Cornelius Joseph (Cor; Corky) Denion born March 22, 1933 in Hazleton, PA died on November 12, 2017 at the Dove House Hospice in Westminster, MD. Surviving are his beloved wife of 57 years, Mary Gavinski Denion; two daughters: Theresa Graham and husband William, Mary Clare Long and husband Steve; son, Neal Denion and wife Anita; four grandchildren: William Graham III, Cassidy Graham, Madison Denion and Abigail Denion.

He was raised in Freeland, PA and graduated from St Ann Catholic School in 1951 where he excelled in the sport of basketball. He subsequently graduated from St Bonaventure University, Olean, NY in 1956. He then served in the US Army for two years at Fort Dix, NJ. Upon receiving an honorable discharge from the Army in 1958, he became employed by the Department of Public Assistance in Hazleton, PA. He was subsequently employed by the Federal Social Security Administration. He served in a number of Social Security Offices in various locations: Easton, PA, Camden, NJ, Morristown, NJ, New Brunswick, NJ, and the Social Security Office in Baltimore, MD. He then transferred to the Medicare Administration in Baltimore, MD from where he retired.

After retirement, he volunteered his time as an ombudsman at nursing homes for the Bureau of Aging, Carroll County, MD. He is often quoted as saying, “Of all the positions I have ever held, the most fruitful, rewarding & satisfying was the time I spent in nursing homes.” He always had a desire to assist the elderly by making life easier for them in some respect. As early as age ten he expressed a desire to someday open a nursing home.

A visitation will be held on Friday, November 17, 2017 from 3:00pm – 5:00pm & 7:00pm – 9:00pm at the Eline Funeral Home – 2901 Bloom Road, Finksburg, MD. A Mass of the Resurrection will be held on Saturday, November 18, 2017 at 10:00am at Sacred Heart Catholic Church – 63 Sacred Heart Ln, Glyndon, MD.

Cornelius had a suggestion for anyone who might want to honor his memory after his death. It would be his wish that they spend some time with a nursing home resident of their choice. Perhaps bring them a little gift to lift their spirits. He can assure them that the personal satisfaction they will experience via this activity will be well worth the effort.

In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made to the Dove House Hospice – 292 Stoner Ave, Westminster, MD 21157