Frank Cortese

Family-Placed Funeral Notice

FRANK CORTESE Frank Cortese age 87, passed away March 19, 2005. Born in Newark, NJ, he and his wife, Genevieve moved to Atlantis 25 years ago from South Orange, NJ. A native Newarker on the happy occasion of his retirement after more than 30 years of distinguished service as President of the Newark based company Engineering Glass Laboratories, Inc, a graduate of 14th Avenue Elementary School, West Side High School and the Newark College of Engineering, Mr. Cortese's expertise as an electrical engineer was instrumental in pioneering and greatly contributing to the development of neon as a major lighting source. Under his astute leadership, EGL grew and prospered through its business operations in the City and provided employment opportunities for many Newark residents. In addition to his major accomplishments and achievements in running a successful business, Mr. Cortese was also active with a number of social and civic organizations (listed below) which have greatly enhanced the well-being of the fair city of Newark. On June 23, 1989 the city of Newark proclaimed the day to be Frank R. Cortese day in honor of his many contributions. Frank, with the assistance of his daughter, Donna, developed a world-wide network of EGL distributors in North and South America, Europe, Asia and Australia. The company deals with over 25 foreign countries. He conducted technical neon seminars in many cities in the States, Canada, Mexico, Melbourne and Sydney, Australia, Taiwan and many other Japanese cities. Mr. Cortese served as a director of National Electric Sign Assoc. and served on many technical committees at regional and national conventions. During his administration, he made over 2000 visits to neon sign companies here and abroad. His vast expertise and knowledge of making neon tubes helped many of the largest and also small neon shops in all parts of the world. In 1989, when Frank retired as CEO, the EGL Company was the world's largest manufacturer of neon electrodes, fluorescent coated tubing, neon rare gases and associated materials and equipment for neon tube manufacture. Frank assisted in processing special lighting effects for the Apollo Space program. He also assisted renowned Sam Gould in developing automatic processing for multiple neon units at one time up to 24. This process is used today by the largest producers of neon units for the beer sign advertising industry. Over his long life his activities include Charter Member of Newark Central Lion Club, member of American Electrical Engineering Society, member of Advisory Board Newark Boys Club, past president of Newark Chapter Onico National, member of Knights of Columbus S. Orange County 1831, served as advisor and coach for South Orange Little League, 1957-1964. His war service, October 1942 until July 1946, Frank was Chief Radio/Radar Engineer in 3rd Naval District, serving out of US Navy Bureau of Ships in Washington. He had served briefly in US Air Force, with Honorable discharge in 1947. He was a well known athlete in Newark area in baseball, football and softball. He played in semi-pro leagues from 1934-1948. He also played varsity baseball at Purdue University 1940-1942. He served as captain of the gymnastics team at Purdue. Varsity catcher Newark-Rutgers baseball team, 1938. He played professional softball in Indiana State softball league under an assumed name, 1941-1942. Football Line official Ivy League games, 1960-1961. At Purdue he was a member of “P” men's athletic club, a member of Newman Club, member of Phi Kappa Social Fraternity and Purdue Glee Club. Frank leaves behind to miss him his wife, Genevieve; son, Frank Cortese and son, Dr. Gary (Catherine) Cortese; daughter, Donna (Tony) Du Hoffmann; and seven grandchildren. Mr. Cortese's services will be held in Pennsylvania where he will be buried. Babione-Stephenson Funeral Home 1004 S. Federal Highway Lantana, FL 33462 (561) 582-4124