Vincent Leon Cortese was born on March 13, 1933 and passed away on Tuesday, July 18, 2017 at the age of 84 surrounded by his wife of almost 55 years and his family. He put up a strong fight against throat and tongue cancer for the past four years; and most recently pancreatic cancer. But dad won – he is not fighting any longer and is at peace.

Dad was born in San Pedro, CA to Joseph and Lima Cortese; joining his older brother Joseph, whom he looked up to. The family travelled back and forth to Baltimore to visit family and all of his aunts, uncles, and cousins. His father passed away when he was five.

Lima remarried when he was seven, and Milton Smith came into their lives and moved the family to Pearl City, HI. On December 7, 1941, dad had eye to eye contact with the Japanese Fighter Pilots on several occasions during the attack. He would tell anyone his story about his time during the attack on Pearl Harbor; and had his story published may times. He attended many of the Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day memorials with mom. Last year he attended the 75th Memorial where his daughter Bobbie and son-in-law Tim attended with them.

When dad turned 17, he enlisted in the Navy just as the Korean War was beginning and served until 1954. He served on the USS Rupertus DD-851 and USS Gurke DD-783 as a Gunner’s Mate, 2nd Class. Dad was proud of his time he served and attended many of the reunions for both ships; making lasting friendships.

After his discharge from the Navy and while attending night school, dad met the future love of his life, Wanda. Mom who had Mike, Kathy, and Bobbie from a previous marriage, fell in love with dad and made an instant family on July 21, 1962. Several years later, Traci was born into the family.

With dad’s jobs, the family moved from California, Texas, and finally settling in Washington. There dad worked for Bechtel National at the Hanford Nuclear Reservation. He worked at 100N, Purex, REDOX, and FFTF. He was the Mechanical Engineer and Craft Superintendent during the construction of FFTF. He enjoyed being the president of the Employee Association and planning the employee function and summer picnics.

He continued to work at the Hanford Site and Energy Northwest as a Construction and Maintenance Engineer until mom told him it was time to retire. However, he continued to work at Energy Northwest during the refueling outages as a Craft Maintenance Supervisor until 2007.

One of dad’s greatest enjoyments was his involvement at the Veterans of Foreign Wars – Post 7952, Richland Post. During his time as a lifetime member he served as a Quartermaster, Jr. Vice Commander, Vice Commander, and Commander. He would sell poppies, raise money for the Flag Fund, and deliver Thanksgiving and Christmas dinners to soldier’s families. He was also very active in the Patriot’s Pen scholarships for several years.  

Dad’s others hobbies included fishing, camping, playing softball, going to their property over on the coast, enjoying crab fishing, and enjoying time with family and grandchildren.

Dad is survived by his wife, Wanda, of 54 years (almost 55 years) and his children and their spouses; Mike and Retha Evarts, Kathy McClure, Bobbie and Tim Jackson, and Traci and Craig Snyder.

Grandchildren (and their spouses): Jennifer and Bill McDonald, Danny and Amanda McClure, Sammi and Ty Alford, Michael II and Jessica Evarts, TJ and Paula Jackson, Cassie Evarts and Walter King, Alex Snyder, and Christi Snyder (Kody Young).

Sisters-in-law Clytelle Shepherd and Pat Allen.

Great Grandchild: Chasidi, Kaylee, Colyn, McKenzie, Rachel, Billy, Tobi, Naythan, Claire, Tayrn, Adelynn, Amaya, Annilea, and Michael III.

Nephews and niece: Doug, Mark, and Doreen Cortese and Great niece Krystal and Great nephews

Proceeded in death by: his parents, his step-father, mother-in-law, and his brother Joe.

The family wishes to thank the following friends: Members of the VFW Post 7952 and their Honor Guard, PCM Nurses, Dr. Khouri and staff, Dr. Sherfey, Dr. Leonard, Dr. Hamarneh, Dr. Rege, Dr. Wadhwa, Dr. Kanneganti, Trios Health Infusion Center, Richland Rehabilitation Center, and the Case Managers from EEICOP Richland Office.

In lieu of flowers, please donate to VFW Post 7952 Flag Fund or Honor Guard, Benton Franklin Humane Society, and Tri-City Cancer Center.