Obituary of Edward W. Corr

Edward W. Corr passed away peacefully on his 99th birthday, on September 13, 2018 "He Did It His Way ". Born in 1919 in the Town of Lee to William and Ethel (Evans) Corr, Ed was one of eight children. He graduated from Rome Free Academy in 1937 and later served his country in World War II as a member of the U.S. Army. On August 27, 1947, Ed married Geraldine Toepp in St. Peter's Church. Their daughter Janice Marie was born April 6, 1950. Ed dedicated his life to caring for their daughter after his wife's untimely death in 1971. Janice, who had Down's Syndrome, died in 2009. Ed retired as Purchasing Agent for the City of Rome. He previously worked as Relocation Agent for downtown Urban Renewal. Ed was deeply involved in the Rome community, being a member of the First United Methodist Church, the H.P. Smith Post American Legion, and the Baron Steuben Lodge (Masons). Ed volunteered as a coach for Special Olympics for many years. He helped found the West Rome School of A.R.C. One of his proudest accomplishments was serving 55 years as a member of the Rome Housing Authority. The community center at Liberty Gardens is named in his honor. Ed is survived by many loving family and friends. Although each of his siblings predeceased him, three sisters-in-law survive: Nancy Corr of Rome; Sylvia Corr of Syracuse; and Jeanette (Toepp) Reid and her husband, Arthur of Rome. Ed affectionately called Jeanette his "guardian angel," as she looked out for his interests in the 47 years after Ed's wife (Jeanette's sister) died. He was predeceased by three sisters, Irene Johnson, Eleanor Warcup and Leona Wishart; four brothers, William, Frank, Raymond and Dr. Clyde Corr. Coming from a large family, Ed was blessed to have caring nieces and nephews too numerous to name. Of special note are Jon and Evie Denton of Rome, who visited with Ed often and kept him active by commiserating about the Yankees, spending evenings at his house to watch ballgames and cartoons, and playing pool at his assisted living residence. The family extends a special thanks to Jeremy Poole, who met Ed as an aide to Ed's daughter Janice and grew to become a close friend. The family is also appreciative of the staff who worked with Ed during his time living at The Terrace at Woodland these past two years. A service celebrating Ed's life will be held at the First United Methodist Church, 400 North George Street, Rome, on Saturday, September 15, 2018 at 9:30 a.m., with a burial thereafter at St. Peter's Cemetery. There will be no calling hours, but contributions may be made to Special Olympics New York, Attn: Donations, 504 Balltown Road, Schenectady, New York 12304. Arrangements by Strong-Burns & Sprock Funeral Home 7751 Merrick Road, Rome.