Chester C. "Pete" Corse, Jr.

Attorney Chester C. “Pete” Corse, Jr., 84 of Pottsville died Monday at Green Valley Skilled Nursing and Rehabilitation, Pottsville.

He was born February 17, 1940, in Pittsburgh, a son of the late Chester C. Sr., and Elizabeth Scanlan Corse.

He was a 1957 graduate of Perry High School, Pittsburgh. He received his Bachelor of Arts degree in 1962 and his Juris Doctor in 1967, both from the University of Pittsburgh. While in law school, he was selected as a Law Research Fellow at the University of Pittsburgh Health Law Center.

He passed his bar examination on November 16, 1965. In his fifty-five years as an Attorney, he had been admitted to the United States District Court for the Western District of Pennsylvania and the Pennsylvania Superior Court in 1965, the Pennsylvania Supreme Court in 1966, the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania in 1970, the Commonwealth Court of Pennsylvania in 1988, and the United States Court of Appeals for the Third Circuit in 2010. He was also admitted to the the Allegheny County Court of Common Pleas and the Schuylkill County Court of Common Pleas as well as several other courts throughout Pennsylvania. On September 19, 1969, he came to Pottsville and joined the law firm of Williamson, Friedberg and Jones where he remained as an attorney and long-time partner throughout his career.

While in Pottsville Pete served as Solicitor for the Borough of Palo Alto, Schuylkill County Government Study Commission, the Borough of Deer Lake, Schuylkill County Treasurer, Borough of Shenandoah, Schuylkill County Transportation Authority, Redevelopment Authority of Pottsville, Schuylkill Haven Borough Municipal Authority, Mahanoy Township and Butler Township Zoning Hearing Boards.

He served in the Army Reserve for twelve years, including two years on active duty where he attained the rank of Captain and served at Fort Drum, New York.

Pete was a member of St. Patrick Roman Catholic Church, Pottsville, Pennsylvania Bar Association where he served as Zone 2 Governor, Treasurer, Chairman of the Grants Committee, Chairman and Vice Chairman of the Legal Ethics and Professions Responsibility Committee and House of Delegates, Conference of County Bar Leaders where he served as President and Executive Committee member, Schuylkill County Bar Association where he served as Secretary, Treasurer, Vice-President, and President, the former Good Samaritan Regional Medical Center Hospital Foundation, Panel Member for Congressman Matthew Cartwright Military Academy Review Panel, and the Allegheny County Bar Association. He was also a PIAA official for Swimming, Past President and Board Member of the Schuylkill County Cancer Society, and former Board Member of Schuylkill County Chamber of Commerce.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Norma G. Corse on December 23, 2018; and a sister, JoAnn Stone.

Surviving are two daughters, Kerry Corse Campion and her husband Thomas, Pottsville and Daun Corse Phillips, Orwigsburg; three grandchildren, Sarah Corse Campion, Jonathan Peter Phillips, Jr., and Andrew Corse Phillips.

Married for fifty-three years, Pete is fondly remembered for his storytelling as he had a colorful childhood which enriched his ability to give advice and guidance. Pete was a mentor to many and will be remembered by his daughters and their families for his wisdom and unparalleled love and support.

Pete especially enjoyed traveling with his family to the beach. As his children and grandchildren grew, these trips became more meaningful and none would miss the opportunity to spend time with the grandfather they adored.

One of Pete's proudest moments came when he commissioned his grandson Jonathan on the lawn of Independence Hall to start his grandson’s career in the Air Force.

Pete's deep commitment to family has touched his grandchildren in many ways in their lives and even though their beloved Grandy has passed away. They will carry his values and guidance throughout their lifetimes.

The family would like to thank the kind staff of Green Valley with particular thanks to Suzette Frantz, Pete's caretaker. Suzette took Pete on many wonderful adventures and became an important part of our family's daily routine.

Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated 11AM Monday, March 18 at St. Patrick Roman Catholic Church, Pottsville. Family and friends are invited to a viewing from 9AM until the time of mass. Interment with military honors will follow in St. John No. 2 Cemetery, Pottsville. The family would prefer remembrance in the form of contributions in memory of Pete be made to St. Patrick Memorial Fund, 319 Mahantongo St., Pottsville, PA 17901. Arrangements are under the care of James E. Humphrey Funeral Home, Pottsville.

Please share your memories and condolences with Pete’s family by signing the guest book at www.jehumphreyfuneralhome.com