Cornell August Foltuz, 98, passed away Tuesday, Oct. 16, 2012, in Port Charlotte, Fla.

He was born Feb. 1, 1914, to Romanian immigrants August and Elena Foltutiu in Philadelphia, Pa.

Known as “Nello” to his friends, Cornell graduated from Detroit’s Eastern High School and Wilbur Wright Boys’ Vocational School, while also learning the printing trade and actively pursuing his interests in sports and music. He was still an accomplished clarinet player in his 90s. A decorated U.S. Army veteran, Cornell served during World War II, fighting at Utah Beach. He later was injured in battle near the French-German border. After rehabilitation, he served out the remainder of his tour in Metz, France, finally returning home in November 1945. Always active in the Romanian-American community, the so-called “Carshop” area of Detroit, and St. George Romanian Orthodox Church, he was instrumental after the war years in the creation of AMVET Post 53, with its initial membership of over 100 returning Romanian-American World War II veterans. In 1949, Cornell and Katherine Colthorp were married in Detroit, Mich. With “Kay’s” background as an engineering draftsman and “Nello’s” experience in printing, they owned and managed several typesetting and printing companies over the years in the Detroit area. After their retirement in 1985, the couple moved to Port Charlotte, and enjoyed their retirement years together until Katherine’s death in Dec. 2011.

He is survived by his nephew Eugene Foltuz of Lima, Peru; nieces, Diane Torok, and Constance Bailey of Michigan; as well as several great nieces and nephews.

Memorial services with military honors by a U.S. Army Honor Guard will be held 10 a.m., Thursday, Oct. 25, 2012, at Roberson Funeral Home, Port Charlotte Chapel. Inurnment will be held in Sarasota National Cemetery, Sarasota, Fla. at a later date. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the American Cancer Society 992 Tamiami Trl., Unit C-2, Port Charlotte, FL 33953. Friends may visit online at www.robersonfh.com to extend condolences to the family and sign the memorybook.

Arrangements are by Roberson Funeral Home and Crematory, Port Charlotte Chapel.