Charles William Corcoran

On the 7th day of February in the year two thousand twenty-six our Lord called his faithful servant Charles William “Bill” Corcoran, (age 89) to his heavenly rest.

Born on January 30, 1937 in Cameron, West Virgina to Charles Vincent Corcoran (d 1981) and Evelyn Lee Corcoran (m. Chambers)(d 1972) Charles was the eldest of seven siblings; Richard L. (deceased), Evelyn “Eileen” , Thomas E. (deceased), James M, Patrica A , Kevin P.. He received the nicknamed “Bill” by his Grandmother Chambers due to his father and grandfather also having the first name of Charles.

At the age of 5 months, his parents moved the small family from Cameron, West Virginia to Cuyahoga Falls, Ohio to obtain better work. Having attended St. Joseph Elementary School in Cuyahoga Falls and St. Mary’s Catholic High School in Akron, Charles excelled in mathematics and exhibited a calling to serve others. In his youth, Charles was a member of a Boy Scout Troop in Cuyahoga Falls and spent many of his summers and weekends at Camp Manatoc. Being the oldest of seven children in a Catholic family he learned about family, honor, respect, devotion, and most of all love.

In May of 1957, Charles entered the United States Army Reserve. During his time in the Army Reserve he rose to the rank of Private Second Class and was honorably discharged in 1963.

On April 1, 1959 Charles was sworn in as a cadet fireman for the City of Cuyahoga Falls and about a year later rose to the rank of a full time firefighter. He served on the City of Cuyahoga Falls Fire Department as a firefighter, paramedic, EMT and vehicle mechanic over the years. He was one of the first firefighters in northeast Ohio to obtain a State of Ohio Certification as an EMT/Paramedic. It was here that he worked his entire 29 year firefighting career before retiring from the fire department on July 5, 1988 due to a job related injury.

While at St. Mary’s High School he met his high school sweetheart and future bride Barbara Ann Namsick. They were married in St. Marth’s Church on April 23 of 1960. They honeymooned in New Orleans and returned home to Cuyahoga Falls to start to raise a family.

In 1960 they settled in a home on the east side of Cuyahoga Falls and raised 3 loving children, Judith Ann, Charles Joseph, John Micheal. During that time, Charles and Barbara opened their home, on two separate occasions, to two of his brothers Thomas E and Kevin P. showing what the true meaning of family is.

He and Barbara were one of the first members of St. Eugene’s Catholic Church in Cuyahoga Falls and for many years served the church in many different roles and capacities. Charles was a life member of the Knights of Columbus Council 2362 in Cuyahoga Falls.

Charles was an avid outdoorsman who enjoyed camping, fishing, hunting, being outdoors and working on vehicles in the garage. Over the many years, his family traveled the United States seeing and learning many things from the back of a truck camper and trailer. He also enjoyed being a citizen band (CB) operator and loved to chat with local and distant friends. In his retirement he loved to go hunting and walking in the woods. He made time to help others.

Charles enjoyed his many dogs and other “kid related“ animals that were in their house over the many years. He taught his children and grandchildren about the outdoors and he has left them a long-lasting legacy and a dirty old work jacket & pair of large work shoes by the back door. Understanding the meaning of work, play and how precious life is he taught us all priceless lessons.

Charles’ upbringing and experiences gave him examples of love, servitude and devotion leaving a long and lasting legacy that carries on with his three children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. He loved to “hoist” his kids and grandchildren so they could “touch the living room ceiling” and to tickle his grandchildren and great-grandchildren as they sat on his lap asking for candy and more hugs.

Charles’ and Barbara’s 66 year marriage legacy includes children: Judith Hovatter (m. Steve) , Charles J. Corcoran (m. Heather), John M. Corcoran (m. Pam ); Grandchildren: Michelle (m. Joel), Nicholas, Christopher (m. Tessa), David (m. Sarah), Shawn, Charles T (m. Kirstie), Delaney (m. Corey), Andrew, Alexis (m. Travis); Great grandchildren: Noah, Shawn Jr, Madison, Blake, David Jr., Emma, Braden, Luke, Hailey, James, Logan, Liam, Keegan, Savannah, Boe.

Up to his last days with us on this earth, his love and devotion to his beautiful young bride of 66 years never wavered. His smile to her said it all. Nothing else can be said about this loving son, brother, husband, father, grandfather and friend. May he rest in peace in the loving arms of Jesus.

Calling hours will be at Clifford-Shoemaker Funeral Home, Cuyahoga Falls on Thursday February 12, 2026 from 4 to 6 PM.

Mass of the Christian burial is to take place at St. Eugene’s Catholic Church, Father Peter Colletti ministering on Friday February 13, 2026 with interment immediately thereafter at Holy Cross Catholic Cemetery in Akron, Ohio.

Donations can be made in lieu of flowers to the City of Cuyahoga Falls Fire Fighters benevolent fund or the Hospice of Trumbull County. The family wishes to thank the Hospice of Trumbull County and the many others who helped during his last days on earth.

Sleep well good servant for we have the watch.