Charles "Chuck" Cortese

April 20, 1931 - June 18, 2017

Charles “Chuck” Cortese, 86, of North Huntingdon died Sunday June 18, 2017. He was born April 20, 1931 in Adamsburg, a son of the late John and Josephine (Ross) Cortese. In addition to his parents he is preceded in death by his wife Gail E. (Butler) Cortese; a son Shawn P. Murphy; brothers Matthew, Donald, Samual, Phillip, and John. Chuck attended Adamsburg elementary school and Norwin High School where he excelled at football. He is a U.S. Air Force veteran that served as an aerial gunner on a B-36 bomber during the Korean Conflict. He was a certified welder of Penn State Tool and Die Corp., Irwin where he worked for 56 years; he was co-owner of Ardmore Travel, Forrest Hills and Cruises Only, Pittsburgh with his wife. Chuck enjoyed fabricating welded creations, carpentry, his dogs, hunting, and loved to travel his favorite destinations were Alaska, Africa, Italy, Mexico, and he sailed on more than 15 cruise ships visiting all the Caribbean islands. Chuck belonged to a gourmet cooking group and was constantly trying new recipes. He won a cooking contest with his “ Sicilian Balsamic Chicken” and it was published in the Homeplate Cookbook. He was a member of the First Presbyterian Church, Irwin. Chuck is survived by his daughter Shannon N. (Keith A.) Bartholomai of South Connellsville; sister Flora Cortese of Irwin; and sisters in law Laverne “Ducky” Cortese of Adamsburg, Lois Butler and Sheryl (Bob) Demko all of OH; and many nieces and nephews. Friends will be received from 3 to 8 p.m. Thursday at the William Snyder Funeral Home Inc., 521 Main Street, Irwin, 724-863-1200. A funeral service will be held at 8 p.m. Thursday in the funeral home, with Rev. Dr. Ronald H. Wakeman officiating. . For online condolences please visit www.snyderfuneralservices.com.