Joseph "Joe" P. Cortese, age 70, of Crown Point (LOFS), passed away at home on Wednesday, May 3, 2017. He was born in Gary, Indiana on November 13, 1946 to the late Pietro and Mary (nee Servino) Cortese. On November 20, 1971, Joe married the love of his life, Barbie J. Johnson. He was employed with Indiana University Northwest as a professor for 27 years. He had a tremendous work ethic and his priority was providing for his family. Having extreme intelligence, Joe received numerous teaching awards. He loved to cook and lived to fish with his son, Craig. Joe will be remembered as a wonderful father, grandfather, brother, uncle and friend.

Joe is survived by sons, Joseph S. Cortese, Craig (Amanda) Cortese; granddaughter, Caralyn Emily Cortese; sisters, Mary Jaroscak, Annie (Bill) Delinck; sister in law, Lois Cortese and numerous loving nieces and nephews.

Joe was preceded in death by his parents; loving wife, Barbie J. Cortese; parents in law, Spiro and Emily Johnson; and brother, Anthony Cortese.
Memorial contributions may be made to the family to help with funeral expenses.

A Mass of Christian Burial for Joe will be held at 10:00 am on Monday, May 8, 2017 directly at Holy Spirit Catholic Church, 7667 E. 109th Ave., Crown Point, IN 46307 with Rev. Thomas E. Mischler, officiating. He will be laid to rest at Angelcrest Cemetery in Valparaiso. Visitation will take place on Sunday, May 7, 2017 from 1-5 pm at Rees Funeral Home, Winfield Chapel, 10909 Randolph St., Winfield/Crown Point, IN 46307. 219-661-2600. Online condolences may be shared with the family at www.reesfuneralhomes.com.