Obituary of William Joseph Corcoran

William J. Corcoran, Jr. Warren: William J. Corcoran, Jr., age 94, passed away on Saturday, April 25, 2015 at Somerset Valley Rehabilitation Center in Bound Brook. Born in Middletown, NY, his family moved to Plainfield, NJ, when he was a young boy. He graduated from Plainfield High School and went on to play semi-pro football with the Plainfield Cedarbrooks. Bill enlisted in the US Navy and was an original plank owner of the DE USS Foss. Bill was elevated to Chief Electrician aboard ship in the North Atlantic. During the Korean Conflict, he went back into the Navy to serve in the Pacific. In between his adventures at sea, he worked as a facilities manager for Singer Company Diehl Division. Bill was a heartfelt, generous man who always found time to help others. He was a volunteer firefighter for Warren Township and member of Warren Township PBA. He was past president of the Round Top Swim Club, as well as a volunteer at SWIM. He was also a charter member of Knights of Columbus Martinsville #5959 and was a true Catholic gentleman who lived life to the fullest. In later years he received the prestigious Melvin Jones Fellow Award from the Lions Club in Warren. As an avid golfer, Bill enjoyed many hours on the greens at Copper Hill Country Club in Flemington. He traveled throughout the world over his lifetime, including annual trips to Aruba for the past 17 years. His father, William J., Sr., and his mother, Lillian, and his first wife, Myra all predecease him. He is survived by his beloved wife, Betty; her children, Michael (Sharon), Kathleen (Michael), and Jack, and grandchildren, Corey (Sarah) Gucker, Kaleigh Gucker and Emily Kane. Visitation will be held on Friday, May 1, 2015 from 4-8 p.m. at Higgins Home For Funerals, 752 Mountain Blvd., Watchung. A ceremonial wake service will be held by the Knights of Columbus on Friday evening. Funeral services will begin on Saturday, May 2 at 9:00 a.m. at the funeral home, followed by a 10:00 a.m. Mass of Resurrection at Blessed Sacrament Church in Martinsville. Entombment will follow at Somerset Hills Memorial Park, Basking Ridge. In lieu of flowers and in keeping with Bill's generous spirit, memorial contributions can be made to one of the following organizations: Arthritis Foundation, ALS Foundation, or a charity of your choice.