Larry Robert Cornell Sr. – a pioneering figure in the imaging service industry, respected medical equipment engineer, Army veteran and beloved family man – passed away peacefully in his sleep on Monday, April 21, 2025. He was 77.
Born July 8, 1947, in Mount Pleasant, Pennsylvania, Cornell was the son of the late Walter and Iva Cornell. He lived a life defined by service, innovation, and love – both for his country and his family.
Cornell proudly served in the United States Army and fought in the Vietnam War. After his military service, he built a remarkable career in medical equipment engineering. His passion for education and technical excellence led him to co-found the Radiological Service Training Institute (RSTI), where he helped shape an institution that has trained thousands of imaging professionals over the past four decades.
As one of RSTI’s original founders, Cornell’s vision and leadership left a lasting impact on the healthcare technology management (HTM) field. He was known for his ingenuity, warmth and unwavering dedication to helping others succeed. In addition to RSTI, he launched several other successful ventures during his lifetime.
Beyond his professional accomplishments, Cornell found joy in life’s simple pleasures. He loved walking his dogs, fishing, playing bass guitar, organizing family reunions, and most of all, spending time with the love of his life, his “babydoll,” Marie, his wife of 59 years.
Cornell is survived by Marie; his brothers, Bill, Melvin, Ron and Paul; his children, Jennifer and Dustin; 13 grandchildren – Ashleigh, Lauren, Nick, Drake, Makenzie, Colin, Adam, Abby, Skylar, Beckham, Lilah and Jetta; eight great-grandchildren; and his dogs, Rambo and Ruby.
He was preceded in death by his parents; his son, Larry Cornell Jr.; his brother, Evan; and his sisters, Vivian and Birdie.
A celebration of life will be held Saturday, April 26, at Green Funeral Care in Mantua. Visitation will take place from 1 to 3 p.m., followed by a memorial service at 3 p.m.
In lieu of flowers, the Cornell family kindly requests donations be made to your local animal shelter in Larry’s memory.
Rest in peace, Larry. Your legacy lives on in every student trained, every innovation sparked and every life touched by your mission.
