Ernest Cortese, 71, of Elmhurst, passed away at home January 19 after a brief illness. He is survived by his wife, Elaine (Havard), of 41 years.

Son of the late Anthony and Anna (Lamberti) Cortese, he was born in Taylor, raised in Old Forge, attended and graduated from Old Forge High School and was on the Old Forge football team.

Ernie was employed by Thomson Consumer Electronics (former RCA) from 1970 until their closing. Most recently, he was employed by TJ Maxx until his retirement. He was an avid outdoorsman and loved to fish, hunt, pick mushrooms, cooking and arranging ocean fishing trips. He considered the opening day of trout season a holiday.

He was a big man, with a big heart, who lived his life with authenticity. He loved to share his stories and his thoughts with passion to friends and play with his German shepherd, Kuma. He will be sadly missed by many.

He is survived by a son, Anthony (Tony); and a daughter, Jessica and her husband, Kyle Ferri, (Moscow); and his beloved grandchildren, Avianna, Aurora and Xavier, who brought him much joy in his life.

Also, brothers, Charles Cortese and spouse, Margo, (Scranton); and Anthony Cortese and spouse, Karen (Glendale); a brother-in-law, William Havard (Virginia); and many nieces, nephews and grandnieces and nephews.

He is also survived by Nancy (Lambert), who was a sister he never had, and husband, Paul Flowers.

He was also preceded in death by his beloved grandparents, Ernesto and Natalina Lamberti, who he admired; and stepmother, Eleanor Janowski Cortese.

A visitation will be conducted Friday from 5 to 7 p.m. in Duffy & Snowdon Funeral Home, 401 Church St., Moscow, Pa.