Louis J. Corbett, Jr. Obituary

Louis J. Corbett, Jr., devoted husband of the late Ruth Corbett, passed away peacefully at his home in Medford, New Jersey on October 5th. He was 93 years old.

Born in Fair Lawn, NJ on July 27, 1930, Lou met his wife Ruth at St. John Cathedral High School in Paterson, NJ. Though their fierce teenage rivalry was family legend, their lifelong devotion to one another and unwavering faith are what their loved ones will remember most.

As a child, Lou was known for his quiet mischievous streak; in elementary school, he frequently earned detentions for his pranks. Throughout his life, Lou was known for his strong sense of independence and unbridled curiosity. Although his grandfather encouraged him to pursue medicine or law, Lou was adamant about pursuing his dream to learn how things worked. He entered the United States Merchant Marine Academy at Kings Point and graduated with a B.S. in Mechanical Engineering in 1952.

Shortly after shipping out to sea, Lou married his high school sweetheart Ruth in 1953. After 4 years of service in the Merchant Marine and then Navy, Lou departed at the rank of Lieutenant First Class in order to spend more time onshore with his wife and family. He then joined Public Service Electric and Gas Company, where he served for over 35 years and advanced to the positions of Chief Engineer and then Station Construction Manager.

Lou was a loving father of six children, all of whom he encouraged to strive for excellence in everything from sports to higher education: James of Pittsgrove, PA (Cheryl Webb Corbett), Patricia Corbett (deceased), Maryanne Corbett Gorman of Moorestown, NJ (Bob Gorman), Joseph of Washington DC (Susan), Joan Corbett Neuber of West Palm Beach, FL, and Michael of Basking Ridge, NJ (Charline Shan Corbett). He was also a loving father-in-law of Lyle Manheimer of Tabernacle, NJ and Charlotte Garvey of Bozman, MD. Lou was predeceased by his sister Anna Mae, and is survived by his sister Barbara.

Lou’s engineering talents weren’t limited to the power plant. He could fix any Ford and almost anything, and he loved to take on new challenges. After retirement, he would pick up broken lawnmowers he found on the curb and scavenge them for parts. He also cleaned the gutters of his house well into his late 80s. Even in the kitchen, Lou was a whiz, famous for his meatballs and spaghetti sauce.

Lou was at his happiest surrounded by the ocean and his garden; he grew a variety of vegetables and flowers in his backyard, built his own bird feeders, and spent hours cheerfully at war with the local squirrels. He loved salt water, and spent many happy summers on Long Beach Island boating, fishing, and enjoying time with his family. He took immense joy and pride in his 16 grandchildren and 8 great grandchildren.

Lou was an active member of Saint Mary of the Lakes Parish in Medford.

Relatives and family friends are invited to attend a visitation on Monday, October 16, 2023 at Sacred Heart Church on High Street in Mount Holly from 9:30am to 10:30am. Friends and family are also invited to participate in a Funeral Mass which will be held that same morning October 16, 2023, 10:30am at Sacred Heart Church on High Street in Mount Holly.

Please no flowers – contributions can be made to The St. Vincent de Paul Society of Medford, NJ. Burial is private.