John J. "Jay" Corcoran

John J. "Jay" Corcoran

John Corcoran Obituary

Published by Legacy Remembers on Sep. 13, 2001.
Frequent Traveler

In the 20 years that John and Diann Corcoran were married, goodbyes rolled around every 84 days.

Mr. Corcoran, known to everyone as Jay, was in the merchant marine, a first engineer on huge cargo ships. His schedule had him sailing all over the Far East for tours of 84 days. When he finished he went home to Norwell, Mass. — for 84 days.

"Jay often said to me, `If you add it all up, people who travel for business could be gone as long as I am,"' said Mr. Corcoran's sister Donna Corcoran Schwartz. When he returned from the sea, the first thing Mr. Corcoran, 43, did was catch up on his sleep. Then, his wife said, he was in perpetual motion, golfing, doing yardwork, going on field trips with his children, Meghan and Jake, and working on his cabin in Augusta, Me.

Inevitably, it would be time for another goodbye. On Sept. 11 Mrs. Corcoran drove him to the airport to catch a plane for Los Angeles. It was United flight 175, which would strike the World Trade Center.

They got out of the car and embraced. As Mr. Corcoran went through the doors, Mrs. Corcoran wanted to call him back. "I'd get that panic every time he traveled," she said. As always, she let him go. Then she got back into her car, already anticipating — as she did at every goodbye — "the next hello."

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

Sign John Corcoran's Guest Book

Not sure what to say?

November 3, 2024

Joe posted to the memorial.

September 12, 2023

Victoria posted to the memorial.

September 11, 2021

Karen posted to the memorial.

Joe

November 3, 2024

From one Merchant Mariner to another. Rest well Sailor.
You will never be forgotten.

Victoria

September 12, 2023

Jay, you are remembered always. Rest in Peace.

Karen

September 11, 2021

Never forget! 9/11/2021
You are still remembered and still missed
Rest in peace

Cindy Roe

September 5, 2021

Remembering John on the 20th anniversary of 9/11....

Tom Fate

September 14, 2019

After John passed on 9/11, Ive thought of him often. I sailed with John many times over at APL (I believe on the M/V Korea...its been so long ago). John was a good guy and a great shipmate, and always willing to go that extra mile to help people out. I remember when I first met him after the C-11 class ships were re-flagged American, the voltage was 240 bolts throughout the ship rather than the standard 110v. I was going to head into town while in Hong Kong, or Singapore and look for a converter box so I didnt blow up my stuff when I plugged it into the outlet. John told me, if I was willing to wait a little longer, hed be sure to order me a really good one that would be sure to safeguard my effects. To some that might not seem like much, but to a mariner thats huge, because at the time with the switchover of recently acquiring those ships and everything that was going on, Chief Engineer Corcoran was a busy man spending many hours on end in the engine room. Had it been another Chief Engineer, I highly doubt they wouldve spent the extra time out of their busy schedule to accommodate a young sailor as myself. You were a good guy John. RIP

Christine Birch Laliberte

September 11, 2019

I also think of Jay every 9/11. Remembering his leadership and friendships at Tahanto High School. Thinking with sadness he was taken to young.

Tod Jarvis

September 11, 2019

Every Sept. 11th I think of my old friend Jay, the best Little League rival a kid could ever have. We were all in his den with his Dad when Bobby Orr scored that magical goal to win the Stanley Cup, and all of us kids were flying sideways through the air on the couches like Orr when he scored. It is a lifelong memory...we had a great little town, Jay was a big part of it, and for all of us he will never be forgotten...

August 10, 2019

In dear memory of this United 175 passenger.

Kindred Family

October 30, 2018

We send our continued sincere condolences to your family. Each day may God give the needed comfort. Jay will always be missed.

