Thursday, May 8, 2008

John Michael CorradoInsurance Manager, Race Enthusiast

John Michael Corrado Sr., 68, former general manager of an insurance company who also owned a car parts supply warehouse and several racecars, died of pancreatic cancer May 4 at his home in Silver Spring.

Mr. Corrado worked for Bankers United Life Assurance Co. from 1976 to 2000, but his passion was cars, his family said. Since 1996, he owned USA Parts Supply, a West Virginia warehouse that sold auto parts online. He also collected, restored and allowed others to race classic cars.

He was born in Waynesboro, Pa., grew up in Silver Spring and attended Montgomery Blair High School. During the 1960s, he owned a drag strip in rural Virginia, his family said.

He was a member of the Cadillac LaSalle Club, the National Hot Rod Association and the International Hot Rod Association.

Survivors include his wife of 36 years, Charleen Corrado of Silver Spring; three children, John Corrado of Laurel, Katherine Corrado and Elizabeth Corrado, both of Silver Spring; a sister, Rose Crenca of Silver Spring; and three brothers, Michael Corrado of Sterling, Charles Corrado of Chevy Chase and James Corrado of Potomac.

-- Patricia Sullivan