|
Frank B. Cortese, Sr., (Papa) age 77, went home to be with the Lord and his beloved Tillie (Termite) on November 8, 2004. Frank was born in Albuquerque, NM to Bruno and Angela Cortese. He is survived by his children, Frank B. Cortese II and wife Deborah, David B. Cortese and wife Sue, Tania M. Triolo and husband Adam, all of Albuquerque; grandchildren, Nicholas and Noel Cortese, Hollis White and Cristin Fuller, and Amber and Monique Triolo; great-grandchildren, David, Eli, and Ethan; two sisters, Rosemary Shaw and Peggy Romero and husband Jerry of Albuquerque; and lifelong friend Lawrence Rivera. Frank graduated early from St. Mary's High School in Albuquerque, so that he could enlist in the Navy. He was a veteran of World War II, having survived time in the South Pacific as Seaman First Class. Upon returning to Albuquerque, he entered school at UNM where he earned a BS in chemical engineering. . During May 2002 he was honored as a 50 year, golden alumni at University of New Mexico's commencement exercises. In addition to attending school, Frank operated a local establishment with his father called Frank's Bar. It was during this time he met the love of his life, Tillie. Frank and Tillie married on September 10, 1951 and remained married until her death in June 2003. A few years after marrying, Frank sold the bar, but this did not stop his adventurous, entrepreneurial, spirit. During his lifetime his career path was a winding one. He worked as an insurance salesman, a private investigator, drove a truck for Zip potato chip company, delivered milk, owned a gas station, owned Real Milk dairies, and eventually settled into a job at Nobel/Sysco food company where he worked for 20+ years. After "retiring" from Sysco, he worked in his business, Cortese Rental Properties while helping Tillie in her Mary Kay career. Frank had three children and was very proud of all of them. He always encouraged them to do their best, excel in all they did, and supported them throughout their endeavors. In betw een work adventures and raising a family, Frank enjoyed remodeling his home. Throughout the years he spent countless hours mixing concrete, putting up rock facing, and landscaping. Frank loved to listen to music, especially opera, and was always reading. He loved to cook. During Christmas time Frank would battle Tillie for the kitchen so he could make his Italian specialties. "Papa" loved all his grandchildren and took pride in watching them grow, taking care of them before and after school and cooking for them. His hearty laugh and stern lectures will be missed by all. The last 9 months of his life were spent at the Cottages of Albuquerque where he was taken care of by his angels here on earth. The family cannot extend enough thanks to the angels at the Cottages for the care, love and respect that was extending to our "Papa" while being a resident at the facility. French Mortuary 10500 Lomas Blvd. NE 275-3500
|
