Ray Cortese Obituary

It's 17 years since you were taken from me Dad. I think about you everyday. My life has changed so much the past year. I truly miss you so much. I was just telling mom yesterday how I would love to talk to you one more time. Bella and Mom are doing good. Us 3 get together on every Sunday. I love you so much and miss you even more.

It´s been a long 16 years on Sunday and every year it hurts more and more. Bella is going to be 15 this year and she is such a handful I swear. She just joined Student Council which shocked mom and I. She is a great kid she has such a big heart you would have been her best friend, she is just like you sometimes. We moved, you would have loved seeing my little family that I have. We are at the football field every weekend watching my step son´s game Bella is there cheering him on and Marcin is just like you at field. I love every minute of it. I can go on and on about everything that we missed out with you but I know you are watching down on us and sometimes shacking your head lol but I just wanted to let you know that I miss you deeply and I´ll always love you

I always tear up when thinking about him. Whenever I saw him he reminded me how loved I am. And that if he had to he would’ve made sure I had a family. I’ve always loved him for that.

As the days and weeks pass, and as you return to life's routine, may you continue to feel comforted by the love and support of family and friends.

Grief can be so hard, but our special memories help us cope. Remembering you and your loved one today and always.

I have a lot of fun memories - you taking all the girls out to dinner and telling the severs we were all your daughters to driving for hours in traffic for Melissa’s competition with you jamming out to music, with us acting like you were so embarrassing, but actually loving it.

Ray, you were a fun loving person who cared deeply about your family. You are deeply missed. Your spirit and love is reflected in all your children.

Love you guys.

Crystal

I've never met him but I know he was loved by his family & missed dearly. I know he was a good man by the way Melissa talks about him. He meant a lot to her. It would have been a pleasure to meet him. Prayers to the family

Mr Cortese,

You were a great coach and a great dad. Thanks for always making me feel welcomed at your home.

Gone but never ever forgotten

Anna

I’ve never had the pleasure of meeting you, through your beautiful family I can feel the man you were. Thank you for your impact.

I never met you, wish I had, but you must have been a special person to have such an awesome daughter, my friend Melissa ❤

I never had the honor of meeting the man that raised such an amazing daughter...thank you for my best friend. I know your her angel above

I know this is such a cliche but his smile! We miss his smile always funny. He was loved and will certainly be missed. Love John and Judy Sanfilippo❤

It’s been a long 14 years and not one year gets easier. I wish you could be here with me the boys to see how amazing little men they are becoming. This Saturday they will become teenagers and they growing up way to fast. We started becoming gym rats last season just like you and I in my grade school years and the memories flow heavily it sometimes bring me to tears. I am hanging in there chasing my goals as usual because what 12 year old grows up watching Zig Ziglar. Everything you encouraged me to explore has all come together like Mr Miyagi teaching Daniel “wax on wax off”. Some days I need that extra strength so I pray to you and things work themself out. I hope you are truly at peace and I will be reunited with one day. I love you from the bottom of my heart. God Bless

Ray first I want you to know you are so loved and missed very much. We have not met but I want you to know I feel like I have know you for a lifetime because your beautiful daughter Melissa married my son Joseph which now makes us family! You are celebrated each and every day in your children’s and Linda’s stories. Their eyes light up whenever they speak of you! Thank you for this opportunity to finally speak with you. Continue to watch over them! Mary Allen

Hi Uncle Ray!

Happy Birthday! I miss you, you never got to meet Sophia, but I tell her about you.. and how you were one of the first people to introduce me to Frank Sinatra. You’re gone but absolutely not forgotten! Love you!

I miss you so much every single day. My heart is full of so much love for you. Kisses to heavens Faccialatta
9.7.20

I worked with Ray for many years and wanted to let his family know I miss him every day.

It has been a long six years an missing you ever day. Love You Always Linda

Ray, 2nd posting today, 1st on FaceBook quoting how you are a great man. Miss being able to ask for guidance and advice being a great salesman that you were, I'm trying but I know you could have given me some pointers. Miss you so much besides and you were the 1st thing on my mind to post on FB. Love & Miss You, hope you and Ma aren't at each other LOL!! Your sista, Marita

So Ray today is your BIRTHDAY and it is almost six years alot of things have happend but missing you is nunber one. LOVE YOU ALWAY ....LINDA

Hey Ray!!!!

It's your B'day and I woke up today and went to your pic, gave you a kiss and a big Happy Birthday! I just know you're watching out for us. I can't believe how many coincidences have occured in the last two years. Your grandsons & granddaughter are just beautiful. Your kids make pretty babies. Bella has got a lot of you in her. She's not afraid to speak her mind, even if it is in baby lingo. I see you everyday in my living room. I guess you could say I have a little niche made for you. Ma keeps telling me she can't wait to see you and the rest of the family and friends that are with you. Boy, would I like to know how things are where you are cuz you wouldn't believe what's happening here, starting from our new President all the way down to family scoop. But I guess you already know what's up. Miss you, but still can hear your voice when I dial your cell phone. Linda's kept it on and that alone makes my day when I hear your voice. I'm sure I don't have to tell you kick back & enjoy your 2nd anniversary away from us. Don't know if that is a good thing or bad thing, LOL, but I do miss you and now that I'm living this close to your house on Vine, I miss you even more, cuz I could have seen you and spent more time with now than ever. Well, you are with me everyday in spirit and mind, just can't laugh with you or spend that time together. I miss & love you bro...

