Rev. Mr. James Gerard Cortegerone, 79, of Jenkins Township and formerly of Wyoming, passed away Wednesday, May 12, 2012, after succumbing to ongoing heart and lung issues.
Born in Wilkes-Barre on July 8, 1941, he was the son of the late James and Elizabeth Lauzano Cortegerone. Jim, formerly of Wyoming, had been an 11 year resident of Jenkins Township, where he lived with his wife Lorraine Dombroski Cortegerone, daughter Teresa Cortegerone-Romano and two grandchildren, Luigi Romano and Isabelle Romano.
Jim was a graduate of Wyoming High School, class of 1959 and pursued a degree in Pharmacology at the Philadelphia College of the Sciences.
He served as Flood Coordinator for Wyoming Borough and served on town councils in the community for many years.
Jim and his wife Lorraine met on a blind date, and after getting married in 1974 moved to Endwell, NY where they raised their children, James and Teresa. Their married life was spent raising their children, working within the community and being active members of the local parish. He always had a love of baseball, softball, and soccer doing whatever he could in NY and PA as an umpire, a coach, and a supporter within the community.
Jim and Lorraine returned to the Wyoming Valley in 1988 to be closer to family. Unfortunately in 1990, they lost their son, James, in a tragic malpractice incident that had left them both with pieces of their hearts broken and damaged by the great loss. James and Lorraine worked with The Luzerne Foundation to establish the James Joseph Cortegerone Scholarship in honor and loving memory of their son.
He was employed in pharmaceutical sales for Vale Chemical Company. He later worked at Stapleton Pharmacy in Wyoming. He was then hired by Benco Dental Supply Company. Jim was hired by Larry Cohen and was the 5th salesman hired in what is now a world-renowned family owned company. He worked for Benco for 23 years until he left to pursue his calling of becoming a permanent Deacon for the Scranton Diocese. Jim was ordained as a Deacon on November 27, 1999, and served the community from Saint John the Evangelist Church, Pittston, under Msgr. John Bendik until retirement in 2016. He along with Ann Cocco started the Care and Concern Ministries at St. John the Evangelist Church which still operates today.
He opened the Cort House Restaurant, (presently the Avenue Diner) with his former son-in-law as a way to give back and bring together the people of Wyoming and surrounding areas. He sold the business in 2002, in order to fully immerse himself in his duties as a clergy member.
Moving forward, Jim looked toward helping others through times of grief, ways to grow and share his faith, and serve his community. Becoming a Deacon was one of Jim’s greatest accomplishments and a way of life and service that he held close to his heart. Jim worked with area parishes and as chaplain for Wesley Village to provide the residents with weekly masses, communion, and active way to continue on in their faith while needing the additional care in their lives. One of his final projects was to help his daughter pursue her journey of giving back by opening her own school, Be The Change Academy, in the Oblate of Saint Joseph building. For many years, she had worked with young children and knew when she left her position to care for him, she still needed an outlet to care, educate, and give back. Jim and Lorraine made this possible for her and her dedicated staff to provide care and education while always giving back to those who they serve.
In addition to his parents, James and Elizabeth Lauzano Cortegerone, Jim was preceded in death by his son James Joseph Cortegerone; brother, Peter who died shortly after birth, and a nephew, Joseph Cortegerone.
Surviving are his wife of 46 years, Lorraine Dombroski Cortegerone; their daughter, Teresa Cortegerone-Romano and her companion Jason Cease of Nanticoke; her children, Luigi Gerard and Isabelle Marie and their father, Luigi Romano; a brother, Joseph Cortegerone and his wife Catherine; many cousins and close friends.
The family will receive friends and relatives on Sunday, May 16, 2021 from 4pm to 6pm in Parish of St. Barbara, Exeter with Vesper Service at 6pm.
Funeral mass will be celebrated by Most Reverend, Joseph C. Bambera, Bishop of Scranton, Monday, May 17, 2021 at 10:00am in St. John the Evangelist Church, Pittston. Interment, St, Ignatius Cemetery, Courtdale. Face coverings are required by those attending the services and mass. Arrangements are entrusted to Adonizio Funeral Home, LLC, Pittston.
As a high school classmate of Jim at Wyoming High School it was a pleasure to call him my friend. His life reflects on the kind and generous person he was. Our sincere sympathy to his family during this difficult time. Madge and Ron Rogers
I first met Jim when I was a new Sales Rep at Benco. He was extremely helpful with whatever I asked of him. When it came to knowledge of the dental industry and products, he was second to none. I feel truly blessed to have known and worked with him. He was a wonderful man. My heartfelt sympathy to Lorraine and the Cortegerone family.
Sincerely,
John Mansfield.. .
Dear Lorraine & Theresa
So sorry to have read that Jim passed away.. Heaven has another angel!
Take care & God Bless.
Cousin Louise Arnold Harper & husband Jim
Dear Lorraine, Teresa, and family,
We are heartbroken to hear of Jim’s passing. We loved him and will always remember how he acted as a shepherd to Bob when he converted to Catholicism. Our hearts and prayers are with you and Jim. Our Deepest Sympathy,
Bob, Marilyn and Aiden Luke
Carol and I would like to offer our condolences to Rev. Jim's Family for his passing.
Sincerely,
Bob McNamara