William DeWitt Corcoran, a Longtime Area Resident, Dies at 78

William DeWitt Corcoran, 78, an area resident for over 50 years, died on October 20, 2017.

Born in Troy, NY on June 8, 1939, he was the son of John and Margaret (DeWitt) Corcoran. He attended Catholic Central High School where he played on the varsity ice hockey team. Upon graduation, he served separate tours of duty in the United States Coast Guard and Air Force before landing in Dutchess County, NY in the early 1960’s where he began a three-decade career with International Business Machines (IBM) and where he ultimately met the love of his life and future wife Joan. They were married on September 17, 1966 at Holy Trinity Church in Poughkeepsie, NY. After getting married they settled into Hopewell Junction and to the home where they raised their three children. During his career, he held many titles, roles and responsibilities including manufacturing and systems analyst until his retirement in 1992. Throughout his professional career he continued to serve his country and community through the Army National Guard where he held the rank of Sergeant in the Field Artillery 156th Battalion based in Poughkeepsie, NY.

He was a dedicated family man and parishioner of St. Columba church. Never one to turn down a volunteering opportunity, “Corky” (as he was affectionately known by his closest friends) was a tireless volunteer to many organizations within his community. He was a Life Member of the Hillside Lake Fire Company and the East Fishkill Rescue Squad. He was a coach for the IBM and Dutchess Youth Hockey organizations during the late 70’s and early 80’s and the head coach for John Jay Senior High School hockey team from 1983-1984.

Upon his retirement, he became a starter at James Baird State Park and continued to visit the place that he and Joan held so dear, their beloved Hither Hills State Park in Montauk, NY where they would reconnect with their camping group for a month each year. Montauk was a truly special place and one they held dear to their hearts. Only if you visited would you truly understand the magic and beauty of the dunes. They recently celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary at St. Patrick’s Cathedral in New York City.

He was truly an amazing grandfather and would regularly travel 2-3 hours to catch a game of any of his eight grandchildren. An avid golfer and sports fan he participated in golf leagues and enjoyed catching the NY Yankees or Rangers games on television, radio or in person.

He was an active member of the following organizations: Wappingers Elks Club 2609 - Charter member and Elk of the Year; and Arlington American Legion Post 1302

Corky is survived by Joan (his wife of 51 years) who survives at home; his sons and daughter (and her spouse), William D. Corcoran Jr. of Darien, CT, Lynn A. (Gerry) Flynn of Ringoes, NJ, and Todd M. Corcoran of Buffalo, NY; his grandchildren, Colin, Ryan, Brendan and Kevin Corcoran of Darien, CT, Kaitlin and John Flynn of Ringoes, NJ, and Logan and Patrick Corcoran of Buffalo, NY; his brother and sister (spouses), John D. (Ruth) Corcoran Jr. of Clifton Park, NY, Margaret (David) Holohan of Loudonville, NY and several nieces and nephews.

Calling hours will be held on Sunday from 4-7pm at the McHoul Funeral Home, Inc., 895 Route 82, Hopewell Junction. The Mass of Christian Burial will be offered on Monday at 10am at St. Columba Church, 835 Route 82, Hopewell Junction followed by internment in Poughkeepsie Rural Cemetery, 342 South Avenue, Poughkeepsie, NY.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made online or by mail to Montauk Lighthouse, P.O. Box 943, Montauk, NY 11954 or St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, Memorial and Honor Gifts, P.O. Box 1000, Dept. 142, Memphis, TN 38148. Please visit Corky’s Book of Memories at www.mchoulfuneralhome.com