In Memory of

Philip

D.

Corio

Obituary for Philip D. Corio

Philip D. Corio
February 22, 1912 – March 31, 2022

After an incredible 110-year life, Phil Corio, beloved husband, father, grandfather, uncle & friend, passed peacefully at home in the early morning of March 31, 2022. Pre-deceased by his loving wife Margaret and all 6 of his brothers and sisters, he was the last of a generation in our extended family. He is survived by sons Philip and Ron, and grandchildren Michael and Katie.

Born in Jersey City, New Jersey on February 22, 1912, into an Italian American family, Phil saw the world change immensely. He witnessed the advent of electricity, radio, automobiles, and airplanes. Phil lived through both world wars, two global pandemics, and was a teenager during the Great Depression. These tough times left an indelible imprint of resourcefulness on Phil- as well as a learned understanding of what’s most important in life.

When confronted with life’s little problems, he always gave everyone around him perspective. “As long as you have a roof over your head and food on the table”, he would say, “you have nothing to complain about”.

Phil moved to Nutley, New Jersey, with his wife Margaret where they raised their two sons. His relatives would always gather on Sundays to be together, and the house was filled with the delicious smells of homemade pasta, sauce & bread, the sound of laughter and children playing games in the yard.

Following the passing of his beloved wife Margaret in 2000, Phil moved to New Mexico to live with his son Ron and grandchildren for the next 21 years. As an integral part of our immediate family, Phil was always a steady pillar of strength, determination and love. He was a light to everyone in his life, and his presence was an enormous gift which our family will treasure for the rest of our lives.

Phil had a strong passion as a woodworker and craftsman who wanted to help everyone he knew. All who crossed his path went home with a back scratcher, cutting board, banana holder, or another handmade wooden gift he created.

Phil recently became a super-centenarian and was the 5th oldest male in the United States. After he celebrated his 100th birthday, he was asked to share his secret to longevity. His answer was “Eat your greens and don’t smoke.” A few years later, with a twinkle in his eye, he would say “just keep breathing”. To Phil, age was just a number. Family was what really mattered.

He lived an incredible, full life that we all aspire to emulate. One could say his lived experience was worth several lifetimes.

He will be forever loved and missed by all who knew him. Phil was truly one of the greatest human beings we have, or ever will, know.

Rest in peace, you are beloved.

The funeral service will be held at the S.W. Brown & Son Funeral Home, (www.swbrownandson.com), 267 Centre St., Nutley on Wednesday, April 27, 2022 at 10:30am.

The interment will follow at Holy Cross Cemetery, 340 Ridge Rd, North Arlington.

Visitors will be received at the funeral home on Tuesday, April 26th from 4-7pm.