James B Corcoran

James Brian Corcoran, also known as "Corky" was born on February 24, 1947 in Brooklyn, N.Y. ...(maybe). He passed away on September 27, 2018 surrounded by his loved ones. He was predeceased by his loving wife Sally and his beloved son Patrick. Countless memories of him will be carried on by his brother, Kevin, sister-in-law, Susan, daughter, Colleen, son-in-law Eric, daughter-in-law Becky, son-Neal, daughter-in-law Angela and his beautiful grandchildren who all knew him as their "Pop": Trevor, Taylor, Jayce, Liam, Logan, Rhiannon, Aiden, Areson and Declan, as well as extended family, many great friends and all of his Marine Corps brothers and sisters.

Corky took enormous pride in his Irish heritage. He was a fearless and adventurous man who loved golf and loved to travel. He would drive up and down the east coast numerous times a year, from his home in Hobe Sound, FL, up to Middletown, N.Y. where he spent his early years raising his family. He would always stop along the way to see friends as well. Sally and Cork had tremendous plans for world travel and were near their fortieth wedding anniversary when she passed. During his children's younger years, Corky immersed himself in coaching their soccer, baseball and football teams. Corky also spent innumerable evenings and weekends playing volleyball, softball and refereeing High school and City League basketball games. It was a rare occasion that he didn't run the 10K Orange Classic in Middletown during the summer with his best friend Don Wells. He worked for the phone company in N.Y. as a lineman, splicer and installer for 35 years. He was heavily involved in the union, I.B.E.W. Local 363 and was unit president for many years. Corky was proud of his service to his country as a combat veteran of the Vietnam War in the Marine Corps where he served for three years and was honorably discharged as a Corporal. The discipline and patriotism he learned in the Marines never left him, as his friends and family will attest. Shortly after returning from the atrocity and violence in Vietnam, Cork experienced a beautifully atmospheric collection of peace, love and music at Woodstock with his dear friends Nick and Bobbi Ercoline. The iconic picture of the three of them can be seen on the cover of the Woodstock album and was Cork's claim to fame. Cork loved dancing and was extremely passionate about music and his ever-growing music collection. He fostered a love of music, reading and sports in his children and many of his grandchildren. His youngest grandson, Declan always loved sitting on his Pops lap, listening to tunes and also dancing with him. Cork was extremely proud of his eldest grandson Trevor who is a superior drum player. His grandaughter Rhiannon is learning piano by ear and when he heard her playing recently, he was thrilled. In his retirement years, he cultivated friendships within the Marine Corps League, the Vietnam Veterans of America and other service related organizations. Cork was instrumental in organizing High School class reunions and often arranged trips with his Marine Corps brethren to military bases. A memory that Colleen, Patrick and Neal often joked about was how their dad would shout, "OORAH!" in public whenever he saw a Marine Corps brother. He was a proud pop who loved all of his grandchildren with all of his heart. He would always take all of his grandchildren in Florida to see the newest movie in the theater. He traveled extensively to attend soccer and baseball tournaments for his grandsons Jayce and Aiden. Logan cherishes the trips he accompanied Pop on for the Marine Corps reunions. Corky was looking forward to seeing Trevor graduate from highschool this year. Taylor enjoyed watching a series with Pop when he'd visit and she wouldn't resume until he returned. Pop always boasted about how Jayce, Liam and Rhiannon were avid readers and was especially fond of his discussions on American and World history with Liam. Cork's youngest granddaughter Areson absolutely adored her pop and loved singing for him. She still sings My Girl for her pop daily-it was his favorite! Words really can't convey the pride he had in his grandchildren and his entire family! Cork was a remarkable father, exceptionally generous and had a monumental spirit - he will be deeply missed, but never forgotten. Pop, the man, the myth, the legend. Semper Fi!