Richard J. Corbett

Richard J. Corbett

September 8, 1951 - January 3, 2019

Richard J. Corbett, 67, Michigan City, Indiana, passed away Thursday, January 3, 2019 at 7:16 am in I.U. Health University Hospital, Indianapolis, IN.

Funeral services will be held at 6:30 pm, Wednesday, January 9, 2019 at Ott/Haverstock Funeral Chapel, 418 Washington St., Michigan City, IN with Rev. Keith McClellan officiating. Visitation will be from 3:00 pm - 6:30 pm, Wednesday at the Ott/Haverstock Funeral Chapel.

Rich was born September 8, 1951 in Chicago, Illinois to the late Richard M. and Josephine (Smetana) Corbett. On May 15, 1982 in Michigan City, IN he married Julie A. Dombrowsky who survives.

Also surviving are two Sisters, Retired Colonel, Dr. Mary Jo Corbett, U.S. Army of Florida and Annette Corbett of Michigan City, IN; Brother, Mark Corbett of Indianapolis, IN; and several nephews, niece and cousins.

He was also preceded in death by his brother, Thomas Corbett.

Rich received an Electrical Engineering degree from Purdue University and a Master of Science in Business Administration from Indiana University Northwest. He worked for almost 30 year at Bethlehem Steel, having started as a "looper" while attending Purdue, and ending his career as Superintendent of the largest mill at the plant. Rich also worked for Boyd Gaming as a construction supervisor at Blue Chip Casino for the new casino boat, hotel and convention center. He was a member of Notre Dame Catholic Church and the Michigan City Yacht Club in which he was very active having served as the former Vice Commodore of Sail and a Junior Sail instructor and mentor. Rich was passionate about sailing and yacht racing, being a "double old goat" having competed in 28 Chicago to Mackinaw races and 25 Port Huron/Detroit to Mackinaw races, Rolex Big Boat Series, Newport RI to Bermuda races, Antigua Race Week, Tortola Race Series, St. Thomas International Regatta, and many other ocean and great lake races. In 2008, he won the Secretary of the Navy Cup competing on his own boat from Newport CA to Ensenada Mexico. Rich was also certified as a Captain holding a 100 ton master's license. He loved his family, friends and pets and would tell everyone "this ain’t no dress rehearsal".

Contributions may be made in Rich’s memory to the Michigan City Yacht Club Sailing School at 12 1/2 On the Lake, Michigan City IN 46360, Unity Foundation of La Porte County, for the La Porte County Small Animal Shelter Fund at 422 Franklin St. Michigan City, IN 46360, or www.uflc.net, or The Michiana Shores Volunteer Fire Department (911 El Portal Drive, Michiana Shores IN 46360).

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