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Paul Corr Sr - 8

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April 23, 2019

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Havertown, PA

Paul J. Corr, 90, of Rosemont, beloved husband of Mary (O'Rourke) Corr for more than 63 years and patriarch of a large family, died Tuesday, April 23 of complications from melanoma at Waverly Heights in Gladwyne. Born in Philadelphia, Mr. Corr was the eldest of seven children of John A. and Helen (Fallon) Corr. He grew up in the Mount Airy section of Philadelphia, and graduated from St. Joseph's Preparatory School in 1946. Mr. Corr earned an Accounting degree from St. Joseph's College (now St. Joseph's University) in 1950. He served as a Second Lieutenant in the U.S. Army Counterintelligence Corps during the Korean War and earned the National Defense Service Medal and the Korean Service Medal. A CPA and an accomplished businessman, Mr. Corr joined the accounting firm of Ernst & Ernst in 1951. He became a partner at the firm in 1966, and served as head of its tax practice in Philadelphia and the Mid-Atlantic region for many years. In 1987 he retired from the firm, now known as Ernst & Young, and continued to serve clients in private practice until his death. His clients included some of the most successful businesses in Philadelphia, including Strawbridge & Clothier, Betz Laboratories, and the Philadelphia Phillies. Mr. Corr married Mary F. O'Rourke on November 19, 1955. They had 11 children, 10 of whom survived to be with him during his final moments. He was an avid golfer, and a member of Whitemarsh Valley Country Club for over 50 years, serving as the club's treasurer for many years. He enjoyed summers at the shore in Ocean City and Avalon, NJ. He was an ambitious and somewhat frustrated gardener, and maintaining his Rosemont home was a labor of love for 43 years. Among his many philanthropic and charitable activities, he served on the finance committee of the Archdiocese of Philadelphia for many years. He possessed sharp business acumen and even sharper wit, which he imparted in an endless supply of colorful stories and memories. In addition to his wife, 10 children and 9 sons- and daughters-in-law, he is survived by 33 grandchildren, 9 great grandchildren, 3 sisters, 1 brother, 3 sisters-in-law, 1 brother-in-law and numerous nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his beloved son Tommy, who died of leukemia at age 8. A viewing will be held on Sunday, April 28, from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m. at the Stretch Funeral Home, 236 East Eagle Rd., Havertown and again on Monday, April 29, from 9:00 to 10:00 a.m. at St. John Neumann Church, 380 Highland Lane, Bryn Mawr. A Mass of Christian Burial will follow at 10:30 a.m. Monday at St. John Neumann Church. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to St. John Neumann Parish, 380 Highland Lane, Bryn Mawr, PA 19010.