Richard Q. Cornali

Former Staten Island resident Richard Q. Cornali, 73, passed away on January 9, 2021. 

Mr. Cornali was born on March 28, 1947 in Staten Island, NY, to Aurelio and Olga (née: Varano) Cornali. He attended Xaverian High School in Brooklyn. In 1967, Richard graduated with his bachelor’s degree in business administration from Wagner College where he was a member of Alpha Phi Omega. Richard proudly served as an officer in the United States Air Force in Austin, Texas after graduation. Mr. Cornali moved back to Staten Island, married, and had one daughter, Racquel. He worked for over 20 years with the NYC Department of School Safety where he made many lifelong friends. 

Upon retirement, Richard travelled frequently visiting National Parks and historical sites. He particularly loved the flora and fauna he saw, as he was an avid gardener and outdoorsman. He loved caring for the fig tree he inherited from his grandparents, as well as his rosemary bush and avocado plant. He had a small, but highly curated record collection that brought him great joy to listen to. Richard was a voracious reader with a kind heart, a keen intellect, and a dry sense of humor. Richard will be joined in heaven by his grandparents, parents, and his dogs Blackie and Hercules; he will be sorely missed. 

Richard is survived by his daughter Racquel, his sister Anita, two nephews and several cousins.

A vigil will be on Friday, January 22nd, 2021 at Starks Funeral Parlor, 3651 South 900 East in Salt Lake City at 6 o’clock p.m. MST.  Guests may attend virtually by returning to this website by clicking the “Watch Service Live” button just prior to the service.  

In lieu of flowers we kindly ask that you consider donating to one of Richard’s favorite charities: Doctors without Borders or The Humane Society.