Obituary of Michael Joseph Cortese

Michael Joseph Cortese, 90, of Piscataway passed away on February 10, 2017 at his home. Born in Maddaloni, Italy, to the late Anthony and Nancy Cortese, his family came to the United States when he was just a few months old. Raised in Plainfield, in a family of nine children, he went on to serve in the United States Army during World War II. In 1948, Michael met the love of his life, Margaret, at an armory dance in Plainfield, and they were married May 6, 1950. They have resided in Piscataway for over 50 years. Michael was a machinist with Thul's Machine Shop in Plainfield for many years and enjoyed spending quality time with his cherished family. Surviving are his beloved wife of 66 years, Margaret Cortese nee Izzo, his loving children Margaret Smith and husband Gene, Nancy Gaston, Michael Cortese, and Susan Kelemen and husband John, his cherished grandchildren Charles, Jaime, Jonathan, Adina, and Ryan, his great-grandchildren Randy, Michelle, Kaitlyn, Danny, Jaden, and Krysta , and his siblings Catherine Ebel, MaryJane Shedlock, MaryAnn Reed, and Nancy Dellbene, and many nieces, nephews, and extended family. Visitation will be held on Wednesday, February 15, 2017 from 4:00 to 8:00PM at the Piscataway Funeral Home, 18 Stelton Road, Piscataway. Funeral services will begin with a prayer on Thursday, February 16,2017 at 10:00AM at the funeral home, followed by a Mass of Christian Burial to be celebrated at 10:30AM at Our Lady of Fatima R.C. Church, Piscataway. Interment will follow at St. Vincent's Cemetery, Madison, NJ. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in Michael's memory to The Arc of Somerset County, 141 South Main Street, Manville, NJ 08835 Donate Online