Justin D’Eloia Captures Matthew Corcoran Scholarship Award

Matthew Corcoran was an entirely likeable fellow with a kind and considerate disposition and a wonderful personality and sense of humor. He was popular with his classmates at Huntington High School, graduating with the Class of 2013. When he passed away unexpectedly it came as a shock to everyone, especially his loving family.

The Corcoran family has deep roots in Huntington and Mr. Corcoran’s brother, Michael is currently on the science department faculty at the high school.

While trying to make sense of a terrible tragedy, the Corcoran decided to create a scholarship award in Matthew Corcoran’s name and honor and to present it annually to a graduating senior.

Corcoran family members assembled on the high school auditorium stage to present the first scholarship at the annual senior awards ceremony. It was an emotional event and the crowd of 300 lent its support to the family. Mr. Corcoran passed away on June 18, 2024.

The first ever Matthew Corcoran Memorial Scholarship in the amount of $1,000 was presented to Justin D’Eloia. He intends to study maritime services and be a member of the regiment at SUNY Maritime College.

Mr. Corcoran was well known throughout Huntington. He worked at the Huntington Yacht Club, rising to the rank of captain and assistant dock master. Mr. D’Eloia has also worked at the Huntington Yacht Club and he shares a love for the water with Mr. Corcoran.

At Huntington High School, Mr. D’Eloia played for three years on the varsity basketball team, serving as captain as a senior. “Justin wore the uniform with pride,” Blue Devil head coach Peter Lipka said. “The look on his face when told he made varsity his sophomore year spoke volumes. He played with passion for the blue uniform.”

The teenager also played on Huntington’s Unified Sports varsity basketball team, helping to develop the talents and skills of the Special Olympians on the roster. During Mr. D’Eloia’s time with the Unified basketball team, the Blue Devils had one of the best programs in Suffolk.

“Being awarded the Corcoran scholarship was an incredible honor for me. I feel very touched that his family chose me to carry his legacy on through the next chapter of my life.”

“Being awarded the Corcoran scholarship is an incredible honor for me,” Mr. D’Eloia said. “I feel very touched that his family chose me to carry his legacy on through the next chapter of my life.”