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Donald Corkum Obituary
Donald was born in Grafton on August 31, 1931, the son of the late Alfred and Stella (Lohnes) Corkum. He was a 1949 graduate of Grafton High School and studied Fine Art at the Worcester Art Museum, where he met his wife of 54 years, Doris M. (Pare) Corkum. He enlisted in the army in 1953 and served in Korea. Upon returning, he became a chemist in the Whitin Machine Works Metallurgy Lab. He went on to study chemistry at Franklin Institute in Boston and engineering at Northeastern University. He was instrumental in setting up the chemical process at the former Sprague Electric in Worcester and went on to hold the position of process engineer manager before retirement.
An avid woodworker, he enjoyed carving sculptural art and was a member of the Blackstone Valley Art Association. He was a member of the Northbridge Historical Society and was active in setting up the Northbridge Militia for the Bicentennial. He and Doris felt fortunate to be able to travel to many distant lands and enjoy the art and history of the world around them.
In addition to his wife, he leaves his loving and devoted daughters, Celeste Taylor of Mendon, Cheryl Deane of So. Dartmouth and Deborah Ingham of Powder Springs, GA. He also leaves two sisters, Muriel Bacon of Harwichport and Arlene Adams of Grafton, and six grandchildren of whom he was extremely proud.
The family wishes to extend thanks to Dr. Philip Lowry and the Staff at UMass Cancer Center. The funeral will be private and is being handled by the Carr Funeral Home, 24 Hill St., Whitinsville. www.carrfuneralhome.com
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Donald Corkum
Deb Corkum Ingham
June 24, 2009
Goodnight Mr. Calabash.
Melissa, Cathy,Phyllis,Lori and Jean Twins Moms
August 1, 2008
Dear Ms. Ingham,
We are pleased to inform you that the USO has received a donation in tribute to Mr. Donald Bruce Corkum.
This gift will help the USO continue to provide morale-building services and entertainment to our military service personnel around the world.
Dear Debbie,
Your "twin Mom's" have sent a donation to the USO in memory of your Father.
We hope this small honor will comfort you and bring a good memory of the dedication and love your Dad gave to this world!
With smypathy and Love,
Melissa, Cathy, Phyllis, Lori and Jean
Frederick D Reiersen
July 4, 2008
From one life to the next, the world will miss you Don..
Melinda Foley-Marsello
June 30, 2008
Cheryl,
What an amazing man your father was. You are so blessed to have had such an amazing relationship. I love that his art is living on through your daughters. Now you can be queen of the puns! We at Friends are very lucky indeed!
Katherine Gaudet
June 30, 2008
Dearest Cheryl,
I send my deepest condolences on the death of your father. Although I never met him, I have so enjoyed the stories you have shared about him, your mom and sisters. He must have been an amazing man; I can see this through your many talents, your work with students and families, and the extraordinary art that you produce, not to mention your mischievous streak, great sense of humor, and love of life.
I am right next door if you need me, literally and figuratively.
With love and sympathy,
Katherine
Jeanne Machado
June 29, 2008
Cheryl,
I wish that I would have had the opportunity to meet your dad. From the stories that you have shared, he had a great sense of humor...actually a little warped at times but I love that in a person!!! You are so proud whenever you speak about him. All of your wonderful memories will keep him close to your heart always.
Please extend my sympathy to your family.
Love, Jeanne
Deb Biersteker
June 28, 2008
Dear Cheryl, My thoughts are with you and your family during this time of saying goodbye to your father. So many of his creative traits must have bben passed on to you, as you are still, to this day, one of the best teachers I have come across. I still tell people about the great mentor you were to me when I taught in Korea with all your unique and creative ideas. Your father's mind lives on in you. By the way, I still remember the story you told me of your father of the time he built a cannon in his basement, and then realized that he couldn't get it upstairs and out of the house! He obviously was a creative problem solver as well:-) With love, Deb Biersteker
Corinne Daniels
June 27, 2008
Dearest Cheryl,
If your Dad would out-do you in corny jokes, puns, and limericks, then he must have been extraordinary because you are one of the best in that department. My thoughts are with you, Chantal and Allie, and your family at this time.
With love, Corinne
Jason and Josh Ingham
June 25, 2008
So Grampa, What IS brown and green and would kill me if it fell out a tree???
Oh yeah! A Pool Table.... Good one Gramps!
One Proud Grampa : January 2007
June 25, 2008
Rich and Nedra Isbill
June 24, 2008
Dearest Doris,
Please know you and your family are in our thoughts and prayers. We will never forget the wonderful times we had together.Don was truely one of a kind and we are better for knowing him.
ANNA MAE & JIMMY GROUT
June 24, 2008
We are so sorry to hear about DON, he was a wonderful person and a great friend at work, at SPRAGUE. Jimmy talked to him on the phone for a couple hours a few weeks ago and was glad he did.
Karen Eichhorn
June 24, 2008
Dear Cheryl, Sorry to hear about your dad. My father passed away 3 years ago and there is still a hole in my heart. I miss him. By the way, I clicked on that attachment 3 times...ok..maybe 4...GOT ME!
