Obituary of Christopher A. Cornelius

Christopher A. Cornelius, 43, of Swan Street in Scotia passed away suddenly July 2, 2010 at Ellis Hospital in Schenectady. Born July 29, 1966 in Schenectady, the son of Alan D. and Regina M. Reed Cornelius. He lived in Amsterdam most of his life and attended local schools, graduating from Amsterdam High School in 1985. He then attended Fulton County Community College for Criminal Justice and went on to the New York State Corrections Academy, in Harriman NY. Christopher served as a New York State Corrections Officer for 21 years, serving first at Fishkill and Coxsackie for over 10 years then the past 9 years at Hale Creek Correctional Facility in Johnstown, NY. He also served as a Volunteer Fire Fighter for the past 2 years at Scotia Vol. Fire Dept. where he was recently appointed to rank as a Lieutenant. He was also a former member of the Amsterdam Kiwanis Club and the Mohawk Valley Anglers Fishing Club. In addition to his parents Alan D. and Regina M. Reed Cornelius of Amsterdam, NY, he is survived by his loving wife, Jennifer L. Tucci Cornelius whom he married June 8, 2007; daughter Jessa, his brother, Scott A. Cornelius of Rotterdam, sisters Allyson M.Bradley Ferri of Ballston Spa, NY and Jennifer A.Dr. Salvatore Lauria of Davidsonville, MD; nieces and nephews, Tyler Makarowsky, Samantha, Cameron, Brett, and Roman Ferri, Sydney and Prestin Lauria; His Godfather and Uncle TomSharon Reed and Cousin Andrew Reed; his Mother In- law Joan Holland of Little River, SC and Father In-Law William Tucci of Henderson, NC, his Brother in law KyleJoy Tucci of Alpharetta, GA, nephew Quinn V. Tucci and niece Paige J. Tucci. He is predeceased by his Grandparents the late Arthur A. and Anne M. Reed, as well as the late Minard and Jean Cornelius. A Mass of Christian Burial will take place privately at the convenience of the family as well as a private burial. Family and friends are invited to calling hours, Tuesday July 6 from 4 to 7 at the Betz Rossi & Bellinger Family Funeral Home, 171 Guy Park Avenue, Amsterdam NY 12010. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that memorial contributions may be made in Christopher's memory to the Christopher A. Cornelius Family Memorial Fund, in care of the funeral home office. The funds will be dispersed by Chris's family towards the concerns and charities of his heart.