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David Cortesi Obituary
Rev. David J. Cortesi, former pastor of St. Ferdinand Church in Chicago, passed away on Oct. 15, 2007, loving brother of Teri (Dr. John) McGillen, the late William Cortesi and Susan Ori; cherished uncle of Sember, Heather, John, Daniel, Jay, Katie, Jennifer, Michael and Elizabeth and great-uncle of Dett, Sam, Cecily, Paige, Cadence, Jake, Everett, Madeleine, Kaitlin, Rylie and Avery; dear brother-in-law of Joni Cortesi and Ronald Ori; preceded in death by his parents, Jean and John J. Cortesi. Lying in state Thursday, Oct. 18 from 2 to 8 p.m. at Immaculate Conception Church, 770 Deerfield Rd., Highland Park, IL, where Mass will be held on Friday, Oct. 19 at 10 a.m. Interment Ascension Cemetery, Libertyville, IL. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Catholic Charities, Dept. 1623, Box N, Chicago, IL 60690-3990 or to the University of St. Mary of the Lake/Mundelein Seminary, Attn: Father Dennis Lyle, 1000 East Maple Ave., Mundelein, IL 60060. For info please call Kelley and Spalding Funeral Home at 847-831-4260 or
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Memories and Condolences
for David Cortesi
Jean FitzSimon
October 11, 2021
Dearest Teri, I think about you and your family all the time. I love your folks and you and your siblings so much. You all formed a huge an important part of my childhood. Even David, who was older and busy, was someone I looked up to and cherished. I hope you and John and the family are well. I'm in Philly now and would love to stay in touch. Jean [email protected]
Jean FitzSimon
October 11, 2020
Dearest Teri,
I think of you and the family often. You all were a huge part of my life and so dear to my whole family. I hope you and your family are well and safe. As I think you know, Maureen and I are the only ones left in are family now. We both certainly have a lot of folks watching over us. Love, Jean
Jean FitzSimon
October 11, 2019
Dear Teri and family, you remain in our hearts and prayers. Your entire family was so important to us and a huge part of our lives. Jean (Lee Fischler) and Maureen FitzSimon. [email protected]
Kay (Meehan) Waterloo
November 20, 2007
Teri,
I heard of your brother's passing through an old I.C. friend. My deepest sympathies to you and your family. My thoughts and prayers are with you.
Mary Ori-Chernoski
November 20, 2007
John, my husband, and I are deeply saddened to hear of your loss. The Reverend David J. Cortesi was a gentle soul and he will now join my brother Ben and many others in paradise. Prayerfully, The Ori-Chernoski Family
Diane & Kalilh Esmael
October 30, 2007
To the Family of Father Cortesi,
Though our time of acquaintance was short he was very well respected at our St. Hilary "Family". We were truly blessed to have had such a good friend to Fr. Darow join us for his last assignment. I truly hope that Fr. Cortesi enjoyed his "retirement" to the fullest. May God give you peace during your time of sorrow.
John D. Carrion
October 29, 2007
Fr. Cortesi was a great man and a great mentor. He will be sorely missed.
Rev. Mr. Mark Waslewski
October 20, 2007
I am among the many men whom Fr. Cortesi mentored as seminarians along the path to priesthood. What an extraordinary priest of God David has been. At the Funeral Mass, Fr. Bill Mannion said that he thought David's most happiest of times was during the past 18 months as associate pastor at St. Hilary Parish. David's best friend, Fr. Bob Darow, served there as pastor, and so I believe it was the highest of tributes to Fr. Darow to say this about David's last assignment.
Teri and family, I thank you for sharing David with me. He has been a font of faith and hope and love in countless ways for me. Dear David, may the angels lead you into paradise where you can watch over us all.
Barbara Nelson
October 20, 2007
Dear Terri and the Cortesi family,
I am so sorry to hear of Father David's passing. He was a wonderful man and a good priest. I will always remember him playing the organ at Immaculate Conception Parish. May he rest in peace. God Bless You All at this sad time. Sorry I could not make the Mass, but my prayers are with you all.
Al and Meg Kroeger Wedding, Nov 1984
Alan Kroeger
October 20, 2007
The Kroeger family is so saddened to learn of the passing of Fr. Dave. He had been a dear family friend since he first came to Divine Infant Parish in Westchester in 1970. Family dinners, parties, weddings, and funerals have been shared. He was always there to provide a listening ear, a needed hug, spiritual guidance, sage words of advice and plenty of laughs. Fr. Dave, you taught us it’s better to light a candle than to curse the darkness. You were one of our brightest candles. God bless you, Fr. Dave. You will be dearly missed.
We extend our prayers to Fr. Dave, Teri and all his extended family and friends who share in remembering and cherishing our times together with Fr. Cortesi.
Michael McEvoy
October 19, 2007
Although Father had been at St. Mary only a short time, his loss will be deeply felt.
Grant him eternal rest, O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon him. May his soul and the souls of all the faithfully departed rest in peace. Amen.
