Burt was born November 27, 1923 in Canisteo, NY, the son of Merlyne and Jennie (Collier) Corbett.
He was raised in Hornell, where he graduated from Hornell High School in 1941.
Following his graduation, Burt joined the Army Air Corps, serving in WWII. While serving, he was stationed in several places, including flying the CBI Route (China, Burma & India) with the 14th Air Force.
Following his honorable discharge, Burt returned to Hornell where he found work with the Erie Railroad. He then attended Alfred State College where he studied Engineering. He went on to work with the NYSDOT as a Civil Engineer. He worked at the Hornell office for over 30 years.
On August 24, 1946 Burt married Helen O’Connor, also of Hornell. Along with their nine children, they were communicants of St. Ann’s Catholic Church. He was a member of the Hornell American Legion and the Hornell Knights of Columbus.
Following his retirement from the DOT, Burt and Helen moved to Orange County, CA. After 30 years, he returned to New York, residing in Rochester to be near his daughter, Marcia.
Burt was an avid sports fan who enjoyed basketball and football, most notably the Syracuse Orangemen, the Buffalo Bills and the New York Knicks.
Burt was predeceased by his wife, Helen in 2007.
He is survived by his nine children, Thomas (Jane) of Southport, NC, Marcia Smith of Rochester, NY, Kathleen Jones of Las Vegas, NV, Burton Anthony (Elkie) of Santa Rosa, Laguna, Philippines, Christopher of Huntington Beach, CA, Gregory of Tyler, TX, Timothy (Sabine) of Calais, ME, Amy (William) MacLean of Huntington Beach, Ca and Melissa (John) Geck of Westminster, CA; his sister Lois (Stan) Damon of DeRuyter, NY. He enjoyed the company of 17 grandchildren and 16 great grandchildren.
The family of Burton A. Corbett will receive friends on Thursday (January 26, 2017) from 4:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m. at the Dagon Funeral Home, 38 Church St., Hornell. A Mass of Christian Burial will held Friday at 10 a.m. at St. Ann’s Church. Final Interment will be at the Riverside National Cemetery in Riverside, CA.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to St. Ann’s Academy, PO Box 446, Hornell, NY 14843. Memorial forms will be available at the Dagon Funeral Home.
In recognition of Burt’s service to our country, the American Flag at the Dagon Funeral Home will fly half-staff.
