Donald Lee Cortese

Don was born in Rochester, New York in 1949 to Lillian and Charles Cortese. He graduated from Eastridge High School in 1967 and relocated to Southern California with his family at age 19 in 1968. He received a Bachelor’s degree in Fine Arts from California State University, Fullerton, and went on to obtain his teaching credential and later a Master’s degree in Education.

In 1976, Don began a 33 year-long career with the Claremont Unified School District working as an art teacher at Claremont High School in Claremont, California. During his tenure, he taught a wide range of classes, including painting and drawing, ceramics, animation, mechanical drafting, print making, jewelry making, and computer graphics. He got the biggest kick out of working with his students and seeing them develop their skills as artists. At the time of his passing, the walls of his home still displayed numerous pieces of art given to him by former students over the years.

Don would have told you that his greatest achievement in life was being a father and that he loved nothing more than spending time with his two sons and their families whenever he could. He was an artist and a woodworker who always enjoyed immersing himself into a creative project; whether that be raku firing ceramics in his backyard kiln, building redwood furniture in the garage, or simply making custom holiday and birthday cards for family. Don was also a lifelong fisherman who looked forward to any moment he could spend with a line in the water, especially at his favorite fishing spot in the Eastern Sierras, June Lake.

Don is survived by his two sons, Greg (Kelly) Cortese and David (Nika) Cortese; his three (soon-to-be four) grandchildren; and sisters Joyce Smith and Donna (Darryll) Getzlaff. Don is predeceased by his older brother Charles Cortese, and his parents.

Cremation has taken place per Don’s wishes and a celebration of life is to be planned for a later date.