Melvin "Skip" L. Cornell, age 76, of Laceyville, PA, passed away Saturday morning, January 7, 2017 at Allied Services in Scranton, PA, where he has been a resident for the last several years.

Skip was born on January 29, 1940 in Towanda, PA the son of the late Cyrus J. Cornell, who passed away on November 15, 1996, and Bickford Taylor Cornell, who passed away on November 18, 2005. Throughout his life, Skip enjoyed watching big excavating equipment and loved listening to music.

Skip is survived by his sister Claudette Burke and her husband Gary of Sugar Run, PA; brother-in-law Fred Phinney of Laceyville, PA; nieces and nephews Mark (Ruth) Phinney; Susan Phinney; Steve (Heather) Cornell; Kristie McMahan; C.J. (Amy) Cornell; Michelle (Sean) Dittus; Rob Burke; Tim (Jen) Burke; and Jani Burke. Besides his parents Skip was preceded in death by his sister Yvonne Phinney, who passed away on November 1, 2004; brother Cy C. Cornell, who passed away on January 29, 2002; and brother Ivan Cornell, whom passed away on October 6, 2000.

A private family funeral service will be held at the convenience of the family. Arrangement were made through the Sheldon Funeral Home, Main St., Laceyville, PA.

In lieu of flowers memorial contributions can be made to the Laceyville Library, PO Box 68, Laceyville, PA 18623.

Online condolences may be made at www.sheldonfuneralhomes.com