Matthew Corbett

Matthew J. Corbett

EVANSVILLE, IN - Matthew J. Corbett, a longtime resident of Highland, passed away peacefully in his sleep on Feb. 14 after a courageous 22-month battle with brain cancer. He was 51.

Born in Brooklyn on July 4, 1962, he is the loving son of James J. Corbett and Rosemarie DiFilippo Corbett, who survive and still reside in Highland. Matt attended St. Augustine grade school in Highland and was a 1980 graduate of Highland High School. Gifted with the ability to both analyze and tinker, it was reflected in his work and his play. For many years Matt was employed at the Indian Point Power Plant in Buchanan, N.Y., as a reactor operator. He was also an accomplished electrician. After moving to the Louisville, Ky./Evansville, Ind. area in 1997, he most recently was a self-employed, over-the-road freight hauler, which allowed him to enjoy two of his great loves at the same time - drive, and see the country.

Matt was an avid motorcyclist in his youth and had a passion for cars and car modification. He kept his own garage in Highland for many years, where he could often be found working on various automobiles. He was on a first-name basis with the UPS drivers who would deliver the many parts he ordered to rebuild cars.

Blessed with a sharp wit, Matt had a penchant for quoting movie lines and an hilarious ability to mimic sounds. He was fond of movies, particularly those with slapstick comedy.

In addition to his parents, Matt is survived by his wife, Wanda Corbett, who never left his side and provided tender, loving care and support throughout Matt's battle with cancer; her two children, Adam and Amanda Estabrook, who reside in Indiana; his sister, Christine Corbett Taylor, and her husband Jerome, of Bremen, Ky.; sister Rosemarie Corbett Visbeck, and her husband Nicholas, of Poughkeepsie; brother James Corbett III, and his wife Patricia Walsh, of Verona, N.J.; twin sister Elizabeth Corbett Johnson and her husband, Kevin, of Rhinebeck; sister Patricia Corbett Thomaselli, and her husband Richard, of Highland; and numerous nieces, nephews and cousins.

In keeping with his wishes, there will be no calling hours and cremation has taken place. There will be a local memorial service on Saturday, March 22, at St. Augustine's Catholic Church in Highland, at Noon. Memorial correspondence may be sent in care of St. Augustine's, 55 Main St., Highland, NY 12528.