M.W. Thom William Corby 1954
Thom William Corby 1954
Seldom has there passed across the Masonic scene in this jurisdiction, a Brother who received higher respect or greater love from his fellow man.
Never in the annals of the Masonic Charity Foundation will there be found an Administrator who attained deeper admiration by those, whose daily welfare was his primary concern.
The Grand Master of the Universe has called our beloved and honored Brother
Most Worshipful Thorn William Corby
from "labor" to eternal "refreshment".
Brother Thom was born in Waterbury, November 20, 1903, and received his education in the public schools of that city. A former newspaperman, he specialized in the advertising and public relations field where his talents were recognized by the Mayor of the city. who
appointed Brother Corby as his Executive Secretary, where he served for six years.
He was a member of Trinity Church and, as a young boy, was its outstanding choir boy and soloist.
World War II found him serving his country in the U. S. Army and, after being discharged, he became an active member of Corp. Coyle Post No.1, American Legion; he also served in several other military and civic activities.
On March 10, 1951 he married Jane Y. Bontempo, of Waterbury, who survives him.
Masonic Light was shed upon him on March 1, 1934 in Harmony Lodge No. 42 where seven years later he served as the Worshipful Master. The appointment of District Deputy soon followed and in 1946 he entered the Grand Lodge line, culminating in the Grand East in 1954 as the 108th Grand Master of Masons in Connecticut.
York and Scottish Rite Masonry each entered his name upon their membership roll, and the Grotto elected him to State and National offices. He served as Potentate of Sphinx Temple of Hartford in 1961.
Honored by many Grand Jurisdictions for outstanding service to the Craft, he was the recipient of:
The Pierpont Edwards Medal from Connecticut
The Christopher Champlin Medal from Rhode Island
The Henry Price Medal from Massachusetts
The Board of Managers appointed Brother Thorn as "Administrator" of the Masonic Home and Hospital in June 1956, and to this important position he brought all of the finest attributes of leadership.
He was dedicated and devoted to serving the guests of the Home and Hospital.
The Masonic lessons he had learned of Brotherly Love, Relief, and Truth, were spread generously in his administrative duties, for he was full of human kindness.
The high regard in which he was held is evidenced by the numerous offices with which he was entrusted and the widespread expressions of sympathy which were evident at his passing.
Memorial services were conducted by the Grand Lodge Officers in the Masonic Home and Hospital, followed by services at St. Paul's Church, in Wallingford. He was laid to rest in New Pine Grove Cemetery, Waterbury, Connecticut, on December 16, 1961.
We entrust him to the Grand Master of the Universe, whose precepts our beloved Brother consistently tried to follow.