Melanie Harvey

December 21, 2017

I just got a Christmas card from my mom's cousin, 'Aunt' Jean. In her card this year she wrote about her family and mentioned her son "Jay" whom she lost on 9/11. I had no idea. She mentioned his lovely wife, Diann and their beautiful children. Sadly - family doesn't get together like in the old days. I haven't seen Jean in many years but we keep in touch at Christmas since I lost my mom in 1991. It makes me sad to know this happened to someone so young and who sounds like he had so much to live for and who, even though distant, was part of my family. I just want to send my thoughts and prayers to Jean, Diann and family. It was all so senseless. I send my love and hugs and wish you all the best always! Jay had a great smile... Love your 'cousin' Melanie

Achim Huber

February 3, 2017

Wow ... time does fly. i remember being 3rd mate on the APL Thailand ... and making arrival into LA that terrible morning. When we heard that Jay was on United flight 175 ... we immediately gathered together in mourning for him and his family. Just thinking today of his family ... his wife Diann and sister Donna. We will never forget that terrible loss.

William Williford

September 13, 2016

I worked with "Shaky" on the Tug Venturer in the late 80's
Great shipmate

Dylan DeVane

September 11, 2014

I didn't know John but I had to chose someone for a class assignment and something about him told me that i had to do my assignment on him. By what I've read so far he was a great man! God Bless

Eric McGourty

September 14, 2013

Every time I see 911 on a clock I bless myself 5 times....once for each plane, and the fifth for Jay.

September 11, 2013

Jay was a classmate of mine at MMA 79'. I know I hadn't talked to him since graduation, but I do remember what a great guy he was. He will again be missed as we approach our 35th reunion. My heart and prayers go out to Diann and especially his children

Tom Ellis

September 11, 2013

I didn't know you but you were MMA so you're a Brother. RIP and my best wishes for your family.

Captain Wilkens

September 11, 2013

We Will Not Forget You.

Rosie McNaughton

September 11, 2013

I'll never forget that terrible day. I pray that the family and loved ones of Jay have found some kind of comfort from knowing others realize their loss.
We thank him for his sacrifice.

May 23, 2013

God bless your family.Over the loss.

Del Newberry

August 6, 2012

Jay, your memory lives on and MANY Americans think of and pray for your family and friends, and the families of all the victims of that horrible day. May we hionor your memory by being kind to one another. Love from Texas.

January 21, 2012

I am a Merchant Marine C/E and I want to say that If I am half the man of 1 A/E Corcaran, then I have achieved everything. Mr. Corcoran's charactor is what Merchant Marines are all about. I shall NEVER forget the pleasure of writing this e-mail.

John McElroy, Seattle Washington

David Root Sr.

September 11, 2011

You will never be forgotten and will always hold a special place within our hearts. Life still seems surreal to think about what happened yet knowing your Spirit lives on brings a sense of peace.

September 11, 2011

Jay, your spirit lives with us. Whether we are at MMA, in Morningdale or here on the Cape, your still in our hearts.
Ann and Bob Coolidge

Ken Delfino

September 7, 2011

To the family of Jay Corcoran:
Please know that Jay will be remembered and HONORED this coming Sunday during the Kiwanis Club of Greater Colfax's "Reading of the Names" Memorial Service.
Almost 200 citizens including law enforcement, firefighters, military, veterans, United Airlines and local citizens in our area will be reading lists of names of those victims.
Jay's name was specifically requested by a fellow Merchant Mariner.
Respectfully submitted,
Ken Delfino
Mayor
City of Colfax, CA

Peggy Childers

September 11, 2010

To the family of John J. "Jay" Corcoran:
Jay gave the ultimate sacrifice and will be held in the hearts of Americans forever. I cannot and will not let our heroes of September 11 be forgotten. My deepest sympathy to you.
Peggy Childers
"Don't Let The Memory Of Them Drift Away"
www.IraqWarHeroes.org

David H. Root Sr.

