Dr. John Edward Coratti, 63, of Orange, died Saturday, December 14, 2013, at Baptist Hospital in Beaumont.
Visitation will be from 5:00-8:00 p.m., Tuesday, December 17, 2013, with a Rosary at 7:00 p.m., at Claybar Funeral Home in Orange. Memorial services will be 2:00 p.m. Wednesday, December 18, 2013, at the funeral home, with Father Susil Fernando officiating.
Born in Jersey City, New Jersey, on November 17, 1950, Dr. Coratti was the son of Nicholas and Bernice Mae Coratti. He served in the United States Navy and worked as the director of criminal justice at Lamar State College Orange. John was an active child to a degree, he loved to read, anything and everything. He also loved his T.V. and he, along with his cousins Jerry and John, collected Marvel Comic Books for years. John had asthma as a child so we feel this is one reason why he did not climb trees or play in the mud. He was a bookworm, plain and simple.
He always looked out for his six younger siblings, Laura, Linda, David, Stephen, Fortune and Pamela. He was a Mommy's boy, but boy did he love her Italian cooking. Though she was Irish, she cooked for her Italian American husband and all their children.
John went to Point Pleasant Boro High School and graduated in the class of 1969. When he was a freshman, he played some football but did not excel in it. He preferred wrestling. The team gave him the nickname "The Spider" ...he would creep in and take down the opponent. He did that a few years until one day he broke his shoulder while wrestling. All over the half body cast his team mates wrote the words, "The Spider Lives". Yet, his wrestling career was over. His Mother was a happy lady that day.
He was very proud of his Italian Irish Roots. Besides his Mother, his other great love was his Maternal Grandmother, Myrtle Dolly Johnson. Oh, how he adored this 5'2 eyes of blue Irish Lady. My Mother looked just like her.
Yet, he adored his Father Nicholas as well and was very proud of the fact he had Italian blood running through him. He was more Italian than Irish.
Through High School he loved the theater; he was in many High School Plays. His love for the theater even carried him through College. He not only was an actor in the plays but many times was also the Director. Out of College he created his own production company called "John a-Dreams Repertory Theater". And later became a Hollywood playwright.
He would go to see a play in New York City as many times as he could. He even had tickets for this coming Christmas time. I am sure he will be watching from above.
He is in my Mother’s arms now and that makes us feel safe.
John went to many Colleges and got his Doctorate Degree, two Masters and a Law Degree. He was a Professor of Criminal Law and his students admired him. He married Joyce and they have a spoiled Pit Bull that is the love of their life. If you listen to his beautiful wife Joyce, she will tell you it was John who spoiled him...... I tend to think both had a hand into that one...How could you not. The dog's name is Cabal.
John will be missed by all of those who loved him and that is a lot of people. Facebook has tons of condolences being written for him and tons of photos of him. His Father will miss him and wondered why John was taken over him. After all he is 88 years old..... Not his time yet. I believe my Mom wanted to see her first born....
Whenever you saw John, he had a book or two in his hands; he was never without reading material. He yearned for reading. Dr. John Edward Coratti, named for both of his Grandfathers will be sorely missed. He was someone who gave great advice.
Dr. Coratti is survived by his wife, Joyce Mann Coratti of Orange; father, Nicholas Coratti of Point Pleasant, NJ; daughter, Chasity Burris and husband Darren of Dickinson; son, Michael Dixon of Orange; grandchildren, Keegan Dixon, Tyler Burris, Jaycelyn Goff, Cohen Granger, Ella Broussard; siblings, Laura Coratti, Linda Englund, David Coratti, Stephen Coratti, Fortune Wludyka, Pamela Coratti; nieces and nephews, Eric Englund, Brian Englund, Jennifer Coratti, David Coratti, Christopher Coratti, Matthew Coratti, Corey Coratti, Joshua Dalton, Evan Pearce, Tiffany Pearce, Ella Broussard; great-nephew, Kal-El; and great-niece, Lilian Mae.
