Obituaries/Tributes

You meet people in your life and they make you a better person whether you realize it then or much later. I can honestly say that knowing "Uncle Bob" was one of the BEST things to have ever happened to me. Before meeting Robert P. Corcoran, I had ZERO to LITTLE patience and, if you know me, you've probably heard me tell you the story 100 times about how Uncle Bob taught me patience over the course of several years (nothing worthwhile comes easy ya know). For almost 20 years ago I was very fortunate to call this man a friend, a mentor and a confidant and its heartbreaking to think that I will never hear his voice again calling me "Jimmy". You will TRULY be missed by everyone who knew you!!! I look forward to seeing you in the next life where we will talk about lexicology, etymology and everything in between!!! If you can, take a moment and read his obit and you will scratch the surface of just how amazing this man was!!!

To Rose & Corcoran Family, We Are So Sadden To Hear Of Roberts Passing (Our Special Friend Bob) We Hold So Many Wonderful Memories, Enjoyed Every Visit ,Phone Calls & Fishing With Him, Rose & Bobby & Especially All The Big Jiggs Dinners.Will Surely Be Missed. R.I.P Dear Friend Never Be Forgotten Clayton & Rose ( Sis ) Clarke Cottrells Cove Newfoundland

I’m very sorry to hear of Mr. Corcoran‘s passing. He was my eighth grade reading teacher at Coughlin. It’s interesting to learn he was a marine. From first day of class in 1969. It was clear he had a military bearing. Besides being a very good reading teacher, two stories from my year with him come to mind. One day, he asked us a question. I can’t remember what it was; probably something like, “Who didn’t get a reading book?“ Instead of responding in a normal tone of voice, I stupidly, decided to yell, nearly at the top of my lungs, “Me!” Mr. Corcoran didn’t think it was funny; he immediately looked and pointed his finger at me, and said sternly, “Out in the hall…NOW!” As I headed for the hall, I saw he had grabbed his wooden paddle. You see, this was in the days when corporal punishment was still allowed. I immediately knew what was coming wouldn’t be good for me. He followed me into the hall, closed the classroom door, and asked, “Have you ever watched football“ I replied,”Yes.” he told me, “Assume a three point stance.” Although I thought it was a strange request, I did, as I was told. As I was holding my three point stance he said, “Alright Mr. ‘Me’, each time I smack you with this paddle, I want you to yell, as loud as you can, “Me!” if it’s not loud enough, I’ll just have to do it again.“ Well, on strike one, I didn’t yell nearly loud enough, but on strike two, I yelled so loudly, they could probably have heard me downstairs in the main office. Suffice it to say, Mr. Corcoran didn’t have to correct me for the rest of the school year;I had learned my lesson. In reading his obituary, it occurred to me, that paddling punishment he dolled out sounded like something they could’ve dreamed up at Marine Corps Boot Camp. The second story is is also pretty funny. One afternoon we were in reading class, when an announcement came over the public address system, “Mr. Corcoran, please come to the main office.“ Mr. Corcoran called one kid up and said,“Sit here at my desk, and write down the names of anyone who misbehaves.” He then warned us, “While I’m gone, Joe is in charge, and remember, behave yourselves.“. After Mr. Corcoran left the room, a little, skinny kid named Robert, asked Joe, who Mr. Corcoran had temporarily put in charge, “Since you’re person in charge, is it OK if I go home?“ Joe, probably thinking it was a joke, replied, “Sure, you can go home“, at which point, Robert grabbed his jacket, and left school. From what I understand, they were both suspended the next day. I am now retired from a civilian career of nearly 42 years with the department of the navy, and substitute teach at a middle school and high school in Adams county, south-central, Pennsylvania. From time to time, I tell my students these two stories about Mr. Corcoran. The kids always find them entertaining. Having been born with cerebral palsy, I was unable to serve in the Armed Forces. I believe thal’s the highest calling a United States citizen can have. I respect Mr. Corcoran’s military service, and his skill and sense of fairness as a teacher. My deepest respects and condolences to the family.