Cmdr. Joseph Francis Corcoran, U.S. Navy (Ret.) passed away in the comfort of his home Aug. 2, 2020, after a courageous battle with cancer.
He is survived by his high school sweetheart and wife of 57 years, Joan Machen Corcoran; and three devoted daughters, Dr. Denise Corcoran (David Balashinsky), of Binghamton, N.Y., Jill Corcoran, of New York, N.Y., and Karen Corcoran, of Alexandria, Va. He was known fondly as Papa Joe by his three adoring grandchildren, Rachel, Jack, and Emily.
Joe was born in Baltimore, Md., on Dec. 18, 1939, to Dorothy and John Corcoran. Throughout his life, he remained very close with his seven siblings. He was predeceased by his sister, Catherine Bohager, and brother, Dr. William Corcoran (Bonnie Jean Dibelius). He is survived by Dr. John Corcoran (Lynn), Mary Morton, Dorothy Meiser (Rick), Margaret Glenn (John), and Randy Corcoran (Regina), as well as many beloved nieces and nephews.
After graduating from Baltimore Polytechnic Institute in 1958, Joe continued his education at the U.S. Naval Academy in Annapolis, Md., from which he graduated in 1962. He later earned a Master of Science in electrical engineering from the U.S. Naval Postgraduate School in Monterey, Calif. He had a distinguished 20-year naval career, twice earning the meritorious service medal, among other awards and commendations. He was early selected for the rank of captain, but chose to retire from the military to pursue other opportunities in the private sector.
Joe thoroughly enjoyed the last 25 years in retirement on the Eastern Shore of Virginia, where he learned the ways of watermen and woodsmen. His strong sense of fairness and sharp wit were admired by all who knew him.
