Cornell Dumbravo

Cornell Dumbravo, 91, died peacefully Monday May 20, 2013 at his home in Laurel MD, where he has resided since August 2009.
He was born January 6, 1922 in Wheatland PA, son of the late Vasile and Sophia Dumbravo.
He was a graduate of Tech High School in Erie in 1941. He was Manager for the Track team and the Drum Major for the band and was also active in Swimming, Water Polo, Hi-Y, Band, Basketball, and the Glee Club. His study of Machine Shop would later serve him well throughout a decorated Military career. His first job was while attending second grade, selling newspapers for The Erie Times, earning one penny for every two pennies he collected. As he saved his earnings, he often contributed financially when his family when needed food during the Depression. As an adult, he worked at Erie Forge & Steel and then entered the Army in December 1942 until he retired as an Officer, CW3 in August 1975. Cornell's long and decorated military career lead him to serve in WWII during the Invasion in France and both Korea and Vietnam twice. During his last tour in Vietnam, Cornell and his son James served in the same location. Cornell became known for having exceptional judgement and a superior display of conduct, and was awarded over 15 Medals, Stars and Ribbons for meritorious service, including the National Defense Service Medal with Oak Leaf Cluster and Bronze Star. He was most proud to have served as shown through his "dedication to the mission." Cornell's final station was at Fort Meade, Maryland.
Following an Honorable Discharge from the Army, Cornell worked locally in Maryland for several years, until he relocated to Port Charlotte, Florida, where he enjoyed his retirement with his wife Leona, whom he affectionately called Pinto, and was visited frequently by his grown children and grandchildren. He returned to live in Laurel, Maryland in 2009 and began to regularly attend a Senior Center Plus Program where he became known as a "gentle soul" and a very considerate man, yet quite competitive when he played billiards and bingo, both of which he excelled at.
Cornell was preceded in death by his wife Leona, two sisters Marie Candia-Kishel of Erie and Olivia Dickerman of Ypsilanti Michigan and three brothers, Oliver Dumbravo of Erie and two infant brothers, both named Charles, each whom died of Pneumonia shortly after birth.
Cornell is survived by a daughter, Cynthia Curtis of Laurel MD and three sons, James Dumbravo and his wife Cathy of Lewisville, TX , Paul Dumbravo of Erie and Cornell (Cobey) Dumbravo of Baltimore, MD. He is also survived by four grandchildren, Jessica Perkins of Tampa, FLA, Dustin and his wife Rosalyn of Washington D.C., Catherine R. Dumbravo of Columbus, Ohio, and Randall C. Curtis II of Laurel, MD, and three great grandchildren, Chloe and Alyssa Perkins and Quinn Alvarez with a fourth (Ricardo Alvarez due this summer).
Viewing was held in Laurel MD on Saturday May 25, 2013. Interment July 19, 2013 @ 1 PM at Arlington National Cemetery.
Contributions can be made to the Lymphoma and Leukemia Society.