Robert J. Cortina

1923 - 2016

Robert J. Cortina, age 93, of Chestnut Street, Force, Pa., died Sept. 1, 2016, at his home, after a year-long illness.
Born Jan. 11, 1923, in Byrnedale, Pa., he was a son of the late Cesare and Cesarina (Gavazzi) Cortina.
He was married to Marguerite Frances (Winkler). She survives.
Robert served in the US Army during World War II.
He was a retired machinist for Keystone Carbon and Carbon City Products.
He was a member of St. Joseph Church and the Bennetts Valley American Legion. He helped build the new Force Cemetery.
He lived all his life in Bennetts Valley.
In addition to his wife, Marguerite Frances (Winkler) Cortina of Force, Pa., he is survived by two children, Robert F. Cortina of Rockton, Pa. and Daniel P. Cortina of St. Marys, Pa.; 10 grandchildren; eight great-grandchildren; two brothers, Victor Cortina of Byrnedale, Pa. and Silvio Cortina of St. Marys, Pa.; one sister, Anna Cortina of Byrnedale, Pa.
In addition to his parents, he was predeceased by two brothers, Mario and Leo Cortina; and two sisters, Albena Fantechi and Ida Capozzi.
A Mass of Christian Burial was held at 11 a.m. Saturday, Sept. 3, at the St. Joseph Catholic Church of Force, Pa., with Father William Sutherland as celebrant. Military honors were accorded by the Bennetts Valley Legion Post 978 Burial Detail. Interment was in the Church Cemetery.
The family suggests memorials to the Bennetts Valley Ambulance and will be accepting online condolences at www.nedzafamilyfuneralhomes.com.