Ralph W. Cornwell

Ralph Weld Cornwell died peacefully in his comfy chair at Mountain View Community in Ossipee, New Hampshire, on January 17, 2026. He was 89 years old.

Born into the family of Hall Brothers Hatchery in Wallingford, Connecticut, Ralph fell in love with chickens at an early age. He went on to study poultry sciences at Cornell University, where he also rowed crew, winning the prestigious Intercollegiate Rowing Association National Championship in his senior year.

While attending college in New York, Ralph married Mary Goodwin, also from Wallingford. Over the years together, they raised three daughters, Sally, Robin, and Jiff (Jennifer). In the early 1970s, the family moved to Ossipee, New Hampshire, where he had a modern poultry farm for egg production constructed, which he and Mary operated until their divorce.

Jeri Baker, from Northwood, New Hampshire, met Ralph in the mid-70s. They married, relocated to Wolfeboro, and welcomed three more children: Andrew, Jessica, and Janis. Around this time, Ralph transitioned from the egg business, opening his own farm and feed supply store, The Little Red Hen House, and later managed Clark’s Grain Store. Ralph and Jeri were staunch supporters of their children’s athletic endeavors. After many loving and well-lived years together, Ralph and his children suffered the loss of Jeri in 1999.

The local community and All Saints Episcopal Church supported Ralph and his family, and with this, Christine Christiansen entered his life. They were married in the summer of 2001, inviting not only Chris, but her children, Erik and Britt, into the family. After enjoying 18 years together - singing in the All Saints Church choir, training two service dogs, and spending memorable moments hosting their children and grandchildren - Ralph suffered another loss when Chris passed away in 2019.

From early childhood on, Ralph traveled yearly to his father’s birthplace in Nova Scotia, Canada. While raising his six children, he traveled with them each year, instilling in them a love of Nova Scotia and their Canadian relatives. He eventually built a cottage on Saint Mary’s Bay that was enjoyed for years to come.

Ralph supported all of his children’s passions from the arts to sports to college choices. Family was very important to him, and he was proud of all his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. Throughout his entire life, Ralph extended his kindness not only to family and friends, but also to animals entrusted to his care, including a pony, six goats, numerous cats, dogs, ducks, geese… and especially chickens.

Ralph was preceded in death by his parents, Llewellyn and Mabelle Cornwell; his wives, Jeri and Chris; and his grandson, Tyler Kott.

He is survived by his children, Sally (Jonathan), Robin, Jiff (Scott), Andrew, Jessica Kelly (Robert), and Janis (Kim); stepchildren Erik (Katie) and Britt Widerstrom, along with eleven grandchildren and four great-grandchildren.

Ralph, forever a part of us.

Calling hours will be held on Sunday, February 1, 2026, at Lord Funeral Home in Wolfeboro, NH, from 2-4pm.  A church service and celebration of life will be held at a later date.

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