Condolences
Laura Coratti
March 15, 2017
I Love and Miss You My Big Brother. We all do here in Point Pleasant NJ
Angie Honeycutt
December 31, 2013
Joyce I am so sorry to hear the news on John. I just now found out. Trish called to tell me. I'm sorry I didn't make his funeral, but know you and your family is in my prayers. I read his obituary and I feel I know a little more about Johns life. God bless you.
Tricia
December 31, 2013
Joyce, I spoke to Tammy who updated me and my family this morning regarding John's passing. Please know you and the family are in our prayers.
Chief J.P. Doane
December 23, 2013
The last time I talked to John was 12/12 while my wife was taking chemo. John was in great spirits. As usual he was up beat when he told me,"I'm in the Baptist Hospital in Beaumont. I'll call you when I get out of here." He wished be well in my retirement from LIT on 12/13.
Today 12/23 Major Dennis White called to tell me he just learned of John's passing. My mind was filled with mixed emotion.
John had and still has a great love for his wife Joyce. He was so proud of his family. A list of toughts filled my memory of John. We became good friends after he started at Lamar Orange. He loved being Italian,his family and students. John always gave a 110% for LSCO. He started an outstanding Criminal Justice Society for his students.
John will be missed by the thousands of friends he made during his life. My life was made rich because of our friendship. I pray that Heavenly Father blesses his family.
Chief Jim Doane
Margaret Vercher
December 23, 2013
I was a student of the great Dr. C and I can tell you he was a very special person. After I left Orange to move away he was the last person I stopped in to say goodbye to. I always tried to see him when I went home to visit. The last time I visited he dragged me down to his new courtroom at Lamar. Lord was he proud of that room. I used to love to get him, mrs. Miller and Max Daniels on the steps and ask a question about law. Oh my was so funn to watch them all come from diferent angles according to the classes they taught lol. The students would be going back into class and they would still be there trying to get a point across. Great times. Please know that this man had a personal relationship with everyone he knew and touched and he will missed. My daughter also took his classes so thats two generations here that he had a profound part of their lives and he will be with them forever and as for the viking funeral ... Right On ! He will love that. Please make sure someone hugs Joyce for me and give her my love. See ya sometime down the road Dr. C. Margaret Vercher
Tiffany Pearce
December 19, 2013
Uncle John, you were such a smart man. It amazes me all the things you have accomplished in your life. I remember you when you would come for holidays and always had a large dunkin donuts coffee in your hand. Evan and you were so close, he would be so excited to see you and go to the movies to see those interesting movies you and him loved. I remember at Christmas dinner you would always talk over everyone when everyone were talking very loudly. You and grandma are having a party up in heaven right now I just know it. You will never be forgotten for how important you were to all of us. Miss ya and love ya RIP. Love, Tiffany
David Coratti
December 19, 2013
Uncle John, As a child, I remember you as "the uncle behind the wall". I didnt even know your room had a door! it was hidden! I remember it had a LOT of books, and when we visited grandma and Pop Pop, you would emerge! almost a mythical figure to my young self. your interests were much different than my dad's (your younger brother David), but as time and life have evolved, i realize how similar the two of you are. You had a passion for your family, your students, and the work and interests that you pursued. Making a positive impact on the lives of others, is the mark you leave behind, and the mark every educator and husband strives for. As a man well versed in theatre, its very apparent that you lived by the phrase "Life is not a dress rehearsal". you will be missed by many, but forgotten by nobody. I for one will always remember our conversation at Grandma's wake, the remarks you made at the church, and the calm it brought to the family after her passing. Say hi to Grandma for me, I am sure she has hot zeppoles waiting for her oldest son in heaven. Your Nephew, David Coratti
Dyann Coratti
December 19, 2013
RIP Cousin John.
This is Beautifully written. Every time I read something about my cousin I learn something new about him. I always knew he was awesome, funny, crazy intelligent, a great teacher and a loving brother.. But he was so much more than that. You will be missed by so many. I know you and your mom will be taking care of each other. ????????????
