Richard George Corcoran

Richard George (Dick) Corcoran passed away on December 29th, 2010 at the age of 86, due to complications from a hip fracture. He is survived by his loving wife of 60 years, Ora Louise Trapp Corcoran. He was born in Alhambra, CA July 13,1924 to Edward Martin Corcoran And Josephine Ann Hansen Corcoran. He was the youngest of six children and was preceded in death by his siblings, George Louis, Elizabeth Mary, Martin Edward, Josephine Ann, and Edward Martin, Jr. His warm presence will be missed by many, including his two sons, Michael Louis and Hugh Martin (Marty) Corcoran, his only daughter, Patricia Ann, his six grandchildren, his seven great-grandchildren and his large extended family. Richard led a long, adventurous life. At just 17 years old, he joined the Army Air Force after graduating from Excelsior Union High School in Artesia, CA. A skilled pilot, he achieved the rank of Staff Sergeant, completing his tour of duty over enemy-occupied Europe and Germany in WWII. During his service, he participated in 33 operational bombing missions; 13 as Ball Turret Gunner and 20 as Engineer on a B - 24 "Liberator Airplane. He was awarded the Air Medal with First, Second and Third Oak Leaf Clusters and the Distinguished Flying Cross. Dick returned home to Artesia in 1945 and attended Long Beach City College. He joined the AF of L CIO Pipe Trades Union Local # 494, in Long Beach, where he remained a member until his passing. A lifelong pilot and aircraft enthusiast, he began restoring antique, classic and experimental aircraft in 1948, and married his wife and partner, Ora Louise, in 1950. They moved to Sunset Beach to raise their family. Together always, they and their children could easily be found at their hangar at Meadowlark Airport until its closure in 1989 and afterwards, at Corona Airport. He leaves behind many friends and many stories. Memorial services will be held on Tuesday, January 11, at 11:00am at Emmerson-Bartlett Memorial Chapel, located at 703 Brookside Avenue in Redlands, CA. He will be laid to rest at Riverside National Cemetery at 1:00pm. You may reach the chapel for more information at (909) 793-2311.