Kalamazoo Italian Dies Unexpectedly from Stubbornness and Whiskey. Dick Corzine died at age 64 after trying to box with his bikini-clad nurse just moments earlier. He was born on May 25, 1954 in Kalamazoo, son of James E. and Dorothy (Pyne) Corzine and had been a lifelong area resident.
He graduated from Comstock High School in 1973. A ladies man, game slayer and outlaw, Corzine told his last inappropriate joke on Thursday, February 7, 2019 – which unfortunately cannot be printed here. Anyone else fighting Parkinson’s would have gone quietly into the night, but Corzine was stark naked drinking Ten High in a house full of memories at his passing.
The way he died is like the way he lived- he wrote his own rules, fought authority and paved his own way. If you said he couldn’t do it, he would make sure he would. Back in the day his friends knew that hanging out with him would end in a night in jail or a killer screwdriver hangover and he was the type of man that people would drive miles at the drop of a dime to visit.
He lived 1000 years in the 64 years we had with him because he attacked life; he grabbed it, kissed it, and swung it back onto the dance floor. At the age of 19 he planned to circumnavigate the world — instead, he joined the Army spending hours upon hours in Germany. He didn’t slow down after that: he opened his own business – Auto Security Plus and then Autotronics and worked in the auto electronics industry for 30 years.
He was an accomplished electrician, swinger (golfer) and birth control device tester (with some failures, notably James Corzine, 38, his son with his first wife Sharon Steve that he married in the Late 70’s. ) He was a rare combination of someone who had a love of life and a firm understanding of what was important — the simplicity of living a life alongside those he loved. Dick was preceded in death by his parents; step-father, Ernest Klimczak; and a step-daughter, Kelly Johnson (who was born on February 7).
Dick is survived by his wife of 24 years, Martie (Partin) Corzine; son, James (Kaitlyn) Corzine of Kalamazoo; step-daughter, Melissa (Lee) Stoa of Dallas, TX; step-son, Garrylee Neill of Kalamazoo; seven grandchildren; four great-grandchildren; sister, Mary (Ivan) Winn; brother, Charles Peterson; and sister, Renee Corzine. Let’s not forget his favorite fur baby BUCKET. Although he threw some of the most memorable bonfire parties during the greater half of a century, he would trade it all for a night together with his whole family in Michigan.
His acute awareness of the importance of a life lived with the ones you love over any material possession was only handicapped by his territorial attachment to the remote control during his favorite shows on The History Channel. Dick enjoyed golfing, helping his boys with their car stereos, making Bucket’s bed, going for a mani-pedi, and a well-made fire. His regrets were few, but included not being a T.V. dad.
Of all the people he touched, both willing and unwilling, his most proud achievement in life was marrying his wife Martie Partin on August 19, 1995, who lovingly supported him through his last days. Ten High Whiskey and Camel corporations are devastated by the loss of Corzine. Visitation will be held from 1 to 2pm on Wednesday, February 13th at Langeland Family Funeral Homes, Westside Chapel, 3926 South 9th Street where services will begin at 2pm with the Rev.
John W. Fisher officiating. A “Celebration of Life” will be held Wednesday during Happy Hour (3pm) at Old Burdick’s Wings West, 5076 Sports Drive. Interment with military honors will be held at Fort Custer Cemetery in June of 2019.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests that memorials be directed to Michigan Parkinson Foundation. Please visit Dick’s webpage www. langelands.com for directions, online guest book or to leave a condolence.
Donations may be made to: Michigan Parkinson Foundation 30400 Telegraph Road, Ste. 150, Bingham Farms MI 48025 Tel: 2484331011 Web: www.
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