Governor John P. deJongh Jr. expressed his condolences to the family and friends of the late Angel M. Corneiro, who died suddenly on Aug. 26. "Mr. Corneiro was a remarkable and memorable Virgin Islander, a man who served this territory admirably, both professionally and personally. Cecile and I were saddened to learn of his unexpected passing and extend our deepest sympathies to Mr. Corneiro’s wife Nieresta and their children," he said.
Corneiro may best be remembered for his staunch support and involvement in the region’s horse racing activities. He served on the St. Thomas-St. John Horse Racing Commission for a number of years and also headed the St. Thomas Horse Racing Association. Over the years, he owned a number of championship horses and he was well known to racing fans in the British and U.S. Virgin Islands. His renown in the sport was such that the Angel Corneiro Cup continues to be one of the featured races in the St. Thomas Carnival Horse Races. Corneiro also served on the Virgin Islands Boxing Commission for a number of years.
He was a well-respected employee of the Government of the Virgin Islands for close to three decades. When he retired after nearly 30 years in public service, he was chief of the maintenance division of the Department of Human Services.
"Mr. Corneiro was a loving and beloved husband and father, and a generous friend to many in our community," said Gov. de Jongh. "His contributions to the local sports of horse racing and boxing will not be forgotten. He was an outstanding Virgin Islander and he will be missed."
