David Leslie Cornette, 59, of Largo, FL, passed away on December 22, 2014, at Largo Medical Center. He was born in Green Bay, WI. Dave graduated from Green Bay West High School and Northeast WI Technical College with a degree in Marketing. He moved to Largo, FL in 2014.
After being a successful football player (playing home games at Lambeau Field), wrestler and power-lifter in high school, Dave joined the United States Marine Corps in 1974. In his words, he joined to be around the toughest people he could find. He was a microwave radio operator and also taught other marines how to pack and use their radio. He was also a wrestler and power-lifter for the Marines.
- 1st marine division
- Home division 11th marines
- 1st battalion
- 9th marines
- 5th marines
- Water survival qualified
- Life guard at Camp Pendleton
To say the least, he was an enthusiast and avid collector of unique items. In his younger days Dave was an avid outdoorsman of fishing and hunting teaching his younger brothers the tricks of the trade, as his father had passed away at a young age. Dave took responsibility of his young siblings. Joe is one of the top Duck hunting guides in MN and Paul became well known for his fishing, hunting and trapping skills. And Lori runs her own restaurant in Lakewood, WI. All skills and knowledge acquired from their older brother.
Dave also became a successful wrestling coach. He was well versed in freestyle, Greco roman, sombo, and folkstyle. He taught and coached kids from 3 years old to adult. Many times wrestlers from around the country came to him for advice. He was in the corner to guide many to state, national and world titles. He held a Bronze level USA Wrestling coaches card. He loved watching Alex and Samantha wrestle and was the proud Dad of their success on the mat. He loved it when Samantha would put in that “hard crossface” (and make the boys cry) and pin. He loved when Alex was battling inside for position and did his little hop, lock-em up and throw.
Dave also shared with his children his love for reptiles and amphibians. He would take them out to a river, lake or swamp to go collecting. As a group they would study and learn. Alex and Samantha still hold on to the knowledge they were given. They still continue to care for his animals, including his favorite cat of 18 years, Wolverine who is a Hemmingway. For many years Dave owned pet shops in Green Bay, WI. He was very proud to have some of first African Cichlids in the country and taught Joe at a young age to become an outstanding breeder. Again being a teacher to Joe and his customers.
As many of you know, Dave has been on many adventures. He led a jam-packed fulfilling life in a short time and believe me he loved to tell the stories. His stories were all true; but, once in awhile I know for a fact there were a couple embellishments.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Leslie and Phyllis (Zwaschka) Cornette. He is survived by his wife, Terri; children, Alex and Samantha; brothers Joseph and his son Marshall (and Marshall’s mother Tammy Johnsen) of Anoka, MN and Paul (Green Bay, WI) and family; sister, Lori and family (Lakewood, WI); and In laws, Ray and Marie Motiff, brother in law Steve Motiff and family and, brother in law Mike Motiff and family in the Green Bay WI area.
Thank you to the Largo Medical Center MICU team. Your care and concern for Dave and his family is very much appreciated.
Services will be held at Bay Pines National Cemetery on February 9, 2015 at 1:30 PM with Marine Corps Detachment 54 performing military honors.
That was a beautiful tribute to a mountain of a man . My heart breaks for everyone that knew him . He was truly blessed and is sorely missed .
Dave is the guy that helped make me become the person I am.
He opened the world of reptiles and all animals to me.I would’nt have the knowledge I have about my favorite animals if it wer’nt for him. I am very proud to have known him for over 35 years and will miss him very much. Rest in piece my freind..
My deepest sympathy to all. It was my great pleasure getting to know Dave over the past few years and I will forever remember his wonderful stories (embellishments and all-lol). He always brought a smile to my face. His wealth of knowledge was simply amazing; his courage and perseverence to overcome anything in his path through life is humbling. I will truely miss him. My love to all the family and may God’s peace mend your hearts.
-Diane
I can’t express in words how much this man meant to me.A true inspiration to all who knew him,a lifelong friend and mentor of over 33 years,he taught me to approach life with enthusiasm and a great love and knowledge for what you do in life.My most important life lessons came from Dave and my parents.I have Dave alone to thank for my knowledge and passion for all animals great and small and just an overall zest and appreciation for life in general.Gone way too soon from this earth at the same age as my Mother(59),my heart is truly broken,I,m able to endure because of all the wonderful memories of time spent with him.Never any bad ones!With my deepest sympathies and Love,my thoughts and prayers go out to his wife Teri,daughter Samantha and son Alex.Love to all!
