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Pat Corley Obituary
Corley died of congestive heart failure Sept. 11 at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, according to his son, actor-comedian Jerry Corley. The elder Corley had undergone surgery for the placement of coronary stents, his son said Thursday.
Pat Corley's five-decade career included roles in the films "Coming Home," "True Confessions" and "Against All Odds."
He appeared on "Murphy Brown," the CBS sitcom starring Candice Bergen as a hard-driving TV newswoman, from 1988-96. Among his other TV roles was as coroner Wally Nydorf on "Hill Street Blues."
The latter role was his favorite by far, his son said.
"It was meaty," Jerry Corley said. "He got to really do work, and on television it's usually just small pieces."
His performance drew praise from one highly valued source.
"Laurence Olivier called him up and said, 'That's the finest television acting I have ever witnessed,"' Jerry Corley recounted. "My dad's not starstruck, but he was, 'Oh, man."'
Corley, a native of Dallas, got his start in theater. He appeared in summer stock in California, where he met his wife, Iris, also an actress. After moving to New York he acted in on- and off-Broadway plays.
Besides Jerry Corley, his survivors include son Kevin, daughters Troy Corley and Christina Pratt and 12 grandchildren. Iris Corley died a year ago and a daughter, Michelle, died about 10 years ago at age 29, Jerry Corley said.
A memorial service was scheduled for Saturday in Northridge.
Copyright © 2006 The Associated Press
46 Entries
Harry Simpson
September 11, 2014
Thank you for sharing a part of your life with us.
Rest Pat, until you hear at dawn,
the low, clear reveille of God.
Thank you for your service to this nation.
Jennifer Mills
December 16, 2013
Rest in peace
April 3, 2010
For Pat...who served sage advice along with drinks as Phil the barkeep on "Murphy Brown.
WEEP NOT FOR ME
Do not weep for me when I no longer dwell among the wonders of the earth; for my larger self is free, and my soul rejoices on the other side of pain...on the other side of darkness.
Do not weep for me, for I am a ray of sunshine that touches your skin, a tropical breeze upon your face, the hush of joy within your heart and the innocence of babes in mothers arms.
I am the hope in a darkened night. And, in your hour of need, I will be there to comfort you. I will share your tears, your joys, your fears, your disappointments and your triumphs.
Do not weep for me, for I am cradled
in the arms of God. I walk with the angels, and hear the music beyond the stars.
Do not weep for me, for I am within you;
I am peace, love, I am a soft wind that caresses the flowers. I am the calm that follows a raging storm. I am an autumns leaf that floats among the garden of God, and I am pure white snow that softly falls upon your hand.
Do not weep for me, for I shall never die, as long as you remember me...
with a smile and a sigh.
© Joe Fazio
~
[email protected] /Joe Fazio,
Beverly Hills, California
BRAD W
November 19, 2007
I WILL MISS MR. CORLEY. I ALWAYS LIKED WATCHING HIM PLAY THE SHERIFF ON THAT MOVIE SAVED BY THE BELL WEDDING IN VEGAS. HE WAS SO FUNNY! THERE WILL NEVER BE ANOTHER ACTOR LIKE HIM!
How you can show support
Sophia Smith
July 27, 2007
Jerry, Troy, and the rest of the family,
I hope you find this note, even though it has been almost a year since your most recent loss. First, let me say how very deeply sorry I am to hear of the loss of both your parents. I heard so many stories of them, I felt I knew them personally. They seemed like great people, and am sure they are greatly missed by all the grandchildren.
Seconly, let me say that I am so sorry I did not know sooner. I hope time has blunted some of the deepest pain, and want you to know that they're fine. My deepest sympathies.
[email protected]
Dawn Bradford
April 27, 2007
Dear Corley Family,
I remember growing up on Long Island and playing at your house. Some of my best meals were at your home. I was very saddened to hear about your loss, though we haven't kept in touch the way I would have liked, each of you were often in my thoughts.
Mr.Corley and the rest of your family will forever in our hearts and prayers.
Dawn Rechner Bradford
Lisa Nickerson
September 24, 2006
Dear Corly Family,
Pat will be sadly missed. He was a great actor. I loved to watch him on Murphy Brown. You are in my toughts and prayers.
Pat may you rest in peace now.
W P Seras
September 23, 2006
simply put ... a man, a myth, an actors legend. God Bless.
TRACY H
September 23, 2006
MAY GOD BE WITH YOU IN YOUR TIME OF NEED.HE WILL BE GREATLY MISSED.