David and Heidi Collins
October 19, 2007
Heidi and I are very saddened with the news of Father Dave's passing. I have known Father Dave since his priesthood days at St Joan of Arc in Skokie. He has been a long family friend and will be deeply missed. Father Dave co-celebrated our marriage ceremony at Holy Comforter Church in Kenilworth. He assisted our family through many difficult times, including my dad's passing years ago. Dave was a true man and marvelous priest. We will all miss him dearly.
Sr. Dorothy Randall
October 19, 2007
My prayers go to Fr. Dave and with the Cortesi family. We all have gained faith because of this loving, caring human priest. His presence at a time of need will always be remembered.
Sr. Dorothy Randall..Westchester
The Sloan Family (Jeanie, Pat, Gigi & Frank)
October 19, 2007
We had the pleasure of meeting Father Cortesi several times during the past few years. He absolutely exuded a warmth and love that touched us deeply. It was obvious that this warmth was deeply rooted in a love for his calling: to minister, to serve, to mentor, to befriend, to profoundly touch so very many lives. His love for life and for people seemed to emanate so naturally from him, a man with such a huge heart.
We are better for having known Father Cortesi.
To the Cortesi family, Father Bob Darow, all the deacons and priests that Father Cortesi mentored, and to all of his friends - please accept our deepest condolences on the loss of this extraordinary man. We hold you in our hearts.
PAM KOUIMELIS
October 18, 2007
FAZ WAS THE BEST. THERE WAS A SPECIAL QUALITY IN HIM THAT SHOULD BE IN EVERY PRIEST AND HUMAN BEING. HE WAS KIND, CONSIDERATE, THOUGHTFUL, FUNNY, SINCERE AND MOST OF ALL YOU COULD COME TO HIM WITH ANY PROBLEM AND HE WAS ALWAYS THERE TO HELP AND LISTEN. HE WAS A WONDERFUL FRIEND TO MY FAMILY AND WAS THERE FOR US IN TIMES OF NEED. I FELT HONORED TO KNOW HIM. THE CATHOLIC COMMUNITY HERE IN WESTCHESTER LOST A DEAR FRIEND AND EVERY PERSON HE MET LOST SOMEONE GREAT ALSO. MY THOUGHTS AND PRAYERS ARE WITH HIS FAMILY AND WITH ALL OF US THAT WHERE HONORED TO CALL HIM FRIEND.
Paul Sackley
October 18, 2007
The entire Sackley family is saddened to hear of Fr. Cotesi's passing. I remember celebrating mass with him as an altar boy at St Joan of Arc. He is now truly at home in Heaven.
Lucine Mastalerz
October 18, 2007
To the Cortesi Family, All of our love goes with you at this time. It was with much sadness that we heard of the passing of Fr. Cortesi. Over these past two days, my teachers and school families have shares so many stories of Father Dave. I will cherish the memories of him with the children at St. Ferdinand as well as his wit and wisdom. As Herbert Spencer wrote "He who constantly aids children to their ends, hourly provides them with the satisfaction of conquest, hourly encourages them through their difficulties and celebrates in their successes, will be liked; nay, if his behavior is consistent throughout, must be loved." Fr. Cortesi was loved by all the children at St. Ferdinand. He will be fondly remembered for his love of children. Lucine Mastalerz, Principal, St. Ferdinand
Isidore Ordinario
October 18, 2007
Fr. Cortesi May you rest in peace,
we truly miss your presence and leadership around St. Ferdinand.
Isidore & Sandie Ordinario and Family
Maureen FitzSimon-Bartizal
October 18, 2007
I was sad to hear about David's death.I am comforted by the fact that he is in Heaven and reunited with his family. His whole life has been devoted to serving God and helping others with their relationships with God-now he is with Him in all His Glory & Love.
My love & condolences to Terry. May God bless you with comfort and strength through your grieving.
Love,
Maureen FitzSimon
Father Cortesi at the Pet Blessing
October 18, 2007
Jean FitzSimon
October 18, 2007
Dear Teri and Cortesi Family: I was so saddened to hear of David's passing. He was a wonderful priest, a great friend, a loving son and I know he was a great brother, cousin and uncle. He has quite a reception committee ready to welcome him though, so I know he would want you all to be happy for him. We miss you and hold you in our thoughts and prayers always.
Mary Conaty
October 18, 2007
Cortesi Family,
Father was there when we needed him and we will continue to enjoy his special memory.You are all in our prayers.
The Wolf Family
Frank Murtha
October 18, 2007
The entire Murtha family is deeply saddened with Dave's passing. Our relationship with him as a family extends back to his early days as a priest at St Joan of Arc in Skokie. Whether he was performing his pastoral duties or enjoying a social evening in our home he was a joy to be around. He assisted our family through many difficult times including his participation in the funerals of our parents. What a wonderful priest and man and we will all miss him dearly.
