Cornelio (Corney) Pasquil passed away on September 17, 2012, surrounded by his loving family at the age of 80. He was born on April 7, 1932, in Ft. Riley, Kansas. He was preceded in death by his parents Cornelio and Simeona Pasquil. He is survived by his beloved wife Connie of 51 years and 5 children, Mona (Chris) Rogers of Walnut Grove, Gigi (Jeff) Ferrari of El Dorado Hills, Corky (Aileen) Pasquil of Encino, Danny (Virginia) Pasquil of Walnut ,and Cris Pasquil of Honolulu. Cherished grandchildren: Delan and Yani Pasquil, Dante and Victoria Ferrari and Natalia Castro and Paloma Pasquil. Corney is also survived by his sister Christita Gelhard of Lisle, Illinois, and Manuel J. Pasquil of Junction City Kansas.

Corney participated in high school football at Junction City High School where he lettered as quarterback. He also participated in HS choral music but was more interested in playing jazz piano with a small band in surrounding communities. Upon graduation from high school, he enlisted in the US Air Force where he took his basic at Lackland AFB, TX. After serving his regular term in the service, he moved to Indiana where he worked full time at the Morris Plan in Indianapolis, while attending Indiana University night school and then transferred to K-State University. He moved to California in 1960, and there met the love of his life, Connie.

He graduated from Kansas State University in 1962 and received his Masters of Social Work at the University of Pennsylvania with honors in 1972. Corney worked as a licensed clinical social worker for Sacramento County for 26 years and after his retirement, continued to serve the community as an adjunct professor at the School of Social Work at Sacramento State University; as Director of Asian Community Counseling, and as a counselor at St. Patrick’s Home for Children.

From age 13, Corney was a revered jazz pianist who entertained listeners from Junction City, Kansas, to Manila, Philippines. He and Connie traveled near and far when Corney played at jazz festivals with a number of Sacramento area jazz bands including longtime friends Bob Matorola, Ted Thompson, and Dick Johnson. Many remember jam sessions at the Pasquil home – an impromptu gathering with Uncle Rudy and Joe Tenio, Uncle Hamilton Burila, Uncle Ray Canion and many others. 

Because music was always prominent in the Pasquil home, Corney often encouraged all to sing, or play an instrument. Ever the accompanist, he would ease all guests by finding their key and making them feel like a pro. He had an ear for music like no other.

Corney was also involved in a number of Filipino community events and organizations throughout his life.  A Life Member of the Filipino American National Historical Society, he and Connie traveled to conferences across the country that focused on Filipino history in the US – wonderful memories with dear friends Pete and Terri Jamero. 

After raising their children, Corney and Connie traveled to many countries - China, Russia, Europe, and the Philippines were among his favorites. His quiet and strong drive to “take care of people” was evident in so many ways. During one of those trips to the Philippines, they started the Pasquil-Rojas Nutrition Program that provided a hot breakfast for students of the Enrique Villanueva schools in Siquijor.  Described as “strong, sure and wise” Corney will be in our hearts forever.

His greatest enjoyment of his golden years was being with his family and watching his children and grandchildren excel and grow.

Viewing at 10:00 am, and funeral mass at 11:00 am, will be held on Monday, September 24, at the St. Anthony’s Church,14012 Walnut Street, Walnut Grove, Ca 95690, followed by a luncheon in the church hall.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests that donations may be made to the Pasquil Memorial Fund at the Bank of Rio Vista, P.O. Box 157, Rio Visa, CA 94571-0157, to benefit the Pasquil-Rojas nutrition program and the St. Anthony’s Church Altar Society.