Charles J. Cortese

Charles J. Cortese, 81, of Scranton, passed away at Allied Services Hospice Center on September 24th, 2025, surrounded by his family after a courageous battle with cancer. He is survived by his loving wife and caregiver, Margo (Sexton) Cortese. They would have celebrated their 57th wedding anniversary on October 19th.

Son of the late Anthony and Anna (Lamberti) Cortese, he was born on the 26th of August 1944 in the Taylor Hospital. Raised in Old Forge, Charlie was a graduate of Old Forge High School. He was a proud graduate of The Pennsylvania State University School of Engineering and was on their chess team. He also attended The University of Scranton for career advancement courses. He was a member of the Immaculate Conception Church. Charlie retired from the Department of the Army after a 41-year career at the Tobyhanna Army Depot. He started a second career as a consultant with various defense contractors, and was most recently employed by IAP from Cape Canaveral, Florida, until his retirement. His career allowed him to travel throughout the United States and worldwide.

He was generous, loyal, a mentor to many, and lived his life with sincerity and intention. Charlie was clever, and full to the brim with knowledge gained throughout his life experiences. He loved to share stories of his worldwide travel with family and friends. Charlie was proud of his Italian and Sicilian heritage. He will be deeply missed by many.

Charlie is survived by a brother, Anthony (Tony) Cortese, and wife, Karen, Glendale. Also surviving are sisters-in-law Karen Sexton, Scranton, and Marie (Sexton) Mitchell, New Jersey. Two special people who he looked upon as sons, Michael Pivovarnick and wife, Sydney, Ardmore, and Matthew Pivovarnick, Taylor. Also, Nancy (Lamberti) Flowers, who was like a sister to him, her husband Paul, Old Forge, and their daughter, Paula Ann, Illinois. Also surviving are many loved nieces and nephews and his two wonderful dogs, Toby and Casper.

He was preceded in death by his younger brother, Ernest Cortese, his aunt Madeline (Lamberti) Inglis, stepmother Eleanor (Janowski) Cortese, and his beloved grandparents Ernesto and Natalina (Stallone) Lamberti, who were his mentors and second parents. Also, his mother and father-in-law, Carl and Margaret (Tierney) Sexton, his sister-in-law, Estelle Sexton and his brothers-in-law Carl Sexton and John (Jack) Mitchell.

The family would like to thank the doctors and nurses of Geisinger Medical Center, Dr. Grad and staff from the Lackawanna Medical Group, the Geisinger Cancer Centers including Dr. Chu, and Allied Services Hospice Center.

A mass of Christian burial will be held on Monday at 10:00 am at Immaculate Conception Church 800 Taylor Avenue, Scranton. Family and friends may call at the church on Monday at 9:00 am until mass time. Interment will be at Cathedral Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to The Humane Society of Lackawanna County.

Arrangements Albert P. O'Donnell Funeral Home 2025 Green Ridge Street, Dunmore.