George Richard Corsiglia, age 87, of the Saugatuck-Douglas area, passed away on Sunday, Jan. 29, 2023 at the Clark Home in Grand Rapids, after a two-year period of failing health.
He is survived by his wife of 40 years, Sandra “Sandy,” his sister, Irene English of Grand Rapids, and several nieces, nephews and grand and great-grand nieces and nephews.
George was preceded in death by his parents and four siblings: Donald, Joseph, Louise and Jeanette; also a nephew, Jim DeYoung and a great-nephews, Jimmie Guthrie,
Born and raised in Kalamazoo to Italian immigrants, Anthonio and Rosa, he became enamored with laws as a young man, often veering off his paper route to visit the courtrooms in the Kalamazoo Courthouse to watch the proceedings. There he developed a true passion for the law.
He followed through with his dream of becoming a lawyer, starting his education at St. John’s University, where his studies were interrupted when called to serve in the U.S. Army.
After fulfilling that service, he finished his undergraduate studies at the University of Michigan, then earned his juris doctorate in 1960 from the Detroit College of Law.
His professional career was established after joining the law firm of Morris & Culver in Kalamazoo, zoon becoming a partner in that firm. He enjoyed the general practice of law, but also served in the capacity of assistant city attorney, practicing prosecutorial law for the City of Kalamazoo, and general law for the cities of Plainwell, Otsego and Fennville, fulfilling his dream as a child.
In 1972, he was appointed District Judge, by Gov. William Milliken, to the 57th District Court in Allegan, then again in 1974 to the newly-established 48th Circuit Court, where he continued in the position of Circuit Court Judge for 36 years, retiring at the end of 2010. He was highly respected but known as a “tough judge” and recognized as one of the longest-serving Circuit judges in the State of Michigan.
Outside of the courtroom, George’s life was simple. He had a passion for reading and loved animals, having enjoyed the company of pets for the entirety of his life.
A private Catholic mass (family only) will be celebrated. There will be no visitation. A private burial will take place in Kalamazoo.