Cory David Whitehair, 50, of Elmira, passed away on August 23, 2026. Born in Corning on February 5, 1976, he was the beloved son of Tina Louise (Tostinoski) Pratt and the late David Paul Whitehair.

At only three days old, Cory became part of Corning's living history when internationally acclaimed photographer Elliott Erwitt photographed him in the arms of his mother, Tina, beside his father, David, for the People Wall '76 mural at Corning City Hall. Cory was the youngest person portrayed among the more than 150 members of the community whose images became part of the monumental display. The family portrait was later featured in Barbara Hall Blumer's book, People Wall '76: The Mural in City Hall. Fifty years later, the mural still stands, ensuring that Cory's image and his place in the history of his hometown will endure for generations to come.

A member of Southside High School's Class of 1995, Cory possessed a remarkable mind and an exceptional memory. He could recall names, moments, and stories from years before, and he loved sharing them with anyone willing to listen. In his later years, he often reflected on the life he had lived, returning in conversation to the people, places, and experiences that had shaped him.

Cory's compassion found purpose in his work as a peer counselor at Elmira Psychiatric Center. He transported patients, visited them in their homes, and sat beside them to listen and talk. He respected their privacy and spoke of his work through the personalities he encountered and the human connections he formed. His family was proud of the care he offered to people navigating difficult seasons of their lives.

Cory's family offers its heartfelt gratitude to the ACT Team, the outpatient clinic, and every kind person who loved and cared for him. Their warmth made Cory feel comfortable, welcomed, and part of their family. They shared wonderful adventures with him, including skydiving, and gave him lifelong memories that he treasured.

Cory shared a lifelong love of comic books and video games with his brother, Jon, with Wolverine among the characters he especially enjoyed. As boys, Cory and Jon walked together to Elmira Bowling Center to compete in a youth league. In one Pepsi Pro-Am tournament, Cory placed second, their childhood friend Craig Hutchings placed first, and Jon placed third-a family story still remembered with pride. Cory also carried an adventurous spirit, embracing experiences such as canoeing with the same fearlessness that marked his life.

Cory took pride in his appearance and had an instinctive sense of style. His clothes, shoes, and hats were thoughtfully coordinated, and even an ordinary appointment was reason enough to look his best.

Giving was Cory's love language. Every year, without fail, he celebrated his mother's birthday with a gift and a cake. His greatest happiness often came from surprising the people he loved with something chosen especially for them.

Forty years ago, when Cory was ten and Jon was nine, the brothers went together to see The Transformers: The Movie. Watching Optimus Prime fall was Jon's first childhood encounter with the truth that even heroes could be lost. As Jon cried, Cory-only a child himself-remained strong and consoled him, already revealing the courage and tenderness with which he would protect his younger brother throughout his life. Forty years later, Jon now faces that same truth in the most personal way imaginable as he grieves the loss of his own hero-Cory, his older brother, lifelong protector, and best friend. The film became a bond carried between them for four decades, and its enduring words, "Till all are one," now hold a meaning far beyond anything either boy could have understood that day.

Cory lived that role throughout their lives. He met danger with courage and never allowed someone to hurt Jon without answering to him. His fierce loyalty was matched by a loving heart, and Jon will carry both for the rest of his life.

Cory shared an especially cherished bond with his aunt, Kristina Stewart, the only sister of his father, David. Cory loved her dearly. To him, she was quite simply the best aunt in the world.

Although Cory lost his father when he was only three years old, he carried David's photographs and memory throughout his life. Cory loved his father deeply and found peace in his belief that David was with God. Cory himself believed in God, spoke of his faith, and drew comfort from the promise that love continues beyond death.

Cory was preceded in death by his father, David Paul Whitehair; his stepfather, Calvin Pratt; his maternal grandparents, Nicholas and Norma Jean Tostinoski; and his paternal grandparents, Paul David Whitehair and Dorothy Virginia Sams Whitehair Stewart.

Cory is survived by his loving mother, Tina Louise Pratt; his brother, Jon Paul Whitehair; his beloved aunt, Kristina Stewart; his niece, Lauryn Elisabeth Castillo, together with her husband, Johnny, and their children, Savyna, Mariella, and Emerson; his nephews, Jordin David Whitehair, Brandin Paul Whitehair, and Logan Paul Whitehair; and many cousins and members of his extended family.

His family takes comfort in knowing that Cory is home with God and reunited with the father he loved and carried in his heart throughout his life.

A private service will be held at the convenience of the family and by invitation only. Deacon Al Pacete will offer the Catholic Rite of Committal at St. Mary's Cemetery in Corning, where Cory will be laid to rest.