ANTHONY CORTESE Jr. PALM BAY Anthony G. Cortese, Jr., died on Thursday, January 15, 2009. He was born October 17, 1942 in Rochster, NY to Anthony and Florence La Franca Cortese.

Survivors include his wife, Diane; children, Heather Grant, Lisa Cortese, Steven Cortese, Michelle Wilson and Mandy Slater; brother, Ronald Cortese; sisters, Sharon Burgio, Joanne DAgostino, Yvonne Finazzo and Donna Cortese; grandchildren, Alex, Madison, Tyler, Ripley and Trace.

Tony attained his MBA from Florida Institute of Technology in 1985, and worked for EG&G at Kennedy Space Center as a manager. He was given the Achievement Award for his contribution to the success of the first manned orbital flight of the space shuttle. Later, he worked for Health First in Rock ledge as an Information Technology Specialist.

He was an active member of Our Lady of Grace Catholic Church where he volunteered on the Parish Council, was a Minister of Holy Communion, a Sacristan, and had served as Catachist of Religious Ed.

Friends may visit at Our Lady of Grace Catholic Church, 300 Malabar Road, SE, Palm Bay, 32907 from 10:30 a.m. until time of the Funeral Mass at 11:30 a.m. on Monday. Memorial contributions in his memory may be made to his church or Hospice of Health First, 1900 Dairy Road, West Melbourne, FL 32904.

Arrangments entrusted to Palm Bay Funeral Home, 950 Malabar Road, SE, Palm Bay, FL (321) 724- 2224. Sign the family guest book at www.affuneral.com