April Mcghen
December 18, 2013
I meet Dr. Coratti 10 years ago. He told me you can make a difference. I thought what can I do?? He suggest go into the criminal justice field and show them that deaf people can so anything they can do. I did he what he told me to do . I work with people who have disabilities. He once said.....see you can do it and I want to say I would not be here where I am without his Constance support. This is what he told me and it is stuck in my head... The deaf can do anything expect to hear. And it is what it is go out there and show the world what I can do despite my deafness. He believed in me. Thank you from the bottom of my heart and To Joyce and all his families may God be with you at this difficult time. April McGhen
Jeff Brown
December 18, 2013
I met John when he and I were about 10 years old and classmates in Point Pleasant, NJ. We found common ground and were immediate friends. He was always intelligent well beyond his years and frequently called “professor” even back then. He always had strong opinions and loved to discuss whatever was on his mind. We remained close through our school years and then worked at the same place briefly not long after we graduated. We lost touch over the years and last spoke a few years ago via email. He was still the same John I remembered. As I read his tributes today, I see that he found the life he always deserved. Jeff Brown
Kelly Gilliam
December 18, 2013
Dr. C will be greatly missed. I enjoyed his class' very much and learned so
Much that I can share with others. he will always be remembered and appreciated. God bless his family .
Laura Coratti- John'S Sister
December 18, 2013
Laura Coratti- John's Sister lit a candle in memory of Dr. John Edward Coratti
Leah Cates
December 18, 2013
" I am so sorry to hear of Dr Coratti's passing. He was my favorite professor ever. I went back to school in my 30's and had him for several classes, as I was a criminal justice major. He was always so supportive, telling me I could do it not to get discouraged!! I saw him a couple years later at Target, I was with my son. He immediately recognized me, and told me I was one of the best students he ever taught. Really meant a lot to me and made me look great to my son! lol terrible loss!!
Sarah
December 18, 2013
I am so sorry for your loss. He was an amazing professor and I thank God I was able to be in his philosophy class. He was so funny and caring. I loved hearing his stories from when he was young. He definetly made his 8am class fun! You will be greatly missed Dr. C.
Billie Young
December 18, 2013
Dr. Coratti was like a father to me, he was always there when I needed just to talk. He pushed me to do my best and be my best in everything I did.
Billie Young
December 18, 2013
Billie Young lit a candle in memory of Dr. John Edward Coratti
Debbie Guilbeaux
December 18, 2013
Debbie Guilbeaux lit a candle in memory of Dr. John Edward Coratti
Vicki Jowers
December 18, 2013
Vicki Jowers lit a candle in memory of Dr. John Edward Coratti
Krysta
December 18, 2013
Dr. Coratti was a professor of mine at LSC-O. He was one of my favorites teachers ever. When a gym teacher at LSC-O bullied me and made me cry. Dr. Coratti defended me and let me cry in his office. I always thought of him as a great man. I was really surprised to hear that he passed.
Pat Daily
December 18, 2013
The Coratti Family,I am so sorry for your loss. I remember John from years ago hanging out with Linda.He was always reading or watching TV when I was there. He had a goal in life.He did it became DR John Coratti.You are all in my thoughts . What a birthday present for your mom. May he RIP Love you all Pat Dunworth
Ann Marie
December 18, 2013
I was so sad to hear that John had passed. I knew him many, many moons ago in NJ, and he never failed to make me laugh! Like others have said, he was probably one of the most intelligent people I've ever met. he will be missed.
Kevin Norton
December 18, 2013
I'm sorry for your loss. I was not a student of Dr. Coratti, but as a law enforcement officer, I was invited to speak to his classes on several occasions. He was always very friendly and appreciative toward those of us who took time to talk to his students. I always had a good laugh when I would get to visit with him. From everything I have seen, he loves his students and they loved him just as much in return. Future generations of criminal justice students and professionals will definitely miss out from not having the opportunity to know him.