A Friend
September 23, 2006
Finally last call, Pat (Phil), I guess its closing time. May the angels greet you and take you home safely.
You will be missed.
Tami
September 23, 2006
My thoughts and prayers are with his family & friends God Bless
L Bluford
September 23, 2006
To the family of Pat Corley, I just wanted to send and express my condolences to the family. This is such a diffcult time for the family, however this is the time to reflect on the memories that you shared together. An always look to the god of comfort. 2Cor1:3,4 3 "Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of tender mercies and the God of all comfort, 4 who comforts us in all our tribulation, that we may be able to comfort those in any sort of tribulation through the comfort with which we ourselves are being comforted by God". An may you find comfort in reading this scripture and knowing that he is in a better place, gods memory.
Charles Meadows
September 22, 2006
May God bless you, and my warmest sympathy.
I enjoyed Mr. Corley's work. I thought that "Hill Street Blues" was a great show, his acting was the best. He was also good in work as the bartender. He will surely be missed.
Lorraine
September 22, 2006
I loved to watch your dad on Murphy Brown...he made the show and gave us many laugh's Phil the bartender will long live in re-runs and in our hearts.
He is in a better place with your mom. God Bless
Donald Nelson
September 17, 2006
You will be missed I remember you
on Murphy Brown but also on The
Idol episode on The Waltons
Carl
September 17, 2006
Another great actor taken to the Lord.
RIP
Diane Whitfield
September 17, 2006
God Bless Pat Corley. I've always enjoyed his roles. He was a great actor and will be missed. Rest In Peace Mr. Corley.
pat Wassmann
September 17, 2006
drink up raies it to the sky
this one for you patty boy
September 16, 2006
Memories are a Legacy of Love!
May you find comfort in those memories.
Robert Watkins
September 16, 2006
God Bless the family.
DEBORAH WEST
September 16, 2006
SORRY FOR YOUR LOST. BUT HE IS NOW WITH HIS FATHER JESUS CHRIST.
Wanda Williams
September 16, 2006
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
Rhonda Hoover
September 16, 2006
My one great memory of Pat, Iris, Troy, Kevin, and "Mickey" was when they stopped for a visit during their move from New York to Los Angeles. I will cherish those memories and am grateful for the phone call between Pat and my son. Pat's encouragement and support of the education of young people will long be felt and never forgotten.
connie sing
September 16, 2006
To the family ;
He is in a better place now,dont be sad rejoice for him.
God Bless
L. Reed
September 16, 2006
I really liked him as an actor. My deepest sympathy goes out to your entire family.
May the heart felt thoughts of others as well as the words "All those in the memorial tombs will hear his voice and come out, those who practice good things to a resurrection of life."
Give you all a measure of comfort, and peace.
Coy Bennett
September 15, 2006
Pat was my First Cousin and even if I had not not seen him in many years I can still remember all the many good times that my family have spent with him and his family at their home in Irving, Texas. When I was a kid me Pat his brother Earl Ray had many a good time together and those times will never be forgotten. He and his family were wonderful people we loved them very much. So, all I can do is swy that I will miss him and I know that a whole lot of other people will miss him.
I don't know if any of the family will get to read this but if they do I would reall like for someone to contact me, It would really mean a lot to me.
Thank you and God Bless all the Family.
As Always,
Coy Bennett
[email protected]
C Shumar
September 15, 2006
May he be with the angels in Heaven!
He will be missed
cecil@mary lucas
September 15, 2006
To my dearest family, some things I'd like to say...
but first of all, to let you know, that I arrived okay.
I'm writing this from heaven. Here I dwell with God above.
Here, there's no more tears of sadness; here is just eternal love.
Please do not be unhappy just because I'm out of sight.
Remember that I'm with you every morning, noon and night.
That day I had to leave you when my life on earth was through,
God picked me up and hugged me and He said, "I welcome you."
It's good to have you back again; you were missed while you were gone.
As for your dearest family, they'll be here later on.
I need you here badly; you're part of my plan.
There's so much that we have to do, to help our mortal man."
God gave me a list of things, that he wished for me to do.
And foremost on the list, was to watch and care for you.
And when you lie in bed at night, the day's chores put to flight.
God and I are closest to you....in the middle of the night.
When you think of my life on earth, and all those loving years
because you are only human, they are bound to bring you tears.
But do not be afraid to cry; it does relieve the pain.
Remember there would be no flowers, unless there was some rain.
I wish that I could tell you all that God has planned.
But if I were to tell you, you wouldn't understand.
