Cortes Eugene DeRussy

Cortes Eugene DeRussy, 85, Longtime Bronxville Resident and Former Village Trustee

Cortes Eugene DeRussy, 85, passed away peacefully on November 16, 2025, with family by his side.

A proud New Orleanian by birth and Bronxville resident for more than 45 years, Cortes lived a life rooted in faith, family, integrity, and purpose. He is survived by his beloved wife of 56 years, Candace Uter DeRussy; his children, Gabrielle DeRussy Higgins (Marcus) of Bronxville, N.Y., and André DeRussy (Madison) of Larkspur, Calif.; and his cherished grandchildren, Christian LeVasseur, Grace LeVasseur, Penelope DeRussy, and Nolte DeRussy. He was predeceased by his parents, Charles Nolte DeRussy Sr. and Gladys Voelkel DeRussy, and his siblings, Anne DeRussy Leonard, Charles Nolte DeRussy Jr., and John George DeRussy.

A graduate of Tulane University, Cortes served in the U.S. Army as a Lieutenant, working as a Post Intelligence Officer during the tense period between the Bay of Pigs and the pre–Cuban Missile Crisis. He began his professional life at Merrill Lynch before embarking on what became a six-decade career in finance and the equipment leasing business. He led Industralease Corp. as president until its sale in 1985, later co-founded ICON Capital Corp., which was acquired in 1996, and subsequently held executive roles with Banc One Credit Corporation, Arcadia Financial Corp., Federated Capital Corp., and Northern Leasing Systems, Inc. Throughout his career, he was widely respected for his integrity, steadiness, and principled leadership.

Deeply committed to civic and community service, Cortes served as a Bronxville Village Trustee and supported numerous local organizations, including the Industrial Development Agency of New Rochelle and the United Way. He also dedicated countless hours to hands-on service-delivering food to soup kitchens and driving cancer patients to medical appointments. In 2010, he furthered his commitment to public life as a candidate for the U.S. Congress.

A devout Catholic, Cortes was an active parishioner at St. Joseph's Church in Bronxville, serving as both lector and Eucharistic minister. A member of the Knights of Columbus, he participated in many charitable works. He also served on the board of Crisis Magazine, chairing it for seven years. His faith shaped his character and guided every aspect of his life.

Cortes found great joy in the outdoors-hiking, hunting, fishing, and even flying as a pilot-relishing the quiet beauty of nature, often with a cigar in hand. A true Southern gentleman, he was gracious, steady, and kind, leaving a lasting impression on all who knew him.

He will be remembered for his faith, his character, and his steadfast devotion to those he loved.

Visiting hours will be held on Sunday, November 23, 2025, from 2:00 to 5:00 p.m. at Fred H. McGrath & Son Funeral Home, 20 Cedar Street, Bronxville, New York.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Monday, November 24, 2025, at 10:45 a.m. at St. Joseph's Church, 15 Cedar Street, Bronxville, New York.
Interment will follow at Mount Calvary Cemetery, 575 West Hillside Avenue, White Plains, New York.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the Little Sisters of the Poor, 2999 Schurz Avenue, Bronx, NY 10465.