Frank Murtha, Jr & the entire Murtha Family
Rev. Ronald P. Stake
October 18, 2007
Family of Fr David Cortesi,
Fr Cortesi was my friend and good boss during the two years I served as his associate pastor at St. Ferdinand Parish. Ordinarily I would not have seen the notice of his death in the Tribune; however, I am home on leave from the Navy for my own Dad's funeral, celebrated yesterday at St. Barnabas. While I will not be with you for the rites, I will make a memorial offering in Fr Cortesi's name to University of St. Mary of the Lake / Mundelein Seminary. GOD bless you all.
Fr Ron Stake
Deputy Force Chaplain
US Naval Forces, Central Command
Larry Roberts
October 18, 2007
Dear Cortesi family, I am very much saddened to hear of the passing of Fr. Dave. He was a classmate and friend of mine at Quigley and Mundelein. I remember him as a kind and gentle person, with a wonderful sense of humor. And he was a very talented musician. Though I have seen him only briefly over the many years since seminary days, I am sure that he was an excellent priest and pastor. I would like to extend my deepest sympathy to his family, and to his parishioners.
Mike Wasilewski
October 18, 2007
My deepest, most heart felt sympathy to the Cortesi family and extended family. He will be missed.
Stan Stack
October 18, 2007
I remember Fr. David well, especially, when He married Bill and Joni in 1963.
May God Bless Him and the entire Cortesi Family
colleen Lipe
October 18, 2007
To the Cortesi family, I am so sorry for your loss, you are in my thoughts and prayers. Fr. was a wonderful person, priest and friend to many. He holds a very special place in my heart, he and my Uncle John Michael Murphy married my husband Steve and I several years ago. I will miss his great sense of humor and the wonderful stories he would tell. God Bless him.
Ronald A. Pasko
October 18, 2007
Father David Cortesi was truly a remarkable man and a wonderful pastor. I count myself as incredibly fortunate to have been influenced by his gentleness, devotion, and his sincere love of Christ. As a member of St. Ferdinand since baptism, he was one of the few constants in my spiritual journey. Though he will be sorely missed, the marks he has left on all of our hearts will endure forever.
anne mueller
October 17, 2007
Dear Cortesi Family, I am so very sorry about Fr.Cortesi. He was such a good friend to our family,especially to my Uncle John. God truely knew what a good man he was when He called him to his vocation. How proud
he must be of Fr. now that he is in heaven. I will miss him forever. Sincerely, Anne Marie.
Kim Jockl
October 17, 2007
To the family of Fr. Cortesi, our deepest sympathy. As members of St. Ferdinand Parish, we were very lucky to have crossed his path in life! He was a wonderful man and priest. His fountain in front of the school and the statue of St. Ferdinand in the front of the gym will be a constant reminder to all of us of his time in our lives.
With sympathy and prayers,
Kim, Peter, Matt and Jimmy Jockl
Rich & Pat Wenzl & Family
October 17, 2007
We are truly fortunate for the many years our family was able to share with Fr. Cortesi. We will miss his thought provoking sermons, gentle wit and endless sense of humor. Our condolences to his family as we share in their loss. We loved having him in our life.
Father Donald Meehling
October 17, 2007
Behold a great priest! May he be with the Lord, and may the Holy Faith we share be our comfort and consolation. For the faithful Christian life is changed, not ended. Alleluia!
Fr. Cortesi working at Fish Fry
October 17, 2007
Father Cortesi at St. Joseph Table
October 17, 2007
Father at St. Ferdinand
October 17, 2007
Todd Douthat
October 17, 2007
Our thoughts and prayers are with the Cortesi family.
October 17, 2007
Your gentle ways and wonderful smile will always be remembered.Thank you for your warm and informative sermons.Thank you for your productive rigous life.May you be greeted by the Lord with open arms,God bless your family and friends that mourn you.
WILLIAM KELEHER
October 17, 2007
Please accept my deepest sympathies.
Ralph & Mary Ann Barnhart
October 17, 2007
Father Cortesi, it is with great sadness we acknowledge your passing but with great joy we thank you for everything; your leadership, spirituality, guidance, inspiring homilies, sense of humor, support and most of all FRIENDSHIP. You will be missed and can never be replaced but will live in our memories as we continue to worship at St. Ferdinand's Church and serve in the parish. May you now rest in God's hands. To your family, please accept our condolences.
Marcia Bisceglie
October 17, 2007
Fr. Dave Your love and kindness will always be remembered. You have left us much too soon but your new life has just begun.
Rory and Roseann Neill
October 17, 2007
Father Dave was the best. He made a tremendous positive impact on our family over the years. Please accept our sincere condolences
Peter Johnsen
October 17, 2007
Though the years since Quigley and Mundelein have separated me from many of my colleagues including David, I have many happy and kind memories of those days, and especially Dave's wonderful sense of humor, which infected us all, thank God. His passing is a sad day, but the memories are warm. To his family, I wish healing, and God's many blessings.
Mike Bisceglie
October 17, 2007
Fr. David, Going to miss you dearly. You were my Pastor, mentor and most of all my friend for the past 20+ years. God speed you on your journey.
Tony Englert
October 17, 2007
Fr. David was one of the kindest and most gentle souls I knew. He will be missed by so many whose lives he touched. My deepest sympathy to the family.
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