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Joseph Corbelli Obituary
Joseph Corbelli, 86, passed away peacefully at his home in Redding, CA on May 15, 2015.
Joe was born in New York State to Italian immigrant parents and grew up in the Buffalo area with his sister and three brothers.
A gifted athlete, Joe was offered a football scholarship to attend Michigan State University but elected to attend on a track scholarship instead. After earning a degree in physical education, he was commissioned as an officer by the U.S. Air Force and played football during his service in Japan. Upon his honorable discharge from the USAF, he returned to New York to attend the University of Buffalo and completed the Physical Therapy Program there.
In 1961, Joe and his family moved to Redding, CA where he established a private physical therapy practice with business partner Ray Walters. In 1976, Joe accepted the position of Director of Rehabilitation Services at Mercy Medical Center in Redding, where he remained until his retirement in 1993.
Joe remained active throughout the years, filling his spare time with fishing, tennis, golf, gardening, bowling, and cooking. He was an Honorary Life Member of the Knights of Columbus and a member of the Sons of Italy.
Joe was predeceased by his parents Ferdinando and Angelina, his sister Anne, his brother Carmin, and his granddaughter Sara. He leaves to cherish his memory his beloved wife of 61 years, Mary, his children Jim (Carole), Jeanne (Brian), Karen, Ken, and Steve (Susan), his brothers Paul (Rena) and John (Liane), seven grandchildren, and one great-grandchild.
A memorial Mass will be held on Friday, May 22 at 1:30 pm at St. Joseph Catholic Church, 2040 Walnut Ave., Redding, with a reception to follow at 2:30 in the church basement for any friends who wish to drop by and celebrate Joe's life with the family.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Joseph Corbelli
August 6, 2015
I'll always remember the warm kindnesses of my Uncle Joe when I visited Redding so many years ago. Sincerest condolences to the family.
June 2, 2015
PRAYERS FOR THE CORBELLI FAMILY. JOE WAS A BROTHER KNIGHT. WILL KEEP HIM IN OUR PRAYERS.
DON BEAUDOIN
Alex vonDachenhausen
May 26, 2015
The Lord has called home one of His most humble and valued servants. Joe was a kind, dedicated, compassionate, hard-working and loving man, a man of the highest character and integrity. I was blessed to have worked for Joe at Mercy Hospital for the first two years of my career as a physical therapist. He was the most sincere and caring therapist I have ever known. He always put his patient's interests first, and always stood behind his staff one hundred per cent. He was the definition of a gentleman. He will be greatly missed by those lucky enough to have known him. My wife Sally and I extend our deepest condolences to Joe's family.
Paul Weber
May 26, 2015
I just learned of Joe passing over the weekend. My thoughts and prayers go to the family.Through my life I cannot think of any time I did not see him without that loving smile growing up. Truly one of the good guys in life to have the honor of knowing.
May 26, 2015
Joe was a Knight of Columbus Member and a Very Kind man he will be Missed
May 23, 2015
I am so sorry for your loss. Joe was a wonderful person. I had the pleasure of working with him at Mercy Medical Center for many years. He was always kind to the patients and hospital staff. He will be missed by many
Terri Corbelli
May 22, 2015
I am truly at a loss for words to express how deeply saddened I was to hear of the passing of Uncle Joe. I have fond memories of him and his infectious smile. My thoughts and prayers are with all of you during this difficult time. With heartfelt sympathy, your Buffalo cousin.
Barb Braun
May 21, 2015
Prayers and condolences to the Corbelli Family. Mr. Corbelli was one of the good guys! Such a nice man with that great smile. He will be missed at St. Joe's. Barb
Mike Mangas
May 21, 2015
Very sorry to learn of this. My thoughts and prayers for the family.
Eva Moty
May 20, 2015
To all the Corbellis, sincere condolences from the McClellan family.
Vincent Neidlinger
May 20, 2015
Joe will be remembered for his charitable work and guiding knowledge while a member and PGK of the Knights of Columbus, Redding Council 3978.
Joan/Mel Sullens
May 20, 2015
We remember playing tennis with and against Joe. He was one of the very good guys!
Pat and Jerry Olson
May 20, 2015
Mary, Jim, Jeanne, Karen, Ken, Steve,
We were so saddened to hear of Joe's passing. We know this is a terrible time for the Corbelli family. We loved him, too--who wouldn't love that sweet man with the gentle ways and twinkling eyes? We think he must have been the best physical therapist in the whole world. He certainly lived life to the fullest--with such purpose and integrity. We admired him tremendously and we'll probably keep thinking he is out in Redding, cooking up a batch of Polo Bolognese, improving his bowling scores, winning a round at cards, tending his garden. We send our love and deepest sympathy to all of you and your families. We are with you in spirit, for sure.
Debbie Fluhrer retired RN
May 20, 2015
When I was a young girl (1970's) I was confused as to whether I wanted to become a nurse or a physical therapist. Joe took care to help me and was available to introduce me to PT if I so chose that direction. He was a wonderful man with such a great smile! There are a handful of people I hold dear from the early days at Mercy Hospital and Joe is one of them! My heartfelt condolences for your loss.
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