Richard Anthony Corrigan

Richard Anthony Corrigan

Cedar Rapids

Richard Anthony Corrigan, age 88, a proud U.S. Army Veteran, retired Cedar Rapids Firefighter and devoted family man, passed away peacefully on June 11, 2025.

Born on September 23, 1936, in Harpers Ferry, Iowa, Richard was the 10th of 11 sons born to James and Rose (McCormick) Corrigan. Raised on the family farm filled with faith, resilience, and strong family ties, Richard lived by the values instilled in him from an early age.

After graduating from Waterville High School in 1954, Richard enlisted in the United States Army, serving honorably until 1956. He and all but one of his ten brothers proudly served their country in the U.S. Army, a testament to the Corrigan family's deep patriotism and commitment to service.

Following his military service, Richard settled in Cedar Rapids, where he attended barber school and became a licensed barber. He barbered at the historic Roosevelt Hotel, eventually opening his own Barber Shop. Later, Richard joined the Cedar Rapids Fire Department, where he rose to the rank of Captain before retiring in 1989 where he served with distinction. His leadership and calm presence in times of crisis were deeply respected by his colleagues and his community.

In the fall of 1958, while sitting in a duck blind, Richard proposed marriage to the love of his life, Elaine Kucera. Richard and Elaine were blessed with four children, Joseph, Janet, Daniel, and Jo Ann.

Throughout his life, Richard also lived in Prairie du Chien, Wisconsin, Waukon, Iowa, and at his beloved nature spot in Waterville, Iowa, but Cedar Rapids remained his home for many years. Richard was an enduring character and renaissance man and was widely loved by all those who knew him. He had a grand sense of humor and as many of you know he loved to celebrate his birthday on the 23rd of every month. He had a strong passion for hunting, fishing, hiking and was a pioneer in early organic farming methods. Richard’s passion for music and playing his guitar and singing brought him enormous joy. His quiet strength, work ethic, and generosity left a lasting impact on everyone who knew him.

Richard was also a passionate promoter of Irish heritage and community spirit. He was among the original founders of The Saint Patrick’s Day Parade Society (SaPaDaPaSo) in Cedar Rapids and is the founder of the Saint Patrick’s Day Parade in Prairie du Chien, which boasts the largest single event of Prairie du Chien still today.

Richard is survived by his brother, John Corrigan (Lois); his daughters, Janet (Marlan) Poage of Madrid, Iowa; and Jo Ann (David) Stewart of Denver, Colorado, his grandchildren Benjamin Corrigan, Macaley Johnsen, Logan Corrigan, Jacob Stewart, Morgan Stewart and Samuel Poage; and six great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Elaine, his two sons Joseph and Daniel, his parents, James and Rose Corrigan, and nine brothers.

The family invites all who knew and loved Richard to join the visitation at Brosh Chapel and The Avacentre, located at 2121 Bowling St. SW, Cedar Rapids, on June 16, 2025, from 4 to 7 p.m. Mass of Christian Burial will be 10:30 a.m., Tuesday, June 17, 2025, at St. Patrick's Church located at 120 5th St. NW, Cedar Rapids, and Richard will be laid to rest at St. Joseph’s Cemetery.

Richard Anthony Corrigan will be remembered as a man of honor, humility, deep community spirit, and lasting devotion to family and country. His legacy of service, leadership, and quiet strength will continue to inspire all who knew him.

Online condolences may be expressed to the family at www.broshchapel.com.