Your sista,

Marita

Dear Son,

Happy Birthday! I remember this day like it was yesterday. I really was innocent. I really thought the fairies brought you because you were so beautiful. Aunt Betty couldn't keep her hands off you. Your father was in Paris, France and Aunt Betty and Gramma took his place. We were all ecstatic. First, you were a boy. Second, you were a beautiful baby. I'm really tired now, 83 years of hitting the bricks. I hope you are happy and content, I wish I could talk to you and I miss you terribly. Miss you terribly, each day I have something either good or bad I want to tell you so I look up to the ceiling and I tell you.

Your loving mother,

I'm late as usual, I did not know we able to remember you this way. I received the e-mai; notice that an addition was made. We all miss you terrible. My only consolation is that you are resting and free from pain, sorrow and problems. hope to see you soon, your loving Mother.

Ray,
Yesterday was your B'day and I thought I would just drop a line to tell you "Hola" & "Happy B'Day"!!!! I miss you so much. I miss your crazy Rayzee ways and smile. You'd probably grunt and moan and say "Forget my birthday, I have, LOL" but I will never forget. Things have really changed and you would be so proud!!! Grampa.....Love forever,
Your silly sister,
Marita

Today is your birthday and we miss you every day so Happy Birthday love.

Being a novice on the computer, It took a second signing to finish and share my thoughts with you all. With mixed emotions,(Pride and joy) to know he was so loved and esteemed.(Heartbreak) losing him.GOD givith and take it away.

My Dearest Cortese Family : Today 11-27-2007 is the first time I have seen this guest book for my loving son Ray.I know the pain you are in with our great loss. I hope you all know how much he loved you.

Mrs. Cortese,

I am glad we ran into one another at the fest last week. I was so sorry to hear of your loss. Jasper and I will both have you in our thoughts and prayers.

Linda,Nick,Melissa and Gina,
I recently heard the news of Ray's passing and wanted to send my deepest sympathy. I remember the days on Rutherford and all the fun we had in our younger days..I hope time heals your sadness and god bless you and your family....

Sincerely
Mar

Dear Linda, Nick, Melissa and Gina,
I was so sorry to hear about the passing of your Husband and Dad.
I know he will be missed by all.
Love,
Beverly

Linda and Family:
I was so saddened to hear of Ray's passing. Whenever we met, he was full of life and joie de vivre. He is gone far too soon. Peace to your family.

Joanne Rock
Printing Industry of IL/IN Association
Graphic Arts Executives

Dearest Linda (my friend) and her beautiful children, Nick, Melissa and Gina,
The passing of Ray at his early age has been difficult for all of you. Know that his spirit is strong in your presence and that he touched so many with his humor, kindness, and joy for life. We will never forget the good times we spent with RAY!!
God bless all of you....
In love and light, Patty, Mark and Tricia

I'll always remember with fondness our teenage years, when we all lived together as one family! Special Holiday dinners in the finished basement on Wood Street, the family feuds, the fun we shared!

Your Cuz',
Steve

Melissa, Upon hearing the saddening news, our hearts and prayers have been with you & your family. We absolutely LOVED your Father & He will be missed. Take Care to you and your family.
Love, Amanda Barda (& family) & Mirella Aldama (& family)

I want all who share in the loss of my brother Ray that today I missed him again because I had a job related situation that only he could have guided me through and had it work out in my favor and the boss. I needed him more than he could have ever realized or known. I love and miss you Ray.

Dear Linda and Family,

I was saddened to learn of Ray;s passing. My prayers and thoughts are with you during this difficult time of sadness.

Dear Cortese Family,

I am sorry for your loss. May your Dad rest in peace.

Dear Cortese Family,



Ray was our friend so many years ago, we are greatly saddened by his passing.



We had great times hanging out dancing and laughing, we were young and we still are, way to young to have such great loss.



We can see by all of the wonderful words said about him here, he lived his life to the fullest. He was a happy and loving man.



Our deepest condolences to all of you.



Luci (McNulty) Paulausky, Anita (Gutt)Podraza and Cynthia (Kiley) Krier

I was honored to work with Ray these last couple of years. I would be in Chicago to give my respects if I was not in Ireland with my family. Such a good man - I will miss him dearly. Peace to those who carry the many wonderful moments that endeared Ray to all of us.

No bond is as great as that between a parent and child. My deepest condolences are with you as you grieve.

