The Life of Allen D. Cornell Jr.
CORNELL
Allen D., Jr., 85, passed away on January 26, 2014 at Moravian Hall Square in Nazareth, PA., after a prolonged illness. Born April 23, 1928 and raised in Philadelphia, Mr. Cornell was a graduate of Germantown Friends School and in 1951 the School of Architecture of the University of Pennsylvania. Prior to joining the renowned family construction firm of J.S. Cornell & Son, Inc. in 1959, he worked for several architectural firms, including George Howe, Robert Montgomery Brown and Victorine and Samuel Homsey. The rest of his professional career was spent with the family firm. Upon his retirement as its President in 2000, the four-generation Cornell led business was sold, but the name remains and the building still stands at 15th and Cherry Street. In a 1997 interview, reflecting upon notable accomplishments during his tenure with the family firm, he cited the long term relationship with the American Philosophical Society and, in particular, the construction of Benjamin Franklin Hall. Mr. Cornell was a noted authority of 18th and 19th century American architecture and construction methods. Many Philadelphia landmark buildings, including Independence Hall, benefited from his expertise. He joined the Carpenters Company in1964 and served as its President during the Bicentennial. On July 4, 1976 he proudly welcomed Queen Elizabeth to Carpenters Hall. Among other professional associations, he was an active and long serving board member of the General Builders and Contractors Association and a building committee member of the Philadelphia Museum of Art. Social affiliations included the Union League Club, Delaware Valley Field and Stream, and the Valley Forge Gun Club. He was preceded in death by his wife of 60 years, Joanne Norberg Cornell. He leaves behind four children, Carole Brashears and Allen D. Cornell, lll of Vero Beach, FL., Lynn Bodenstab of Nantucket and Lisa Suplee of Northampton, PA., along with 10 grandchildren and 11 great-grandchildren. An avid sportsman, he enjoyed raising and training English Setters, fly fishing, upland bird hunting and collecting classic American made double shotguns. A memorial service will be held on Saturday, March 22, 2014 beginning at 11:00 AM at BRINGHURST FUNERAL HOME AT WEST LAUREL HILL CEMETERY, 225 Belmont Avenue, Bala Cynwyd, PA 19004. In lieu of flowers, contributions in Allen’s memory may be made to VNA of St. Lukes Hospice, 1510 Valley Ctr. Pkwy, Suite 200, Bethlehem, PA 18017.