Obituary of Philip J. Cortina

U. S. Army Veteran of World War II Philip J. Cortina Sr., age 85, of Trumbull, died suddenly on Saturday, November 28, 2009 in St. Vincent Medical Center. Born in Ripi, Frosinone, Italy, he was a son of the late Benedetto and Maria Faustine Cortina. A decorated U. S. Army veteran of World War II, Mr. Cortina served in the Rhineland and Central Europe Campaigns, and received the Purple Heart, a Bronze Service Star, the Good Conduct Medal, the Army Occupation Medal and the World War II Victory Medal. He was a former owner and baker at Anns Newfield Bakery, Inc. of Bridgeport and following his retirement drove a school bus for the Town of Trumbull for 20 years. Survivors include his first and only love, Christina Dutlof Cortina to whom he was married to for 63 years, four children, Philip J. Cortina Jr. and his wife Carol of Shelton, James B. Cortina and his wife Cheryl of Trumbull, Lenore Cortina and Lou Roma of Naugatuck and Tina C. Melchionno and her husband Gus of Naugatuck, a brother, Giulio Cortina of West Haven, three sisters, Nancy Recine of Monroe, Mary Picarazzi of Trumbull and Frances McCarthy of Monroe, two cherished grandchildren, Marcus J. Melchionno and Christopher A. Melchionno, and many nieces and nephews. He was pre-deceased by sisters, Fernanda Viola, Margharita, Santina and Sandra Cortina and brothers, Lino and Rocco Cortina. Funeral Information Funeral services will take place on Thursday, December 3, 2009 at 11 a.m. in the Abriola Parkview Funeral Home, 419 White Plains Road, Trumbull. Entombment with military honors will follow in the St. Monica Mausoleum at Gate of Heaven Cemetery, Trumbull. Friends may call on Wednesday from 4-8 p.m. Donations Information In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to your favorite charity.