On behalf of Janet, Elaine, Deby, Melissa, Jessy, Lori and the entire Corcoran family and extended family.  I would like to thank you for celebrating Paul’s life with us.

I’m not a fan of funerals, and neither was Paul. He always felt that no words could truly express the thoughts that went through the minds of family and friends, or the pain that was felt. I never realized how true that was until we lost Paul.

There are no words to state the sadness that I have felt, or the thoughts that are going through every one’s mind. We all have different memories of Paul, and different things that will make us sad.

Paul was a man’s man, he was born and grew up in a different era.  One where a gentleman opened a door for a woman, understood their role as the head of a household and had a deep regard for their duty to their country.  And frankly much better dressed than people today.  Paul was always the best dressed guy in the room, He carried himself with real dignity.  After graduating high school men in that day had three choices go to college, go in the service or to get a job.

Paul with his drive to succeed did all three.  He was in the air force during the Korean Conflict.  He graduated from BU and began a career helping people as a hospital administrator.

When Stacey, Paul’s youngest daughter passed in a car accident way too young, it was Paul that was the rock of the family.  It was his strength that provided the example we all followed, and it is that strength I draw upon today.

Morning my name is Ed Harnish, and I have the immense pleasure of being married to one of Paul’s five daughters Melissa.  And after having so many daughters Paul was delighted when the sons-in-law started coming along. 

Paul always treated me like a son, we would have long conversations about the family, life, politics, the movies and of course cars.  He would get after me when warranted and praise me when I needed it.  Yes, for Paul I believe I was one of the sons he never had. And for me having a father that died when I was 3 years old Paul was the father I had always wanted in my life.

Paul was a master cribbage player, and we would often play for hours at a time.  Boys against girls, and I wish I could say we always won, but……He loved his dogs Monty and Josie, and the latest edition Bowie, named after David Bowie one of Paul’s favorite singers. And he had a passion for cars, not just when he was younger but all through his life.  He still got road&track, Automobile, and Car and Driver magazines. In fact, he was at a Subaru dealer less than six months ago buying a new STI, when he spotted the very rare and very fast BRZ on a car carrier just arriving at the dealership.  A few hours later Paul was driving home in his brand-new Black on Black BRZ.  And for those of you that do not know that is a sports car any forty-year-old would love to drive.

To the Corcoran family, this sprawling, intimate clan –- I know that Paul’s passing has left a gaping void in the world. I can only imagine the burdens that you’ve been carrying on your shoulders these past few weeks. And just as you were there for him, we’ll be there for you.

To Deby, Melissa, Jessy, Lori and all of his grandchildren, and even great grandchildren –- there aren’t words big enough to describe how much your dad loved you. But I will tell you what, I have become part of the Corcoran clan. I am a member now. And the Corcoran family rule applies. I will always be here for you, I always will be — my word as a Corcoran.

To Janet –- just like everybody else here, I thank God you are in our lives. Thank you for loving Paul so much, I’m grateful every day that you’ve got such a big heart, and a big soul, and those broad shoulders. I couldn’t admire you more.

As hard as it is right now, through all the heartache and through all the tears, it is our obligation to Paul to think not about what was and what might have been, but instead to think about what is because of him. Think about his children, grandchildren and great grandchildren who are better because of Paul, whose lives are fuller, because of him, and our family that is closer because of him.

Janet, Elaine, Deby, Melissa, Jessy, and Lori — the world noticed. They noticed. They felt it, his presence. And Paul lives on in the lives of others. And isn’t that the whole point of our time here? To raise a good family? Isn’t that what this amazing journey we’ve been on is all about -– to make life better for the next generation?

Paul figured that out so early in life. What an inheritance Paul left us. What an example he set.

May God bless his memory, and the lives of all he touched

I love you Paul

Until we meet again