RADICK, CORNEL MICHAEL

Cornel Michael Radick passed away on January 20, 2022, at the age of 79. Many of his relatives and friends knew him best as Kernie. He was born in Amherst, Ohio on March 29, 1942, to John and Ardis Radick. Kernie moved to Arizona with his mother when he was 7 years old, and they settled in Tucson. As a child he had a passion for exploring Tucson and enjoying the outdoors.
Kernie attended Tucson High School and after his 18th birthday joined the U.S. Navy. He traveled all over the world, but his most memorable passage was the Far East waters of the Pacific aboard the U.S.S. Lexington CVA 16. He traveled around the Horn of South America to the Naval Yards of Brooklyn during the U.S. involvement in the Cuban missile crisis. He later transferred to the U.S.S. Lake Champlain, another carrier. After his service in the military Kernie returned to Tucson, where he began working for Maury Hemingson of Air Co Metal Products. In March of 1970 Kernie moved to Phoenix, where he began his career and legacy opening Kernie’s Heating and Air Conditioning. He would later meet his current wife, Ophelia and marry in 1973.
Kernie was a devoted husband and father with a strong work ethic. He and his eldest son, Mike worked side by side for over 30 years in the family operated business. He enjoyed working in commercial air conditioning and running his company. When he wasn’t working, he enjoyed fishing, camping, and vacationing with his family. Kernie would often pack up the van and take the kids on another outdoor adventure around this beautiful state. He loved to tell jokes and have a good laugh, while living life to the fullest.
Kernie is preceded in death by his parents and his daughter Sandra. He is survived by his wife Ophelia Radick, his children Cornel Michael Jr (Sherri), Matthew (Niccki), Mark Allen, Sabrina, Raymond (Carmen), Chris, and Mark Joseph. His legacy continues through his grandchildren Tiffany, Cornel Michael III, Austin, Victoria, Grace, Mark Anthony, Dominic, Marco, Christina, Jacob, Raymond Jr, Theresa, Anthony, Nathan and Sarah. He was blessed to know his great grandchildren Marisela, Gabby, Christian, Brooklyn, Aubrielle, Brandon, Willow, Marco III, Henry, Lorenzo, DeMarco, Anabelle, and Penelope, and his great grandchild Gracelyn.
Kernie will be deeply missed by his family, friends, and all who knew him.
A visitation is scheduled from 12:30 p.m. – 1:30pm with Funeral Service starting at 1:30pm on Thursday, January 27, 2022 at Whitney & Murphy Funeral Home, 4800 E. Indian School Rd, Phoenix, AZ 85018. Burial to follow at St. Francis Cemetery.