Laura Coratti- John'S Sister
December 18, 2013
14 files added to the tribute wall
Fr. Kevin L. Badeaux
December 17, 2013
Dear Joyce and family, Please accept my prayers and sincerest condolences. In Christ's love, Fr. Kevin L. Badeaux
Sarah Gammill
December 17, 2013
My condolences to John's family. He was my criminal justice professor so long ago and I also knew Joyce, Michael & Chasity. He was such a wonderful professor & man in general. I'm keeping you in my prayers. Sarah "Mathews" Gammill
Barbara Robnett
December 17, 2013
I worked with John for many years at LSC-O for many years. He was a great instructor and friend. He also taught my son, Kevin, and has followed his career. Kevin is now a lawyer like John. Kevin respected him so much and John considered himself as Kevin's mentor. I live in Austin now, but was in Orange last month. I saw John, we hugged and he told me to tell Kevin hello. Lamar will not be the same without him but he will be remembered forever. Barbara Robentt
Jerry Winfrey
December 17, 2013
Dr. Coratti was a very intelligent man and like many said maybe the most intelligent I have ever met. He was a great professor too. He taught me a lot about my craft in criminal justice. But those are not the reasons I and others will miss him. He was great human being. He inspired everone he came in contact with to do better. He wanted no less than your best, and knew how to bring it out of you. He picked you up when you where down, and was not above kicking you in the pants when you were wrong and needed it, He is the reason I graduated from Lamar State College and continue at Lamar. He was and always will be my friend. His pasion, compassion and instruction will always motivate me to be the best at what I do in life and never quit learning. He was not just a professor but at teacher. He taught us academically, and also morality. He will live through all those he imparted knowlege upon. I love and miss you. May his memory be eternal! -Jerry Winfrey
Baylee Risinger
December 17, 2013
To the Coratti family
My name is Baylee Risinger I am 14 and my mom was a student of Dr. Coratti. He was so important to her and she would talk for hours about his classes and the society, when she became President I got to come along to the meetings and events and once he saw I was responsible he would let me help and then began to expect just as much from me as he did everyone else. Last semester I got the honor of being the youngest member ever inducted into the Criminal Justice Society at 14 and his love of Criminal Justice and for all of us helped me decide that I want to be in the criminal justice field when I grow up. I will miss him so much.
Jo Lynn Davis
December 17, 2013
I'm truly going to miss you my very amazing, smart and sweet friend. He was my Criminal Justice professor but I was also honored to call him my FRIEND! He was one of the smartest men I have ever had the privilege to know. It was great experience to be his sidekick for my two years as president of the criminal justice society.
R.I.P. Dr. John Edward Coratti you WILL be missed!! I will never forget you or the things you have taught me. Thank you for being My Mentor and My Friend!!!
Ann Anderson
December 17, 2013
Ann Anderson lit a candle in memory of Dr. John Edward Coratti
Ann Anderson
December 17, 2013
It was an honor to be a student off a great teacher, Dr. Coratti we will all miss you, and I will miss the hi how are you, when I would see him at wal mart and Roberts steak house. He was truly a great man.
Jennifer Coulter
December 17, 2013
You will be so greatly missed. You left this earth as a legacy. Rip. Lamar won't be the same.
Jessica Malish
December 17, 2013
I along with many others had Dr. Coratti. I am so honored to have been able to get my degree in Criminal Justice under him. Future criminal justice majors have no idea what they are missing out on.
Laura Swanson Sholander
December 17, 2013
Laura Swanson Sholander lit a candle in memory of Dr. John Edward Coratti
Stephen Coratti
December 17, 2013
We will miss you big Brother!! We will keep you always in our hearts!!!! Say hi to Peter O'Toole for me one of your favorite actors who died at the same time as you!! I will miss our talks of movies and plays and memories!!
