Charles John Corcoran

Charles J. Corcoran passed away peacefully at home on April 16, 2024, surrounded by family and loved ones. He hailed from Wilkes Barre, Pennsylvania and was born on January 19, 1927, to Thomas P. Corcoran and Mildred V. Gordon. He grew up alongside his brothers Francis, Thomas, Gordon and Robert and best friend Dan Jones enjoying camping, fishing, canoeing, and exploring whenever the opportunity arose. He attended Forty Fort High School, where a stern principal and fortuitous typing class set a precedent of technological literacy and proficiency that would serve him throughout his life.

In 1945, at the age of 17, he joined the US Navy. He opted to enlist for the duration of the war with a specialty in the Signal Corps. As he completed his training, the war ended. He received an honorable discharge and returned to civilian life. Charles's decision to follow his lifelong friend, Dan Jones, to New York City was a turning point in his life. It was there that he met the love of his life, Ann Harrigan. After a brief courtship, the two were married on June 28, 1952, in Bronx, NY. Their union marked the beginning of a beautiful love story that lasted nearly 45 years. After moving to Maryland, Charles and Ann raised their five children in Hyattsville and later in Fulton, Maryland where they built their dream home in 1974. 

In the summer of 1949, Charles joined the Metropolitan Police Department of the District of Columbia (MPD) and embarked on a three-decade-long career. He served with distinction, rising through the ranks from Corporal to Deputy Chief of Police. His dedication to his duty and his commitment to promoting equity and efficiency in his work were exemplary. He was honored with many commendations, thanks, and accolades including ones from President Richard Nixon, Pope John Paul II, William Cardinal Baum, Archbishop of Washington, and the Boys and Girls Club of Washington DC among others. While working full time and raising a family, he earned a Bachelor of Science in the Administration of Justice from American University graduating with honors in 1973 and a Master of Arts in Special Studies from George Washington University in 1976.

Charles retired from service on August 23, 1980, but remained steadfast in his devotion to the MPD. After a brief second career as a safety inspector for Donohoe Construction Company, he became a board member and later a consultant for the Metropolitan Police Relief Association of D.C. In this role his tireless efforts and unyielding sense of duty ensured that countless families of former officers received their proper benefits.

Charles's legacy is best remembered by those who had the privilege of knowing him as a man of unwavering devotion to his family and church, an enthusiastic traveler, a lover of sweets, British mysteries and theatre, husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather, and steadfast friend.  Charles is survived by five children: John, David (Marilynn), Barbara (Doug), Thomas (Patricia), and Mary Ellen (Jonathan); his eleven grandchildren Rachel (Shane), Sarah (Tim), Daniel, Matthew, Thomas, Emily, David (Paige), Katie, William, Andrew, and Caroline; and five great-grandchildren Cameron, Lola, Max, Naomi, and Dylan. He was predeceased by his beloved wife, Ann Harrigan, brothers Robert Corcoran, Francis Corcoran, Thomas Corcoran and Gordon Corcoran, sister-in-law Mary Harrigan, dear friends Dan and Maureen Jones, and Jimmy Jones. Charles and Ann will rest together at the Gate of Heaven Cemetery in Silver Spring, Maryland.

In lieu of flowers, the family is requesting donations in his name to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital. 

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