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David Leslie Cornette

VFC David Leslie Cornette US Marine Corps

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.

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