Arthur Thomas Cornelson of Manville, New Jersey died Saturday, 13 November 2021 at Temple University Hospital. He is survived by his wife Stephanie (Maddox) Cornelson, children Matthew and Holly, grand daughter Autumn Rose, parents Colonel (ret.) John Cornelson, and Janet Cornelson, brother Hugh Cornelson, and nephew Carter Cornelson.

Thomas suffered for many years from a condition that caused his lungs to gradually become less and less effective in providing sufficient air to his body. He entered the hospital in October to receive a double lung transplant. Early in November, the accumulated stress on his body caused massive organ failure which the doctors were unable to reverse.  Saturday he was removed from life support and died peacefully shortly thereafter.

He grew up an Army Brat and followed his Dad in graduating from the United States Military Academy, at West Point. He branched Infantry and was attending the Infantry Basic Course at Fort Benning, Georgia when his lung problems first surfaced and he was medically discharged from the Army. This was a tremendous blow but it did not keep him from maintaining lifelong friendships with his Army classmates from West Point who held him in the highest regard and who lovingly referred to him as "Arty". Thomas was a life-long learner and continued his education receiving a Master of Business Administration from New York University. He was also a member of Vistage International a peer mentoring membership group where he received numerous accolades including Member of the Year.

The family moved to Manville, New Jersey to take a position offered by a fellow West Pointer. That developed into a life-long friendship and provided a stepping stone to his final position as a Vice President at Robertet, a specialty flavors, fragrance and ingredient supplier. Thomas was a dedicated community leader in Manville where he served on the Board of Education, and was an active coach of youth sports.  Thomas loved golf and was a member of the Metuchen Golf and Country Club where in spite of his health challenges he became champion of the 2021 Green Jacket Tournament and was a runner up for Player of the Year. Thomas was also an ardent poker player and won a seat to play in the 2015 World Series of Poker through the Metuchen "Degen" poker community.

Thomas was blessed to become a grandfather in January and devoted a lifetime of love to Autumn Rose in the nine months they were together. He was everything one could ask for in a son, a husband, grandfather, and a father.  His last message to his father in late October was not to complain about his illness but to inquire about the health of his Mother. As his health declined his many friends from near and far rallied around to support his wife, Stephanie, and their children, Matthew and Holly.

Thomas is gone now but his influence on his children, his love for his wife and all of his family and his steadfast devotion to his myriad legion of friends will long endure. He embodied the USMA Class of 1994 motto "With Courage We Soar" and he  epitomized the ideals of West Point – Duty Honor Country. Well Done, Be Thou at Peace.

Arrangements were entrusted to Fucillo & Warren Funeral Home, 205 So. Main Street, Manville, NJ 08835

Funeral services will be at West Point on January 24th at 10:00 AM

The family will also receive visitors at Metuchen Country Club on December 10th, 3PM - 7PM at a Victory Celebration of Thomas's life. All are welcome to attend. In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to the Alzheimer's Association - www.ALZ.org a charity that has been supported by the Cornelson family for years.