Joseph H. Corkum, age 82, of New Bedford passed away, Tuesday, November 19, 2013 at St. Luke’s Hospital. He was the husband of the late Hilda (Gomes) Corkum.
Born in Vineland, New Jersey, the son of the late Gerard and Helena (Bertrand) Corkum, he resided in New Bedford most of his life.
Joseph worked as a boat builder for Brownell Boat Works in Mattapoisett until his retirement where he assisted in the design and then, the manufacture of the groundbreaking tripod Brownell Boat Stand that went on to become the industry standard for boat storage. His joys were gardening, woodworking and tinkering around the house. Joseph was truly remarkable in that there wasn’t anything that he couldn’t build or fix. He never stopped giving of himself and his love for his family was never ending. He was an amazing man who will be sorely missed.
He is survived by his children Neil J. Corkum and his wife Paula of Rehoboth; Jill H. Hornstein and her husband James of Lincoln, RI; 3 grandchildren, Sam McKay-Corkum, Grace McKay-Corkum, James Hornstein, Jr., 2 brothers, Michael and Leon Corkum, both of FL; a sister, Christina Corkum of FL; several nephews and a brother-in-law and sister-in-law. He was the brother of the late Gerald and Andrew Corkum.
His funeral will be held Wednesday, November 27, 2013 at 8:30 am at Rock Funeral Home, 1285 Ashley Blvd, New Bedford, followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 9:30 am at St Mary’s Parish, 343 Tarklin Hill Road, New Bedford. Burial will follow in Pine Grove Cemetery. Visiting hours will be held Tuesday from 5-8:30pm.