Robert L. “Bob” Corcoran, Retired Marine Corps. Sergeant, age 87, of Wilmington, died peacefully at home with his loving family at his side on June 17, 2015.
Bob was born in Medford, MA, on April 7, 1928; he was the dear son of the late Edmund J. Corcoran, Sr. and his wife Katherine (Twohig) Corcoran of Melrose.
Bob was raised in Melrose, MA, and was a graduate of Boston College High in Boston. Following graduation, Bob relinquished a scholarship to Boston College in order to enlist in the United States Marine Corps. during World War II at the age of 17. Bob entered active service on August 30, 1945, he served initially as a Private and his specialty was a Radar Radio Operator in the Airborne Intercept Division. Bob was extremely proud of his service to the Country and was honorably discharged as a Sergeant on August 29, 1949.
Bob was a hard worker; for several years he worked for the Walker Beverage Company until taking a position as a truck driver for the Teamsters Union Local #25 in Charlestown. Bob was very conscientious about his driving, knowledgeable about the truck routes and a great co-worker amongst his peers; he retired following many years of dedicated service to the Union.
Bob met Merrilyn A. Southmayd and it was “love at first sight”, the couple married on October 3, 1971 and settled in Wilmington to raise their family. Bob and Merrilyn had many great years together and loved each other unconditionally; when Merrilyn became ill in 1990 it was Bob who stayed by her side and took amazing care of her until her passing in June of 1995. There wasn’t a day that went by that Bob didn’t miss his sweetheart, Merrilyn.
Bob was always willing to do for others; he was a member and Past Commandant of the Marine Corp. League of Wilmington, the American Legion, V.F.W., and the Fr. Croke Council Knights of Columbus in Wilmington. Bob spent many years volunteering his time with each organization to raise money for great causes throughout the community. Bob loved Wilmington and he always took great pride in marching in the annual Memorial Day Parade with his fellow Marines and Veterans. Bob never missed an opportunity to celebrate past and present Veterans whether it was at the Veterans Day Celebration on the common or a dedication of a Veteran Memorial, Bob was right there to lend his support.
Bob was also a man of great faith and an active communicant of St. Thomas of Villanova Church in Wilmington; he was a regular at the 9:00 a.m. Mass on Sunday where he greeted everyone with a smile, hug, or a handshake.
In his spare time, Bob enjoyed working in his vegetable garden; he was an avid golfer, and he loved to power walk around Lake Quannapowitt in Wakefield; something he did for many years.
Bob will be fondly remembered as a devoted family man, a great friend and neighbor, and most of all a Proud Marine. He will be greatly missed by all who knew and loved him.
Bob was the beloved husband of the late Merrilyn A. (Southmayd) Corcoran, devoted father of Ann Marie Quinn and her husband Robert of Jupiter, FL, Carolyn J. Deschenes and her husband David of Wilmington, and Steven R. Corcoran and his wife Robin of Kissimmee, FL. Loving “Grampy” of Erin Noll, Steven Corcoran Jr., Kerry Baggett, Robert L. Corcoran, Michael Quinn, Lindsey Benoit, and Thomas Deschenes. “Great-Grampy” of Riley, Brady, and Colby Noll, Collin, Makenzie, and Makayla Baggett, Carter Jensen, McKenzie Corcoran, Charlotte and Ashlyn Benoit. Brother-in-law of Charlie and Debbie Southmayd of Wilmington, Janice and Richie Brabant of Colorado, Claire & Neal Connelly of North Carolina, Tommy and Louise Southmayd of Wilmington, Clifford and Louise Southmayd of Stoneham, and Jeanne and the late James Southmayd of Wakefield. “Uncle Bob” is also survived by many nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews, and friends.
Family and friends will gather at the Nichols Funeral Home, 187 Middlesex Ave. (Rte. 62), Wilmington on Tuesday, June 23rd at 9:00 a.m. followed by a Mass of Christian Burial in St. Thomas of Villanova Church, 126 Middlesex Ave., Wilmington at 10:00 a.m. Interment with Military Honors will take place in Wildwood Cemetery, Wilmington. Visiting hours will be held at the Funeral Home on Monday, June 22nd from 4:00-8:00 p.m. Memorial donations in Bob’s name may be made to the Make A Wish Foundation, 1 Bullfinch Place #201, Boston, MA 02114 or to St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105.
(NOTE: Obituary and photo from the Nichols Funeral Home.)
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