Attorney Ronald P. “Ronnie” Corbett, Sr.
Family and friends are invited to attend Visiting Hours on Monday, July 30th from 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. in the Vertuccio & Smith, Home for
Funerals, 773 Broadway, REVERE for Attorney Ronald P. Corbett, Sr., who passed away peacefully on Friday, July 27th at the Chelsea Soldiers Home. He was 97 years of age. His funeral will be conducted from the funeral home on Tuesday, July 31st at 9:30 a.m., followed by a Funeral Mass in Immaculate Conception Church (Corner of Beach St. & Winthrop Ave.) REVERE at 10:30 a.m., immediately followed by interment in Woodlawn Cemetery, Everett.
Mr. Corbett was born and raised in Revere and was a lifelong resident. He attended Immaculate Conception School, graduating in 1938 with Great Honors and as Class President. He was co-captain of the 1938 Revere American Legion baseball team that won its way to the national semi-finals in Princeton, Indiana. He went on to attend Boston College, graduating in 1942. He was a member of the football team there, and was a center on the Cotton and Sugar Bowls teams in 1941. Enrollment in the United States Army followed in World War II, where he served in Europe under General George Patton in his 3rd Army, 4th Armored Division. His fluency in French was of great strategic use to his battalion, and he took part in the famous D-Day beach invasions, as well as the historic Battle of the Bulge. At the end of the war, he was honorably discharged as a Corporal. Following his wartime service, he enrolled in Boston College Law School, and graduated in 1951. He was married that year, and he and his wife had four children, Ronald Jr., Nancy, Jonathan, and Bryan. Opening a law firm in Revere, (Corbett, Corbett, and Brereton), Attorney Corbett has been practicing law for 65 years. He also served alongside his friend, Major George V. Colella, as Chairman of the Board of Assessors, beginning in 1965 and retiring in 1991 with Colella.Mr. Corbett was a lifelong member of the local Knights of Columbus and have served in many capacities, including as Grand Knight for many years. The Knights of Columbus is a global Catholic fraternity, and is the largest Catholic charitable organization in the world.One of his volunteer positions for the IC parish was as Head Coach of their high school football team from 1949 to 1966, and his teams were undefeated for several years. Upon his retirement in 1966, an event in his honor was held at the Wonderland Ballroom with over 1000 well-wishers in attendance, most notably Frank Leahy, a member of the College Football Hall of Fame, who coached Ron at BC. Leahy went on to many victories coaching at the University of Notre Dame as well.Ron Corbett never expected anything from anyone that he has helped throughout his long life, and that number includes thousands. In the words of St. Francis, “It is giving that we receive.” He’s an example of a great Catholic man, whose parochial, governmental, and community service has helped shape the city in many, many important ways.
He is the beloved husband of the late Virginia T. (Kingston) Corbett. Devoted father of Dr. Ronald P. Corbett, Jr. of Melrose, Nancy E. Corbett of Winthrop, Jonathan K. Corbett of Bay Harbor Islands, FL & Bryan L. Corbett of Revere. Cherished grandfather of Ryan S. Corbett & his fiancee Jen Poskon of Stoneham, Anna J. Corbett & her husband Alex Sullivan of Saugus, Jordan A. Corbett-Frank & Carly J. Corbett-Frank, both of Winthrop. Dear father-in-law of Eileene Stergiou of Melrose, Merrill A. Frank of Winthrop, William F. Bartlett of Bay Harbor Islands, FL. Proud brother of the late Msgr. Leo J. Corbett, Mary R. Corbett-Sullivan, Atty. John K. Corbett, Vincent J. Corbett & Francis A. Corbett. He is also lovingly survived by many nieces, nephews, grandnieces & grandnephews.
What a shock I just received upon reading in FL. of Ronnie’s going home to God, where I am sure He was waiting there with open arms to greet him . My heart stopped for a minute to go to Heaven to ask Ron to put in a good word for me!!! because he would do anything any one asked of him… So many years, So many laughs, So many good deeds to mention, that he did for everyone, He will surly be missed by all who knew and loved him. TO all his family I express my sympathy for your great loss, But think of all the years and memories you had with him. Many do not have that. I had sixty years of them. Rosemarie Avolio
Ma. NH. Port Saint Lucie FL.
My condolences to Brian, John and the Corbett family. Although I grew up in the neighborhood, I never realized what a rich life he led until we got to talk while he was helping my family with a real estate issue when we were moving to New Hampshire. His story of a foxhole meeting with General Patton was priceless.
Ronald Corbett exemplified a great love of family and life. He lived it to the fullest and may he now Rest In Peace beside his beloved Virginia. My condolences to his family.
ron
sorry to hear of your father’s passing. he certainly was able to lead a long and full life. he will be with you always.
Our sympathies are extended to the Corbett Family.