Rensselaer- Edward J. Cornelius, Jr. also known as Poppy, Big Ed and The Babe, age 72, passed away on Thursday Sept. 8, 2016. Ed was born and raised in Albany and has lived in Rensselaer for the past 48 years. He was employed by Penn Central, Conrail and CSX Railroad working for the railroad for 35 years. Ed was a communicant of St. John the Evangelist and St. Joseph Church in Rensselaer attending St. John's Church for many years. He was an avid bowler bowling at Del Lanes in Delmar for 40 years. He was also a coach for the Rensselaer Little League and Pop Warner Football. Ed was an avid NY Yankees Baseball fan and Dallas Cowboys Football fan. Son of the late Edward J. Cornelius, Sr., Nancy Ravida Mannolini; stepson of the late Aldo Mannolini. Husband of 52 years to Rose Marie Lanahan Cornelius of Rensselaer. Father of Edward J. Cornelius, III of CA and Mark L. Dabney of Rensselaer. Grandfather of Justin, Deven, Shayla Rose and the late Christian "Boo" Dabney. Brother of Paul (Darlene) Cornelius, Florence (Anthony) Santiago and Patrick (Gloria) Cornelius. Also survived by 5 great-grandchildren, many nieces, nephews, great nieces, great nephews and cousins. Contributions in Big Ed's memory may be made to the Boys & Girl Clubs of Southern Rensselaer County 544 Broadway Rensselaer, NY 12144 Due to Eddie's request the funeral will be private; there will be no evening calling hours.