Edward Francis Corr was born to Florence Conk Corr and John Corr on July 27, 1923. His parents named him Edward after the local St. Edward’s Church. He joined a family that eventually included his sisters Kay, Dottie, Florence, and brother Frank. The Corrs made their home in Brooklyn, NY, a bustling town of boardwalks, bridges, and ball games in the streets.
Dad was a hard-working child, exhibiting qualities of righteousness and compassion at an early age, defending the weak kids from bullies in the neighborhood. The family’s three-bedroom home, next to the Brooklyn Navy Yard, was always full with parents, an aunt and uncle and five children and, despite the Depression, no one ever went hungry. As a young boy, he rose early in the morning to deliver newspapers to help support the family. As he grew, he became more athletic and by his teen years, he was playing football, running track, and rollerskating.
Dad met our mother, Kathryn Reinbolt, at a local roller skating rink in Queens, N.Y. He was an 18-year-old boy from the wild streets of Brooklyn, and she was a lovely young lady of 14 from Woodhaven. But the world was at war and Dad left to fight. They kept in touch through letters and soon fell in love. Dad was a Tin Can Sailor and served his country for three years on a naval destroyer in the South Pacific arena. The days were filled with relentless heat and constant threats. Dad was awarded several medals for his contribution to victory in the Pacific—one of the proudest moments of his life. Once back in the States, Dad got right to work and entered the lithography trade. He saved up, popped the question, and he and our Mom were married on October 5, 1947. Theirs was a love affair that lasted almost 76 years. They welcomed their first child, Carolyn Ann, in 1948. A few years later, they bought their first house in West Babylon, N.Y., and soon welcomed their second daughter, Karen Sue. Life was good for Ed and Kathryn. They had their girls, rollerskating, and each other. Dad was driven to take care of his family—and his cars. He worked long hours at the “trade”, and at times held two or even three jobs. He was also a skilled handyman around the house and could build or fix anything. When Kathryn became pregnant with their third daughter, Connie, he expanded their little Cape Cod second floor dormer. He also put in an in-ground cement swimming pool (the first in the neighborhood!) and added a screened porch. It was a rule in our home that no car part ever went to waste. He converted clunkers into cars by rebuilding any possible engine and drove them 30,000 miles a year to his job in Manhattan. Each of his daughters also had a “new” car, mostly built by Dad.
In 1979, Dad experienced serious health issues, and he and Mom thought it best to sell the house in New York and move to Florida. He wasn’t going to let any health setbacks get the best of him, however, and soon earned the name “Lucky Eddie,” for the number of times he cheated the Grim Reaper. He even started a new career in Florida with a security company. Dad flourished in his livelihood and continued to enjoy rollerskating with Mom until the ripe old age of 85. Dad was outnumbered four to one in our home, but he still prevailed, especially when it came to being a great father. From late nights waiting up for us when we were teens, to sneaking us into a drive-in, we always knew we could count on him. And true to the old-school ways, Dad was a man of few words, but we know he loved us mightily and his pride and joy in us spoke volumes. Twenty-seven days shy of his 100th birthday, Dad passed. He was our hero, our protector, and our provider. He was the epitome of “the Greatest Generation”, and there will never be a more humble, braver person to us than our Dad. We gather to say good-bye to a beloved husband and father, and to celebrate a life well-lived. Dad, we love you more than you know, and we are so proud to have you as our father. Your fight is over… rest and be peaceful.
Your loving daughters,
Connie, Carolyn and Karen
A visitation for Edward will be held Saturday, July 8, 2023 from 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM at Fountainhead Funeral Home, 7359 Babcock Street SE, Palm Bay, FL 32909. A funeral service will occur Saturday, July 8, 2023 from 11:00 AM to 12:00 PM, 7359 Babcock Street SE, Palm Bay, FL 32909. A committal service will occur Saturday, July 8, 2023 from 12:00 PM to 12:30 PM at Fountainhead Memorial Park, 7303 Babcock Street SE, Palm Bay, FL 32909.
Contributions in Edward's memory may be made to Freedom Service Dogs of America , https://freedomservicedogs.org/donatefsd/.
Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.FountainheadFuneralHome.com for the Corr family.
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