Raymond Harold Corbett

Decorated Korean

War Veteran

Raymond Harold Corbett, 79, died March 30, at home in Newtown. He was born in Ridgefield, September 4, 1930, a son of Arthur Edward and Elsie Mae (Coulter) Corbett.

Mr Corbett was raised in Ridgefield and attended Ridgefield Schools. During high school he attended Henry Abbott Technical School where he was introduced to and excelled at carpentry, which ultimately became his profession

Having served in the US Army from 1949 to 1952, Mr Corbett was a Korean War veteran, of which he was most proud. During his service he was assigned to the tank division with the 137th infantry battalion and received the Purple Heart, two Oak Leaf Clusters, and a Silver Star commendation for gallantry.

After his discharge, Mr Corbett returned to the Danbury area and settled in New Fairfield where he lived for more than 20 years. After leaving New Fairfield, he remained in the Danbury area and eventually life brought him to Newtown.

A master carpenter, he worked on various construction projects and was employed for many years at the former Data Control Systems in Danbury until it closed. He then became a self-employed carpenter and displayed his skills on various project throughout the Danbury area until his retirement.

 He was an avid outdoorsman and absolutely loved hunting, camping and especially fishing. He had been known to stop on the way home and drop a line in the water. His zest for life and the outdoors included his motorcycles (especially Harleys), where Sunday afternoons it was a good bet that he was out riding. He was also very passionate about playing cards and loved to make frequent trips to the casinos, especially with his late father-in-law and friend Richard Stiewing.

Mr Corbett is lovingly remembered by his wife, Marty (Stiewing) Corbett. He is survived by his brother Burton Corbett of Southbury and was predeceased by his sister Donna Laura (Corbett) Hill. He will be sadly missed by his three children and their spouses, James and his wife, Cindy, of Washington, N.H., Dolly and her husband, Bill (aka “Ray, Jr”) Istvan of Kent, and John Corbett of Southbury. Five grandchildren, Jason Corbett and his wife, Renee, of New Hampshire, Kristen Corbett also of New Hampshire, Alexander Istvan of Kent, Mark Corbett, and Brian Corbett of Southbury survive Mr Corbett. He is also survived by his former wife, Doris Jeanette (Covill) Corbett; and several nieces, nephews, and great-grandchildren.

A memorial service will be held Friday, April 3, at 11 am in the Honan Funeral Home, 58 Main Street, Newtown.

In lieu of flowers, to honor Raymond, donations may be made to the VA Medical Center, 950 Campbell Avenue, West Haven CT 06516.

The Newtown Bee        April 3, 2009