Dennis Corcoran

Dennis was born in the Bronx, NY to Mae (Brady) and William Corcoran on April 14, 1941.  He went to St. Raymonds School in the Bronx, Manhattan Prep High School, Villanova University (Undergrad), John Jay College of Criminal Justice (Masters) and Fordham University (Masters).  Dennis married Patricia Power on April 11, 1970, in Tuckahoe, NY.  After graduating from Villanova, where he was the Manager of the basketball team, Dennis worked as a probation officer in Yonkers, NY.  Upon meeting his wife, Pat, his father-in-law encouraged him to go back to school to get his Masters and pursue a new career in education.  Dennis became a dedicated Special Ed teacher for 32 years, at Blue Mountain Middle School, in Cortlandt NY.  Dennis also refereed soccer and basketball, coached track and cross country. Dennis was always very active, exercised every day and ran the NYC Marathon!

After Dennis retired, his many interests blossomed and took him into his other passions, baseball, history, and volunteering.  Dennis was a historian, wrote his first book on the history of Pleasantville and became enthralled in the Conspiracy of Benedict Arnold and John Andre, of which he did many tours and presentations throughout Westchester County, NY.  

Dennis’ became an active member of SABR, through his love for Baseball.  A long time Yankee fan, Dennis gave tours at Yankee Stadium, where he loved to share his own experiences as a boy.  Dennis combined his love for history and baseball and did many presentations in schools, at baseball conventions and many other venues on baseball discrimination: Civil Rights Brings Jackie Robinson and Martin Luther King Jr, Together and the Hall of Fame Overcomes Separate but Equal to Honor the Negro Leagues. One of Dennis’ biggest accomplishments was his book he wrote, Induction Day at Cooperstown A History of the Baseball Hall of Fame Ceremony, published by McFarland in 2011.   He was on Brian Kenny’s MLB Network Show as well as Clubhouse Confidential. The Hall of Fame requested Dennis’ book for all the living Hall of Famers.

Dennis volunteered at Phelps Memorial Hospital feeding patients who couldn’t feed themselves from 2001 on.  He was a proud member of the Knights of Columbus since 1961.  He really enjoyed all the KOC members and activities while living in Florida, and attending St. Bonaventure Church.  

Beyond all of Dennis’ achievements and accomplishments, Dennis’ most profound contribution was by far his love for his family.  Dennis was a tremendous father to Brenda, his legacy of honesty, perseverance, and unwavering tenacity were the epitome of his true teachings, that he bestowed upon her, her husband and his three Grandchildren.  Papa DC was an exemplary human.

Dennis is preceded in death by his parents, Mae and William Corcoran, his brothers Bill and Tommy Corcoran, his nephews, William C. and Kenneth Corcoran and his beloved wife of 50 years, Pat.

Dennis is survived and will be deeply missed by his daughter, Brenda and her husband Chris DiScala, his three Grandchildren, Tyler, Topher and Giada Mae, his sister Patricia and his many nieces and nephews. 

A Catholic Mass/Funeral will be held on Tuesday, July 9th at 11:00am at St. Bonaventure Church in Davie, Florida.  Arrangements are by Fred Hunter’s Funeral Services.  

The family of Dennis wishes to extend our sincerest thanks to all the dedicated and loving members of the Palace in Weston, the Vitas nurses and all his loyal friends who we consider his extended family.