Floral Park’s William “Bill” Corbett died Jan. 30 at the age of 85. Corbett was a former village justice, veteran and founder of Corbett Public Relations.

Corbett’s wife, Ann, is a former mayor of the village and the first woman elected to the position in the more than 100-year history of the village. 

“My father was known throughout the community for always wanting to help people and going out of his way for them,” Corbett’s son, Bill Jr., told Blank Slate Media. “What he truly loved most was his family. He was married to my mom for 56 years and they were truly inseparable life partners. He was very proud of her when she first became mayor of Floral Park and was always proud of all his children.”

Corbett was born in Williamsburg, Brooklyn, to John and Mildred Corbett before moving to Astoria and leaving at the age of 8 for Floral Park. It was from there that he made a lasting impact in the village he would call home for over 77 years.

“Floral Park has been known for a strong sense of community involvement for decades.  Bill Corbett is one of the few who took that to another level,” current Mayor Kevin Fitzgerald said. “His involvement in the community will resonate in Floral Park for decades to come. He was not only a great friend but a mentor to all who sought his sage advice on almost any topic”

A graduate of Sewanhaka High School, Corbett was captain of the Floral Park Civil Defense Junior Rescue, a Boy Scout and member of the Nassau DeMolay Chapter, a youth leadership organization that honored him with a lifetime achievement award in 2021.

Bill Jr. spoke glowingly of his father’s service as a member of the U.S. Air Force after graduating from Hobart College in 1959. Corbett served in the 63rd Troop Carrier Wing of the U.S. Air Force in Greenville, S.C. He went on missions to 19 countries and served as chief information officer on Operation Deepfreeze in Antarctica for two years.

While in Antarctica, Corbett shared news and research based on his responsibilities with members of the media during a time most explorers visited the continent. 

“He was a patriot that loved our country,” Bill Jr. said. “He worked with these organizations that fostered American ideals and freedom where tyranny reigned.”

While remaining with the Air Force Reserve, he was again called to duty during the Cuban Missile Crisis in 1962. He was recognized for his service with the Air Force Commendation Medal, Cold War Service Certificate, National Defense Medal, Armed Forces Expedition Medal, Outstanding Unit Award and New York State Conspicuous Service Medal.

In total, Corbett traveled to over 70 countries. Bill Jr. recalled that while stationed in New Zealand, his father introduced the Chubby Checkers’ song “The Twist” and its dance when he and fellow officers appeared on TV and brought his 45 RPM vinyl record to local radio stations. 

President Ronald Reagan appointed Corbett to serve on the Communications Advisory Committee of the United States Information Agency. It was in this capacity that he traveled extensively, including many countries behind the Iron Curtain, a political boundary that divided Europe from the end of World War II to the end of the Cold War in 1991.

Corbett graduated from Fordham Law School in 1963 after attending Albany Law School for two years. His legal career entailed serving as a criminal defense trial attorney for the Nassau County Legal Aid Society and Nassau County assistant district attorney working in the District Court and law departments.

Corbett was a sole practitioner attorney in the village for over three decades and served the village as the prosecuting attorney and justice for more than 20 years, a position he left once his wife was elected mayor. His village endeavors extended to civic associations, local organizations and chambers. 

In the PR field, Corbett was a director of public relations for Avon Products Inc. and vice president of communications for the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants. In 1990, he founded Corbett Public Relations Inc., where his son is president. 

Corbett is survived by his wife Ann, sons Bill Jr. and Spencer, daughter Sally and four grandchildren.