Richard Joseph Cornish

Richard Joseph Cornish, 95, of Sarasota, FL, son of Lebbeus Morrison Cornish and Lydia Christine Herrmann Cornish, passed away on June 28, 2021. He is survived by his loving daughters Pamela Culbertson (RF Culbertson), Carolyn L. Cornish (Paul Alers), and Allyson Cornish, and grandsons Taylor, Morgan, Mitchell, and Christopher. He was predeceased by his beloved wife of 52 years, Beverly Anne Cormier Cornish of Holyoke, MA.

Richard was a World War II veteran having served with the Army Air Forces overseas in the Pacific Theatre. He held the rank of Lt. Colonel in the Air Force Reserve. He graduated from Yale University in 1949 with a B.A. degree in International Relations, and from The American University in 1951 with an M.A. degree in International Organization.

Richard joined government service as a Foreign Service Officer after graduation from Yale in 1949, and he served most of his career overseas. He served at U.S. Missions in Beirut, Lebanon, Taipei, Okinawa, Rangoon, Burma, Lome, Togo, Savannakhet, Laos, Frankfurt, Germany, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, Yaounde, Cameroon, and London, England.

Richard will be remembered by those who knew and loved him as one who lived a happy, caring, and generous life. He was a loving husband, father, and grandfather. His warmth and kindness will be remembered by all who knew him. We honor his life of dedication and service to our nation. He will be greatly missed by family, friends, and the many classmates and colleagues with whom he remained in contact throughout the years.

Burial will be held at Sarasota National Cemetery.