John Charles Corrigan, Iii

John C. Corrigan III, born July 23, 1939, embarked on his final journey from this world on December 12, 2023, after a brief illness.

Born in Cape Girardeau, Missouri, John was the first of six children and grew up in a household where a commitment to education and a strong Catholic upbringing shaped his character. He graduated from Campion Jesuit High School in 1957 and pursued further education, earning engineering degrees from Saint Louis University (1961) and Penn State University (1964).

During one of his school breaks from Penn State, John was introduced to Dixie Jean Harper, whom he married on July 24, 1965, and remained with until she passed away in November. They lived in Lock Haven, Pennsylvania, and then moved to Lakeland, Florida, in June 1982.

John's professional journey followed his passion for engineering and aviation. He took to the skies from a young age and initiated a career with Piper Aircraft that spanned two decades. Even after retiring from the cockpit, he retained an acute awareness of national weather patterns, the ability to name every airport code, and a continuous interest in aviation until death. Following his tenure at Piper, he joined Sooner Defense, and later Fearn Partnership and the world of commercial real estate until 2016.

A man of service, John joined the Rotary Club in 1974, holding various leadership roles, including the positions of Secretary and President in the Lakeland Christina Rotary Club. He won Rotarian of the Year in 1987. His commitment to Rotary remained steadfast, and he proudly shared stories of his global connections forged through the Friendship Exchange and his two-time recognition as a Paul Harris Fellow.

John is survived by his children: son, J.C. Corrigan and his wife, Patty, along with their children Nathan and Shannon, and daughter, Jennifer Berger and her husband Jake, with their children Ava and Quinn Wiggins. He is also survived by his siblings Bill Corrigan, Shelia DeFazio, and Ann Corrigan, as well as numerous in-laws, nieces, nephews, and their families. He was preceded in death by his wife, Dixie Corrigan, father, William S. Corrigan, mother, Margaret, and siblings Daniel and Joseph.

John will be fondly remembered for his kindness, fierce loyalty, and love of a good happy hour.

Please join the family to honor John and raise a glass in his memory at Heath Funeral Chapel in the Tribute Center on Friday, December 22, 2023, from 4-6 pm. Memorial service will be held at Resurrection Catholic Church on Saturday, December 23, 2023, at 1 pm.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a contribution to the Rotary Foundation, reflecting John's commitment to the organization and its causes.