Obituary of Palmerino Cortese

Palmerino Giovanni Cortese was born on May 28th 1925 in Magisano, Italy. The youngest of 8, he immigrated to Morristown, New Jersey in 1965. Through hard work and sacrifice he founded John Cortese Masons Inc in 1974, a stone masonry business that is still active today. Palmerino found joy in returning back to his roots in southern Italy where he enjoyed his passions of gardening, wine making and tending to his family’s olive groves- all of which are traditions that have been passed on to his children and grandchildren. Palmerino was a man who truly relished the simple pleasures in life like a full table for lunchtime, daily crossword puzzles, watching soccer and playing Briscola and Scopa. A patriarch of his family and loved by so many, he inspired future generations to pursue the American Dream through his ability to face adversity and determination. He is survived by his beautiful, devoted, and loving wife of 68 years Francesca nee Giannini, his three children John and Maria of Morris Plains, Phyllis and Gen. Giovanni Pino of Italy, and Sal and Lisa Cortese of Morris Plains. He was adored and beloved by his grandchildren Antonino, Sofia, Caterina, John, Malena, Anthony, Melanie, Gianfranco, Barbara, Francesca, Konrad, Sal, Vincent, Fauve, Giovanni, Alexis, Francesca and Antonio. His memory will live on through his great grand children Gianni, Andrea, Sara, Olivia, Emilia, Thomas, Gabriel, Greta, Halina, Federico, Silvia, Mila and Marta. He lived 95 long, healthy, years and is a true beacon of hope for us all, he will be deeply missed. May he rest in the sweetest peace. In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests donations in memory of Palmerino may be made to: Morris Minute Men (www.morrisminutemen.org).