Dennis Eugene Corcoran

Dennis Corcoran, avid golfer and lifelong fan of learning and the Chicago Cubs, died at his home in Marana, AZ on August 19, 2024, after a long struggle with prostate cancer. His wife of 53 years, Kate, was by his side.

Born May 9, 1946, in Chicago, IL to Ann (née Schlapo) and Jim Corcoran, Dennis attended elementary at St. Martha’s in Morton Grove, IL and high school at Notre Dame Niles before attending college in Illinois and Wisconsin. He served a year as a Vista Volunteer, now known as AmeriCorps, in Buffalo, NY in 1967.

On December 11, 1971, he married Catherine (Kate) Stanton Corcoran. Dennis worked 30 years for the United States Postal Service in a variety of jobs, beginning as a letter carrier and quickly working his way up to management, serving as an acting Postmaster and labor relations leader near the end of his career. Outside of work, Dennis continued his love of sports, playing on as many as four softball teams in a given year, as well as playing basketball well into his 40s. But Dennis’ favorite sport was golf. Since caddying as a teen, he made time for the game whenever possible, and managed three holes in one in his lifetime, most recently on March 23, 2023.  Another signature element of his golf style was his legendary sock collection, which always coordinated with his golf shirts.

With Kate, they lived in the Denver area for 47 years, eventually spending winters in Tucson, AZ for 10 years. They made a permanent move to the area in 2019, minutes from Dennis’ golf course of choice. Dennis was also a lifelong learner, finding passion and interest in a variety of subjects. Upon his retirement from the USPS, he took a certification course in paleontology so he could pick at dinosaur bones, doing so for 10 years at the Denver Museum of Nature and Science. He also enjoyed opera, theater, the music of John Prine, history, reading, and was a collector of Southwestern Native American rugs, art, and pottery, and would gladly share his knowledge of the subject upon request.

He enjoyed volunteering at the Marana Food Bank, among other volunteer activities he engaged in throughout his life. Dennis will be remembered by friends and family for his dry sense of humor, quiet but quick wit, and generous nature.

He is survived by his wife, Kate, and brother, James Corcoran Jr, and a large extended family of in-laws, including 13 nieces and nephews.

In lieu of a service or flowers, Dennis would ask that you send donations to Marana Food Bank (11734 Grier Rd, Marana, AZ, 85635 or visit mfb-crc.org) and keep rooting for the Cubs.