Kenneth Louis Cornella

Kenneth Louis Cornella

On Saturday June 12, 2021, Kenny Cornella slipped away peacefully in his sleep to be with the Lord. Born to Louis “Bosco” and Pauline (Menepace) Cornella on February 12, 1938, in Florence, Colorado, he grew up locally and graduated from Florence High School in 1956.

He had an infectious smile and loved his family and friends unconditionally. He was always the life of the party and always the first to help anyone in need. Kenny was a highly skilled heavy equipment operator and owned his own construction company, Ken Cornella Construction, for many years. Prior to that he worked in the coal mine industry south of Florence following in his father’s footsteps. Kenny was honored to be elected by the governor of Colorado to serve on the Colorado Mine Rescue Team. He was a Florence City Councilman and was Pioneer Day Royalty King as well as past member of the Florence and Canon City Elks, the Jaycees, and the Columbian Lodge. Kenny’s hobbies included taking his daughters to rodeos when they were young, “going up the hill” to Cripple Creek, and spending time with his family and friends.

In his later years he had to slow down somewhat because of crippling rheumatoid arthritis, even though he was in constant pain, he held on to his zest for life.  His last few months were spent at Skyline Ridge Nursing home where he enjoyed “hanging out with the girls” at the nurse’s station.

On December 1, 1956, Kenny married Elois Wood in Canon City, Colorado. To this union, three daughters were born, Paula Jane, Pamela Joy, and Patty Jo. They were married for over 25 years and remained close friends until Elois’s passing in 2008. He was married to Phyllis Allen from 1984 to 2017.

He is survived by his daughters; Paula (Buddy) Shaver of Penrose, Colorado, Pamela J. Cornella of Penrose Colorado, Patty Jo (Michael) Mansfield of Kailua, Hawaii. Grandchildren, Benjamin Kimmick, Joshua (Keara) Johnson, Toni (Preston) Saunders, Clint (Felicia) Johnson, Jessy Jo Barnes, and Jennifer (David) Kittle. Great grandchildren, Natalie, Layla, Adam Kimmick, Jiuliana, Kashton Johnson, Isabella, Harper Kuretich, Haily, Isaiah Mansfield, and Rylee Kittle. Great-great granddaughter Laramie Garrett as well as very special and dear cousins and numerous friends. Kenneth was proceeded in death by his parents Louis and Pauline and first wife Elois.

Services will be held Thursday, June 17, 2021 at 10:00 a.m., at Wilson Memorial Chapel on1449 S. 9th Street in Canon City, Colorado.

Contributions can be made in Kenny’s name to Skyline Ridge Nursing Facility patient activity fund or the Florence Elks, Florence Colorado.

Services Entrusted to Holt Family Funeral Homes

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