Frank L. Cornell, 68, of Canton, passed away on Friday, June 5, 2026, at the Darway Rehabilitation and Healthcare Center, with his loving family by his side. Frank Leroy was born on December 8, 1957, a son of the late Clinton and Gene (Delmot) Cornell. He graduated from Canton High School with the Class of 1976 and soon found his calling as a diesel mechanic. In 1979, he moved to New York to work for Yellow Freight, where his perfectionism and inventive mind set him apart. Frank developed several creative methods for improving how parts were made and assembled on trucks, ideas that ultimately led Peterbilt to redesign aspects of their diesel engines. He was known everywhere he worked as the guy who could figure out anything.

Frank retired from Yellow Freight in 2005 and continued turning wrenches at Roche’s Garage in Calhoun, NY, and later at Meg’s Small Engine Shop in Liberty, NY. On May 17, 2003, he married the former Priscilla Kennedy at the Manley Bohlayer Farm in Canton, and together they shared 23 years of marriage. In 2009, Frank returned home to Canton and taught in the diesel mechanics program at NTTC before finishing his career at Hess’s Farm Equipment when his health no longer allowed him to work.

Frank loved being outdoors and spent many days fishing or competing in 3D archery, where he earned numerous trophies. He enjoyed playing darts and was always the first to lend a hand when family or friends needed something fixed or figured out. His mind never stopped working, and his knack for solving problems earned him the nickname “The Thinker,” a title he lived up to every day of his life.

Frank leaves behind his wife; Priscilla at home, sisters; Lonna (Jeff) Englert and Connie (Dan) Berquist, brother; Wayne Cornell, brother-in-law; Brian (Elaine) Kennedy as well as numerous, nieces, nephews, cousins and dear friends.

Besides his parents, Frank was predeceased by a brother; Bob Cornell.

A time of visitation will be held on Saturday, June 13, 2026, from Noon to 1 p.m. with a funeral service following at 1 p.m. at Pepper Funeral Home and Cremation Facility, 578 Springbrook Drive in Canton. Burial will follow in the Park Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations in Frank’s name may be directed to Kali’s Mission, 306 Williams Street, Towanda, PA 18848. Memories of Frank and condolences to his family may be shared by visiting www.pepperfuneralhomes.com