Joseph L "DUKE aka" Corbin Sr

Joseph Levi Crobin, Sr. was born on Sunday, January 24, 1965, the seventh son and ninth of
eleven children born to Roosevelt Boyd Corbin and Blanche McNeil Hipps Corbin. Known from
the very beginning as "the miracle child," his arrival came during one of Philadelphia's coldest,
iciest winters. Yet Duke's life told a different story, one of warmth, ease, and steady light. Even
in the coldest moments, he moved through the world smooth, grounded, and full of heart.
Later known simply as "Duke" to many, he was educated in the Philadelphia Public School
System and graduated from Frankford High School in 1983. Between high school and the next
chapter of his professional journey, Duke stepped fully into one of his greatest roles,fatherhood.
In 1986, he welcomed his firstborn son, Jovan Balance, beginning a lifelong devotion to family
that would guide everything he did.
Duke's early work life began at Meineke on Ogontz Avenue, where he formed friendships that
lasted decades. Determined to build and grow, he went on to train at AIRCO Technical Trade
School, earning certification in Building Maintenance and Technical Services. In 1993, his
family grew again when he welcomed his daughter, Kiara Chavis-Corbin.
Armed with skill, precision, and a sharp mind for systems and numbers, Duke began a long and
impactful career as a Housing Inspector with the Philadelphia Housing Development
Corporation (PHDC). For more than fifteen years, he helped countless homeowners improve
and protect their homes, leaving behind work that spoke to his integrity and attention to detail.
After retiring from PHDC, Duke did what Duke always did- he kept moving. Rest was never
really his thing.
True to his entrepreneurial spirit and natural mechanical ability, he transitioned into a new career
as a Machinist with SPS Technologies, where he was respected not only for his technical skill
but for his willingness to teach and uplift others. His final professional chapter was with
Johnson & Johnson, a global leader in innovation, and a place fitting for a man who never
stopped learning or building.
Along his journey, Duke found the love of his life, his wife Linda "Ginny" Lyerly, and together
they welcomed his son, Joseph Corbin Jr., born in 2001. He also gained a daughter, Genna
Bryant. Along with all of his children, they became the true compass of his life, they were his
North, South, East, and West- guiding his purpose and grounding his every move.
Duke had a remarkable spirit; full of energy, loyalty, humor, and joy. He carried a presence that
instantly put people at ease. His laugh started deep in his belly and traveled straight to your
heart, lingering long after the moment passed. He loved fiercely and showed it consistently.
When Duke was around, you felt safe. And everyone knew that you did not mess with his family.
Period.
He was gifted with an exceptional mind, especially when it came to numbers, mechanics, and
problem-solving. Duke could calculate, build, fix, and figure things out with ease. He didn't just
work hard- Duke worked smart. His hustle was quiet but constant, and his entrepreneurial
instincts showed up in everything he touched.
Duke loved life in full color. He loved to travel, especially a good road trip. He loved the beach
and to put his feet in the sand, the sound of the water, and just the freedom of it all. He loved jet
skiing, sports of every kind, and proudly repped his home teams in jerseys and hats. He loved
music, dancing, movies (with allll the popcorn and snacks), westerns at home, and dressing up
to go out to have a good time. Duke loved a good time and he definitely knew how to create
one.
He never did anything small. Ever. From large cookouts to unforgettable celebrations, Duke
loved good food, entertaining guests, and bringing people together. For decades, he proudly
hosted the annual Father's Day Cookout at Chew Park, joined by friends known as some of
South Side Somerville's finest. He was the life of every party - Mr. Popular. Everyone knew
Duke.
Duke is, and will forever remain, woven into the fabric of his community. His love, time, laughter,
and presence shaped some of the neighborhood he grew up in and the people lucky enough to
know him. He leaves behind a legacy of warmth, strength, joy, and unwavering devotion to
family and friends.
Duke was preceded in death by his beloved parents, Blanche and Roosevelt Corbin, and his
brothers Gregory ("Freebie"), Teddy ("Big Ted"), and Calvin ("Frog"), whom he now joins in
eternal rest.
He leaves to cherish his memory his devoted wife, Linda "Ginny" Corbin; his children
Jovan, Kiara, Genna, and Joseph Corbin Jr.; and his treasured grandchildren Cassidy,
Kamryn, and Suri, who brought him immeasurable joy.
He is also survived by his loving siblings Elbert Sr. (Gina), Alfred "Wayne" (Althea), Arrine
(Seron), Paul, Paulette, Bernard, Bernadette and Shirley, along with a host of devoted
nephews, nieces, cousins, extended family, and lifelong friends who will forever carry his
laughter, wisdom, and love in their hearts.
Though he is deeply missed, Duke's spirit lives on in every gathering, every laugh, every song,
every fried turkey, every grill that gets fired up, and every moment we choose to live boldly, love
fully, and "do nothing small".