Rev. Fr. Sergiu Lucian Cornea, 73, of Aurora, IL, born to Teodor and Gema Cornea, grew up in Oradea, Romania. A devoted husband, father and grandfather, passed away peacefully on January 12, 2025, surrounded by loving family and friends.
He leaves behind a legacy of love, kindness, generosity, dedication, devotion, and hard work. Born on September 15, 1951, Sergiu married his high school sweetheart, Ritta, in 1972, and attended the University of Agricultural Sciences at Cluj-Napoca, Romania. From a younger age, he displayed a remarkable character, countless talents, and a natural ability to bring people together.
A devoted father to his daughter Vanda and her husband, Dan, Sergiu found immense joy in his grandchildren, Alexia, Aidan and Ava. He took great pride in their achievements and eagerly watched them grow into remarkable individuals. Sergiu's role as a grandfather was one he cherished deeply.
Sergiu shared a special bond with his sisters Ramona and Corina (Tayeb), and sister-in-law Monica, and deeply cared for his nephews and nieces, Nordin, Mona (Paul), Carmen (Otto) and Teodor-Ted (Hannah), and their children, Otto, Nassim, Robert, Miriam, and Noria.
In later years, Rev. Fr. Sergiu answered a higher calling and became a priest of the Romanian Byzantine Catholic Church, following in his father's footsteps and carrying forward a legacy of faith and spiritual guidance. This role in ministry was a natural extension of his character – one of compassion, wisdom and unwavering faith. He served as a Priest at Saints Peter and Paul Romanian Byzantine Catholic Church in Chicago for more than 30 years.
Visitation will be on Tuesday, January 14, 1pm-8pm, and funeral service on Wednesday, January 15, starting at 9am, at St. Michael Romanian Byzantine Catholic Church, 609 N. Lincoln Ave., Aurora, IL 60505, followed by the burial at St. Michael Cemetery, in Aurora, IL.
Rest in peace, dear Rev. Fr. Sergiu. You will be deeply missed.