Alain François Corcos

Alain F. Corcos, 99, of East Lansing, passed away on February 13, 2025. Alain was born in Paris, France, in 1925. He and his brother, Gilles, escaped from Nazi-occupied France through the Pyrenees and joined the Allied Forces in March 1944.

Alain received his B.S. and M.S in botany and his PhD. in plant breeding, all from Michigan State University. He became a member of the Michigan State University faculty, where he taught for 26 years. He retired from MSU as Professor Emeritus of Botany and Plant Pathology. During his academic career, he became known as a historian of science and an expert on Gregor Mendel, and wrote numerous books and articles. After his retirement, he wrote twelve books on different subjects.

Alain was preceded in death by his loving wife of 41 years, Joanne Heckaman Corcos. He is survived by two daughters, Christine Corcos and Isabel Corcos (Brian Stockhoff) and stepchildren Karen Heckaman, Catherine Heckaman and John (Carol) Heckaman; grandchildren Cullen Stockhoff, Rook Stockhoff, Joel Heckaman, Katelyn (Tom) Ailles, Molly (Dustin) Williams, Casey (Mike) Dulworth, Corey (Mackenzie) Heckaman, and great-grandchildren Zoe Heckaman, Quincy Dulworth, Alexander Ailles, Louise Williams, and twin boys on the way.

The family would like to thank McLaren Hospice and Home Instead for their wonderful compassion and care.