David Alan Cornelsen

David Alan Cornelsen passed away on June 30, 2025. He was born on March 7, 1952, the son of the late Rufus and Frances Deen Cornelsen. He is survived by his wife, Laura Cornelsen; his daughter, Alexandra Cornelsen; and his two sisters, Kathleen France and Sara DeCubellis and their families. He was a devoted husband, a proud father, and a deeply loved brother whose strength and presence shaped the lives of those closest to him.

David was an accomplished scholar with a lifelong commitment to learning and service. He earned three master's degrees, completing graduate studies at the University of Connecticut, Yale University, and Arcadia University. He received his PhD in Industrial Social Work from the University of Pennsylvania; he began his academic career as a professor at the University of Southern California. His work reflected a dedication to advocacy, systems change, and the dignity of work and care.

Before and after a life-altering accident that left him largely paralyzed from the waist down, David distinguished himself as an exceptional athlete and trailblazer in adaptive sports. Prior to his injury, he was a competitive cyclist and endurance athlete. Afterward, he became a nationally recognized hand-cyclist and wheelchair racer, setting records and competing at elite levels against both adaptive and able-bodied athletes. Among his most notable athletic achievements, David completed a self-powered, arm-driven cycle crossing of the United States in 18 days and 16 hours, an extraordinary feat of physical endurance and mental resolve. He was a core rider on World Ride 95, a 13,000 mile, around the world cycling expedition which was followed by CBS. The documentary aired on Thanksgiving Day of that year. He held national records in arm-powered cycling time trials and was a visible advocate for adaptive athletics, helping to expand awareness, access, and respect for disabled athletes.

Beyond competition, David contributed intellectually and professionally to the adaptive sports community and disability advocacy through writing, public engagement, and leadership roles focused on empowerment and inclusion. His life stood as proof that limitation need not define possibility.

David possessed a keen interest in comparative philosophy; including the study of Transcendental Meditation, as a young man, and a lifelong connection to Native American culture and practices. His experiences crossed over into the entertainment industry as well, through modeling, print, voice and on-screen commercial work both before and after his injury. Personal highpoints were his appearances as on-air commentary for the Para-Olympics.

David Alan Cornelsen will be remembered for his brilliance, discipline, resilience, and unwavering refusal to surrender purpose in the face of adversity. His legacy lives on through his family, his achievements, and the many people he inspired by example.

David's memorial service will be held on Saturday, March 7, 2026, at 11:00am at the FitzGerald-Sommer Funeral Home 17 S. Delaware Avenue Yardley, PA 19067. Visitation for family and friends will be from 10:00am to 11:00am at the funeral home. Condolences for the family can be left at www.fitzgeraldsommerfuneralhome.com.