Shinglehouse, Pa. and Florence “Penny” Baker of Coudersport, Pa.; a foster brother, Ricky Skiver of Jamestown; special friend and Harley rider, Phil Baker; special friend and cousin, Mike Childs; special friend and auto tech instructor, Professor Mike at Alfred State College in Wellsville; and his dog Opie.
Additionally, he is survived by 13 grandchildren, Kristi Sheridan, Michael Sheridan, Amanda Pratt, Jody (Bill) Golish), Kayla (Andrew) Babcock, Kassidy (Pat) Coyle, Austin Spencer, Jordan (Kami) Cornelius, Eric Cornelius, Trinity Allen-Kenyon, Laramy Cornelius, Jr., Blake Waleski and Arianna Gonzalez; 20 great-grandchildren, Jayce Collins, Addalin Sheridan, Kristen Teribury, Brianna Teribury, Alex Burns, Makayla (Aaron) Albano, Blake Pratt, Andrew Pratt, Treyghton Golish, Hunter Golish, Caitlyn Golish, Saylor Coyle, Miley Coyle, Baylee Babcock, Emma Spencer, Everett Giffen, Oaklee Cornelius, Kolton Cornelius, Onyx Cornelius and Stella Cornelius; three great-great-grandchildren, Ryker Saunders, Keagon Albano and McKinley Albano with two more on the way; and several nieces, nephews and cousins.
He was predeceased by a sister, Bonnie (Robert) Fanton and two brothers-in-law, Denton Mesler and Bud Slocum.
Larry loved spending time with his grandchildren and with 36 of them, that is a lot of time to spend. He was the patriarch to a large family and loved them all dearly.
Larry was big into stock car racing and go kart racing. He was a tech man for Allegany Memorial Speedway and Back River Racing. He was an excellent mechanic and was constantly rebuilding engines for friends and family. He also enjoyed riding his Harley and was a fixture for many years in the Andover Fourth of July Parade.
Larry was an outdoors enthusiast. He was an avid deer hunter with many trophies adorning the walls of his home as evidence. Coon hunting with his three favorite coon dogs, Floppy, Red and Sugar was another passion of his. In the summer Larry traveled to the St. Lawrence River to fish with his good friend, Adolph “Fats” Paris. He also had a life long love of horses and attended many horse shows.
Larry was a Christian, loved his God and knew his Bible.
There will be a time of visitation on Monday (July 6) from 2-4 and 6-8 p.m. at Baker-Swan Funeral Home in Scio/Wellsville. The funeral service will be held on Tuesday at 11:00 a.m. at the funeral home with Pastor Glen Layfield of the Restoration Church of Christ in Scio officiating. Burial will follow in York’s Corners Cemetery. Online condolences may be offered at www.baker-swan.com.
Memorial contributions in Larry’s name may be made to York’s Corners Cemetery Association, 1431 State Route 19, Wellsville, NY 14895. © 2025 Baker-Swan Funeral Home.
