LeRoy John Cortez, 62, of Ellwood City, beloved husband, father, and friend, passed away on Tuesday, June 9, 2020 in his residence, surrounded by his family. He was born on January 4, 1958 in Ellwood City and attended Ellwood City Area School District. He was employed at Inmetco in industrial reclamation for 42 years, finishing his career as a supervisor. He served on the Ellwood City Area School Board for 17 years and was elected for five terms.
LeRoy was a lifelong Ellwood resident and dedicated community member. He was a regular attendee at high school football games and numerous other school sporting events. He was an avid gardener with a talent for cultivating peppers too hot to eat. He was regularly seen in the community riding his bicycle with his dog, Vinny, often braving inclimate weather. More than anything, he loved spending time with his family and friends, whether it be beach vacations, shopping garage sales, or simply watching television.
LeRoy was a devout Christian, attended the Wurtemburg Presbyterian Church, taught Sunday School for 30 years, and was a guest speaker at various churches. He had a lifelong interest in history, politics, and theology. He acquired many books on these subjects and collected issues of Modern Reformation magazine. His intellectual passions inspired his eldest son, Joseph, to become a mathematician; and his younger son, Jonathan, to pursue a writing career.
He is survived by his wife, Susan (Summers) Cortez; his sons, Dr. Joseph Cortez, and Jonathan Cortez; his daughter-in-law, Alexandra Deitrich; his dog, Vincent “Vinny” Van Gogh, his siblings, Mary Ann (Ken) Burgess, Betty (Irvin) Strohecker, Frank (Diane) Cortez, and Jim (Mary Ann) Cortez. He was preceded in death by his parents, Edward and Antanette (DeCaria) Cortez; and his brother, Edward “Abe” Cortez.
Visitation will be held on Friday, June 12 from 2 to 4 p.m. and 7 to 9 p.m. at the JOSEPH A. TOMON JR. FUNERAL HOME at 97 Grim Avenue, Ellport, PA. Funeral services will be on Saturday, June 13 at 11 a.m. at the funeral home with Dr. Rob Guy, of Wurtemburg Presybertian Church, officiating, followed by interment at the Wurtemburg Cemetery.
Memorial contributions can be made in LeRoy’s name to the Wurtemburg Presbyterian Church, PO Box 407, Ellwood City, PA 16117.
You were a true friend and you will be missed so much. To his Family i`m so sorry for your loss.A true man of God .
Lee has been my friend since September of 1965 (1st grade, St. Agatha School), and I saw him last this past Sunday. A loyal pal with a terrific sense of humor. A man dedicated to friends and family alike. One of the great storytellers of all time.
To me and those who knew him, he will never be replaced.
RIP Leroy you were a true friend and fellow school board member. I’ll always remember you and will miss you. Our condolences to his family
So very sorry for your loss. I didn’t know Leroy personally, but my daughter held him in high regard. A seemingly wonderful man who was a positive influence to his family and the entire community around him. Our sincere condolences to his family and friends.
The Deitrich Family
Leroy, you were a good friend and fellow school board member. I remember the evenings at Hazel Manor with you, Buzzy and Frank and miss those days fondly. RIP Leroy . Condolenses to your wife and kids and vinny
Miss you Uncle Lee very much. I’m remembering old times when u stayed at grams and paps 🏠. And also I remember gulo as I walked him many times. Will see you someday….