Obituary

Francis R. Cornwall

1931 - 2023

Francis Rodney Cornwall was affectionately known as Daddy Francis by his grandchildren and great-grandchildren, and The Wall in the bodybuilding community. Francis was born on May 4th, 1931, in a small wooden house in the countryside of Mayaro. The home he shared with his family sat near to the Caribbean Sea on the island of Trinidad and Tobago. Francis was the last of four children of O'Farrell and Drucilla Cornwall. His mother, a devout Catholic, recited the rosary every night with her children. In light of her commitment to God and her Catholic faith, she named her son Francis after St. Francis of Assisi. His father, O'Farrell, was a direct descendant of the Frontins, one of the well-known French Creoles who arrived in Trinidad and were given free grants of land in Mayaro during Governor Chacon's 1783 'Cedula de Populacion.'

While he was still a young boy attending school, Francis' mother left Mayaro and relocated with his sister Olive to the Town of San Juan. Subsequently, a few years later, Francis and his brother Hutchinson would join their older brother, Anthony, his mother, and sister Olive in San Juan. It was there Francis met Gloria John and they became united in Holy Matrimony in 1952. From this union came three beautiful children: Arthur, Carol, and Christopher.

In the late 1960s, Francis apprenticed as a welder and became a bodybuilder winning Mr. Trinidad and Tobago tall man class. He then went on to win Mr. West Indies. He represented his country at the Mr. Universe contest in New York City, taking third place in the competition. He was also nominated for the island's "Sportsman of the year." One of the highlights of his bodybuilding career was appearing in a commercial for Nutriment ( a popular sports drink). Francis continued to work out, spending time in the gym, and maintaining a healthy lifestyle. Francis often shared stories with his grandchildren and great-grandchildren and would often demonstrate different workouts.

While competing and proudly representing his country, he also maintained employment as a Customs and Excise Guard. He was very proud of the work he did for over 15 years until migrating to New York with his family, where they lived until 1999. He worked at St. Luke's Roosevelt Hospital in New York as a Security Guard until his retirement and relocation to Atlanta. Shortly after this, they relocated to Pennsylvania to be close to his only daughter Carol, who resided there. Francis's love for working extended until his later years as he found employment as a security guard at a few local companies in the area.

Francis also held a strong spiritual sense of faith and love for God, which showed in his devotion to his family. He was happiest when he was surrounded by his children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Whether at family gatherings or photographs displayed on his bedroom walls. They are his legacy, greatest joy, and highest accomplishment. His memory will forever be cherished by all.

To quote St. Francis of Assisi

"Remember that when you leave this earth, you can take with you nothing that you have received - only what you have given: a full heart enriched by honest service, love, sacrifice, and courage."

Francis is preceded in death by his father O'Farrell Cornwall, his mother, Drucilla Cornwall, and his siblings, Anthony, Olive and Hutchinson.

Francis is lovingly remembered by his wife, Gloria, son Arthur and Daughter-in-law Christine, Daughter Carol, and son Christopher and Daughter-in-law, Jennifer; Grandchildren: Kendall, Candice, Colleen, Arthur Jr. , Erissa, Latoya, Carolyn, Wayne Jr. (Bobby); Great Grandchildren Kenai, Olivia, Kristen, Caira, Carl (CJ), Cameron, Jaelyn, Jenna, Aminah, and Amir.