Obituary for George Joseph Corso
George Joseph Corso, age 81, passed away Thursday, March 9, 2023. George grew up in the famous Back of the Yards neighborhood of Chicago with a father who worked in the meat packing industry, and was a graduate of St. Augustine High School, where he ran the rocket club and stacked pins in the school's bowling alley. He then proceeded on to DePaul University where he earned his Bachelor's Degree in Physics followed by a PhD in astronomy from Northwestern University, becoming the first person in his immediate family to obtain a doctorate degree.
George had an illustrious career teaching astronomy and researching at DePaul University, Northwestern University, Loyola University, Indiana University and the University of Virginia. He was an avid reader and loved all things astronomical and of antiquity. In addition to teaching, he frequently studied the stars through telescopes at Yerkes Observatory and was a frequent presenter at the Chicago Adler Planetarium. He built a backyard Multiverse outdoor art model, and was an aficionado of classical, folk, and big band jazz music.
Although never married, George served as caretaker for his mother Genevieve Corso and emotional support for his Aunt Cecilia Szymanski, visiting her nearly daily in her nursing home for many years. He has served as emotional support for his neighbors and his friends, as well as doing everything he could to assist his sister Barbara Matthei and serving as a doting uncle to her children, Carolyn Matthei and Jeremy Matthei.
As a life-long resident of Chicago's south side, he loved going to local restaurants (especially Jen's Guesthouse, Starlight, and all the local Chinese buffets), visiting the forest preserves around Bullfrog Lake, and going to live community jazz and classical concerts. As an amateur photographer, he consistently took photos of his journeys to the forest preserves, and proudly shared them with everyone he could. He was a man of many interests and talents.
George is survived by his sister Barbara Matthei and her children, Carolyn Matthei and Jeremy Matthei as well as many cousins. He is preceded in death by his parents, George and Genevieve (Rusin) Corso.
Visitation Monday 4 to 8 P.M. Funeral Tuesday 9:15 A.M. from Lawn Funeral Home, 7909 State Road (5500W) Burbank, IL 60459, to Queen of the Universe Church Mass 10 A.M. Interment Resurrection Cemetery. Funeral Info 708-636-2320.
George had an illustrious career teaching astronomy and researching at DePaul University, Northwestern University, Loyola University, Indiana University and the University of Virginia. He was an avid reader and loved all things astronomical and of antiquity. In addition to teaching, he frequently studied the stars through telescopes at Yerkes Observatory and was a frequent presenter at the Chicago Adler Planetarium. He built a backyard Multiverse outdoor art model, and was an aficionado of classical, folk, and big band jazz music.
Although never married, George served as caretaker for his mother Genevieve Corso and emotional support for his Aunt Cecilia Szymanski, visiting her nearly daily in her nursing home for many years. He has served as emotional support for his neighbors and his friends, as well as doing everything he could to assist his sister Barbara Matthei and serving as a doting uncle to her children, Carolyn Matthei and Jeremy Matthei.
As a life-long resident of Chicago's south side, he loved going to local restaurants (especially Jen's Guesthouse, Starlight, and all the local Chinese buffets), visiting the forest preserves around Bullfrog Lake, and going to live community jazz and classical concerts. As an amateur photographer, he consistently took photos of his journeys to the forest preserves, and proudly shared them with everyone he could. He was a man of many interests and talents.
George is survived by his sister Barbara Matthei and her children, Carolyn Matthei and Jeremy Matthei as well as many cousins. He is preceded in death by his parents, George and Genevieve (Rusin) Corso.
Visitation Monday 4 to 8 P.M. Funeral Tuesday 9:15 A.M. from Lawn Funeral Home, 7909 State Road (5500W) Burbank, IL 60459, to Queen of the Universe Church Mass 10 A.M. Interment Resurrection Cemetery. Funeral Info 708-636-2320.