Jerry R. Cortes
October 7, 1942 - May 13, 2025 (Age 82)
Jerry R. Cortes, 82, passed away peacefully on May 13, 2025, in Payson, AZ. Born October 7, 1942, in McKeesport, PA to the late Marjorie M. (Johnson) Cortes Collier and Jerry Cortes. He was predeceased by his sisters, Beverly Snyder of Irwin, PA, Judith Jackson of Greensburg, PA and brother, Timothy Cortes of Liberty Boro, PA. He is survived by his siblings, Janet (Roger) Gettemy of Irwin, PA; Donna Vincent of Belle Vernon, PA; Gilbert (Deborah) Cortes of McKeesport, PA; Marjorie Steele of Janesville, WI; Claudine (Gary) Gulasky, of Oakdale, PA. He is also survived by many nieces, nephews, great-nieces and nephews and great-great nieces and nephews.
He was a graduate of McKeesport High School, class of 1960. A longtime resident of McKeesport, Irwin, and Greensburg until he transplanted to Arizona. He enlisted in the US Army National Guard in 1964 and was honorably discharged in 1970. He was a lifelong employee of the Union Railroad, from which he retired. Jerry was always interested in fishing and became an avid fly-tyer and fly-fisherman. He attended multiple fly-tying shows across the country and belonged to numerous fly-tying clubs. He was a member of the BPOE ELKS Lodge in Irwin, PA and later an active member in Payson, AZ. He was a Trustee and Tiler of the ELKS Lodge #2154 in Payson, AZ. Rest in peace.
A private memorial will take place at a later date.