July 27, 2010

It seems like just yesterday we were chasing Jay around the resi during practice or one of our home meets... Trying to keep up with him on the court, or my favorite waiting my turn for Jay to graduate as the starting Short-Stop! Our small towns were blessed with several great athletes and Jay was one of the best. Yet it was who he was as a person that always stood out! Every time I see the clock strike 9:11 immediately I think of Jay. Countless times I am reminded how fortunate we were to call him friend as well as his sweet sister Marcia. I Pray the entire family has found peace knowing God's divine presence was with Jay that tragic day.

Eric M

June 29, 2010

Hard to fathom, even more difficult to comprehend. I think of you often Jay.

Ann Coolidge

January 4, 2010

Every Memorial Day, no matter where I'm at, I think of Jay playing Taps at Boylston Center. Or his 3 point shots at Tahanto.

We must never forget!!

September 12, 2009

Your family is in my prayers. May God continue to comfort and uphold you each day.

Sonia Siu

September 11, 2009

Diann & Family,
My thoughts are with you today especially, but every day as I walk by the WTC site. I wish you all the best and would love to help out with the memorial scholarship.
Best,
Sonia

Erica

September 4, 2009

To the Corcoran family,

I didn't know John personally but a dear friend of mine plays football with John's son at Bentley University and by reading the football yearbook I learned what had happened.
He and his family are in my thoughts and prayers each and every day.

Erica

Ken Adams

August 14, 2009

Still missing you and think about you often.

Brian McArdle

May 26, 2009

To Diann & Family,

We never forget. This Memorial Day, I wore Jay's shirt from the first golf tournament to honor the memory of Jay.

Kaitlyn Cohen

May 20, 2009

May 20, 2009

For language arts we are doing a project on memoirs. i am writing about the 9/11 attack, since i knew Jay. he was my 4th cousin.

God Bless You and Your Family

DAVID HAYNES

April 16, 2009

JAY, I THANKYOU FOR HELPING ME GET INTO MMA IN 1986.OUR THOUGHTS AND PRAYERS ARE WITH YOU AND YOUR FAMILY EACH AND EVERY DAY.WE WILL NEVER FORGET,THE HAYNES FAMILY

Doug Abraham

March 3, 2009

Death, be not proud

Death, be not proud, though some have called thee
Mighty and dreadful, for thou art not so;
For those whom thou think'st thou dost overthrow
Die not, poor Death, nor yet canst thou kill me.
From rest and sleep, which but thy pictures be,
Much pleasure; then from thee much more must flow,
And soonest our best men with thee do go,
Rest of their bones, and soul's delivery.
Thou art slave to fate, chance, kings, and desperate men,
And dost with poison, war, and sickness dwell,
And poppy or charms can make us sleep as well
And better than thy stroke; why swell'st thou then?
One short sleep past, we wake eternally
And death shall be no more; Death, thou shalt die.

By John Donne
The Poetry Foundation

Roger Bumstead

September 11, 2008

Jay and I were classmates at MMA. Jay being a "C" and myself being a "B" we lived in First Company our Youngie year at MMA. I remember playing intramural sports with Jay, and his always upbeat attitude and sense of humour. I am finally home this September and am looking forward to playing in Jay's tournament and meeting his family.
Roger Bumstead MMA 79

Maureen LeBoeuf-Noll

September 11, 2008

Never forgotten

Brian

November 4, 2007

Will always miss you.

P Tabbernor

June 15, 2007

In memory....

Patrick Murphy

May 17, 2007

To the Corcoran family,
I did not know Jay personally but am a fellow MEBA engineer. I think I understand your loss & pain. Having grown up in NYC I lost several friends & acquaintances in the WTC, including my oldest & dearest friend, Stephen Hoffman. Over the past few years, I have met a number of people on ships & in the halls that knew Jay & they all spoke so highly of him. He was obviously a man of true character to have left such a great impression on those that knew him.

Trudy Antle

December 9, 2006

Just wanted to say How sad it makes me visiting these sites and that I think about families like yours everyday....

