Vietnam Veteran Joseph J. Cortese, 67, of Middletown passed away at home on Sunday evening, April 20, 2014. Born in Braddock, PA, Mr. Cortese lived in Towson, MD; Fords, NJ; Lafayette, CA and Kenner, LA prior to moving to Middletown 28 years ago. He attended Penn State University and received his Bachelor of Science degree in 1968. He served as an officer in the U.S. Army during the Vietnam War and held the rank of 1st Lieutenant. Upon discharge, he received his masters in Business Administration at the University of Maryland. Mr. Cortese went on to work for many years in the shipping industry starting at SeaLand, finally retiring in 2013 from UASC. Mr. Cortese was a parishioner of St. Catharine's R.C. Church in Holmdel for many years. He loved movies, playing cards and working with his hands on projects outside, but his favorite time spent was with his family and friends. He was predeceased by his parents. He is survived by his wife, Mary 'Betty', of 43 years; his two daughters Jennifer and Sarah; and his two brothers Robert and Thomas. A funeral Mass will be offered on Friday at 9:15am at St. Catharine's R.C. Church, 108 Middletown Road, Holmdel NJ 07733. For travel directions, or to post an online condolence to the Cortese family, please visit: www.holmdelfuneralhome.com