To all who came in contact with him, Ted Corcoran's personality had an unique, potent effect: somehow his relaxed demeanor, clear, soothing voice and physical attractiveness made his words resonate as few other's did. His opinion or advice, when asked for, invariably was taken and proved correct.

From the time he first was told of his impact on others, he never overtly made capital of it since he didn't give credence to the 'flattery.' He attributed his exceptional personal and business success during his journey, beginning in 1975, from Albany, New York to Columbia College in...