Loren M. Cornell, 84, peacefully passed away on July 4, 2023 at the Gino J. Merli Veterans Center in Scranton PA. Born in Hartwick, NY on May 2, 1939, he was the youngest of four sons of the late Clyde and Inza (Whiting) Cornell.

Loren lived in Hartwick, NY and later South Kortright, NY. In July of 1962 he enlisted in the United States Army. After basic training at Fort Dix, he was assigned to C Battery 1st BN, 8th Artillery Regiment, 25th ID and was stationed in Hawaii. He was Honorably Discharged with the rank of Specialist 4, on June of 1964.

Upon returning home, he moved to the Hancock area. He found employment for many years with Wayne Bunting. After a work-related injury, Loren met his future wife, Shirley Hess, who was his nurse at Moses Taylor Hospital in Scranton, PA. Loren and Shirley were married on October 5, 1968, and made their first home in Hancock. Shortly after the birth of their first daughter Diane, the couple built their permanent home in Preston Park, PA. They were later joined by the couple's second daughter, Janet.

Loren worked as a nighttime custodian for the Preston Area School, Wayne Highlands School District, in Lakewood PA. He retired after 28 years. Loren was also well known as a carpenter and handyman in the Hancock area. He enjoyed woodworking and took great pride in his craftmanship. Loren also enjoyed working with leather, making bags, wallets, belts and more. He enjoyed collecting antiques. He and Shirley enjoyed setting up at flea markets at antique car shows. He enjoyed throwing horseshoes and playing pool, and listening to polka music, old country, and gospel music.

Loren was a long-time member of Emory United Methodist Church, in Hancock NY. He volunteered his time on various committees, served as a trustee, and later as the sexton of the church. He took pride in the building and its upkeep. Even as sexton, Loren often volunteered his time and talents with special projects.

Loren moved to Gino J. Merli Veteran's Center in 2019 after he was no longer able to live on his own due to increasingly limited mobility due to a brain tumor discovered in 2012. Loren was a well-loved resident of the facility for 6 years. He was known for wearing his "Indiana Jones" style hat and for his beautiful colored pencil colorings which he gifted to many of the staff and residents.

Loren is survived by his daughters Diane Geer and husband, Paul; and Janet Rice and husband, Jonathan; a grandson, Noah Rice; and granddaughter, Emma Rice. He is also survived by a brother, LeRoy Cornell of Topeka, Kansas, and several nieces, nephews, cousins, and special friends. Loren was preceded in death by his wife of 42 years, Shirley; brother Martin and sister-in-law Gertrude Cornell; brother Howard and sister-in-law Doris Cornell; sister-in-law Vera Cornell; and nephews Mark, Klaus, and Paul Cornell.

Calling hours will be held on Saturday, July 8th, 2023, from 9:30AM-11AM followed by the funeral service at 11AM all at the Emory United Methodist Church, Hancock, NY. Burial will be in Hartwick Village Cemetery, Hartwick, NY.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation in Memory of Loren to the Gino J. Merli Veterans Center Residents' Welfare Fund. Monies will be used for the residents of the center for outings, activities, and entertainment. Please make checks payable to GMVC Residents' Welfare Fund and note "in memory of Loren Cornell" in the memo line. Mail donations to Gino J. Merli Veterans Center, 401 Penn Ave., Scranton, PA 18503.

Arrangements by Henderson-Biedekapp Funeral Chapel, Hancock.