William Gifford Corson

William "Bill" Gifford Corson, 57, passed away from Cancer surrounded by the love of his family and friends on August 4, 2026. Born on April 24, 1969, in Columbus, Ohio, Bill was the cherished son of the late William and Petra Jane Corson. Bill was a loving husband, father, brother, and a loyal friend.

A man driven by passion, intellect, and a deep love for teaching, Bill spent his life flying the skies and navigating the open waters. His aviation journey began at The Ohio State University Flight School, where he progressed from student to flight instructor and Chief Flight Instructor. His lifelong dedication to aviation culminated in a distinguished 25-year career as a captain with NetJets Aviation.

Beyond the cockpit, Bill possessed a profound fascination with celestial navigation. Whether in the skies or on the Great Lakes, Bill learned how to navigate by the stars and shared his knowledge and love of the water as a dedicated sailing instructor. He was a natural teacher from a young age, teaching kids how to sail at Vermilion Boat Club Sail Camp and later teaching adults at Lighthouse Sailing School on Lake Erie. His children were his favorite sailing students enjoying many seasons on the family sailboat.

Beyond his professional achievements and passion for navigation, Bill was a gifted, self-taught musician, songwriter, and producer. His craftsman’s touch and artistic drive even led him to build his own guitars, filling his home and the lives of those around him with music.

Above all, Bill was defined by his unwavering devotion to his family. To him, family and friends were his ultimate constellation and his true North Star. Bill’s family was the anchor that kept him safe in and out of life’s ports. Their love and support guided his life. Whether steering through open waters or keeping the room laughing and groaning with his legendary dad jokes, his family was always at the center of his world.

He is survived by his loving wife, Eileen (nee Dunn); his children, Will, Colleen, and Daniel; and his faithful companion and loyal support animal, Benny, the Royal Bernese Mountain Doodle.

Bill also leaves behind his siblings, Mary Corson Barrow, David Corson, and Becky (Mark) Jones; his in-law family, Peggy Dunn, Katie (Mike) Tipka, and Joe (Melissa) Dunn; along with a cherished circle of nieces, nephews, great-nieces, and great-nephews. He will be deeply missed by his lifelong friends, Nate (Amy) Parsons, Kent (Erica) Baker, Lee (Lea) Brothers, and Mark (Debbie) Wood. In addition to his parents, Bill was preceded in death by his brother, Thomas Corson.

Visitation will be held Wednesday, August 12, from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at Schoedinger Dublin, 5980 Perimeter Drive, Dublin, OH 43017. The Funeral Mass will be at 11:00 a.m. on Thursday, August 13, at Our Lady of Victory Catholic Church, 1559 Roxbury Road, Columbus, Ohio 43212.

In lieu of flowers, the family welcomes donations to a memorial education fund established in Bill’s memory to support the educational journeys of his children, Will, Colleen, and Daniel: https://gofund.me/39f894c37