pete corso: humanitarian, friend
DEEP ROOTS
Pete Corso’s roots go deep in Central Illinois. He was born and raised in Kincaid, Illinois, and spent his entire working life in Taylorville, Illinois.
Pete’s roots go even deeper into the hearts and lives of the many people he helped during his life. Some of these people were his clients at the Christian County Mental Health Association, where Pete worked as a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor for 36 years. Customers of Naturals Health Food Stores, with locations in both Taylorville and Springfield, also speak highly of Pete’s knowledge and compassion, and his unfailing service.
After graduating from Kincaid High School, Pete earned a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology from the University of Illinois Springfield (then Sangamon State University) in 1976 and a Master’s degree in Psychology in 1997.
KNOWN FOR HIS EMPATHY
He began working at the Christian County Mental Health Association in 1974. During his years as a Counselor, among many other duties and responsibilities, he authored policy and procedures for the Association, developed a DUI education program, conducted mental health assessments for children, adolescents, adults, and families, and provided services to clients. He also trained and supervised personnel providing group home services for the mentally ill.
Pete was known especially for his empathy. Barbara Brauer, Pete’s fiancée, tells the story of her first day working at the Christian County Mental Health Association. Seeing that she was a little nervous, Pete pulled a rubber chicken out of his desk drawer to lighten the mood. “That is how Pete was with everyone,” Barbara says. “He always showed great empathy and compassion.”
MAKING PEOPLE LAUGH
Pete also loved to tell stories—the more outrageous the better, according to his friends. He would often start his whoppers by saying “This is for real,” or “I have a joke, but I’m not sure I should tell it.” A master storyteller, he would then wait as the suspense built before telling the story. One of his greatest joys was to bring laughter into the lives of the people around him.
Pete died on Saturday, July 12, 2010. According to one testimonial given at Pete’s funeral, “Pete Corso’s main desire in life was to help and heal people in any way he could, by any means he had available, even if it meant a small or a great sacrifice on his part.”
KEEP HIS INFLUENCE GOING
Friend Tom Lacy said, “Pete is and will remain a good reminder of the fact that no matter how much bad stuff, influences and people we encounter, there are genuinely good people in this world and their influence will continue long after their physical presence has faded.”
Through The Pete Corso Humanitarian Scholarship, raised by his friends and loved ones, his influence will continue and grow in the lives of the student recipients.