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Tom Corcoran, Jr., aka “Corky”, “Colonel Tom”, “Uncle Tom”, passed away on Wednesday,
February 12, 2025. Tom was born and raised in the Mayfair section of Philadelphia. Tom’s love
of music and theater were a big part of his life. He developed many friendships through his love
of the arts. His love of music and theater enabled him to grow as a person and many of his
friends treasure those memories even today. Tom sang locally and in the Philadelphia area at
various venues. He was an active member of The Playmasters Theater Workshop and
participated in several of its performances. Tom also sang with the Men’s Ensemble of the
Philadelphia Boys Choir and traveled with the group to various places. During one of his trips, he
had the experience of viewing Cinerama, which was very special to him. He was an actor and
made several commercials, one being the Boyd Clothing Store commercial, of which he was very
proud. He also had several bit parts in movies. He always encouraged everyone to pursue their
talents and use them to the best of their ability. His passion for movies was present throughout
his entire life. If you told him, you liked a certain movie, he would do his best to get it for you.
He had a large collection. He also liked the movie channel, which he recently discovered that
showed many classics. One of the highlights of his life was meeting singer, Maureen McGovern
at a performance in Philadelphia. He had fond memories of this special evening. He loved the
group “ABBA” and when the movie Mamma Mia appeared on the movie screen, he went to see
it over 20 times. Dancing Queen was his favorite ABBA song. Whenever he would hear it, he
would sing and dance as only he could do! Doris Day was another favorite. Whether she was
on the movie screen or singing, he loved her. He supported her animal charity, as well.
Tom was a US Army veteran and served his country well. He was a military cook and enjoyed
helping to keep our soldiers healthy during the time they served. Tom also portrayed a civil war
soldier in an encampment setting, thereby earning the honorary title of “Colonel Tom”. Tom
loved his country and was very proud to be an American.
After his military career, Tom attended Temple University. After his time at Temple, Tom worked
for Rohm and Haas in Bristol. He started in the mailroom and then worked his way up to assist
with production and design. He was part of the Rohm and Haas team for over 25 years. He
developed many lasting friendships during these many years. Carolyn, Betty Marion, Debbie,
Sabra and Bob, were just a few of his very dear friends. He was very active in the social
committee, volunteering and helping with many events. He continued to serve even after his
retirement. He was also a member of the Rohm and Haas choir, which also created lasting
friendships.
In the 1970’s Tom and his family moved to Riverside, New Jersey. Tom made it a point to know
as many people as possible in this small community. On many days, you could find him walking
around the town. He loved the Burlington County Library System always visiting and
researching many topics of interest. The staff were always happy to see him and help him. He
developed many friendships through these visits.
Tom loved his cats and they were a huge part of his life. He cared for them as though they were
his children. He never thought he could love a dog. However, a special fur baby, named
Hannah, who he grew to love, stayed by his side until the end.
Tom had a passion for coupons and used them for anything, even if it was not needed. He
would often say, “I have a coupon that is expiring today and I need to use it!!”. He would also
share his texts from CVS so others could benefit from them.
Tom was honored by several groups for his volunteerism. Tom was a wonderful, generous
person who was always helping those in need. Helping others was very important to him. He
donated a scholarship in memory of his parents to Riverside High School for a graduating senior
for many years.
Everyone who knew Tom, enjoyed his sense of humor. He had a way of making everyone laugh.
Although he could be ornery at times, he was loved by all who knew him.
Tom also made many friendships at First Baptist Church in Burlington. He enjoyed many years
of worship with his extended family and friends. They will miss him.
Love ya, miss ya, mean it! Mia culpa, Mia culpa, Maxima culpa! TACJR!
Predeceased by his parents, Thomas A. Corcoran, Sr. and E. Jane Corcoran and his sister, Nancy
and dear friend, Nita Childs. He is survived by his cousins, Chris, Leo, Lynn, Ann and Peggy. His
extended family include Marsha, Cherie, Georgie and Matthew, Shannon and James, Peter and
Janelle and their children, Eryn, Christopher, Rebeccah, Kathryn, Johnathan, Grace, Kai, and a
dear friend, Christopher and his fur baby, Hannah. His extended family were a part of his life for
many years and helped to take care of him and loved him dearly. He will remain in their hearts
forever. They would also like to thank his nurses and home health aides, especially Shirley, who
took care of him, as well.
Friends and relatives are invited to attend the viewing at the Page Funeral Home on Wednesday,
February 26, 2025 at 10:00 am. Service will begin at 11:00 am. Burial with military honors will
take place following the service at the Brigadier General William C. Doyle Memorial Cemetery,
350 Province Line Road, Wrightstown, New Jersey.
In lieu of flowers, as per Tom’s wishes, memorial donations may be given to the Burlington
County Animal Shelter, 35 Academy Drive, Westampton, New Jersey 08060 or Children’s Home,
243 Pine Street, Mount Holly, New Jersey 08060.
To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Thomas Corcoran, Jr., please visit our floral store.