Legacy Project
Article by Archivist Br. Lawrence Stewart

January 24th

Brother Thomas Francis Corcoran, C.S.C.

Thomas joined the community after graduating from Cathedral High School in Indianapolis, IN. In his first assignments, Tom was primarily a teacher and counselor, serving a total of 11 years at St. Charles Boys Home, Milwaukee, Wi; Reitz Memorial High School, Evansville, IN; Holy Trinity High School, Chicago, IL; Boysville, Clinton, MI; and St. Joseph High School in South Bend, IN. Beginning in 1960, he served as Vocation Director for nine years. Returning to teaching in 1969, he joined the faculty at Holy Cross High in River Grove, IL, for ten years and then became principal and president for either year. At the age of 63, a surgical procedure on his back unfortunately left him paralyzed and confined to a wheelchair for his remaining years. He moved to Notre Dame where he spent considerable time as a tutor for college students in the South Bend and Notre Dame area. Tom was an imposing man with a commanding bearing and exceptional voice. He had a talent in public speaking and often acted as a master of ceremonies. His wit, broad smile, and hearty laugh were always associated with his light-hearted manner. His sense of humor permeated all that he did, whether in counseling or in the large volume of correspondence he maintained with friends in and out of the community. His determination to walk unaided again was not to be fulfilled, but though his patience was often tested, his sense of humor helped him as a teacher and counselor.