Trudy

Kristine

October 30, 2006

As I cross-stitched your name on the memorial that I am doing for all of the victims, I prayed for you and your family. Please know that your death was not in vain. We will always remember. God Bless.

Ilya McVey

October 3, 2006

It's been five years. It's been an eternity. All the changes in our company, APL (American President Lines), all the changes in the world after. I didn't find out Jay was in that 2nd plane (and that I watched it, and his, end live) till four weeks after, when I was reading the Union paper. It was more than a shock and a blow to the gut. It still is. Fair winds and following seas, shipmate. Those of us MEBA and MFOW are still carrying on, even in the face of madness. God's brightest blessings for you, and the family, friends and shipmates left behind.

Ilya Murdoch McVey, Merchant Mariner

Dawn Sproules

September 22, 2006

My condolences to the family of John Corcoran.May you find peace and comfort.Iam very sorry for you loss.I will pray for you.God Bless

Janis M. Fuller

September 11, 2006

My thoughts and prayers are with you today on the 5th anniversary! I think of you, the family everytime we go to Boston to the union hall and everytime I walk around the Bay Pointe Country Club where MEBA holds the golf event in Jay's memory. We live right next to the golf course. My husband is a fellow MEBA member, first/chief engineer. He is away for 84 days right now and my son is in the U.S. Marines and he is stationed in Japan!

lauren harding

July 19, 2006

Even though i didn't know you, i heard so many wonderful things about you. Your family and you are in my prayers<3

CHERYL ROSSETTI

September 11, 2005

I NEVER MET JAY, BUT I WORK WITH HIS SISTER-IN-LAW ANNE MARIE. I WAS SO SADDENED BY THIS NEWS. ANNE MARIE TALKED SO HIGHLY OF JAY. MY PRAYERS & THOUGHTS ARE STILL WITH DIANE, MEGAN, & JAKE. THIS IS SOMETHING THAT WILL STAY WITH ME & MANY OTHERS FOR THE REST OF OUR LIVES. GOD BLESS YOU ALL,

CHERYL

Paul Cass

August 28, 2005

Jay, we still miss you. I sailed with Jay some years ago on the Sealand Developer. He was a great engineer and a top notch shipmate.

I remember how proud he was of his family and how with pride showed us

Diann's work from a Wearguard catalog.

Dan Massoni, D-1 MEBA (PCD)

September 11, 2004

In remembrance of Jay and his loss his family has suffered.

rayse brown

July 28, 2004

thank you to an american hero

Roy Kinsley

March 24, 2004

My deepest sympathies to the entire Corcoran family. I was on the Cross-county team with Jay at Tahonto RHS (He always came in first). Godspeed Jay, we'll always remember you.

Heather Persons

September 11, 2003

My deepest sympathies go out to Jay's family and friends. May your loving memories bring you comfort.

Ken Adams

September 11, 2003

We're still missing you buddy.

Mike Hastings

September 11, 2003

My heartfelt condolences to Jays' family and friends.



Mike Hastings MMA 82

9-11-2003

Theresa (Perry) North

September 11, 2003

John Corcoran is my 3rd cousin. I never had the opportunity to meet this man that I have read and heard so much about. I want his family to know that he is in my thoughts today, Sept. 11, 2003. God Bless You All.

Brian Johnson

September 11, 2003

Jay, We have a bowl with 9/11 victims in it placed in the lobby of the company I work for, and I picked your name. I never knew you, and I don't know your family, but I do know the pain. My thoughts and prayers will be with your family and friends today. God bless them. Brian

Allan Patrick Corcoran

August 4, 2003

My heart was in my mouth when I came across this web site. Could this be a relative of mine? My deepest condolences to John's family. All I do know is that my own father came from Prince Edward Island and he spoke about some of his family going to Massachusettes.

Before I go to bed tonight, I will say a prayer for him as I am deeply rooted in the Roman Catholic faith and believe in prayer. Will include his family as well.

