Robert Cortellessa Obituary - Visitation & Funeral Information

Robert Michael Cortellessa, son of Domenic Cortellessa and Camille Raiola, was born in Providence, Rhode Island on September 2nd, 1957. He was a husband, a father and a friend to many. Robert passed away on April 5th, 2020 at Bronson Hospital in Kalamazoo, Michigan. He is survived by his two children, Presley and Vince Cortellessa, his wife Lisa Cortellessa and step mom, LouAnn Cortellessa. Growing up, Bob spent a majority of his younger days on the beach in Rhode Island, often telling stories of Newport and the events that occurred there. He loved clamming, catching lobsters and hanging out with his best friend Bobby Correa who he very frequently told stories about. He did a very good job at painting pictures of his stories about growing up, of the landscape, the atmosphere, the sights and the smells. When he was 17 he moved to Daytona Beach, Florida and attended Embry-Riddle University for a short time. He became a lifeguard during the summer months and found peace being on a beach doing something that he loved. After moving to Michigan looking for another change of scenery, Bob found home in Kalamazoo where he started working in the electrical field, and quickly became an expert at what he did. For over 30 years he worked in electrical wholesale and although it was stressful at times, watching him work and seeing someone know so much about a particular field was admirable. He was counted on by many in that industry, and there will forever be a gap where Bob once sat. As his son, we spent many years together. Years that I will remember forever that are filled with memories I will never forget. Playing Bocce in the backyard until it was dark, road trips, visiting his hometown in Rhode Island with him for the first time, and sitting drinking our favorite Dunkin' Donuts coffee talking about life. Our dad was a beautiful person who rarely put himself first. I'm not going to look up the definition of a family man, but whatever it is, that was our dad. Our dad was encouraging, he was realistic, and he was one of the funniest individuals I think anyone could ever meet or had the pleasure of meeting. If one of us was upset, he was cracking jokes until we showed a smile, and made sure to let us know everything will be okay. I could keep writing for hours and probably days or weeks but just know, if you were close to our dad, he loved you with everything he had and would give the shirt off his back for you. We love you forever dad, please rest easy. In lieu of flowers we are asking for donations to the go fund me we have started, to help pay for medical bills and expenses from this sudden and tragic loss. You can visit the page at: https://www.gofundme.com/f/the-cortellessa-family The family is being assisted by the Avink Funeral Home and Cremation Society; 129 S Grand St. Schoolcraft, MI 49087 (269-679-5622).

Robert Cortellessa

September 2, 1957 - April 5, 2020

Obituary & Service

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Robert Cortellessa

September 2, 1957 - April 5, 2020

Obituary & Service

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