Charles Francis Corum
September 19, 1942 - January 31, 2022
A resident of San Francisco, Charles Corum died unexpectedly of coronary disease in his North Beach apartment. He was a musically talented man with endearing eccentricities, an independent soul who was devoted to friends and family, full of generosity and kindness, and with a penchant for writing parody songs on special occasions.
Charles was born in La Crosse, Virginia, and picked up guitar and trumpet at an early age. After high school, he served in the U.S. Army Band. He graduated from East Tennessee State University and took master's degrees at U.C.L.A. and Westminster Choir College. He spent his entire adult life serving as a church choral director, first in Los Angeles, then New England, and finally the Bay Area. Musicians loved working with him as he was a natural leader, yet humble and inquisitive. Late in life he studied organ and, for the last 25 years, was Choirmaster and Organist at Saints Peter and Paul, the iconic church on Washington Square.
Charles was a searcher—reading, listening, and traveling as he sought culture, knowledge, and the meaning of life. He enjoyed treating others to fine restaurant dinners and was always looking for the best gift to give.
He was married for a brief time and, despite their divorce, remained extremely close to Linda and her family, including her husband Victor and especially his beloved goddaughter Emma. He was preceded in death by his parents Troy and Annie and his sister Barbara. He is survived by his close friend Michael, brothers Larry and David (Judy), and nephews Larry Hugh, Bruce, Russell, and Jeff. He is missed so very much by all of us.
A memorial mass will be held at Saints Peter and Paul Church (666 Filbert Street, San Francisco) at 10:30 a.m. on Thursday, February 17.

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Published by San Francisco Chronicle from Feb. 11 to Feb. 13, 2022.

Memories and Condolences
for Charles Corum

6 Entries

Kenneth Kietzman

March 23, 2023

The best choir director I ever worked under. I was fresh out of college and became organist at St. Joseph the Worker Church in Berkeley, California. As choirs and church music typically went downhill in the 80's he was swimming upstream, maintaining sacred music. Incredibly skilled as a musician and likable as a person he kept alive what he had been so well trained in. God rest your soul, Charles.

Margaret M. Crews

August 13, 2022

Charles directed the small choir of the church I attended as a high schooler in Johnson City, TN. He was instrumental in developing my musical interests, & was the reason I later auditioned for the university choir... thus opening the door to many and varied musical ventures. I am so very sorry to learn of his death.

Annelise

July 14, 2022

I only found out about Charles´ passing today, and I´m very sorry I missed the memorial. For many years, I played flute at Saints Peter and Paul under the direction of Charles. He was always so kind, caring, and genuinely interested in my well-being and the well-being of others he worked with.

Maria Janus

March 18, 2022

I was so sad to hear of Charles' passing today. He was such a generous musician when I sang as a cantor at SS Peter and Paul. He will be greatly missed by all who knew him.

Randy Jones

February 22, 2022

I can't believe Charles has passed. I grew up with Charles in the small town of LaCrosse, Va. LaCrosse is a very small town and everybody knew everybody. He and I went to school together from grade one to grade 12. I am so sad to hear this terrible news. He was one talented man for sure. I think I Saw him once since high school at a reunion in South Hill, Va. years back. His passing really bothers me as many my age are taken from us. God bless his family. Randy Jones

Melissa Renati

February 12, 2022

I worked with Charles at SS Peter & Paul Church from 2000 through 2009. He was the most dedicated and selfless musician in every respect. He played the organ, piano, guitar and flugel horn to accompany our choir. He also added his baritone harmony when I sang as Cantor for masses. He was skilled at meeting his responsibilities with the Alameda County Board of Elections while leading our music! Charles was a very modest, private person, but was always ready to get his choir group together to relax over a meal after our masses. RIP, Charles.

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