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Wilfredo Cortez Obituary
He was born April 6, 1953, in the Brooklyn, N.Y., the son of Arcadio and Gloria Cortez, both residing in New York City. Willie was one of seven brothers and sisters.
Willie attended local schools and enlisted in the Navy in 1971. After being stationed in Connecticut and then honorably discharged in June of 1973, he decided to stay in the area. He was also a veteran of the Vietnam War.
In 1976, Willie received a citation from the City of New London for his bravery in rescuing two young children from a burning apartment in the housing complex where he worked as a security guard.
He worked at Thames Valley Technical College until his retirement in 2003 from Three Rivers Community College.
He married the former Catherine M. Pagan on May 27, 1978. They had recently marked their 28th wedding anniversary.
In addition to his wife, Catherine, and his parents, he is survived by three children, Catherine C. Lewis of Quaker Hill, Jennifer A. Pia of Waterford, and Michael A. Cortez of New London. He was completely devoted to his three precious grandchildren, Anthony C. Pagan and Dimitri A. Pia, both of Waterford and Joshua "Little Red" Lewis of Quaker Hill. He also leaves his brothers, "Junior" Cortez of Groton, Miguel and Arturo Cortez, both of New York City; sisters, Neddy Cortez of New London and Theresa Cortez of New York City; along with numerous nieces and nephews.
He was predeceased by his sister, Gloria "Chi-Chi" Cortez.
The family would like to thank Mr. Gary Pawlik for his never-ending friendship.
A graveside service with military honors will be held 11 a.m. on Wednesday at the St. Mary Cemetery, New London. Calling hours will be held from 4 to 7 p.m. on Tuesday at the Byles Memorial Home, 99 Huntington St., New London.
Donations may be made to the Nutmeg Pavilion Patient's Recreation Fund., 78 Viets St. Ext., New London CT 06320.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Wilfredo Cortez
michael cortez
July 23, 2006
hi dad, its me your son, your one and only showtime, i member those days when we would go fishin like it was this mornin, days i would go to work with you and walk around the halls with you, i miss those days, i miss everything, the phone calls that i wouldnt pick up cause i knew it was you, you taught me alot and thats what i apricate the most about you, didnt even know you showed me but i learned the right way to be a father from watchin you, you were a great man, and lived one hell of a life, even though i wasnt in it all the time , you still made room, if it was a minute a second or an hour, i wish i can get that back, but i know deep down i cant, your in a better place now tell titi chichi i said hi, and grandmom i miss her, and tell pookie i miss him to, i still member that day we put him to sleep that was a mean kitty. i know you finally met bruce lee and are haven fun tryin to learn the inch punch, i love you man and will always have you watchin my back,i know now what i miss the most about you and thats just seein you, they gave me the flag at your funneral, and i got one of the shells from the 21 gun salut, mommy misses you alot, all those phone calls we would get, ima watch over her and protect her, ima keep my head up and walk strong cause i learn from the best, i wish you wouldnt have left, hopefully one day will we see eachother again, and go fishin one more time, i know your there when ever i need some1 to talk to,you will always be in my heart and will never be forgoten.
Patricia PJ Aviles
July 23, 2006
Uncle Willie,
I know we havent spoken much in the last few years. But I loved you with all my heart.. Im glad you have moved to a place where you feel no pain and know no sorrow..Plus you're in a place with my mother causing alot of trouble.(like we dont know)..You will always be missed but your love and presence will always be felt..
Your niece PJ and my son Mikey
Terry
July 22, 2006
Bro of mine you will always be in my heart and in the hearts of everyone that was in yours. But most of all I will miss you dearly
your sister Terry
catherine cortez
July 13, 2006
ill miss the late phone calls and the menu orders,rest in peace fred.
love cat
Michael ,Charlene ,Dominique, and Raegan Johnson
July 12, 2006
Kat,
We love you and are praying for you and the family; Knowing that God will continue to grant you the peace and strength you need to make it through this difficult time.
"Earth Have No Sorrow That Heaven Cannot Heal"
Margaret & Roy your co-workers
July 11, 2006
Willie you are now in peace, and you will always be in our hearts.
Samuel & Doris Sanchez
July 10, 2006
We are very much sadden upon learning of the passing of Wilfredo.The time we shared with him and knowing him was very little but, we enjoyed those moments that we did.Sometimes families move long distances and also contacts.But we will not forget that we got the chance to know and enjoy his frendship.We will miss him sorely, Love always your cousin Doris along with Sam and,family.
Brenda
July 10, 2006
He is now in a better and wonderful place. We will all miss him. Love and sympathy from the Maysonet Girls.
July 9, 2006
You are in our thoughts and prayers.
Jennifer Pia
July 9, 2006
Be Still
Be still like the grass on a melancholy summer day
Be still like desert shrub.
Be calm and you will hear your loved one speak, in the stillness, in the calm, their love resounds.
If you are still this promise I make, you will hear the voice of your loved one helping you along your way.
Blanche Pracukowski
July 9, 2006
My deepest sympathy to the family. I worked with Willie at Thames Valley many years ago. I was able to go to his retirement party before I moved to Florida. I have happy memories of working with Willie. He always had a warm smile as you came into work. Always ready to help if you needed him. Your in my thoughts and prayers during this sad time.
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