Col. John Edward "Jack" Corbett

Col. John "Jack" Edward Corbett, died March 4, 2026 at Hospice Home in High Point surrounded by family.

Jack was born April 5, 1938 in Norwood, MA to the late Dr. John E. and Catherine Callahan Corbett. He graduated from Norwood Senior High School in 1956 and Norwich University in 1961. Commissioned in the US Army, through the ROTC Program, he began a long and distinguished career over 27 years.

He served in Germany during the Cold War and had two tours of duty in Vietnam. Stateside service included tours at Fort Knox, Fort Carson, Fort Leavenworth, Washington DC, and Aberdeen Proving Ground. He was a graduate of the Industrial College of the Armed Forces and obtained an MA from Central Michigan University. While in service, Jack met the love of his life, Donna Louise Hughson of Rochester, NY. They married on August 16, 1969. His awards include Legion of Merit, Meritorious Bronze Star, Air Medal, Purple Heart with Oak Leaf Cluster, and the Army Commendation Medal.

After his military service he was employed by Advanced Technology, Inc., Ryder Truck Rental, and the Wild Bird Center in Burke, VA. He moved to Carolina Trace in 2008 and quickly established a desire to volunteer and improve the community. He served as Property Owners Association Board Vice President, Community Emergency Response Team (CERT), Habitat for Birds, Meals on Wheels, and Highway to Healing. In 2025 he and Donna moved to River Landing.

He was preceded in death by his parents Dr. John E. and Catherine Callahan Corbett, and brother Joseph. Jack is survived by his wife of 56 years; son, Michael and his wife Connie; daughter, Mary and her husband, Shane Walser; grandson, Bretten Walser; and sister, Catherine Coderre of Sturbridge, MA.

A Memorial Mass will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Thursday, March 12, at Immaculate Heart of Mary Catholic Church with Reverend Baiju Paul, O.S.F.S., officiating. The family will receive friends prior to the service, from 10:30 - 11:00 a.m., at the church and also hold a reception following the service, beginning at 12:30 p.m., at River Landing at Sandy Ridge. A private interment with military honors will be held on a later date at Sandhills State Veterans Cemetery at Fort Bragg.