Russell S. Corkum

Russell S. Corkum, 77, of West Springfield, Massachusetts passed away suddenly but peacefully on Jan. 17, 2025, at home. He was born in Boston on Aug. 19, 1947, to the late Russell and Doris (Connaughton) Corkum. Russell was a U.S. Army veteran during the Vietnam War. Russell met Claudia, his wife of 44 years, in 1975 when they were both working at Fitzwilly’s Restaurant in Northampton, Mass. He helped her manage Memo’s Coffee Shop in West Springfield before working as an accountant for R.F. Daddario & Sons in Suffield, Conn. Known for his extensive knowledge of world history, Russell was a lifelong learner who stayed well-informed, reading several newspapers daily. He had a passion for hiking, QI Gong, and spending time with his grandchildren. Russell was a member of the Unitarian Society of Greater Springfield and found a deep sense of community at the Springfield Vet Center, where he participated in groups and mindfulness meditation. Russell will be deeply missed by his beloved wife, Claudia (Balestri) Corkum; their son, Russell Corkum of Nevada City, Calif; and their daughter, Patricia Corkum and her husband, Desmond Mullally of Longmeadow, Mass. In addition, he leaves behind his adored grandchildren, George and Hannah. A visitation service will be held at Toomey-O’Brien Funeral Home in West Springfield on Monday, Jan. 27, from 10 am-noon. A Veteran Service with Honor Guard will be held next summer Friday, Aug. 1, 2025, at 3 p.m. at the Massachusetts Veterans Memorial Cemetery in Agawam, Mass. In lieu of flowers, please donate to Russell’s favorite charities: the Carter Center in Atlanta, the Food Bank of Western Massachusetts, and the Dakin Humane Society.