Cornelius P. McAdorey

Cornelius P. McAdorey, a 50-year resident of the Nassakeag Ridge area and a SUNY Distinguished Service Professor of the State University of New York passed from this life Friday, April 22, 2022, at the age of 87. 

Neil, as he was known to those who loved him, retired from State College at Farmingdale following a 37-year career rich in accomplishments where he chaired the English department for 9 years, served in the elected position of Presiding Officer of the Faculty for 14 consecutive years, and served as a faculty senator. He was instrumental in the formation of the Economic Opportunity Center (EOC) on campus.  He was also an active and proud member of the United University Professionals (UUP) where he served as a member of contract negotiation committees. 

Professor McAdorey was born in Belfast, Ireland to Norah and Hugh O’Donnell McAdorey on March 8th, 1935.  He grew up in the Bronx, NY and attended Saints Peter and Paul Elementary and Cardinal Hayes High School.  Neil had a love of song and, along with his brother Hugh, was a featured soloist in the Saints Peter and Paul choir.  Following a 2-year enlistment in the U.S. Army signal corps stationed in Germany, he attended St. Francis College and New York University on the GI Bill and earned his advanced degrees.   

Neil was an active member of St James Parish in Setauket and coached his children in both youth baseball and soccer programs in the Three Villages.  He had a passion for reading and was an appreciative patron of the Emma S. Clark library.  Professor McAdorey encouraged his students, children and grandchildren to read at least one book a week to broaden their scope and to expand their perspective.  He was always a willing ear, offering guidance emphasizing the importance of respect for others and an insistence to do the right thing.  Professor McAdorey loved to travel both domestically and abroad visiting Ireland with both his wife, Margaret and his son John.  However, Spencertown NY was often where he spent his summer in the shadow of the Berkshires and in listening distance to Tanglewood.  His love of music and the spoken word combined to make him a constant accompaniment to any song that may play on the radio. He was an ardent fan of both the New York Mets and New York Giants.   

Professor McAdorey is survived by his beloved wife of nearly 30 years the former Margaret Pesce of Park Slope, Brooklyn.  His constant four-legged companion (his dog) Koda. His children: Neil McAdorey and his wife Vicki, Michael McAdorey and his wife Cindy, John McAdorey and his wife Caitlin, Vicki Cordi, Gina Baglivio, Michael Baglivio and his wife Amy, and Joseph Cordi. His grandchildren, Ian McAdorey and his wife Angela, Jake Roche, Julia Roche, Connor McAdorey, Gabriella Cordi, Kelly McAdorey, Andrew McAdorey, Christina Cordi, Carson Roche, Emily Lavin, Luke Roche, Jillian Cordi, Molly McAdorey, Sam Baglivio, Elena Baglivio and his great granddaughter, Hadley-Jane McAdorey. 

“We cannot share a sorrow, if we haven’t grieved a while. Nor can we feel another’s joy, until we have learned to smile”   - An Irish Blessing 

 
This is the link for live service at St. James RC Church on Thursday 4/28 @ 10:45am

https://vimeo.com/event/2066465