Captain Gregory John Cornish

Captain Gregory John Cornish, USN (Ret.), passed away peacefully at home on June 28, 2025, at the age of 69. Born to the late Frank and Katherine Cornish of Bentleyville, Pennsylvania, Greg was a devoted husband, father, brother, and friend. He is survived by his beloved wife of 47 years, Jane Kern Cornish; daughter Patricia Bennett (Jeffery); son Christopher Cornish (Anna); brother Jeffrey Cornish (Joy); and sister Cindy Love (Roy). Greg was a proud graduate of Monongahela Valley Catholic High School in Monongahela, PA, and earned his Bachelor of Science degree from the United States Naval Academy in 1977. He dedicated 30 years to the United States Navy as a Surface Warfare Officer and distinguished leader. His early assignments included service aboard USS Blakely, USS Elmer Montgomery (FF 1082), and USS William V. Pratt (DDG 44). In 1982, he was honored as Navy Recruiting Command’s National Officer Recruiter of the Year. Greg went on to command the oceangoing minesweepers USS Leader (MSO 490) and USS Fearless (MSO 442), conducting vital mine countermeasures in the Arabian Gulf. His leadership continued as Commanding Officer of USS Taylor (FFG 50), Commander of Mine Countermeasures Squadron Three in Ingleside, Texas, and as Commander, Fleet Activities Yokosuka in Japan. Following his retirement from active duty in 2007, Greg continued serving his country through Federal Civilian Service until 2018. He worked as the Regional Business Manager on the staff of Commander, Navy Region Mid-Atlantic in Norfolk, Virginia. Greg held advanced degrees from Salve Regina University (MS in Management) and the U.S. Army War College (Master of Strategic Studies). He was a graduate of numerous prestigious military institutions including the U.S. Army Command and General Staff College, the Armed Forces Staff College, the NATO Defense College in Rome, and the University of Virginia Darden School of Business. He was a designated Joint Specialty Officer and recognized expert in weapons systems technology and political-military affairs. His military decorations include the Legion of Merit (four awards), Defense Meritorious Service Medal, Meritorious Service Medal (three awards), Navy Commendation Medal (four awards), and the Navy-Marine Corps Achievement Medal. He was deeply honored to receive the Order of the Rising Sun, Gold Rays with Neck Ribbon—bestowed in the name of the Emperor of Japan for his outstanding contributions. In retirement, Greg embraced life in Canton, Georgia. He cherished his days playing golf, cooking with the Les Marmitons International cooking club, traveling with Jane, and spending time with his family. Among his quiet joys were meticulously researching every purchase and collecting lost golf balls—measuring the success of a round by whether he finished with more balls than he started. A memorial service will be held at Darby Funeral Home in Canton, GA on July 11th at 11:00 AM. A committal service with full military honors at Arlington National Cemetery will follow at a future date. The Memorial Service will be live-streamed at: https://vimeo.com/event/5248639 In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network at Pancan.org.

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Captain Gregory John Cornish

December 20, 1955 - June 28, 2025