Joseph A. Cornicelli

Joseph A. Cornicelli, age 93, of Niles, peacefully passed away at 7:29 a.m. Friday February 18, 2022 at St. Joseph Hospital in Warren after long and courageous battles with a multitude of illnesses and conditions. Joe became affectionately known in his family circle as “Pop-Pop” upon the birth of his first grandchild.

Joe was born October 30, 1928 in Warren , the son of Italian immigrants, Anthony and Consiglia Giordano Cornicelli.  He was a 1946 graduate of Warren Harding High School and a US Army veteran. Joe worked at Jordan Cleaners for 12 years where he met Ann Catalano, the love of his life.  He later established and operated Cornicelli Cleaners in Niles, and later in Warren, for 62 years before retiring in 2003. He was a member and senior parishioner of Our Lady of Mount Carmel Church in Niles,  and held every office with the Niles Lions Club, including the distinction of King Lion.  He was also a member of the Niles Knights  of Columbus Council 1681 and a member of its Monsignor Francis J Laverly General Assembly 3rd and 4th degrees. He was past adviser to the Church’s Cub Scout & Boy Scout programs.

Joe enjoyed cooking, golfing, gardening and bowling. He loved to assume the head chef role in preparing family feasts, and he and his entourage became affectionately known as “Num A Num Catering”.  He was an Ohio State fan (and at times, a Michigan fan as well, since he had a son whose family had come to reside in “that state up North”).  He was an avid reader, oftentimes reading 2 to 3 books a week and  enjoyed watching classic movies.  But his passion in life was his family to whom he was selflessly devoted.   He loved to attend & become involved with fall his children’s, grandchildren’s & great-grandchildren’s activities whether it be school, sporting events or religious milestones.  He proudly served his country and was a veteran of the United States Army, being honorably discharged in 1950 when he returned home to marry the love of his life, Ann Catalano on September 23, 1950. Joe dedicated his life to his wife and it has been said that no man has ever loved a woman more than he.  Sadly, she passed on May 3, 2016.

 Joe was a lifelong resident of Trumbull County and since his marriage came to reside in Niles since 1950, at which time he established his own drycleaning business known as “Cornicelli Cleaners”- oftentimes providing free services to the local schools, churches, choirs, bands and anyone else in need. 

He will be deeply missed by his two sons Dr. Joseph A Cornicelli Jr and his wife Ann Marie of Ann Arbor Michigan, Attorney/Magistrate Anthony Cornicelli and his wife Cindy of Warren, his daughter Maria Crowley and her husband Jeff of Niles, his sister-in-laws Anastasia Cornicelli of Niles and Mildred Cornicelli of Warren.  In addition Joe leaves ten grandchildren, Joseph Cornicelli, Matthew Cornicelli (wife Stephanie), Nicholas Cornicelli, Christa Altobelli ( husband Ryan), Anthony Cornicelli ( Emily Opalka), Dante Cornicelli (Cass Clay), JJ Crowley ( wife, Krista), Shawn Crowley, Jennie Balyeat (husband Jeff), John Starling (wife Sara) along with  eight great-grandchildren, Carter, Avery and Alivia Altobelli,  Annabella and Barron Balyeat, Sebastian and Stella Starling and Caroline Cornicelli. Joe also leaves many nieces, nephews and extended family who will sadly miss the Cornicelli patriarch.

Besides his parents, Joe is preceded to death by an infant son Paul Richard, and all three of his brothers  Michael, Matthew and Samuel Cornicelli.

Friends may call Monday from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. at the Joseph Rossi and Sons Funeral Home in Niles. 

Mass of Christian burial will be held 10:00 a.m. on Tuesday, February 22  at Our Lady of Mount Carmel Church in Niles preceded by a 9:30 a.m. prayer service at the funeral home. Facial coverings are asked to be worn at all services and social distancing protocols be observed.

Entombment will be held at Pineview Memorial Park in Warren. 

Material contributions can be made to Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Church, Niles, OH.  

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