Vincent Anthony Kordack

Vincent Anthony Kordack

1923 – 2019

Vincent Anthony Kordack, 96, of Bedford, New Hampshire passed away Friday, September 6, 2019. Born in Wheeling, West Virginia on January 19, 1923, Vin attended McKinley Trade School and enlisted in the U.S. Navy in 1942. He was assigned to the 6th Naval Beach Battalion and landed on Omaha Beach on D-Day, June 6, 1944. As a Pharmacist’s Mate, he was awarded the Bronze Star, the Combat Medic Badge and the French Croix de Guerre. The Battalion was also honored with a Presidential Unit Citation for their bravery. In 1944, Vin was assigned to the USS New Kent (APA-217) in the Pacific Theater and participated in landings on the islands of Leyte and Okinawa.

Following his discharge in 1946, he attended West Liberty State College where he met his wife Verna Marshall. He graduated in 1951 with a degree in Biology and a minor in Art. Vin and Vern married on August 26, 1950 and moved to Maryland in 1951 for Vin to accept a job teaching Industrial Shop and Art at Henry E. Lackey High School in Indian Head. He taught at Lackey until 1962, working alongside his wife Vern for six years. He was a beloved teacher staying in touch with many of his students until his passing.

In 1962, Vin moved to Gwynn Park Senior High School in Brandywine, Maryland. While there, he taught Industrial Shop and Art and launched the Work Study program. This innovative curriculum was modeled by many Maryland schools and Vin was recognized by the state board of education for pioneering this program. Vin retired from teaching in 1979 and launched a successful wood working and furniture repair business which allowed him to share his creative talents with many local families in Southern Maryland. He ran this business until 1998.

Vin and Vern resided in La Plata for 50 years where they attended Christ Episcopal Church. Vin was also a member of Post 82 of the American Legion, the Veterans of Foreign War, the Lions Club, and was the first pack master of Cub Scout Pack 1423. In 2008, Vin and Vern moved to Bedford, New Hampshire to reside closer to their children and grandchildren.

Vin lived life to the fullest and brought happiness everywhere he went. His booming voice and outgoing personality were his signature traits. He loved working with his hands, being outdoors, his pets, organizing 6th Naval Beach Battalion reunions, socializing with friends and being with his beloved family. He leaves behind his wife of 69 years, Verna Marshall Kordack; two children Vincent Marshall Kordack, wife Jamie; Susan Kordack Swain, husband Robert; two grandchildren, Robert Preston Swain and Reed Kathryn Swain; brother-in-law Howard Marshall; many nieces and nephews and close friends. 

Visitation is 5:00 – 7:00 p.m. on Friday, September 13 at Arehart-Echols Funeral Home in La Plata. A service will be held on Saturday, September 14 at 9:30 a.m. at Christ Episcopal Church in La Plata with a burial immediately following at Mount Rest Cemetery. 

Memorial contributions in Vin’s name can be made to the National D-Day Memorial in Bedford, Virginia or to the American Heart Association.

Online condolences may be made to the family at arehartechols.com

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