Jennifer Little

May 31, 2003

I stumbled accross this site, and felt the need to read about one of the people who lost their lives that day. I picked Jay's. He sounds like a great man, which makes it even harder. I hope you are all healing from this tremendous loss. The whole world feels it too. Even for those we never knew. It is way to easy to imagine how it would feel to loose someone so special.



Sincerely, Jennifer

Brian John Corcoran Jr.

February 28, 2003

When the names were published I could not help but notice John "Jay" Corcoran. After reading about this man I feel honored to share his name. I also feel a connection because I work for the company that builds the planes that were used as a weapon that day. My son Brian Is now in the U.S. Army carrying on a lineage of Proud Corcorans. Our prayers and thoughts are always with you.

James

February 20, 2003

Your family is my thoughts and prayers

John Titus

November 22, 2002

My heart goes out to Jay's family. I honestly feel your pain and share your grief. My daughter, Alicia, was on the same flight and she was a very special soul as well. May you find peace in your heart and a greater depth of love to help each other through. I find some comfort in knowing that wonderful people like Jay were on Alicia's flight. John

Debbie Mooney

November 1, 2002

My thoughts and prayers are always with your family. May God bless you all. I will live the rest of my life and think of you often. It is wonderful to have known a great man like Jay.

Curley Family

October 6, 2002

To All that Write,

Your words mean more than you know. I think that I can speak for the Corcorans, Curleys, and the rest of Jay's relatives when I say that I don't think we could have done it without everyone. Thank you!

Gary Steinmetz

September 13, 2002

I knew Jay as a classmate at MMA and had met his sister Donna the summer before we started at the academy. My heart felt sorrow goes out to all those Jay left behind especially his children. I pray that you find peace and strength in each other. I think of your loss often and continually pray for your peace.

Melori Urquhart

September 13, 2002

To the family of John J. "Jay" Corcoran,



I did not know Jay personally, but I heard a lot about him from his sister who at that time resided in New Jersey. She spoke of him with such a special love and pride and it is very clear that he indeed was a person that makes us all proud to be Americans. My prayer is that the God of all peace comfort you with his peace and reveal himself to your hearts in a powerful way, for He is always near. We mourn with you for your loss.

A neighbor

September 12, 2002

We never met... but I live in your area of town. I said a prayer for your family. God bless.

The Keeley Family

September 12, 2002

To all Jay's Family-

Never did I have the pleasure of meeting Mr. Corcoran or his family but over the years growing up in Norwell I have heard his name used over and over again. What a nice guy they would say, or what a nice family. I want to say that Jay and all the Corcorans will be in my heart and prayers forever.

Love,

Maura Keeley and the Keeley Family

Susan Summa

September 12, 2002

Although I never got to know Jay's wife and children, I've known Jay my entire life and my thoughts and prayers go to all of his family. I'll always have such wonderful memories of time spent with the entire Corcoran family both in Boylston and on Cape Cod. They've all been like family to me!

Madeline Tarrillion

September 12, 2002

dear Mrs. and the family of John (Jay) J. corcoran -



for September 11th, 2002 my school handed out bracelets, each with a name of someone whose life was taken during the event on Sept. 11th 2001. I received jay's name. i was excited to go search for his story and to find that he represented our country in the marines. it was an honor to read about his life. i hope this day had a blessing on your life as it did on my this sept 11. I will continue to pray for all of you daily hoping for the faith and future of life to come.

elizabeth ghilardi

September 11, 2002

I just want meghan and you all to know that I was thinking of you guys today! Your father/husband will always be in my heart and in my prayers for as long as i live . God bless and take care!

Catherine Corcoran

September 11, 2002

It is strange how you feel a connection to someone with the same last name. Today is 9-11-2002. When CNN posted all the names of those lost, I looked for any Corcorans. I am so sorry for Jay's loss to his family. You will be in my thoughts and prayers for many years to come.

