Cornelius Eugene Golding, 88, of Punta Gorda, Florida, passed away Saturday, September 17, 2011 in Punta Gorda.

Born September 4, 1923 in Brooklyn, New York to the late Agnes (nee – Daly) and Cornelius Golding, Cornelius, a gifted athlete and musician, went to college on an Athletic Scholarship to St. Francis College, later transferring to and graduating from the Merchant Marine Academy at Kings Point in New York. He went on to serve in the Merchant Marine, serving with valor during World War II and surviving the sinking of his ship in the Mediterranean Sea. After leaving Maritime service with the Merchant Marine and U.S. Naval reserve, he returned home and began a long career in law enforcement as an investigator. He served for many years as a Senior Investigator to the City of New York’s District Attorney’s Office, the New York States Attorney General’s Office, and the N.Y.P.D. before he retired. He moved from Spring Lake, New Jersey to Punta Gorda with his wife Evelyn in 1986, and was a member of Sacred Heart Catholic Church, B.P.O. Elks Lodge No. 2606, American Legion Post No. 103, and the Loyal Order of Moose Lodge No. 1693, all of Punta Gorda. Music was his life. He was an accomplished pianist, vocalist and all around musician. His music brought him, and those close to him, great joy.

He is survived by his children, daughters, Agnes and Mary Golding; sons, Kevin and Kenneth Golding; 16 grand, and 9 great grandchildren; and a sister, Loretta Kivlen. In addition to his parents, Cornelius was preceded in death by a sister, Joan Hastings, a son and daughter, Cornelius and Helen, and his beloved wife, Evelyn.

A Memorial Mass and committal service will be held in New Jersey.

Arrangements are by Roberson Funeral Homes & Crematory Punta Gorda Chapel.