Richard Franklin “Rick” Cortazzo, 91, of Easton, PA died January 29, 2021 at Lehigh Valley Hospital Muhlenberg. Born July 9, 1929 in Flicksville, PA, he was the son of the late Carmine Antonio “Tony” Cortazzo and Anna (Stocker) Cortazzo Mack and stepson of the late Richard F. Mack. He graduated from Easton High School in 1947, Lafayette College in 1957 and received his MBA from NYU. He served in the Army during the Korean War and, after college, was employed by companies including Union Carbide, Monsanto, and Fuller Co. He was a concierge for the National Building in Easton following his retirement. Rick was a member of Toastmaster’s, Lions Club, Elks Club, American Legion and the Fleck Society at Lafayette.
He is survived by four children: Jeffrey Cortazzo (Emily) of Steilacoom, WA, Mark Cortazzo(Lynette) of Greenville, SC, Janis Cortazzo of Jacksonville, FL, Sierra Cortazzo (Eric Nemens) of St. Louis, MO; stepson: Bob Cortazzo Lockner; and six grandchildren. His wife, the former Florence “Cookie” Unger, died in August of 2020.
Services are private with interment at Northampton Memorial Shrine. The Ashton Funeral Home, Easton is handling arrangements. Offer online condolences at www.AshtonFuneralHome.com. Memorial contributions may be made to Lafayette College c/o Development Office, Box 3000, Easton, PA 18042.
David Barbera
February 3, 2021 at 6:34 pm
Our family’s condolences to all of the Rick’s children and grandchildren. He was loved by our family and will be greatly missed.
-The Dave Barbera Family-
Spenser
February 4, 2021 at 1:44 pm
He was a great guy.
He was alumni class president of the Easton High School class of 1947, and participated in many EHS 47 class reunions and luncheons, trips to Florida, Nashville, St. Louis, Canada and Indiana to visit family and classmates. In addition to Lafayette college dinners.
He always had some great and legendary stories to tell that were enjoyed and will be missed
Phyllis Anastasi
February 5, 2021 at 9:05 pm
To the Cortazzo children,
I’m so sorry to hear of your father’s passing. He was such a nice man.
I met him years ago when he worked at the National Bank Building.
We kept in touch off and on when he got me to sing at some of the organizations he was a member of.
May he Rest In Peace
ANITA SEELEY,
February 6, 2021 at 4:53 pm
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My deepest condolences to all family members for your untimely loss. May each of you be comforted in a very special way.
It was good getting to finally know cousin, Rick, after being separated by time, distance, and circumstance for most of our lives. I will be missing the email chats and correspondence that we shared in recent years.
God’s special love to each and all,
Anita
RALPH R. CORTAZZO
February 8, 2021 at 10:42 pm
To Jeffrey, Mark, Janis and Sierra I say that we are very sorry to hear about your loss. Your father Rick, Anita and I are the last three oldest first cousins and managed to reunite via the internet in recent times. Distance, Covid19, and medical conditions prevented us from meeting in person. We did manage to remind each other of the good old days when the entire Cortazzo clan met every Sunday after church at the homestead. Eight siblings and their families filled the house. Lots of good food, conversation, and activity, both good and bad followed. Grandpaps homemade wine was enjoyed by all.
Rick recently recalled those days and beyond via email to us. if you did not receive those, I would be glad to copy all. Let me know. Cousin Ralph