Jennifer Cass

September 10, 2002

I worked with Jays daughter Meghan at Home Goods in Norwell MA. I didn't know what to think when I heard. I knew someone who was more affected by this than anyone. I knew someone whose life would never be the same again. My heart goes out to Meghan and her family. I want them to know that I think of them everytime I am reminded of 9-11. I know that their lives are painful now and I only wish that with every day that passes their lives are filled with love and joy and rememberence. Good Luck and God Bless you. Also I work for a woman who is a flight attendant for American Airlines. She has 2 small children who I take care of while she's flying to Paris, I think of her when I think of 9-11 aswell. It pains me to think that that could have been her and her children could be alone. It's a scary world that we live it and I hope it continues to get better. Tomorrow is 9-11-02, there will be a silentness in the air, I will be looking up at the sound of a plane, I will be nervous, but I wouldn't let anyone break my pride and spirt that I have for the red, white and blue. God Bless American. -Jen

Ellie Dupuis

September 8, 2002

Your family will forever be remembered in my thougts and prayers. The youngest of my now grown children is named John T. Corcoran II.

Rachel Cressionnie

September 4, 2002

To the family and friends of Jay... I am doing a project for one of my classes at Cabrini HIgh school in New Orleans... I choose Jay to write about for a paper... and to pray for and to wear his picture all day at school on September 11th. May God bless all of you lots of love!

Betsy Fay Walits

September 4, 2002

It's been almost a year since that terrible day. I found this site while looking for a way to make a tribute to Jay on Purdue University's Wall of 9/11 remembrance. I have posted the material in honor of you, Jay. Words cannot express my sympathy for his sisters, mother, wife and children.

Rick Harris

August 20, 2002

With sympathy for John and his family from a fellow seaman. Rick Harris, QMED.

Kathy Swaringen

June 12, 2002

On June 6, 2002 1 mile was walked to honor the life of John and all the family, friends and loved ones he left behind. May you find some comfort in knowing you do not grieve alone.



John, may you enjoy the 19th green in heaven and know that you will never be forgotten. May you rest in peace.

Stephen Saganey

April 4, 2002

To Diann & Kids

Not a day goes by that I don't think of you guys. Prayers and love to you all. Stephen Saganey

Barbara Farrell

March 26, 2002

My thoughts and prayers are still with Diann, the kids, and all affected by this abhorrent tragedy. Jay was well known, well liked and is missed by many. My thanks to him for his dedication to our country over the years. God Bless.

Gina Corcoran-Bronley

March 18, 2002

To:John's family & friends

I'm sorry for your loss. My stepdad (Louis Mariani)was on the same flight with John on Sept. 11. I didn't know John, although we share the same last name. I'm not trying to compare with your grief-but I can somewhat relate to how you have been feeling. Please know that you will all see John again someday. Take care (he would want you to).

Augustine Corcoran

March 12, 2002

I did not know John but when looking for family members after the attack I found him.

Since our shared last name is fairly rare I always feel a sense of family whenever I run into a member of the clan. God bless your branch of the family. And God bless the country to which he was so devoted.

grace smith

March 3, 2002

My prayers for the family and for the courage of Jean Corcoran, a beautiful and strong women.



Grace Smith

Osterville MA

sue geist

January 19, 2002

To Jay's family and friends:

My prayers and heartfelt sympathy go across this country to you. May you find hope and healing. I just received my "mercy band" yesterday and have said many prayers already for all of you. I will continue to pray for your comfort.



Love and blessings,

Sue

Elaine Tafoya

January 16, 2002

I have been wearing a mercy band with John's name on my wrist daily. I have it on so I can remember him and keep him and his family in prayer. God is great! He will and is in control of all. We as people don't understand his great wisdom and Infinate power. Everything happens for a reason we just don't understand. I am an only child and I lost both my parents to death within 3 yrs. It's hard to go on. God has carried me though. I read about John and I wanted to know the person I've been praying for. I feel close to him now he is in my life. God bless all who read this.

