Allan Livingston "Al" Corkum

Allan Livingston “Al” Corkum, 74, of Wilmarth Street, Attleboro; died on Tuesday, March 14, 2006 at Sturdy Memorial Hospital in Attleboro following a period of declining health. He was the beloved husband of Constance “Connie” (Comeau) Corkum to whom he was married on April 26, 1957.

Born in Newton, Massachusetts on September 21, 1931, he was a son of the late Lloyd and Catherine (Duffy) Corkum. Raised and educated in Newton, Mr. Corkum was a 1949 graduate of Newton High School. A man always striving for higher education, he earned an associate’s degree from the former Newton Junior College; an associate’s degree from Bentley College; a bachelor’s degree in accounting from Suffolk University and his Master’s in Business Administration from Boston University.

Mr. Corkum proudly served his country with loyalty and dedication from his enlistment in the United States Army in June 1952 until his honorable discharge in June 1955 and achieving the rank of staff sergeant. He was the recipient of the Korean Service Medal, Good Conduct Medal, United Nations Service Medal and the National Defense Service Medal.

His career began as a cost accountant having been employed at Fuller Construction Company in Boston. His heart soon led him to education, where he would help form the future of hundreds of local students in the Attleboro school system.

Mr. Corkum was a teacher and guidance counselor in the City of Attleboro School Department for 21 years prior to his retirement. He had also been employed as a teacher at Bristol Community College.

Always willing to lend an ear or give a moment of his time, he was credited with and will be remembered for his endless devotion to his students.

He resided in Newton until moving to Attleboro following his marriage in 1957.

A man of strong religious convictions, Mr. Corkum and his wife were the first married couple to receive the Marian Medal from the Fall River Diocese for the dedication and loyalty to the community of St. John the Evangelist Church in Attleboro where he was a longtime communicant. Mr. Corkum was also active with the LaSalette Community in Attleboro.

The legacy he leaves behind is one of a man who aided those in need, a man who helped those who needed help and gave generously of his time and spirit to the community in which he lived.

He was a former member of the Attleboro Scholarship Foundation, was a volunteer for the Habitat for Humanity and was a founding member and served as the first treasurer for the Attleboro Credit Union.

However, first and foremost was his love for his wife, children and grandchildren.

Mr. Corkum was an avid reader, historian, astronomer and loyal Boston Red Sox fan.

He enjoyed classics, Greek myths, making model ships, listening to music and the time spent on the Cape Cod Canal with his family.

In addition to his wife of almost 49 years, he leaves a daughter: Cynthia Lancaster of Attleboro; three sons: Kyle Corkum of Cary, North Carolina; Matthew Corkum of Hopkinton, Massachusetts and David Corkum of Attleboro; eight grandchildren: Alex, Kate, Kristen, Jeffrey, Emily and Nate Corkum and Sarah and Meghan Lancaster; a special and devoted niece: Carol Murray of Dover, New Hampshire; a brother: George Corkum of Cary, North Carolina; a stepsister: Claire Gleason of Needles, California and several additional nieces and nephews.

Relatives and friends are cordially invited to attend a time of visitation and an uplifting, celebratory gathering of his life on Sunday, March 19, 2006 from 4:00 – 7:00 PM in the “Memorial Chapel” of the Dyer-Lake Funeral Home, 161 Commonwealth Avenue (exit 5 off I-95 N or S, go right at end of ramp, ¾ mile on left), Village of Attleboro Falls, North Attleboro.

Funeral services and burial will be private.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations in Mr. Corkum’s name and love for education and students may be made to the Attleboro Scholarship Foundation, 89 North Main Street, Attleboro, MA 02703.

Those in need of a ride to visitation may call the funeral home at (508) 695-0200 to make an advance reservation for such gratis transportation.

To send the family an expression of sympathy, please visit our on-line register book at www.dyer-lakefuneralhome.com.

Arrangements are under the direction of the Dyer-Lake Funeral Home, 161 Commonwealth Avenue, Village of Attleboro Falls, North Attleboro.