Thomas P. Corbett
Thomas Patrick Corbett (September 15, 1914 – May 10, 1995) was an American lawyer, politician, and judge. He was a Wisconsin Circuit Court Judge for ten years in Racine County. He also served one term in the Wisconsin State Assembly.
The Honorable Thomas P. Corbett | |
---|---|
Wisconsin Circuit Court Judge for the Racine Circuit, Branch 2 | |
In office August 1, 1978 – July 31, 1979 | |
Preceded by | Transitioned from 21st Circ. |
Succeeded by | Stephen A. Simanek |
Wisconsin Circuit Court Judge for the 21st Circuit, Branch 2 | |
In office July 1969 – July 31, 1978 | |
Preceded by | Position Established |
Succeeded by | Transitioned to Racine Circ. |
Member of the Wisconsin State Assembly from the Racine 1st district | |
In office January 6, 1941 – January 4, 1943 | |
Preceded by | John L. Sieb |
Succeeded by | Carl C. Christensen |
Personal details | |
Born | Thomas Patrick Corbett September 13, 1914 Marinette, Wisconsin |
Died | May 10, 1995 80) King, Wisconsin | (aged
Resting place | Calvary Catholic Cemetery Racine, Wisconsin |
Political party | Republican |
Spouse(s) |
|
Children |
|
Mother | Georgine (Allen) Corbett |
Father | William J. Corbett |
Education | |
Profession | lawyer, judge |
Military service | |
Allegiance | |
Branch/service | |
Years of service | 1943–1945 |
Rank | |
Battles/wars | World War II |
Biography
Born in Marinette, Wisconsin, Corbett and his family moved to Racine, Wisconsin, in 1918.[1] Corbett graduated from St. Catherine's High School and then received his bachelor's degree from Marquette University and his law degree from Marquette University Law School. He briefly practiced law, but was elected to the Wisconsin State Assembly in his first year out of law school, representing the city of Racine, Wisconsin, as a Republican.[1] He served in the legislature for two years, then, in 1943, enlisted with the United States Navy for service in World War II.[2]
He returned from the war in 1945 and resumed his law practice. In 1949, the Racine city council appointed him City Attorney, where he remained for the next thirteen years. In 1961, he was elected to one of the newly created branches of the Racine County court and was instrumental in establishing the court in Burlington, Wisconsin, in the far western part of the county. He served there until his election as a judge of the Racine-based 21st circuit in 1969. His service bridged the 1978 reorganization of Wisconsin trial courts, which saw the circuit and county courts merged, and finished his judicial service in 1979 as a judge of the Racine circuit.[2]
After his retirement, Corbett served as a reserve judge in Racine and Waushara counties.[2]
Corbett died at the Veteran's Home in King, Wisconsin.[2]
Family
Corbett married Lucille K. "Terry" Tarro in 1942. They had two children.
Electoral history
Party | Candidate | Votes | % | ± | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Primary Election, September 1940 | |||||
Republican | Thomas P. Corbett | 2,681 | 46.96% | ||
Democratic | Adolphe L. Pezanoski | 1,747 | 30.60% | ||
Progressive | John L. Sieb (incumbent) | 1,281 | 22.44% | ||
Total votes | '5,709' | '100.0%' | |||
General Election, November 1940 | |||||
Republican | Thomas P. Corbett | 5,314 | 43.27% | ||
Progressive | John L. Sieb (incumbent) | 4,102 | 33.40% | ||
Democratic | Adolphe L. Pezanoski | 2,864 | 23.32% | ||
Total votes | '12,280' | '100.0%' | |||
Republican gain from Progressive |
Notes
- Ohm, Howard F.; Bryhan, Leone G., eds. (1942). "Members of the legislature". The Wisconsin Blue Book, 1942 (Report). State of Wisconsin. p. 62.
- Transcript of Memorial Service, Racine County, Wisconsin Circuit Court, March 22, 1996 Archived March 4, 2016, at the Wayback Machine
- Ohm, Howard F.; Bryhan, Leone G., eds. (1942). "Parties and elections". The Wisconsin Blue Book, 1942 (Report). State of Wisconsin. pp. 596, 670.
Legal offices | ||
---|---|---|
Preceded by New branch |
Judge for the Racine County Court, Branch 3 1961 – 1969 |
Succeeded by Richard G. Harvey, Jr. |
Preceded by New branch |
Wisconsin Circuit Court Judge for the 21st Circuit, Branch 2 1969 – 1978 |
Succeeded by Circuit abolished |
Preceded by New circuit |
Wisconsin Circuit Court Judge for the Racine Circuit, Branch 2 1978 – 1979 |
Succeeded by Stephen A. Simanek |