Love, Karen
Jonanthan & Tammy Dawe Sr.
June 24, 2008
Mrs. Corkum, Celeste, Cheryl, and Debbie,
My deepest sympathy goes out to your entire family. I was extremely saddened to hear of Mr. Corkum’s passing. Throughout the years, I often reflect back to when I was growing up in the ‘old neighborhood‘, and each time I think back to those days, I smile from ear to ear.
I have many vivid memories of Mr. & Mrs. Corkum, diligently working out in the yard, going for walks, and socializing with neighbors. As a youngster I moved into the neighborhood, right around the same time the Corkum daughters were heading off to college, living in other countries, and starting families of their own. Mr. Corkum, always took the time to say hi to me as a little kid. Whether he was building a deck in the yard, sculpting a Mallard Duck out of wood, or taking the top of the MG, it didn’t matter how busy he was, he was always kind, patient, and always made time to socialize.
Donald, Thank You ever so much for the boat ride on Wallum Lake, the summer night cruises in the convertible, and for explaining the “Pear” “E” insignia on the back of the conversion van. You really taught me a lot.
Doris and the Girls, I proudly fly the American Flag, and from this day forward every time I raise that Flag, it will have an additional meaning.
God Bless You All
Susan Lapworth
June 24, 2008
Aunt Doris, Celeste, Cheryl, and Debbie - When I remember Uncle Donald I see the Dug Out next to the garage at Gram and Gramp's house, the punching bag hanging from the ceiling in their basement, and seeing his strong legs from behind as he pulled me on a sled skating on Lake Ripple. These are only a smidgen of my memories. Thank you Uncle Donald for being the great uncle you were; thank you for consoling me at Gram's funeral, and thanks for your corny emails. I will miss your hugs and smile but you will always remain in my heart. Love to you all. Susan
April 6, 2008
Russell Adams
June 24, 2008
Aunt Doris, Celeste, Cheryl and Debbie,
It's always been a good day when I had an opportunity to visit with Donald... either in person or through email. He made an impression on me while growing up in Grafton, and it was always positive. One of my earliest memories was ice skating with him on Lake Ripple. Back then, I said "he can go like 60!" I'll always hold him up as an excellent example of a gentleman.
May you rest in peace, Unc.
Arlene Adams
June 24, 2008
Doris, Celeste, Cheryl and Debbie:
Many prayers have been said and many tears have been shed, but memories will last forever.
My love for Donald grew stronger as we grew older.
Rest in peace, my brother.
Cheryl (Corkum) Deane
June 23, 2008
Dearest Dad,
I love you now and forever. You were my inspiration for the arts - and though it may have skipped a generation - your incredible talent lives on in your grandchildren! I know that you are now watching over us from heaven, and so proud of their accomplishments. "Keep your fork," as Memere used to say. "The best is yet to come." Rest in peace, Dad. We love you! Your Chery
Deb (Corkum) Ingham
June 23, 2008
Thank You for all the special thoughts and prayers for my family. Dad truly was a loving husband to my Mom and an amazing father to Celeste, Cheryl and I. He was a proud Grampa and his Grandchildren loved him dearly. Memories of him will live on in so many hearts. Many have asked "What can I do for your family?" My sister Cheryl had a wonderful idea. Please fly your American flag in his memory. Every time my Mom sees a flag waving, she will be comforted knowing how much Dad is missed and by so many.
Thank you again for your prayers.
John & Eileen Mitchell
June 23, 2008
Doris,
When John and I first came to W-ville, you and Don were among the first neighbors that we met. You seemed like the ambassadors of Carpenter Road; so friendly and so knowledgeable. Remember when Donald gave us his pseudo business card before we even moved in? We enjoyed the fact that you were both so interested in the development of our street, and then our gardens in particular! We are so pleased to have thriving perennials transplated from your garden! We fondly remember Donald and our chats while the two of you were out for your walks. We wish you peace and comfort as you relive your memories of your gracious gemtleman.
June 23, 2008
Dear Celeste and Family,
As your father takes his place with the angels, hoping that your precious memories with him and the caring of your family and friends will be of some comfort to you at this difficult time.
With love and deepest sympathy,
Cindy (Blanchard) LaRochelle, '74
Debra (Kelliher) Giorgio
June 23, 2008
To Debbie and the rest of your family I am very sorry to hear of your loss. I was just talking about the times he'd take us to Sturbridge Village first thing on a Saturday morning to get costumes for the Militia. The many happy memories you have will get you through this difficult time.
Maureen (Roche) Labrecque
June 23, 2008
Mrs. Corkum, Celeste, Cheryl and Debbie my thoughts and prayers are with you during this time of sadness in the loss of your loving husband and father.
Carol & Al Dion
June 23, 2008
We were so sorry to hear of your loss. Please let us know if there is anything we can do to help at this time and in the future. Donald was a great neighbor and will be missed.
Peggy (Kosciak) Stienstra
June 23, 2008
I wish to extend my sympathy to the entire Corkum family. I remember Mr. Corkum as a kind, friendly, quiet, and gentle man. I am so sorry for your loss.
Sincerely,
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