Burton Asa “Burt” Corbett, 93, formerly of Hornell, passed away Monday (January 23, 2017) at Monroe Community Hospital in Rochester.
Burt was born November 27, 1923 in Canisteo, NY, the son of Merlyne and Jennie (Collier) Corbett.
He was raised in Hornell, where he graduated from Hornell High School in 1941.
Following his graduation, Burt joined the Army Air Corps, serving in WWII. While serving, he was stationed in several places, including flying the CBI Route (China, Burma & India) with the 14th Air Force.
Following his honorable discharge, Burt returned to Hornell where he found work with the Erie Railroad. He then attended Alfred State College where he studied Engineering. He went on to work with the NYSDOT as a Civil Engineer. He worked at the Hornell office for over 30 years.
On August 24, 1946 Burt married Helen O’Connor, also of Hornell. Along with their nine children, they were communicants of St. Ann’s Catholic Church. He was a member of the Hornell American Legion and the Hornell Knights of Columbus.
Following his retirement from the DOT, Burt and Helen moved to Orange County, CA. After 30 years, he returned to New York, residing in Rochester to be near his daughter, Marcia.
Burt was an avid sports fan who enjoyed basketball and football, most notably the Syracuse Orangemen, the Buffalo Bills and the New York Knicks.
Burt was predeceased by his wife, Helen in 2007.
He is survived by his nine children, Thomas (Jane) of Southport, NC, Marcia Smith of Rochester, NY, Kathleen Jones of Las Vegas, NV, Burton Anthony (Elkie) of Santa Rosa, Laguna, Philippines, Christopher of Huntington Beach, CA, Gregory of Tyler, TX, Timothy (Sabine) of Calais, ME, Amy (William) MacLean of Huntington Beach, Ca and Melissa (John) Geck of Westminster, CA; his sister Lois (Stan) Damon of DeRuyter, NY. He enjoyed the company of 17 grandchildren and 16 great grandchildren.
The family of Burton A. Corbett will receive friends on Thursday (January 26, 2017) from 4:00 PM – 7:00 PM at the Dagon Funeral Home, 38 Church St., Hornell. A Mass of Christian Burial will held Friday at 10 AM at St. Ann’s Church. Final Interment will be at the Riverside National Cemetery in Riverside, CA.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to St. Ann’s Academy, PO Box 446, Hornell, NY 14843. Memorial forms will be available at the Dagon Funeral Home or click here to print a form.
In recognition of Burt’s service to our country, the American Flag at the Dagon Funeral Home will fly half-staff.
To The Burt Corbett Family – Please know you are all in my thoughts and prayers. Proud of my Uncle Burt for being such a great brother to my Mom. Love You All..
Wishing you peace to bring comfort, courage to face the days ahead and loving memories to forever hold in your heart. Our thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time.
With love from Santa Rosa, Laguna, Philippines
My sincere condolences to the Corbett family, for your loss.
I knew Burt to be a perfect gentleman, with a lifelong dedication to his family.
He graciously opened his California home to me, when I was away from Arizona for work.
I count myself very fortunate to have known him.
With Deepest Sympathy,
David Jones
So sorry on the death of your dad. Not sure you remember me, my sister Carol babysat for the 3 oldest ones and you lived on Platt St. where we were brought up too. A wonderful family and lots of fun to be around. My sympathy to all the family. teddy
Hello Corbetts,
We in Connecticut raise a toast to your Dad and Mom who always shared their home, their family, their love for the Yankees, and their beer. I always felt totally welcome, and I was happy to have brothers, and sisters closer to my age interested in all the things I love; Yankees, Jeopardy, Grolsh beer, not being the clan youngest by 7 years, general mischief, and more.
Helen and Burt, Henry and Libby, maybe occasionally saying hello on the dance floor at the Hornell Sheraton of the 50s up in the sky on an occasional Saturday night? I definitely picture that.
Love and Condolences; Bill and Robin Schlossberg
I worked with Burt at the NYSDOT. He truly was a great guy and a nice man . // Jim Harrick ; Hornell …