Obituary of Salvatore Joseph Cortese
Salvatore Joseph Cortese, 102, of Howell passed away on Thursday, December 5,2024. He was a man who loved God, his family and his Country. He was born in Brooklyn, NY on September 23, 1922. He began training locally in communications at 18 years old and in 1942 at 20 years of age, he enlisted in the Navy. He served for 20 years during WWII and Korean Wars retiring from service in 1963 as a Senior Chief Petty Officer. He continued serving his Country for another 20 years in the Defense Department in Norfolk, Va on Little Creek Naval Base.
Salvatore married the love of life, Josephine Ivey Cortese, on June 11, 1954. She was a strong, smart and spunky Navy wife that moved around the Country with her husband for 9 years until settling in Norfolk, Va. They later moved down to Jacksonville, FL. They enjoyed a long and happy marriage of 67 years.
In his retirement, Sal enjoyed travelling to see family all across the country. He enjoyed his cars and succeeded in purchasing his Cadillac and later on a Lincoln Continental. He and his wife were also excellent dancers and could "cut a rug" dancing to the Big Band sounds. He enjoyed music and films and was incredibly "Tech Savy" with an uncanny ability to use his Iphone and Computer successfully until his vision and hearing failed him.
He was predeceased by his wife, Josephine Cortese; sister, Vita Intanno; and brother, Anthony Cortese and wife Gloria; Nephew Joseph Cortese, Nieces Lisa and Paula Cortese and Great nephew Joseph DeFrancesco. Salvatore is survived by his nieces, Laura Fox and husband, Timothy of Howell, Susan O’Neil and husband, Jim of Wall, and Christine DeFrancesco and husband, Frank of Poway, CA; Great nieces Brianne Dos santos and husband, Arlindo Dos santos, Deana Fox Romero and husband, Santiago, Kelly O'Neil, Katie O'Neil, and Karyn DeFrancesco; Great nephew Timothy Fox II and wife, Diana; Great Great niece, Alessia Dos santos and Great great nephews Jaxon Dos santos and Joseph Fox.
Visitation will be held at the Clayton & McGirr Funeral Home, 100 Elton-Adelphia Road(Route 524), Freehold Township on Thurs., Dec. 12, 2024 from 3:00 to 7:00 PM. Relatives and friends are invited to attend his 9:00 AM funeral service at the Funeral Home on Friday, Dec 13, 2024. Interment will follow in St. Charles Cemetery, 2015 Wellwood Ave, Farmingdale, New York 11735. For those who desire, memorial contributions may be made to The Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception, 400 Michigan Avenue, Northeast, Washington, D.C. 20017 and Tunnel to Towers.org in memory of Salvatore J. Cortese. For information, directions, or to leave condolence messages to the family, please visit www.claytonfuneralhome.com