Francis Corcoran, known by friends and family affectionately as “Don, Donnie, Dad” of South Portland, Maine, died January 24, 2023 at the age of 81.
Don loved life. He believed no challenge was too large, no act of kindness too small, and no story unworthy of telling. Outside influences rarely deterred the Irishman from Athol, Massachusetts. Don had a contagious laugh and a sparkle in his eyes that left those around him wanting more. Family and friends were a central part of his life. Don took great strides to remain in contact with relatives near and far and friends from all facets of high school, the Navy, and the communities that he resided in.
Don found every challenge a personal opportunity to grow. From operating the most successful gas station in Snug Harbor, Duxbury, Massachusetts to owning and operating a 500-acre farm on the side of a hill in Morrill, Maine, Don wholeheartedly committed himself to each endeavor. From flying in a B-28A while stationed in the Navy off Quonset Point, Rhode Island to giving tours to future shipbuilders off the coast of Belfast, Maine, Don deeply believed in the good of others and service to the community. Don was President of the Student Council at Duxbury High School, then, in that same spirit of service decades later served eight years as a Selectman and Sexton for the Town of Searsmont, Maine. Don was “that guy”, the one you could always count on. Don tackled every challenge with sheer determination and tenacity. Don had a way about him that eased life’s rough spots. He could strike up a conversation with anybody, at any time, on any subject and make that person feel special. And in Don’s eyes, you were special.
Don was born in Athol, Massachusetts, graduated from Duxbury High School, and attended Northeastern University where he studied Business Administration. In 1959 Don joined the Navy as an Aviation Machinist. Six years later, Don returned to civilian life and married his high school sweetheart, Pamela Faye Fagley, in 1964. Pam is the love of Don’s life. He lovingly referred to Pam as “Miss Brown Eyes” when they often passed in the stairwell at high school. Don and Pam celebrated their 58th wedding anniversary in 2022. They welcomed their first son, Timothy in 1965 and two years later their son Patrick. After a few years on the South Shore, Don and Pam sold The Gray Cupola Farm in Duxbury, Massachusetts in 1975 and set off to Maine to begin their many adventures. Together they owned and operated, Mulberry Tree Farm in Morrill, Maine, Far House Farm in Morrill, Maine, and Riverside Farm in Searsmont, Maine. Don, Pam, and their two sons embraced life in Maine. Don loved hunting, fishing, farming, and walking his cherished gardens with his family. He delighted in sharing his views, wisdom, and guidance with whoever would listen.
Don was predeceased by his father, Edward James Corcoran, his mother, Marion D. Corcoran and sister, Jane (Corcoran) Crane. Don is survived by his beloved wife Pamela Faye Corcoran of South Portland; his son, Timothy Corcoran, wife Anne Corcoran, their children Connor and Duncan Corcoran; his son, Patrick Corcoran, wife Rae Corcoran, their children Aidan, Lydia, and Donavyn Corcoran. Don is survived by his older sister Duane Vorce of Nantucket, Massachusetts, and numerous cousins throughout eastern Massachusetts and Maine.
A Celebration of Life will be held for Don at Bibber Memorial Chapel, Kennebunk, Maine on Saturday, February 25,, 2023 at 11:00 a.m. A reception will directly follow the service.
If desired, flowers and condolences may be sent to Bibber Memorial Chapel on Friday, February 24, 2023. Donations for a spring memorial tree fund may be sent to Pamela Corcoran at 74 Running Hill Rd. Apt. 134, South Portland, Maine.
To leave a message of condolence, please visit Donald’s Book of Memories at www.bibberfuneral.com.
Arrangements are entrusted to Bibber Memorial Chapel, 67 Summer St. Kennebunk.