Teresa Jahn

January 12, 2002

May John's humor, leadership, life and love live on in all who love him. May warm memories of times together lighten the deep sorrow in your hearts. We are very sorry for your great loss of John. Our hearts cry with you.

America Cries

We see your sorrow-

and our hearts cry....

We can not erase your pain

but you do not have to face the anguish alone-for we-

-the American people-

are beside you.

We so desperately want to have the touch that brings you comfort,

the strength that gives you courage,

and the words to lighten your spirits.

And when we are left speechless

may the silence of our nation weave love into your hearts

to ease your sorrow.

May you find healing through our nation's strength as we-

-the American people-

face this difficult time together. Our hearts are with you. Teresa Jahn

Dixon, IL

Ann & Bob Coolidge

November 23, 2001

Jay was a close friend of ours. From the baseball diamond at Morningdale Manor thru Tahanto Regional High school and Mass Maritime. We shared some great times. He will be missed. He had just great wit and humor. This, to this day, it is so unbelivable. Our heart aches for Diann, Meg and Jake; along with his sisters.

John Corcoran

October 25, 2001

Dear Family & Friends of Jay Corcoran,



Though I did not know Jay or his family, I felt a kinship with them since Jay and I shared the same name. I am praying for your family during this time of sorrow.



Sincerely,



John D. Corcoran

Cynthia Caster

October 17, 2001

Dear Family and Friends of Jay Corcoran III,

May you find peace in your hearts having had the honor of knowing Jay in your lives. He was a kind, helpful, cheerful, and bright First Assistant Engineer who will be greatly missed by all of his shipmates. All Blessings and Sincere Sympathy for your loss.

BARBARA BOLIN

September 28, 2001

MY THOUGHTS AND PRAYERS GO OUT TO YOU ALL.MAY GOD BLESS YOU ALL.

JOHN MAY YOU REST IN PEACE.

Mark Bartholomew

September 24, 2001

It was with a profound sense of sorrow that I learned of Jay's death recently. I grew up with his sister, Donna, and played some baseball with Jay at Tahanto. I would like to extend my sympathy to his family and friends.

Andrew Munter

September 20, 2001

My sincere condolences to Dianne and the entire Corcoran family. Words can not define the anguish and dispair at such an incomprehensible act against humanity. I knew Jay from both high school and while at MMA. I will remember Jay's easy smile and quick wit for any situation. Hopefully at some point in the not to distant future a fitting memorial will be established at Mass Maritime to honor Jay. Nothing else in life can return you back to hard reality than the premature loss of someone you have known and shared experiences with. God be with us all. Andy Munter

Sue (Stevens) Gaudette

September 20, 2001

I was very close friends with Jays wife, Diann in High School. I remember that from the day Jay and Diann met, they had eyes only for each other. Diann was (and is) a beautiful and classy woman. I always admired her faith and dignity. She could have had any guy in her hometown school, but she loved Jay with all her heart, and he her. They were truly a match made in heaven, where he now resting-watching us all with that infectious grin. My deepest sympathies to the entire Burke and Corcoran families.

Steve and Judy Palmer

September 18, 2001

Our thoughts and prayers go out to the family of a wonderful friend, neighbor, father, son, and brother. We are shocked and stunned that such a tragic and unexplainable series of attacks could occur and impact the life of someone we knew so well. May you have comfort in knowing that everyone who had the opportunity of knowing Jay is grieving with you.

Dan Moylan

September 16, 2001

We will all miss you Jay.

My heartfelt condolences to the entire Corcoran family.

Paul Rochford

September 16, 2001

I was a classmate of his at MMA. I don't think I've seen him since then. All I remember was that he was "good people". My heart goes out to his friends and family, especially his children.

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Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast

Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.

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The Five Stages of Grief

They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.

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Ways to honor John Corcoran's life and legacy
Obituary Examples

You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.

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How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

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Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples

These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.

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How Do I Write a Eulogy?

Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.

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