Michele L Swanson
December 17, 2013
Michele L Swanson lit a candle in memory of Dr. John Edward Coratti
Carrie Chambliss
December 17, 2013
John will be dearly missed. He always had a smile on his face. I enjoyed talking to him whenever i ran in to him and joyce. Heaven got a very sweet angel in John Coratti. My deeepest sympathy, Carrie Chambliss
Amanda Keaton
December 17, 2013
Dr. Coratti was such an amazing and smart man. I really enjoyed every class I had with him as my instructor. The day I graduated from Lamar he was there to cheer me on as he did throughout my struggles in college. I will always remember his advice and beliefs. He was a great influence in my life. I'm going to miss him. I know he loved his family dearly and I pray for their loss.
Emily Brush
December 17, 2013
Emily Brush lit a candle in memory of Dr. John Edward Coratti
Max Daniel
December 17, 2013
I picked John up from the airport when he first came to Orange for an interview and we have been good friends ever since---spending long hours revising the criminal justice program, attending conventions, and discussing the best ways to teach students. He would come to my office every afternoon and want to talk about work, but I would always try to turn the conversation to movies, television, and books. I would mention an old 1930s movie I saw and John would know the actors and director. We both loved science fiction. He tended to take himself very seriously, but we treated him just like one of the guys and he soon revealed his good nature and sense of humor. When he would use local slang we would tell him he was a real Texan now, but he insisted he was still a Yankee. He tried to talk me out of retiring because he would miss our afternoon talks----I miss them, too. ----Max Daniel
Tiffany Rainey
December 17, 2013
Tiffany Rainey lit a candle in memory of Dr. John Edward Coratti
Tiffany Rainey
December 17, 2013
I wasn't surprised to read that Dr. Coratti's siblings have planned a Viking memorial to relive their fond memories of building forts together and having mock sword fights, presumably when they were children. Long before I enrolled in Philosophy, I heard about and looked forward to the mock trials that all his students were required to participate in (I was the prosecutor for my class, lol). It makes perfect sense, really. Dr. Coratti never forgot how to play. What a guy.
Eric Englund
December 17, 2013
I keep thinking us hanging out every summer walking to video store everyday U were a great uncle an I'll miss u forever
Valerie Newman
December 17, 2013
John and I were classmates and friends at Point Pleasant Borough High School. Although I only saw John once or twice after High School, he has a dear place in my heart full of wonderful, fun time memories including making a Native American movie for history class and lots of social activities at friends' houses. John was a unique individual and as I read his obituary of all his accomplishments, I regret we did not stay in touch. In my high school yearbook he wrote,"Government is supposed to be a temporary state of affairs, not an extended agony." I smile as I think of those times. My sincere sympathy to the family and to the world for a loss of a great man. Valerie (Herman) Newman
Nicole Risinger
December 17, 2013
To the Coratti family,
Thank you for sharing such an amazing man with us many others. I was a student of Dr. Coratti for several years because until I met him I was unsure what I wanted to be when I finally decided to grow up. He not only helped me make that decision but walked with me every step to make sure I never fell. I graduated one year ago yet could not stay away. I am still an active member of the society he cared so much about. How do you say goodbye to such a great man who had an impact on so many people? I cannot say goodbye but I can say Thank You!
Linda Vardaman
December 17, 2013
I did not know John personally but through his sister Laura Ann I have come to know your entire family. What I know is that this family loves with all of their hearts. When one of them is lost the entire family is there to support and love one another even more, if that is possible. I heard great words about this man, their brother, their son , their uncle, a husband, a scholar. So many titles to explain who this kind and warm hearted man is and what he meant to each and everyone of you. If someone's memory will be honored it shall be his. He had a wish to have a viking send off and his family has honored that on his behalf. With great sadness in their hearts they found strength in each other to make sure their big brother's wish was fulfilled. Together you will cry, you will laugh, you will tell stories of your life together and through it all you will feel such gratitude. For each of you have a story and through those stories John will live in all your hearts forever. I am so very sorry for the loss you all feel. It is one that is hard to comprehend. But your love for one another will carry you through the sadness and bring you light as the days move forward. Love Linda Vardaman
Sierra Dyche
December 17, 2013
Dr. Coratti was a amazing professor and I will miss our discussion of Zombies and The Walking Dead, you truly brighten my day every day at LSC-O. Thanks for being such a wonderful friend to all of your students. Sierra Dyche
Grant Klein
December 17, 2013
Dr. Coratti was an amazing professor.
