Remembering G.E. Corky Corcoran II (1931–2024)

Our beloved dad, Corky Corcoran, aged 93, passed away peacefully on Thursday, Dec. 5, 2024, in his home, surrounded by his loving family.

Corky was born on June 26, 1931, in Downers Grove, Chicago, Illinois, to Evelyn Poloski and Grover Corcoran I. He endured profound losses early in life, with his mother passing away from tuberculosis when he was just six years old and his father at the age of 21.

At 12 years old, Corky boarded a train to join his father in wartime housing at the Jubal Early Homes in Arlington, Virginia. It was here, he found comfort in his deep devotion to the Blessed Mother and the Catholic faith. While he was attending the Miraculous Medal Devotion in Arlington, he met his lifelong sweetheart, Mary Jo Miller.

At age 20, Corky enlisted in the U.S. Navy during the Korean War, serving from May 1951 to May 1955 as Navy mechanic, ensuring planes remained airworthy. His dedication and vibrant work ethic made every job enjoyable.

On July 18, 1953, while serving in the Navy, Corky married Mary Jo, beginning a beautiful journey together. Shortly after their marriage, Corky and Mary Jo began their family with the birth of their first child, Grover Edward III, in 1954. Over the years, they welcomed eight more children: Sean, Katie, Amy, Deirdre, Jimmy, Paul, Aggie, and Lucy, creating a home filled with love and laughter.

After his honorable service in the Navy, Corky began a career in aviation, working as an airline mechanic. He started at National Airport (now Reagan National) with Capital Airlines, which eventually merged with United Airlines. In 1965, Corky transferred to Palo Alto, California, in the San Francisco Bay Area. He worked at San Francisco Airport while settling his family in Palo Alto, where they became active members of Our Lady of the Rosary Parish and School.

Corky’s enthusiasm and joy were evident in all he did. Whether leading parish fairs or serving donuts after Mass, his energy was contagious. After a decade in Palo Alto, the family joined Our Lady of Peace Parish in Santa Clara, where Corky became deeply involved in faith-driven activities.

He joined the Men of the Sacred Heart, bringing the Pilgrim Virgin statue to families’ homes to consecrate them to the Sacred Hearts of Jesus and Mary. He identified with his pastor, Reverend Monsignor Fr. Sweeney’s goals and helped raise money to build the shrine at Our Lady of Peace. One
of Corky’s greatest joys was carrying the Blessed Mother statue in the Fatima pilgrimages, a tradition he cherished for many years.

After 32 years in California, Corky fulfilled a lifelong dream by relocating to a 120-acre farm on Sacred Heart Lane in Waterford, Virginia. He embraced country living, raising cattle and enjoying the serenity of farm life. The family attended daily Mass at St. Francis de Sales in Purcellville, Virginia.

In his later years, Corky’s focus turned to his grandchildren, who adored him. He cherished spending time with them, being their mentor and creating lasting memories. Corky is survived by his beloved wife of 72 years, Mary Jo, their 9 children, 34 grandchildren; and 33 great-grandchildren.

Corky’s love, generosity, and vivacious personality touched the lives of not only his family, but also countless others. His legacy of faith, devotion and joy will continue to inspire those who knew him.
He will be deeply missed.

In lieu of flowers, the family has established a Navy Tailhook scholarship in Corky’s honor.