of Little Rock, AR
December 22, 1939 - May 22, 2010
Robert Anthony Cortese, Sr., of Little Rock, was born in Rockford, IL on December 22, 1939, and died on May 22, 2010. He was preceded in death by his parents, Robert Cortese and Giovanna Balsam Cortese, who eventually moved to Wye Mountain-Little Italy in northern Pulaski County where Robert was raised and where he graduated from High School.
He is survived by his wife of 50 years Kathleen McEuen, two children Deborah Cortese and Robert A. ''BJ'' Cortese, Jr. and his wife Kim, his sister Marianne Langston and her husband John and two grandsons, Robert and Ricky Cortese. Other survivors are his sister-in-law Alta Myers, brother-in-law Kenneth McEuen and his wife Shirley, multiple nieces and nephews.
Robert volunteered in the United States Army in 1959, and served in Turkey as an Army Security Agent. After honorably serving his enlistment, he returned to Little Rock and apprenticed as an electrician. After making journeyman, he eventually started his own company, RELCO Electrical Contractors, and gained the recognition of his peers to ultimately become President of the National Electrical Contractors Association.
Robert is remembered most among family and friends as the man who showed up to work whenever someone was in need whether it was aiding in a move, repairing any kind of damage or simply being there to offer comfort. When a beloved niece passed away in her prime, he rewired the church she attended in her memory.
Funeral services will be 12:00 p.m., Tuesday, May 25, 2010, at Roller-Chenal Funeral Home Chapel, (501)224-8300. Interment will be at Pinecrest Memorial Park.
The family will receive friends from 6:00-8:00 p.m., Monday, at the funeral home.
In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to Hospice Home Care, 1501 N. University, Little Rock, AR 72207 or to the charity of your choice.
Sign Guestbook
15 Condolence(s)
Johnny Robinson & Jenny Robinson Austin
Wednesday, May 26, 2010
Kathy,
My daughter and I am so very sorry for the loss in your family. We really enjoyed having the time to get to know the 2 of you from being a part of the NECA. He will be greatly missed by all of us. Again, sorry for your loss and will keep your family in our prayers.
Joe Janowski
Wednesday, May 26, 2010
Dear Kathy, BJ and Debbie,
I think of Robert often as I reflect back on the early days of my career. My time spent working for Robert was one of the most enjoyable times of my work career. I'll always remember him as a generous, kind, industrious and well organized employer and friend. He was a tremendous asset to his local community and to the electrical industry.
Carl Taylor
Tuesday, May 25, 2010
I'm so sorry to hear of your loss.
Mr. & Mrs. Rickey burnett
Tuesday, May 25, 2010
We are so sorry for your loss. We will say a rosary for Mr. Cortese, and keep the whole family in our prayers.
Trish Bartsch Gentry
Tuesday, May 25, 2010
Debbie and family:
I was so sorry to read about your dad today. I remember coming to your house in grade school and swimming after cheerleading at Good Counsel and then our days at MSM. I remember your dad was always tinkering with stuff. I always thought your dad was so young at heart.. I am sorry for your loss.
You are in my prayers.
Macel Hill Davis
Tuesday, May 25, 2010
To the family. God bless and keep you.
Our deepest sympathy. Macel
Bill and Libby Schulze,Sr.
Tuesday, May 25, 2010
Dear Kathy and Family,
Robert was much more than a master electrician to us and we considered him a good friend. Since 1982 or 1983 he was always available to help us on projects or just to install a new switch. I don't believe that I ever personally met you, but you were always that pleasant voice on the telephone assuring us that Robert would call or be here when he was needed. We have missed him greatly in recent years. Our deepest sympathy is with you and your family for this loss but you can be somewhat consoled be the fact that he was a truly good man. Bill and Libby Schulze, Sr.
Mitchell&Debbie Meux
Monday, May 24, 2010
You are all in our thoughts and prayers,please,let us know if we can help you.
Don Shaw
Monday, May 24, 2010
Kathy,
I considered Bob a dear friend and have many fond memories working with him in his early years as an apprentice. Bob was one of the best men I ever worked with. He loved his family and it showed. Seems like only yesterday we worked together during the day and he would work evenings at the Heights Theater. I was shocked when I learned of his passing. You are in our prayers and may God bless you during this difficult time.
David & Pamela Peterson
Monday, May 24, 2010
Words can't express the sorrow I'm feeling right now. He was my rock in life at times when I needed holding up. He could be gentle and yet stearn. He knew I needed it when I was growing up. He helped keep me on the right path in life even when I was heading down the wrong path. He was there when no one else was. He always had time an a cup of coffee for me. I know he will be looking in on us from time to time. I know he will watch over us and be one of the ones to greet us when its our time to depart from this earth. During my 52 years on this earth he was always there. He was and always will be "My Uncle Bobby".
With love,
David and Pamela Peterson
DJ & Robert Krauskop
Monday, May 24, 2010
So sorry for the loss. We will pray for his soul and the family.
We Love You,
Robert(BOB)/DJ
Joyce Jarvis Rivera
Monday, May 24, 2010
Kathy, Debbie and BJ,
I am saddened to hear of your loss. I have wonderful memories of spending time at your house and the McEuen house with your family as I was growing up. You all are in my thoughts and prayers.
Elaine & Bill Rice
Monday, May 24, 2010
Our thoughts and prayers are with each and every one.
Judy McKellips Smith
Sunday, May 23, 2010
It's taking awhile for me to absorb that Robert has passed away.. It seems like yesterday when both you and him were laughing, along with m at one of the estate sales we all enjoyed so much. I thought very highly of Robert and put him right up there in the same caliber of man as my daddy. I am so sorry. Daddy was equally sad to hear the news.
DON WINTON
Sunday, May 23, 2010
Robert set the bar for all contractors to arrive and be totally prepared for each job in a professional manner. Robert did many of Little Rock's high rise buildings and earned the respect by the building managers to entrust his work for the occupant's safety. On a personal note, Robert was one of the nicest people you will ever meet. A devoted family man and someone I am honored to say was my friend. We already miss him.