Thomas Cortese's Obituary
Tom Cortese, 95, of Memphis, passed away on February 10, 2013. He was born on December 14, 1917 to his parents Joe and Dorothy Cortese. Mr. Cortese graduated from Catholic High School in 1934 and went to work with his father in the dry cleaning business at Krosstown Kleaners on Madison Avenue. He later joined the U.S. Marine Corp., where he trained in San Diego, CA. He served in several tours overseas at Guadalcanal and other war zones during World War II. Mr. Cortese returned home and continued working at his father’s cleaners until he and his brother, Robert, opened their own “Cortese Brothers Cleaners” on Jackson Avenue and then later on Summer Avenue in Memphis. He enjoyed horseback riding at his home in Germantown, and boating and skiing at McKellar Lake into the late 50’s and 60’s. He was active in the Sphinx Cotton Carnival Society, and a member of St. Louis Catholic Church. Mr. Cortese was preceded in death by his wife of 66 years, Ramelle S. Cortese, and his daughter, Ramelle Flournoy. He is survived by his son, Teddy Chandler, of Moscow, TN, and grandchildren, Stefani Sullenger, Matt Flournoy, and his wife Kim, Paul Flournoy and his wife Caroline, great grandchildren, Chandler, Holden, Noah, and Luke. The visitation will be held at 5 p.m. to 6:30 p.m., with a Rosary to be said at 6:30 p.m., Wednesday, February 13 2013, at Memorial Park Funeral Home. The funeral mass will be held at 10 a.m. Thursday, February 14 2013 at St. Louis Catholic Church. Entombment will be in Memorial Park Mausoleum. Memorial contributions may be made to St. Louis Catholic Church.Location: Garden of Serenity Arrow Color: White
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