Robert E. Cornelia, Jr., 84, of Columbia, died peacefully, Tuesday, November 7, 2017. Born on March 11, 1933 in Staten Island, New York, he was a son of the late Robert E. Cornelia, Sr., and Camille DeSantis-Cornelia. A member of the 1951 graduating class at Xavier High School in Manhattan, Robert was a first-generation graduate of college. He held an undergraduate degree from Holy Cross in Worcester, MA and a Master's Degree from New York University. While serving as president of AT&T's Nassau Metals Telecommunications in Gaston during the late 1980's, he went on to lead a successful career and raised a family that he was very proud of. Robert was a US Army Veteran, avid golfer, and loved to cook, watch sports, and play poker with his mens club. He was a member of the Knights of Columbus, WildeWood Country Club and attended St. John Neumann Catholic Church of Columbia.

Survivors include his spouse, Barbara-Jay Cornelia; his two sons, Robert E. Cornelia, III, Joseph E. Cornelia (Barbara); his daughter, Joan E. Cornelia Wallace (Ray); grandsons, Vaughn R. Cornelia and Ryan J. Cornelia; granddaughters, Grace McLeod and Jane McLeod; a great granddaughter, Sophia Ann Cornelia; sister-in-law, Monica R. Cornelia; a goddaughter, Elizabeth A. Cornelia-Francis. Also surviving is his stepson, Gordon McLeod (Melanie); and stepdaughter, Paddy McKenzie (Robert); as well as a host of nieces and nephews. In addition to his parents, Robert was preceded in death by a brother, Edward J. Cornelia.

The funeral service for Mr. Cornelia will be held 11:30 o'clock, Monday, November 13th, at Shives Funeral Home, Trenholm Road Chapel, 7600 Trenholm Road Ext., Columbia, with the Rev. Fr. C. Alexander McDonald officiating. Burial will follow in Ft. Jackson National Cemetery. The family will greet friends Sunday evening, from 5 until 7 o'clock at Shives Funeral Home, Trenholm Road Chapel, with a vigil service to follow at 7 o'clock.