A Historic Tour

Established in 1913, serving families in the greater Danbury area. We will continue to serve your family with integrity and respect, upholding the family tradition of Joseph and Ona Cornell. 

 Joseph E. Cornell Sr.

 Joseph E. Cornell Sr. Founder of Cornell Funeral Home

Ona May (Elwell) CornellOna May (Elwell) Cornell, Co-Founder
along with her husband Joseph E. Cornell Sr.
of Cornell Funeral Home.     



Cornell Memorial Funeral Home - 1913

Cornell Memorial Funeral Home - 1920

A greenhouse was located in the back which was owned and operated by the Cornell(Photo on Left) First location of Cornell Funeral Home at  East Liberty Street, Danbury CT. Circa 1913.

(Photo on Right) Cornell Funeral Home 252 White Street in the 1920's.


Cornell Memorial Home - 1928


 Early view of our current location 247 White Street. Former residence of the Gerbert Family. Circa 1928












Robert Gavagan, Robert Garavel and Rodney Bourdeau


Roger E. Gavagan is on the left.  He is the grandson of Joseph & Ona Cornell.  He was a funeral director  from 1952 to 2002. B. Robert Garavel was a funeral director from 1957 to 1997. On the right, Rodney L. Bourdeau was a funeral director here from 1965 to 2012, was the previous owner til his daughter Tania L. Porta took over in 2012.


Rodney Bourdeau & Tania Porta - Owner & Operator