But one thing is for certain, though my life on earth is o'er.
I'm closer to you now, than I ever was before.
There are many rocky roads ahead of you and many hills to climb;
but together we can do it by taking one day at a time.
It was always my philosophy and I'd like it for you too...
that as you give unto the world, the world will give to you.
If you can help somebody who's in sorrow and pain,
then you can say to God at night......"My day was not in vain."
And now I am contented....that my life has been worthwhile,
knowing as I passed along the way, I made somebody smile.
So if you meet somebody who is sad and feeling low,
just lend a hand to pick him up, as on your way you go.
When you're walking down the street, and you've got me on your mind;
I'm walking in your footsteps only half a step behind.
And when it's time for you to go.... from that body to be free,
remember you're not going.....you're coming here to me.
Ruth Ann Mahaffey (author)
©Copyright 1998-2006
Kathy Woody
September 15, 2006
I love watching Pat on Murphy Brown.
Sorry for his family's loss. May God be with you all.
Ursula Mahoney
September 15, 2006
I loved watching him on Murphy Brown. He gave me a lot laughs.
ann slattery
September 15, 2006
My thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort.
toodie lee
September 15, 2006
Goodbye Uncle Pat. Rest in Peace, sweet prince.Your niece, toodie
Vasili
September 15, 2006
God bless Pat Corley and his family. He later joined his wife just one year later.
Vicki Previte
September 15, 2006
Corley Family
My prayers go out to you,Pat was just sooo funny on Murphy Brown,
He always had a great one liner,Bless his heart. My Heart go's out to you, and your family.
Vicki Previte
[email protected]
Susan Meece
September 15, 2006
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
Anne
September 15, 2006
To Pat's Family,
Thank you for sharing your Dad with us for many years. Pat kept the art of acting real and believeable and his body of work will warm hearts for many years to come.
Peaceful rest to a dear man and prayers to the Family and friends who love and miss Pat.
Thinking of you (all),
Anne
September 14, 2006
To my dearest family, some things I'd like to say...
but first of all, to let you know, that I arrived okay.
I'm writing this from heaven. Here I dwell with God above.
Here, there's no more tears of sadness; here is just eternal love.
Please do not be unhappy just because I'm out of sight.
Remember that I'm with you every morning, noon and night.
That day I had to leave you when my life on earth was through,
God picked me up and hugged me and He said, "I welcome you."
It's good to have you back again; you were missed while you were gone.
As for your dearest family, they'll be here later on.
I need you here badly; you're part of my plan.
There's so much that we have to do, to help our mortal man."
God gave me a list of things, that he wished for me to do.
And foremost on the list, was to watch and care for you.
And when you lie in bed at night, the day's chores put to flight.
God and I are closest to you....in the middle of the night.
When you think of my life on earth, and all those loving years
because you are only human, they are bound to bring you tears.
But do not be afraid to cry; it does relieve the pain.
Remember there would be no flowers, unless there was some rain.
I wish that I could tell you all that God has planned.
But if I were to tell you, you wouldn't understand.
But one thing is for certain, though my life on earth is o'er.
I'm closer to you now, than I ever was before.
There are many rocky roads ahead of you and many hills to climb;
but together we can do it by taking one day at a time.
It was always my philosophy and I'd like it for you too...
that as you give unto the world, the world will give to you.
If you can help somebody who's in sorrow and pain,
then you can say to God at night......"My day was not in vain."
And now I am contented....that my life has been worthwhile,
knowing as I passed along the way, I made somebody smile.
So if you meet somebody who is sad and feeling low,
just lend a hand to pick him up, as on your way you go.
When you're walking down the street, and you've got me on your mind;
I'm walking in your footsteps only half a step behind.
And when it's time for you to go.... from that body to be free,
remember you're not going.....you're coming here to me.
Ruth Ann Mahaffey (author)
©Copyright 1998-2006
Julie
September 14, 2006
What a wonderful actor!!! He will be missed. I loved watching Pat as Phil the barkeep on Murphy Brown. To his family and friends, you are in my thoughts and prayers. May God give you comfort and strenght during this time of grieving.
Turner
September 14, 2006
Corley Family, sorry about your loss,God bless you all, Hang in there
Patricia Hess
September 14, 2006
I am sooo sorry to hear of his passing....Murphy Brown was one of my Favorite shows and he always had a funny thing or 2 to say!! He will be sorely missed!! So sorry to his family for the loss of this special wonderful guy!!
Patti Hess McConnellsburg PA
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