Walker-Eastman-Heydinger Funeral Home
98 W. Main St.
Norwalk, OH 44857
Phone: 419.663.4513
Fax: 419.663.6809
Cell Phone: 419.663.3504
Email: wehfh@eastmanfuneralhome.com
Website: https://www.eastmanfuneralhome.com/norwalk
View All Obituaries from Walker-Eastman-Heydinger Funeral Home
Dennis Anthony Corrigan passed away peacefully at his home on Saturday morning Jan. 28th, 2017.
Denny was born on September 12, 1939 in South Euclid, Ohio.
He attended Brush High School where he excelled on the wrestling mat and the football field, and graduated in l957. He went on to attend Western Reserve University earning a Bachelor of Science degree in education, while continuing his wrestling career. In 1961 Denny's teaching and coaching career began at Benedictine High School where he taught Physical Education and Health. During his three years at Benedictine, he was the head wrestling coach, assistant football coach, and freshman baseball coach. He also taught at North Ridgeville in Cleveland, Ohio.
In l965, Denny moved to Norwalk with wife Peggy and began his 31 year tenure at Norwalk High School, teaching Physical Education. He was the head wrestling coach and assistant football coach from 1965 to 1983. He was also defensive coordinator for the 1974 state football championship team. As Norwalk's first wrestling coach, Denny's new team started with a win and then had 19 consecutive losses. Those "building years" were followed by 108 wins in 161 matches. Coach Corrigan's teams had four undefeated seasons and a 25 match winning streak between 1974 and 1976. His teams earned honors such as seven NOL championships, four sectional championships, one district championship, and nine invitational championships. His wrestlers had many individual accomplishments: 60 NOL champions, 39 sectional champions, 11 district champions, 11 state placers, and one state champion. Denny was inducted into the Ohio High School Wrestling Coaches Hall of Fame in 1987, the NHS Wrestling Hall of Fame in 1989, and the Norwalk High School Hall of Fame in 2002. He was also awarded the National High School District Coaches Award in 1972. Denny was an avid golfer and he especially enjoyed participating in the Peggy Corrigan Classic. Along with golf, his hobbies included wood working and framing, and playing poker with his many good friends.
Denny married Margaret Jane Herlevi on February 17, 1962. She preceded him in death in 2011. Along with his parents, Denny is also preceded in death by a brother, Daniel.
He is survived by a sister, Mary Corrigan, his children, Barbara (Duane) Graffice, Kelly (James Donovan), son Tim (Carol) and daughter Katie. Denny and Peggy were blessed with ten grandchildren: Nick (Heather) Graffice, Bryan (Ashley) Graffice, Lindsay Graffice, Matthew (Becky) Heyman, Noah (Keelie) Heyman, Haley (Tony) Schaffer, Isaac Heyman, Cassie Corrigan, Colleen Corrigan and Caitlyn Corrigan. Denny also is survived by 6 great grandchildren: Deyer, Hadyn,Emytt, Camdyn, and Lincoln Graffice; Elysia Heyman, and baby Schaffer on the way, as well as several nieces and nephews.
If a man is measured by the number of friends he has gained along life's journey, Denny was an abundantly blessed man. He formed many valuable friendships during the 50 plus years he resided in Norwalk, and they too are left to mourn his passing. At the top of the list would be dear friend and colleague Grace Hutchinson.
Family and friends may call from 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. Tuesday, January 31, 2017 at Walker Funeral Home, 98 W. Main St. Norwalk, Ohio. It was Denny's wish that this be a celebration of his life to include his famous Reuben Sandwiches and Baked Potato Soup. The celebration will continue with a Mass of Christian Burial at St. Mary Catholic Church, 38 W. League St. Norwalk, Ohio on Wednesday, February 1, 2017 at 10:30 a.m. Msgr. Kenneth Morman will officiate. Burial will be in Woodlawn Cemetery.
Memorial contribution may be made to Norwalk High School Athletic Boosters and St. Mary's Catholic Church.
Online condolences may be made by going to www.edwalkerfuneralhome.com.
