Emery E. Cortez , 66

Mr. Emery E. Cortez, 66, of 828 Bridge St., Ellwood City, died Sunday, Aug. 3, 2008, at 6:45 p.m. at his residence. Born May 31, 1942, in New Castle, Pa., he was a son of Elmer Cortez, who died in 1994, and Rose Valvano Cortez, who died in 2006. He was employed as an elementary schoolteacher at North Hills School District, mainly teaching fifth grade for 30 years. He was a member of the Holy Redeemer Parish. A 1960 graduate of Lincoln High School, he graduated from Geneva College with a B.S. degree in education, and Westminster College with a master's degree in education. He was a sergeant with the U.S. Air Force veteran having served during the Vietnam Era from Feb. 28, 1962 to Feb. 27, 1968, and was a systems repairman with the 351st Commander Squadron at Lackland, Sheppard and Whitman Air Forces Bases. He was a member of the Special Activities Group and Knights of Columbus, Sacred Heart Council, where he was also a fourth degree knight. He was a Eucharistic minister and usher at Holy Redeemer Church. He enjoyed fishing, hunting, snowmobiling and gardening.

Surviving are his wife, Ruth M. West Cortez, whom he married May 21, 1966; a daughter, Emily Sue Cortez, Ellwood City; a son and daughter-in-law, Matthew and Fabiola Cortez, Dallas, Texas; six grandchildren, Akira, David, Derek, Devin and Fabianna Cortez, and Autumn James; a brother and sister-in-law, Gerald and Elaine Cortez, Wayne Township; brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law, Herbert and Jean Swick, David and Lois Peeples, and Gary and Martha West, Fombell; Carl and Mary Wiesz, and Rosetta Herbert, Shenango Township; Boyd and Brenda West, North Sewickley Township, and Larry and Edna Brown, Kingman, Ariz.

He was preceded in death by his a son, Mark G. "Speedy", in 2002.

Friends will be received today from 7 to 9 p.m. and Wednesday from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m. in the SAMUEL TEOLIS FUNERAL HOME INC., 309 Spring Ave., Ellwood City. A Mass of Christian burial will be celebrated Thursday at 10 a.m. in Holy Redeemer Church, with Father Lou Pascasi officiating. Those attending the funeral mass are asked to meet at the funeral home on Thursday by 9:20 a.m., as the procession to church will begin to leave at 9:30 a.m.

Interment will follow in Holy Redeemer Cemetery. Members of the Veterans Honor Guard are asked to meet at the cemetery on Thursday by 10:50 a.m. to conduct full military rites.

Members of the SAG will meet at the funeral home on Wednesday by 3 p.m. for visitation. Members of the Knights of Columbus will meet at the funeral home Wednesday by 8 p.m. to recite a rosary.

Memorial contributions may be made to a charity of the donor's choice.

Guestbook

Ray & Patty D'Ambrosi

Posted on August 4, 2008

Dear Ruthie & family:
We are so sorry for your beloved loss.
We will always remember Emery & his funny,genuine & positive personality. We have been friends since high school & eventually an extended family connection.
Memories of Emery will never die, he is loved by all.
God Bless you & we are praying to keep you strong.
Love, Ray & Patty

Emery E. Cortez , 66

Guestbook

Ray & Patty D'Ambrosi

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