Josephine Cortese

Obituary of Josephine Cortese
Josephine Cortese
June 12, 1933 – June 23, 2025
Josephine Cortese, a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother passed away peacefully on June 23, 2025, at Overlook Hospital in Summit, New Jersey, surrounded by her loving family. She was 92 years old.
Born on June 12, 1933, in Staten Island, New York, Josephine was the beloved daughter of the late Anthony and Rosalie LoBianco. She spent her early years in Staten Island before her family settled in South River, New Jersey, where she was raised.
After marrying Michael A. Cortese, Josephine moved to South Plainfield and later to Warren, New Jersey, where they raised their family. In later years, she lived in Califon and more recently in Basking Ridge.
Josephine worked for a time at Dun & Bradstreet in Murray Hill, New Jersey, where she served as a dedicated associate. A woman of deep faith, she was a former parishioner of Our Lady of the Mount Roman Catholic Church in Warren, where her spiritual foundation continued to guide her life and actions.
Josephine was known by all as a deeply caring and nurturing presence. Her home was always open, her kitchen always warm, and her heart always generous. Whether you were a neighbor, friend, or one of her beloved grandchildren, you never left her home without a delicious meal or a plate of something homemade. An exceptional cook, she found joy in nourishing those around her, and even more so in the time spent together around the table.
She was a talented crafter who enjoyed painting, needlework, and crocheting. She also enjoyed occasional trips to Atlantic City and decorating her home for the holidays, which she transformed into magical celebrations for her family. Christmas and Thanksgiving were made all the more special by her warmth, effort, and attention to every loving detail.
Though not a fan of the beach herself, she made sure her family enjoyed summers at their home in Lavallette. Her days were spent behind the scenes-packing lunches, preparing dinners, and creating an environment where lasting memories were made.
Above all, Josephine was the heart of her family-a caregiver in every sense of the word. She never complained, always gave of herself, and offered unwavering love and support to her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. Her presence was a blessing in all their lives, and she leaves behind a legacy of love, sacrifice, and deep familial bond.
Josephine was predeceased by her beloved husband, Michael A. Cortese; her son, Michael R. Cortese; and her brother, Vincent LoBianco.
She is survived by her loving children: Terri Mangion (Tony), Joanne Cortese Smith (Martin), Pati Brenn (Jim), and Paul Cortese (Nancy). Josephine was a proud and loving grandmother to eleven grandchildren: Michael, Lauren, Jenna (Tony), Mark (Kristin), Brian, Trevor (Jessica), Kaitlin, Drew, Reilly, Jeremy, and Evan; and a doting great-grandmother to eight great-grandchildren: and others who were a constant source of joy in her life.
She is also survived by her dear siblings: Philip; Salvatore (Jaye); Catherine (Gayle); and her daughter-in-law Angela.
Visitation will be held on Friday, June 27, 2025, from 4:00 to 8:00 p.m. at Higgins Home for Funerals, 752 Mountain Blvd., Watchung, NJ. A Funeral Mass will be celebrated at 9:00am on Saturday, June 28, 2025, at Our Lady of the Mount Chapel, 167 Mount Bethel Road, Warren, NJ. Interment will follow at Holy Cross Cemetery in Basking Ridge.
Josephine's unwavering love, her nurturing spirit, and her generosity will forever live on in the hearts of those who knew her.