Francis M. Corkery

It is with deep sorrow that we announce the passing of Francis (Frank) Michael Corkery on February 4,
2026. Frank was born on July 27, 1930, to Mary Rosalie Turner (née Corkery) in Philadelphia, PA.
Frank had a wonderful sense of humor and an empathetic heart. He was a generous friend with a rare
ability to connect with everyone he met. It seemed Frank befriended the whole world—no matter where
he traveled, he always ran into someone he knew.
Frank worked many jobs throughout his life, ultimately retiring from his work with the Maryland State
Police, but his greatest passion was sports, which ultimately became his vocation. Early on, he spent
countless days playing baseball and basketball with local Philadelphia teams and was even recruited to
try out for Major League Baseball. He was inducted into the Pop Warner Hall of Fame in Philadelphia.
Though he was a highly accomplished athlete, Frank found his greatest fulfillment in helping others
through sports—this was his true legacy.
Frank coached many youth football and basketball teams in Philadelphia and Maryland, leading several
to championship titles. He also served as a referee and umpire, officiating games until the age of 88.
Those fortunate enough to have known Frank as a coach or official will never forget the joy, enthusiasm,
and fairness he brought to the court and the field.
Beyond sports, Frank had a deep love for music. Whether at a party or a pub, everyone knew a good time
was about to begin when Frank started singing. He was 99.96% Irish by descent, but he firmly believed
that his remaining 0.04% Italian heritage gave him his love of opera—a talent he claimed contributed to
his longevity. Family legend has it that he could hold a note so long it made glass chandeliers vibrate.
Frank also found great happiness in gardening. Though born and raised in Philadelphia, he was a country
boy at heart. After his family moved to three acres of land in Maryland in 1977, Frank proudly declared
himself a farmer and began growing his own vegetable garden. He took great pleasure in tending the
garden and sharing his harvest, though the nieces and nephews he bamboozled into weeding and
watering did not quite share his enthusiasm.
Although Frank did not have children of his own, he helped raise five—Bill, Mark, Jeff, Colleen, and Kelly
—who will always hold a special place in their hearts for Uncle Frank, their “favorite” uncle. Just like their
parents, Uncle Frank was always there for them. He helped Bill and Judy whenever they needed him,
even when they worried they might come home to find Frank tied up and the kids running wild. Frank
handled school pick-ups, drop-offs, practices, and attended countless games. He even helped teach them
how to drive, despite being a left-footed braker.
Of all the people Frank loved, his sister Judy was his favorite. Frank was 16 years old when his little sister
was born in August 1946, and from that day forward they were inseparable. He proudly pushed her
around the neighborhood in her baby buggy and looked after her as only a devoted big brother could. As
they grew older, they supported one another in true sibling fashion. Eventually, it was Judy who cared for
Frank, especially when he needed her most. Who took care of whom often depended on which of them
you asked.
Frank is survived by his loving sister and brother-in-law, Judy and Bill Hendron, along with his nieces
and nephews who loved him dearly: Bill and Angie Hendron, Mark and Brenda Hendron, Jeff and Adela
Hendron, Colleen and John Wolford, and Kellyann and Walt Simonsen. He will also be deeply missed by
his great-nieces and nephews: William Hendron, Sean Hendron, Joseph and Stephanie Hendron,
Makenzie and Tyler Walters, Dorian Hendron, Leann and Patrick Smith, Kendall and Leah Hendron,
Reagan Wolford, Riley Wolford, and Emily Hendron, as well as his great-great nephew Broderick Smith
and great-great niece Daisy Walters. In addition to his immediate family Frank is also survived by his
loving cousins, the children of the late Mary and Jack Corkery.
 

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