Beloved husband, father, brother, and friend, Kirk Steven Corsello passed away unexpectedly on Christmas Day, just shy of his 59th birthday. He left this world in an act of service - helping a neighbor - a final gesture that perfectly reflected the way he lived his life. Though his sudden passing leaves a profound void in countless hearts, we honor him best by carrying forward his fighting spirit, generosity, and unshakable optimism.
Kirk was the third of five children born to Dr. Richard Corsello of Street, MD, and the late Sondra Corsello. He is survived by his wife, Connie Corsello; his son, Christian Corsello of Boulder, CO; his daughter, Angelica Corsello; his stepson, Jackson Mathis; and his stepdaughter, Morgan Mathis, all of Atlanta, GA. He is also survived by his sisters, Kym McFadden (Leslie) and Sonya Campbell (Donald); his brothers, Dean Corsello (Crystal) and Shawn Corsello (Holly); as well as many nieces, nephews, and extended family members.
Kirk grew up in the rural communities of Pylesville and Street, Maryland, north of Baltimore in Harford County. As a boy, he was adventurous, spirited, and endlessly energetic - a true live wire. He spent his childhood outdoors with siblings and neighborhood friends: swimming in the lake and family pool on Grandview Drive, riding bikes, climbing trees, exploring creeks, and occasionally finding trouble that resulted in a few hospital visits and broken bones. Summers at Diamond Beach Resort in Wildwood, NJ were among his happiest memories. There, he discovered his love for diving and swimming, spending hours at the resort’s high dive, low dive, and expansive pool.
Athletics quickly became a defining part of Kirk’s life. He excelled in baseball, soccer, cross country, and eventually followed in his father’s footsteps into competitive diving and swimming. He became both a champion diver and a standout sprint swimmer, specializing in the 50- and 100-yard freestyle events. Just before graduating from North Harford High School in 1985, Kirk met Edgewood High School swim coach Jim Kuhlman (JK), a meeting that would change his life. Kirk had approached JK to offer condolences after the tragic loss of JK’s co coach. Recognizing Kirk’s talent and character, JK helped him secure college swimming scholarships. That simple act of kindness blossomed into a lifelong friendship - JK became Kirk’s mentor, friend, and unofficial minister for many years.
Kirk attended Indiana University of Pennsylvania and San Diego State University on swimming scholarships before eventually returning to Maryland to study at Towson University. His life took a new direction when he discovered triathlons. He loved their competitive nature and found that the discipline of swimming, biking, and running strengthened him in ways academics never could. Though naturally social, Kirk cherished the solitude of training - the quiet moments that allowed him to reflect on life and love. He and JK shared a guiding mantra about the sport: “Swim to your bike, bike to your run, run to your friend who will be waiting for you at the end.” Friendship was sacred to Kirk. One of his favorite songs - also a favorite of his mother - was “That’s What Friends Are For” by Dionne Warwick. Loving people and serving others brought him profound joy.
In the late 1980s, while competing in a Maryland triathlon, Kirk qualified on a whim for the Ironman World Championship in Hawaii. Though he began triathlons for the swimming and running, cycling soon became his greatest passion. He loved the freedom, grit, and exhilaration of the sport, and his training rides through Harford County became legendary. One story - unbelievable only to those who didn’t know him - recounts Kirk drafting behind a tractor trailer on Interstate 95 at over 60 mph because he needed a “shortcut” from Havre de Grace to Aberdeen.
Kirk was a man defined by an iron will, an adventurous spirit, and a heart of gold. In 1993, his passion for triathlon, coupled with his relentless drive to excel, led him to Orlando, FL. There, he became an integral part of the vibrant central Florida triathlon community, which included elite amateur athletes, professionals, and future Olympians. Kirk embraced this environment and quickly thrived, making Orlando his home for several years. During his time in Orlando, Kirk left an indelible mark on the hearts of countless friends. His presence was memorable—not just for his competitive prowess, but for the genuine connections he built. To those who had the privilege to know him, train by his side, and compete against him, Kirk imparted invaluable lessons in sportsmanship. He was known for his intensity as a competitor, yet at the same time, he stood as everyone's greatest cheerleader, always encouraging and uplifting those around him.
From Orlando, he moved to Atlanta, GA where he was inspired by the memory of his late brother-in-law, Jack Zoppo, a Baltimore City Fire Department Lieutenant who passed away from cancer in 2004, to become a firefighter. As a distinguished member of the Gwinnett County Fire Department and its elite Swift Water Rescue team - where he still holds the swim distance record - he served the Atlanta community with courage and compassion. His bravery shone brightest when helping those in need. Later, as an entrepreneur, he built Corsello & Sons Pest Control on a foundation of reliability, hard work, and genuine relationships. Yet while many men are defined by their careers, it was endurance sports that ignited Kirk’s soul and shaped his community.
Beginning in the early 1990’s, Kirk rose quickly in the local and national triathlon scene. He won countless races, twice competed in the Olympic distance World Championships (1992, 1994), and completed the grueling Hawaii Ironman three times (1989, 1992, 1993). But more than medals, he cherished the friendships forged through training and competition. He held deep affection for his triathlon friends Jim Bracket, Paul Ryan, Scott Coon, Larry and Lou Otremba, Mike Llerandi, Rod Jetté, Patrick Davis and many others.
When Kirk transitioned into road cycling, he became one of the most respected and successful Category 1 riders in the United States. He was a fixture on podiums at iconic races such as the Savannah Superprestige, the Sunny King Criterium, and the Terrapin Twilight. Beyond his own achievements, he became a beloved commentator at events like the Duluth Twilight, known for his sharp insight and humor. He treasured the brotherhood of the peloton, and the soulful connections formed over long hours on the road. His proudest cycling accomplishment, however, was riding alongside his son, Christian, and watching him grow into a phenomenal, award-winning cyclist in his own right.
The greatest gift cycling brought to Kirk was meeting the love of his life, Connie. Their paths first crossed at a friend’s party in Atlanta in 2016, and from the moment Kirk saw her, he was captivated. He pursued her with determination and heart until she agreed to their first date - Valentine’s Day 2017. From that day forward, they built a beautiful life together. He proposed to Connie on November 23, 2019 in beautiful, sunny Orlando. They married on May 1, 2022, and embraced adventure as they traveled across the country and around the world, always with cycling - and their love for each other - at the center of their journey.
Despite all his athletic accomplishments, Kirk’s greatest victory was his family. He was a devoted and loving husband to Connie, and a proud, supportive father to Christian and Angelica. He embraced his role as stepfather to Jackson and Morgan with warmth and joy. Together, they built a life grounded in love, laughter, adventure, and faith.
Kirk will be remembered as a passionate example of the joy that comes from using God’s gifts and humbly serving His creation. He has now moved on to the highest victory of his life - greater than any medal or finish line - to be with his Lord and Savior in Heaven. He leaves us with the reminder that “God has not given us a spirit of fear and timidity, but of power, love, and self discipline.” (2 Timothy 1:7)