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J. CORCORAN Obituary

CORCORAN--J. Walter.
It is with immense sadness that we announce the passing of Joseph Walter Corcoran, 79, of Townshend, VT on October 26th. Walter grew up in Rochester, NY, son of Walter Jeremiah and Marguerite (McDermott) Corcoran. He was a graduate of St. Bernard's Seminary and Cornell University School of Law, where he was class president. His long professional career included 30 years at Philips North America culminating in decades as President and Chief Executive Officer of Philips Credit Corporation. Walter enjoyed serving on the boards of the New 42nd Street, the Irish Repertory Theatre, Caramoor, the Audubon Society of New York, as Chairman of the O'Casey Theater Foundation, and Executive Director of the Ireland Chapter of the Ireland- U.S. Council. A longtime member of the Union League Club, he also sat on the boards of several organizations in Vermont, including Grace Cottage Hospital. He was beloved by all who had the good fortune to have known him, for his warmth and love of life. A voracious reader, his home was lined floor to ceiling with books. The only thing he valued more than books were his friends, whom he loved to entertain at his home in Vermont, cooking meals from his cherished gardens. A passionate naturalist and birder, he traveled around the world from Antarctica to the Galapagos, where he observed nearly every bird species on the planet. He will be missed dearly by his son Daniel, daughters, Denise and Christine; daughter, and sons-in- law, Misty, Greg, and Simon; grandchildren, Phoebe, Liam, Miles, and Alexander; sisters Grace and Mary, and brother John. A celebration of his life will take place in January of 2018. For details please consult: www.leopgallagher greenwich.com. Donations can be made in his memory to the New 42nd Street, the Irish Repertory Theater, or the Audobon Society.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by New York Times on Nov. 5, 2017.

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Andrew Banks

November 3, 2025

Every year, at various times and in various places, I think of Walter and remain ever grateful for all that he has meant in my life and the lives of my family and colleagues.

TERENCE J KOLLMAN

October 30, 2022

J.W. will always be remembered as our favorite CFO!
Terry & Synda Kollman
Charter Digital Media

Beverly Reith

April 26, 2018

My conversations with Walter over the years will always remain with me. Walter was a good Catholic and Irishman who treasured his heritage. And I am as, they say, a fallen away Catholic and Irishwoman. Walter helped me come to terms with my conflicts in these two areas. His compassion, understanding and intelligent insights will always stay with me with his grown children and friends. Happy Birthday, Walter. I miss you.

Conal & Mary O'Rafferty

April 26, 2018

Dear Walter
So many great memories - New York, Dublin and Vermont. Your friendship and generosity of spirit will always be with us. Your phone call on Mary's birthday just over a year ago seems now so extraordinarily apt and poignant.

April 25, 2018

Dear Walter

You are so much in our hearts today! We miss you so much. You always added such pleasure and colour to all the time we spent with you - and so many laughs about the most ridiculous things!

With all our love

Hector and Wendy

Maria Vermeulen

April 24, 2018

Dearest Walter,
The first thing this morning, looking on my Dutch birthday calendar I realised this is the first year I cannot call you, to wish you a happy birthday, like you have done for both of us on my husbands day, on our anniversary and my birthday, from the early years you met Henk at Philips in New York. So many wonderful memories of you and my husband together, talking about the company, the books you were reading and all the people you knew ...
Miss you!

April 24, 2018

Happy Birthday, dearest Dad.
We miss you dearly every single day. It is true what Daniel said, that "the empty place never goes away" but we do try to "grow things around it" and tend our gardens as you did. As you taught us, we identify bird calls, read voraciously, climb the high peaks, document every delicious detail, always connect, and love deeply.
The empty place will never go away and there will never be another you, but we will nurture our gardens as you did and hope you are looking on proudly as we do.
We will love you and miss you always,
Christine

Delia Roche-Kelly

January 24, 2018

Dearest Walter. I wish I could write the litany of fun memories we have had over the years. What a steadfast friend for me and my family! Such a hollow feeling realizing that he has moved on. He so loved his wonderful children and they were great companions for him.He knew how to look after his friends. Never forgot our birthdays! Delia and Val and family.

January 16, 2018

Walter was a dear dear friend of the late John Fitzsimons and Diane. He was kind and generous
beyond compare. After John and I were married, Walter called to wish us a Happy. Wedding
Anniversary every year on our Weddiing Day for
39 years!!
My heartfelt sympathy to Danial,Denise and Christine. Diane

Terence Kollman

December 27, 2017

Walter "C" was a good friend and the best CFO ever for our company Charter Digital Media.
He helped us start the growth process and we are now 12 years strong!
Love and Hugs,
Terry & Synda Kollman

Suzanne Macdougald

December 26, 2017

My deepest sympathies and sincere condolonces . Walter was a dear and old friend .
Did not know of his passing . May he rest in peace .

Catherine Nemchek

December 21, 2017

Walter was a very special man who was kind, thoughtful, and generous. I will miss him.

November 6, 2017

May his memories live on, as he R.I.P

November 5, 2017

What a fascinating man! Kind and thoughtful..

November 5, 2017

Walter Corcoran enriched my life beyond measure. He trusted and believed in two young fellows just starting their business, and was so gracious and supportive in many many ways. Heartfelt condolences to Christine, Denise & Daniel. Andrew Banks

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