John Cortright

Obituary of John Cortright Houghton/Scottsdale, AZ John Joseph Cortright, 84, a summer resident of Oskar Heights passed away unexpectedly at his home in Scottsdale, AZ, on January 5, 2010. He was born on January 20, 1926, in Mt. Vernon, New York, a son of the late Albert and Josephine (Segno) Cortright. He was a graduate of Edison High School in Mt. Vernon, New York. After high school, John worked at Columbia University on a government project. Mr. Cortright was a graduate of Michigan Technological University (then Michigan College of Mines) where he received his BS in Mechanical Engineering Design and then went on to complete his masters degree. While attending the university, John was a member of the football team for two years. It was in Houghton where John met the love of his life, Geraldine Cosby. The couple married on February 28, 1950. They moved back to Mt. Vernon then Brooklyn and then Settled in Long Island, NY. In 1982, John semi-retired and moved to Scottsdale, AZ. Since that time, he has spent his winters in Arizona and his summers in Oskar. On July 7, 1991, Geraldine preceded John in death. Mr. Cortright was a veteran having served with the United States Navy during World War II on board the destroyer USS Mansfield in the Pacific Ocean. John was a design engineer for Henry Spen in Brooklyn and then at Goodyear Aerospace in Arizona, predominantly working on military projects. While Mr. Cortright resided in Long Island, he was very active with Engine Company #4, in Elmont, New York, for 20 years. During that time, he was elected to the board of fire commissioners. Preceding him in death were his wife, his parents, his brother Pat (Pattyboy) and his sister DeDe Cugno. Surviving are: His children; Jim Cortright of Houghton Joani Cortright of Phoenix, AZ His son-in-law: Lenny Ambrosiano of Phoenix, AZ His grandsons; Christian and Patrick Cortright of Houghton His sisters; Margaret Kalita of New Jersey Lois Vassari and her husband Louis of New York Several nieces, nephews, and cousins A private graveside service for John will be held later this spring at the Forest Hill Cemetery of Houghton. To view John's obituary or to send condolences to the family please visit www.memorialchapel.net. The Memorial Chapel Funeral Home of Hancock has been assisting the family with the arrangements. To send flowers to the family of John Cortright, please visit Tribute Store