I WAS A GIRLFRIEND OF RAY BACK IN THE LATE 60'S.....I AM SADDENED BY HIS DEATH.....HE IS TOO YOUNG....REMEMBER ALL THE GOOD TIMES WE SHARED WITH HIM....LETS CELEBRATE HIS LIFE...HE WAS ALWAYS A FUN PERSON. PLEASE ACCEPT MY CONDOLENSES ON HIS DEATH

Dear Cortese Family,

We worked with Ray at CoCreate and are very sad to hear of his passing. Ray was truly unique in his generous manner, caring heart and welcoming of new friendships. His big smile, made everyone smile and he always spoke proudly of his loving family. May God help your family through these difficult times and help keep the precious memories of Ray dear to our hearts.

Thank You





Who would have thought this could ever be

That such a wonderful man would have to leave

Even though all of our hearts will ache forever

He would want us all to be strong and stick together

Words could never describe what he meant to each and every one of us

But if they could it would be that he blessed us all with his love, loyalty and trust



Thank You Ray, for all the laughs

Thank You Ray, they will always last

Thank You Ray, for being there

Thank You Ray, for all the times we shared

Thank You Ray, for teaching us how

Thank You Ray…. Now Take A Bow



We’re not standing here to say good-bye

Knowing you’ll always be by our side

In our hearts this is not the end

Knowing that in heaven we have a friend



Thank You Ray, for all of the love, laughter and tears

Thank You Ray, for fifty-nine wonderful years….

I worked with Ray at Sorg from 1980 until 1989. He was my boss, my friend, my mentor. He lived large - what you saw is what you got. My deepest sympathy to his family. I am sorry I cannot make it to the wake and funeral. Please know that he and you all are in my prayers. Rest in peace, Ray. You earned it!

To the Cortese Family,

I was saddened to hear about the passing of Ray. I worked with him at CoCreate in Colorado and enjoyed talking with him. He was a very funny and entertaining man. I will miss him. May God's hand guide you through this terrible time.

I just wanted to send my deepest condolences to the Cortese family. I worked with Ray at Cocreate Software some years back and I clearly remember how he filled up the room with his wonderful personality. His spirit will never be forgotten. May God be with you during this time of sorrow.

I will always remember Ray's smile and laugh and his passion for his friends. I was happy to be his friend.

Dearest Melissa, Mom, Gina & Nick,

Our Deepest Condolences on the loss of dad. We will forever keep him in our thoughts and prayers. You have been and will forever be a special part of our family. God Bless Ray.



Love, The Nasti Family

Dear Linda, Nick, Melissa and Gina,



My thoughts and prayers are with you. Ray was such a wonderful person, great coach and an inspiration to not only me, but to others. He touched my life in many ways and he will be deeply missed.

May the love of friends and family carry you through your grief.

Ray is one of the most funny men I've ever met. He always made me smile and laugh. I feel blessed to have ever known him. God bless him and his family. Melissa, I love you and you are in my prayers. Love, Tina

Offering our deepest condolences during this difficult time.

I will miss my uncle Ray, He was like a father to me & helped to make me the man I am today.

To my sister-in-law and my nieces & nephew...Your dad, my brother was my strength and if it wasn't for him, I probably would still be a secretary working in a construction office. He gave me the courage, teachings to be professional and more help than anyone can imagine when he worked with me at MGR Construction. I will love him deeply, as always, and every move I make will remind me of your dad. What a great guy, brother, husband, father, son, uncle, friend, party partner, music lover, etc. etc. etc. He loved life, his family and just about everything. He turned me on to so much and opened many doors that I would never have thought to go to, let alone open.

I'll love Ray and all of you, always.



Auntie Marita

To Linda, Nick, Melissa and Gina,

Our deepest Sympathies and prayers go out to you all. Uncle Ray was a very special person and touched many lives, he will always be remembered and he will always be in our hearts.

Love,

Angie, John and Ryan

I didn't know Ray very long but the time I did was special. He could make me laugh till it hurt. He was kind and a real gentleman. He had lots of friends and I'm glad he had time to make a new one in me.

I will miss you my friend

The Cortese Family,



I am so sorry to hear of the loss of Coach Cortese. He was the only reason I continued to play bball soph year at RHS. He was an inspiration to all of us, and so much fun to be around. I will never forget him. You are all in my prayers.

Dearest Cortese Family,

I have been blessed to call Ray Cortese my friend. My prayers are with all of you at this tender moment.



Cindy

My deepest condolences go out the Cortese Family. I went to school with Nick and Melissa and had the pleasure of being coached in basketball by Mr. Cortese. He will be truely missed by many people. You are in my thoughts and prayers in finding strength to help during this difficult time.

He was a larger than life guy and he will be sorely missed.

Our deepest sympathies and prayers from the Chase family. Ray was a great guy and will be greatly missed and always in our thoughts

Dear Linda and family,

I am so sorry to hear of the passing of Ray. Our family will keep you in our prayers.

Our deepest and heartfelt condolnences.

Deede & Family

Gina and family,

Our deepest sympathy.

Our thoughts and prayers are with you.



Patsy and Gianna DelVescovo

I worked with Ray when I lived in Chicago as an official with the AOA. He was a gentleman in every sense of the word and a GREAT official.