I honestly believe that along with my family, wife, and son, he helped me to graduate from Lamar Beaumont this past weekend. I live 3hrs away now and was just telling myself that I needed to drive in on a week day go visit with him.
My condolences to his family, he was a great man.
David Coratti
December 17, 2013
John and I grew up together and were very different. He wanted to watch Shakespeare and I wanted to watch a football game. We did not always get along, but we loved each other. Ironically, we both went into education to help others grow and become successful adults. Reading the tributes, I know he cared very much for his students. He will always be my big brother and I will miss him. I know he is with mom now and will watch over us. I am glad we are doing the Viking tribute. We use to make forts and battle with shields and wooden swords when we were younger. The family will not be the same down here without you, but we are stronger because of you. Your brother Dave will be always be thinking of you.
Brenna M Wheatley
December 17, 2013
To the Coratti family, I have been one of Dr. Coratti's students for the last year and a half and he has been a mentor to me since the first time I met him. He fought for me to have my military credit transferred over and to be able to take his classes. He was the one that encouraged me to do my internship at the USAO in Beaumont and I have benefitted greatly from it thanks to Dr. Coratti. In the last couple of weeks I was helping him and Joyce by taking him to his Doctors' appts and I am glad that I got to have that extra time with him outside of school. He was an awesome person and will always be in my heart. My deepest condolences to the whole family here and in Jersey. Brenna M Wheatley (student)
Laura Coratti ( Sister)
December 17, 2013
My big brother John. I hope you like the obit I wrote...I know I know it could of been longer. Hey, its hard writing through tears. The final curtain of life came down on you..but you know your memory will live on forever. I am next in line with our seven siblings..and we will always be our circle of seven. Give Mommie, Grandma, Judy, Rick and All The Coratti and Johnson clan in Heaven a hug. We are going to have your Viking burial at sea Dec 26 th ..I am sure you will watch from above to make sure your orders all these years are carried out. I will always love you and miss you. We do find comfort knowing you are in Mommies arms and tomorrow is her birthday. Good bye for a moment while your Viking ship sails to Heaven.
Vicki Jowers
December 17, 2013
My name is Vicki Jowers and I was one of Dr. Coratti's many students. He was one of the best professors, that I ever had and he taught me so much. He believed in me and taught me to believe in myself. Dr. Coratti is the reason that I am now working on my Master's Degree. I cannot tell you how wonderful he was to his students, and how much he cared for his students and wanted us all to succeed. I will miss him very much, and my prayers go out to his family and friends. Rest in peace Dr. Coratti!
Linda Englund
December 17, 2013
John, I will miss you very much. You are with Mommie now keeping her company. We will keep an eye on Joyce to make sure she is ok.There will be a big void in our family now., Love Linda
Pamela Coratti
December 17, 2013
My Beloved Brother, We shall miss you very much, I shall miss our talks, our laughter, your concern for the family....everything. I will be looking at my phone every Saturday waiting for it to ring...hoping...then remembering you are with Mommy now. I know how you missed her so it is comforting for me to know that you are together. May peace come to your lovely wife Joyce, we love you Joyce. Love you with all my heart, Good Night Sweet Prince....Your Loving Sister Pammi and Jose.
Michelle Picard
December 17, 2013
Dr Coratti was loved by many and was a great man. I saw him motivate student in my 4 years at LSCO with his uncanny ways. His, "It is what it is" philosophy. He taught me many things one of them being that I should never give up in my quest for knowledge. I will always carry in my heart the lessons I learned from this great man.-----Michelle Williams
Michelle Picard
December 17, 2013
1 file added to the album New Album Name