Father Richard Anthony Cortese was called to his eternal home September 11, 2022 at the age of 66. He was born January 27, 1956 in Memphis,TN. He was preceded in death by his parents Anna Lee Slagle and Anthony James Cortese. He leaves his brothers Angelo “Ted” Cortese (Kellie Griffith Cortese) of Memphis TN , William James Cortese (Kathy Keller Cortese) of Knoxville,TN and Michael Wesley Cortese of Knoxville,TN and nieces and nephews and 2 great nephews.
Father Richard attended St Michael’s and Blessed Sacrament grade schools. He graduated from White Station HS class of ‘75 where he was a star varsity baseball ⚾️ pitcher and cross country runner. He loved table tennis as well and won all the neighborhood matches. He studied theology at St Meinrad Catholic Seminary in St Meinrad, Indiana. Father Richard was a humble priest of 42 years. He revered Mother Mary and dedicated his priestly life to the Marian Movement. He influenced an amazing amount of people of all faiths to Christian spirituality. He was the National director of the Marian Movement of Priests organization. Father Richard was currently an associate Pastor of St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Jackson,TN. Father Richard loved the outdoors, nature and adventure. In the footsteps of his father he hiked parts of the Appalachian Trail. He climbed Mt Vesuvius, ate pizza on top of the leaning tower of Pisa, and went down the Mississippi River from Memphis to NOLA In a small ski boat called The 4 Sons with his beloved brothers. He often said Mass on a sand bar or in the woods. Other stories we could tell will wait for private gatherings. Father was known for long winded sermons……but he was dearly loved by all his parishioners and those that knew and loved him. He was devoted to his Hispanic congregation and friends.
He will be missed by everyone that was lucky enough to know our beloved brother. Memorial donations may be made to the Catholic Dioceses of Memphis or the Marian Movement of Priests P.O. Box 8, St Francis, ME 04774 or the charity of the donor’s choice.
The family will receive friends from 9:15 am until 10:00 am followed by the Rosary at 10am and Mass at 10:30 am on Tuesday, September 20, 2022 at St Michael Catholic Church,3863 Summer Ave, Memphis, TN 38122.
Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.FamilyFuneralMemphis.com for the Cortese family.
