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William G. Cornelius, 79, of North Haven and Ocean City, Maryland moved on to his next adventure on April 2. At the time of his passing, Bill had been enjoying time with his family in Ocean City, where he had spent a few weeks relaxing before suffering a final health challenge. Born in Newport News, Virginia to Gordon M. and Elizabeth F. Byrd Cornelius, Bill lived in Joppa, Maryland, during his youth and spent two years living in Izmir, Turkey, when his father was stationed there. Fond memories of his childhood and the experience of living overseas generated many wonderful stories over the years.

Bill was active in DeMolay as a young man, a member of Mt. Christian Church in Joppa, and proudly graduated from Milligan College (now Milligan University) in Johnson City, Tennessee. During his years at Milligan, he was on the cross country and track teams, receiving letters all four years. The foundation created by Bill’s college education started him on a career path with the Travelers Insurance Co. in Baltimore, Maryland, which took him to Reading, Pennsylvania, and ultimately Connecticut. His career in the insurance industry spanned over 40 years and included independent agency and corporate executive positions. During those years, he developed countless business and personal relationships, many of which he retained well after his retirement in 2007. During his working years, Bill also gave his time serving on the North Haven Board of Education, the New York Christian Institute, the Boy Scouts, and the Jaycees, where he forged lifelong friendships.

Mourning his passing are Bill’s wife of 38 years, Cynthia Celso “Cindi”, his loving daughter Iris E. “Beth” White, son-in-law Steven M. White, and cherished granddaughter Rebecca E. “Ellie” White of Lexington, Kentucky. He also leaves siblings Nancy C. Huff (Lester) of Unicoi, Tennessee, Richard J. Cornelius (Sharon) of Joppa, Maryland, and Robin Ritter (Ron Vito) of Berlin, Maryland, along with a much-loved niece, four nephews, and their children.

Bill and Cindi were blessed to travel extensively throughout the U.S., Europe, and the Caribbean, and Bill was able to enjoy one of his favorite hobbies, golf, at some legendary locations including St. Andrews in Scotland. Other favorite pastimes were tending to his yard and flowers and writing countless cards and letters to his granddaughter.

Bill will be remembered from 9 to 11 a.m. on Saturday, April 9, with visitation at The Havens Family, North Haven Funeral Home, 36 Washington Avenue; a service will follow at 11 a.m. at the funeral home. Interment will be at All Saints Cemetery. Attendees are invited to join the family for lunch immediately following to share memories of Bill and celebrate his life. In lieu of flowers, friends may pay tribute to Bill with a donation to Milligan University, 1 Blowers Blvd, Milligan, TN 37682, or the Closer to Free Fund, which jointly supports Smilow Cancer Hospital at Yale New Haven and Yale Cancer Center. Please make checks payable to Closer to Free Fund and mail to P.O. Box 1849, New Haven, CT 06508. Please include the honoree’s name on the memo line. Secure online gifts can be made at www.giveclosertofree.org. For his online obituary, please visit www.northhavenfuneral.com.