Cornelio Gorneda Cayode

Springfield, MA - Cornelio “Corny” Cayode, 78, beloved husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle and precious friend to many fell asleep in death on Monday, January 4, 2021, peacefully at home surrounded by his loving family.

He was born on July 14, 1942 in Springfield, MA and was a devoted son to the late Reymundo G. and Beatrice E. (Lotson) Cayode.

Corny graduated from Springfield Technical High School and went on to serve in the United States Air Force where he was trained in electronics and maintained radio communication equipment for fighter jets during the Vietnam War.

After leaving the Air Force, he continued his electronic training and was employed at Hamilton Standard where he contributed in the development of the portable life support system for NASA which provided astronauts with a livable atmosphere in outer space.

Leaving Hamilton Standard, he also became one of the first minority licensed electricians in the area.

His technical mind brought him to Northeast Utilities as an Instrument Specialist and then to Holyoke Gas & Electric as a Senior Instrument Technician.

On July 1, 1972, he was baptized as one of Jehovah’s Witnesses and remained an active member of the Forest Park Christian Congregation of Jehovah’s Witnesses until his death.

In his youth, Corny was an avid body builder and enjoyed playing basketball, cycling and running. He was a true sports fan and loved the New England Patriots and the Boston Celtics.

His humble and generous spirit will be missed by all.

Cornelio was preceded in death by his parents; his oldest son Donald E. Cayode; and his older brother Reymundo (Asuncion) Cayode.

Cornelio was blessed with a large and loving family. He leaves his loving and devoted wife Lifong Lou-Cayode of Springfield, MA. To carry on his legacy he leaves his loving children Angela Cayode of the Midwest, Alicia (Julian) Cayode Kyles of Springfield, MA; Carmen (Yen) Cayode of Bloomfield, CT; Angela (Ronald) Johnson of Springfield, MA; Cornelio (Lea) Cayode of Springfield, MA; and Huiqing “Miko” Zhu of Springfield, MA; and seven grandchildren, Sonia Nicole, Jaylen, J’Von, Caianne, Isiah, Anaia, and Jada.

Corny also leaves seven beautiful sisters and one brother, Macaria Smith of Las Vegas, NV; Gertrude Lewis of Springfield, MA; Marilyn Johnson of Indian Orchard, MA; Lula Williams of Springfield, MA; Carolyn Scarnici of Springfield, MA; Cynthia Cayode of Cordova, Tennessee; Jerrold Cayode of Springfield, MA; and Carmen Maria Johnson of Dallas, Texas.

He also leaves many beloved nieces, nephews and friends.

We hold dear Cornelio’s hope at Acts 24:15 – I hope toward God…that there is going to be a resurrection of both the righteous and the unrighteous.

A memorial service will be held via Zoom on Saturday, January 23, 2021 at 2:30 p.m.