I count the times we spent together as some of my favorites in the last few years. I cherish the kind words of encouragement you are both very special to me. My heart both aches for the loss of such a special person and rejoices for him in his completion of his journey to be with our Lord. I know he smiles down at you and the kids! Thanks again and all my love from the bottom of my heart to you. Reyne
Terry ,Paul, Laurie ,Joe ….please accept my condolences. I am at a loss for words.
Mike Kellner
Semper FI Dave
Duke
We are so sorry to hear of Dave’s passing. He lived down the road from us when his family lived on Denis Place in Green Bay and Tom and Dave became good friends as Tom also had an aquarium shop. Dave was truly a unique individual and he will be missed greatly. Our thoughts and prayers are with Terri and the family. God Bless.
We are so very sad to hear of Dave’s passing. Your family is in our thoughts and prayers during this difficult time.
My deepest sympathy to Dave’s family.I met Dave many decades ago at his pet shop.There I found a kindred spirit with a profound love of reptiles and amphibians and all of God’s beautiful creatures. I could also go there to talk about and solve the world’s problems on any given day. Rest in peace brother! Craig Wirtz
Dave and I were in grade school together at Lincoln Elementary! Dave was a big kid then always braking his glasses! I moved after 5th gr. never had a chance to see him again. RIP!
rest in peace old friend will miss u
Terri, I’m so sorry to here about Dave, I just read it in the green bay press-gazette.
Thoughts and prayers with you and the kids. So,so, sorry.
Judy Schaetz
Terri and family,
I want to share my deepest sympathy in the loss of Dave.
I grew up with Dave hanging around my house at 1056 Shawano Ave.
His love for animals is one of the reasons I enjoyed Dave so much as I had the same passion in life.
My late husband also knew Dave as he was an agriculture instructor at Green Bay West High School.
Although Dave will be deeply missed by all who knew him I’m sure he is in heaven having a reunion with all who have gone before.
I’m so very sorry for your loss.
Lucy (Offermann) Zeinert
I worked for Dave at 3 pet store locations as a kid. He treated me as an adult, I could tell him my “life lesson” I had just figured out and he would give the Dave chuckle and no lecture. Lots and lots of great memories. My sympathy to the entire family and to all who had the pleasure of meeting Dave.
My condolences to all who knew Dave. I’m sorry to hear of Dave’s passing. He was always great to be around. RIP Dave.
Good memories of Dave at West High…. Terri thinking of you and your family.
Terri & family, I am so sorry to learn about Dave’s passing. I have many memories of Dave from Lincoln school through West. Glad he had many adventures in his 59 years of life. Know your family are in my thoughts & prayers. Take care of each other.
I was shocked to hear Dave has died. I was just thinking of him today on his birthday. You all have my deepest condolences. May his soul rest in peace. I didn’t know you had moved or that Phyllis has died. Im shocked and saddened tonight. Sending prayers and Love., Aunt Sandra
So sorry for your loss of my cousin David…he was a fun cousin back in the day. Prayers will be said for him. I am also shocked that his mother passed (Aunt Flip). Sad day for me…
Julie Priewe (Zwaschka)
Terri I am so sorry to hear of Daves passing. Sending you thoughts and prayers during this difficult time. Remember God always takes the best. Now you and your children have your very own Guardian Angel.
Terri and Family,
I am so very sorry to hear of your loss. Life is so very precious and while I have not had recent contact with you, I see that Dave’s life was full and I’m sure very rewarding. What a wonderful legacy he has left for family and friends–one that will be filled with lots of memories. You are all in my thoughts and prayers.
Dave was a mountain of man even in high school. Strong and powerful he dominated the defensive line on the Green Bay West Football team that beat the no. 1 team in the state at the time, Fondulac.
Although he was a wrestling advocate I remember him being challenged by a light weight coach Dave Kasperek (sp) to a match and if he lost he had to go out for the team. As I recall, he won but still went out for the wrestling team.
My condolensces to his family and friends. He was a great guy.
Mark Skaleski
Andover, NJ
Teri, I just found out on April 7th, about Dave and his Mother. I am at a loss, David was always around for me when I needed him. I know that you know that Teri .. No matter how much time went by between my visits with Dave, we just picked up where we left off like I was never gone at all. Besides my Father, Dave always made me feel like a Man and treated me with respect always. He was there for me when I needed advise. I always told Dave that going to see him and talking for hours about just anything, was the best form of stress relief That I had. Dave was always my most favorite Cousin I can only hope I was his. I miss him so very much. It’s been a long time since the last time I saw and spoke with him. I always thought he would be there for me. He was not just my Cousin He was a true friend and you don’t have many of those throughout your life. Teri if you feel like talking I am here. 407-242-5278 Tzwaschka1@cfl.rr.com All that said it comes down to one statement. I will miss my Friend, greatly.