Lud Corrao

Lud was born in Brooklyn, NY on July 25, 1937 to proud parents of Anthony and Josephine Corrao making a family of 3, now a family of 4 with sister Toni. Still recovering from financial losses of the Great Depression, the family moved to Southern California, where his dad was employed as a manager and designer of ladies evening wear for Lily Diamond. Additions to the family came as brothers Paul and David were born in 1941 and 1946 respectively. Shortly after David's birth the family packed up the 1947 Packard and moved back to NY, albiet for a short 2 years.

Lud was now 12 years old, going to public school in NY and working on his uncle Carlos' commercial fishing boat. His uncle taught Lud how to swim by throwing him overboard with a rope in the middle of the ocean, which possibly was the precursor to Lud's sink or swim attitude. He chose to swim.

Once again the 1947 Packard was loaded up with family and belongings for the move back to Southern California in 1950 where Lud completed his formal education, joined the Marine Corp., and met his lovely wife to be, Patricia Brunzell. They were married in 1958. Lud and Patty moved to Reno, NV in the early 1960's, where he worked for his father-in-law Everett Brunzell's construction company. Three new additions to Lud and Patty's family were added with the birth of son's Marc, Jeff, and daughter Alisa. Patricia was not only a loving wife and mother, but was also Lud's best friend. In the late 1960's Lud started his own construction company, Corrao Construction. With his word, bond, skill, integrity, responsibility, and desire to swim, Las Vegas and Atlantic City became one of the top 10 general contractors in the nation.

As the years went by, Lud was elected president of the Associated General Contractor (AGC) in Reno, and was one of the initial founders of the Truckee Meadows boys and girls club. He was also on the Board of the Reno Air Race Association. Lud was awarded the prestigious SIR Award in 1994 by his peers at AGC. Lud loved his participation as Honorary Deputy Sheriff in "Shopping with the Sheriff" at Christmas for children in need. Lud set an example of honor and courage to do the right thing no matter what the cost, continuously helping others less fortunate or in need and becoming a mentor to many. He became a private pilot as a necessity for travel as his business grew. Later, building and restoring "Warbirds" and flying in the Reno Air Races. He used to say "What kind of name is Lud or Ludwig?" Well for one, once you could pronounce it, was memorable. On many occasions he coined the nickname "Vico" for himself. However, to his friends, he was "Coach." Doing so much for the Nevada Community, quietly in the background and asking no accolades or acknowledgments. Lud's bigger than life presence will be missed. However, his memory and legacy will forever live on.

He is survived by Patricia, his incredible wife of over 63 years; His children Dr. Marc(Kerri), Jeffery, and Alisa(Clay); His grandchildren Cierra and Jessica; His brother David(Deborah) and their family.

A gathering of friends for Lud will be held Wednesday, March 23, 2022 at 2:00 PM at The El Dorado, 345 N Virginia Street, Reno, Nevada 89501.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.fitzhenrysfuneralhome.net for the Corrao family.