Jeffrey "JEFF" G. Cornell

The Middleborough community sadly lost a pillar on June 1, 2021 when Jeffrey “Jeff” G. Cornell “Sgt.”, 77, passed away in his home from a chronic illness surrounded by his loving family.

He was the beloved husband of Sherril A. (Larsh) Cornell of over 53 years.  Devoted father to his children and their spouses/ significant others: Matthew and Thelma Cornell, Kimberly (Haskell) and Mic Stanfield, Jason and Nora Cornell, Marilyn “Mari” (Cornell) Noska and Tim Foye, Joshua Cornell and Lynn Clark.  He was born in Long Island, NY, to the late Edward and Mildred (Holz) Cornell and moved to Middleborough at the age of three.  He was the brother to the late Edward and Mildred and is survived by his sister, Marilyn Hunt.

Jeffrey was the proud grandpa “poppy” to grandchildren: Heather, Desiree, Kaitlyn, Eliana, Talya, Jamie and Jeffrey; and great-grandchildren: Isabella and Caden; and uncle to Greg and Liz Hunt, Paul and Kim Hunt, Barak, John, and Philip Cornell, Erica (Cornell) and Brian Hunton, Curtis and Lynn Pike; the children of his late brother Edward and his wife Jane; Margaret Macres and Jennifer Rycenga and the late Patricia and Tommy Macres; the children of his late sister Mildred; Renee Gugliotta, and Amber Larsh, Danielle Larsh-True, David Larsh, (late) Caleb and Taylor Larsh; Margie Frame, Rebecca Webb and all their families.  The family didn’t stop there; he and Sherry shared love, guidance and parenting throughout the years to many of the friends of his children; so many to list but to name a few, Wallace Musser, John Noska, Nelson Figueiredo.

Jeff was a driven individual, he attended Middleborough Public Schools, and didn’t stop there.  He graduated from Bristol County Agricultural High Class of 1962 and later received an Associate’s Degree in 1974 from Massasoit Community College, a Bachelor’s Degree in 1980 from Stonehill College, and a Masters Degree in Criminal Justice in 1982 from Anna Maria College.

Jeffrey’s life contributions started when he proudly began serving his country in the US Army Reserves 1962 to 1970 and then his community, 1967 to 2000, retiring as a Senior Sergeant from the Middleborough Police Department where he worked to help form the lives of many, wore his badge with pride and integrity, and encouraged the building of a strong community of family and friends.  He was instrumental in getting the Vial of Life program started in Middleborough to care for the elderly in town.

Jeff was an honorable man of few words but his actions spoke volumes.  He dedicated his life as a Master Mason of the May Flower Lodge A.F & A.M. for 51 years; a member of the Mitchell Memorial Club and the Middleborough Lodge of Elks #1274.  Jeff could often be found volunteering his time to charity, giving someone a helping hand or boost in life.  Organizing charity meals and cooking for fundraising events at the Elks was always a highlight of his commitments.  You could find him each day for many, many years making his rounds through the clubs; sharing a quick word or two, sharing a handshake and heading out before you knew he was gone.

Jeff could be found working all the time, he truly enjoyed work of every kind and pouring his heart and soul into his cranberry bogs from 1984 to 2021. 

Throughout his life he found hunting, fishing or having a bonfire as his form of relaxation and later shared his love of hunting and fishing with his children and his fishing love with his grandchildren.  Bonfires and playing horseshoes have been the family’s way of bonding and sharing in all the ups and downs of life.

In lieu of flowers, he requested donations to be made to the East Middleboro 4-H, 499 Prospect Hill Street, Raynham, MA  02767.

Services will be private for family with a Masonic ceremony, followed by interment at the Massachusetts National Cemetery in Bourne.

A Celebration of Life will be held on July 31, 2021 at the Elks Lodge; more information will be forthcoming.

Sherry would like to thank all the many friends they accumulated over their lifetime as partners.

In the words of a dear lifetime friend…. “Jeff is the true meaning of a man, husband, father, and friend of many… He’s always there with a helping hand and ready to solve problems of those he comes in contact with.”

In the words of the humble man, Sgt. Jeffrey G. Cornell…. “I really didn’t do anything newsworthy.”   He truly had no idea how he impacted the lives of so many.