Cornell Foltuz - Roberson Funeral Home

Cornell Foltuz

February 1, 1914 - October 16, 2012

Location Not Available

Thursday 10/25, 10:00 am

Cornell August Foltuz, 98, passed away Tuesday, October 16, 2012 in Port Charlotte, Florida.

He was born on February 1, 1914 to Romanian immigrants August & Elena Foltutiu in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Known as “Nello” to his friends, he graduated from Detroit’s Eastern High School and Wilbur Wright Boys’ Vocational School, while also learning the printing trade and actively pursuing his interests in sports and music (He was still an accomplished clarinet player in his 90’s). A decorated Army veteran, he served during World War II, fighting at Utah Beach. He later was injured in battle near the French – German border. After rehabilitation, he served out the remainder of his tour in Metz, France, finally returning home in November, 1945. Always active in the Romanian-American community, the so-called “Carshop” area of Detroit, and St George Romanian Orthodox Church, he was instrumental after the war years in the creation of AMVET Post 53, with its initial membership of over 100 returning Romanian-American WWII veterans. In 1949, Cornell and Katherine Colthorp were married in Detroit, Michigan. With “Kay’s” background as an engineering draftsman and “Nello’s” experience in printing, they owned and managed several typesetting and printing companies over the years in the Detroit area. After their retirement in 1985, the couple moved to Port Charlotte, Florida and enjoyed their retirement years together until Katherine’s death in December, 2011.

He is survived by his nephew Eugene Foltuz of Lima, Peru and two nieces, Diane Torok and Constance Bailey of Michigan, as well as several great nieces and nephews.

Memorial services with military honors by a U.S. Army Honor Guard will be held 10:00 AM, Thursday, October 25, 2012 at Roberson Funeral Home Port Charlotte Chapel. Inurnment in Sarasota National Cemetery, Sarasota, Florida will be held at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the American Cancer Society 992 Tamiami Trail, Unit C-2, and Port Charlotte, FL 33953). Friends may visit online at www.robersonfh.com to extend condolences to the family and sign the memory book. Arrangements are by Roberson Funeral Home & Crematory Port Charlotte Chapel.

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Cornell August Foltuz, 98, passed away Tuesday, October 16, 2012 in Port Charlotte, Florida. He was born on February 1, 1914 to Romanian immigrants August & Elena Foltutiu in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Known as “Nello” to his friends, he graduated from Detroit’s Eastern High School and Wilbur Wright Boys’ Vocational School, while also learning the printing…

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I met both Nello and Kay over 50 years ago. Spent time with them often for years until moving to Utah. Visiting them every time we went back to Michigan, until they moved to Florida, then visted over the phone. Nello was a special friend (best man at my wedding). Nello and Kay were always an example of a happy, loving marriage. I thing of them often, grateful for our friendship and the times together.

My condolences to the family of Cornell August Foltuz. Minnie Purdy

Uncle Nello, you were so special, kind, intelligent and fascinating to talk to. I hope you know how much you were loved and admired, and I will always wish I had more opportunities to spend time with you and Aunt Kay. I will miss your passion about typography, music, people, and conversation. Our whole family loved you and Aunt Kay. I'm proud to be your niece.

Uncle Nello and Aunt Kay hold a very special place in my heart. They were such incredible examples of Godly people. Filled with gratitude for the simplest pleasures in life. They were always full of generosity, kindness and laughter. I always felt even more loved by them at the end of each conversation. Uncle Nello will always fill my memories as a strong, courageous man yet equally tender and sincere. As much as I miss him, I am thrilled to now that The Lord has a special place in heaven for him, and that Aunt Kay and him can now be reunited. For that matter, they surely are among very good company including their siblings, my parents, and many many friends. My heart is happy to know that they are together for the holidays now and eternity. Heaven must be roaring with their mighty laughter, just as remember hearing them laugh. God bless you Dear Uncle Nello.. We'll see you again one day and we'll go horseback riding, just like we planned.

You will surely be missed! But, I know in my heart you are back with your love - Aunt Kay!

Peace of mind is a call away. We’re here when you need us most.

In 2004, after Hurricane Charley had devastated the Port Charlotte area, Laurie and I had traveled to the Charlotte County area to volunteer with the Red Cross. When we were done with your stint, I had the good fortune to be able to meet Aunt Kay and Uncle Nello. He was 90 years old at the time. When Laurie and I walked into their house, he was on the floor on his hands and knees putting together a cabinet. Nothing ever stopped him, not even the hurricane. Fortunately, their home suffered very little damage compared to others in the area. I was welcomed as if I were a long lost relative. They taught me to play "The Game". Anyone who has spent any time with them has played that card game. Since that visit, I have felt like this beautiful couple were part of my family. Both will be dearly missed but they are together again in a better place.

He has always been apart of my life even though I never really new him. He was spoken about often by Uncle Benny, Aunt Eva and my mother and dad. (Hans - Eleanor) I am sure if they were still here they would want to exprss their condolences as well.

Please accept our deepest condolences for your family's loss.