Honoring the late World War II, Korean War Veteran Guiseppe Walter ‘Wally’ Cortese
FORT MYERS Fla. (FLV) – World War II and Korean War Veteran Guiseppe Walter “Wally” Cortese, known for his patriotism and love for his country, who resided in Lee County, passed away Monday.
Cortese was born on Aug. 1, 1925. He was a first-generation Italian American, who served in the U.S. Navy. He bravely fought in World War II and the Korean War.
Cortese was a loving husband and father. Cortese and his wife, Doris Cortese, recently celebrated their 68th wedding anniversary in March.
Both Wally and Doris were very active in the Lee County community. The couple attended many political events in the county.
Most recently, Cortese was involved in the Trump Republican Club and the Conservative Leadership Caucus, both of which his wife led. He notably frequently led the clubs in the Pledge of Allegiance at the beginning of every meeting.
Florida leaders, along with members of the community, shared countless memories of Cortese with Florida’s Voice.
“Wally was the best of men, a kind, servant-leader patriot who loved our community. He inspired the best in all of us. We have so many great memories and will truly miss him,” Rep. Jenna Persons-Mulicka, R-Fort Myers, said.
“Wally Cortese was one of my heroes!” Brian Wright, president and CEO of Executive Leadership Solutions, said.
Wright said Cortese was a man who “fought and served to protect this country on the battlefield in two wars as well as on the home front, a man who loved his wife and family deeply.”
“Wally was a patriot to the core of his being. It is an honor to call him my friend and mentor,” Wright said.
Lee County School Board Member Jada Langford-Fleming said it was an “honor” to have met Cortese.
“Wally stood tall and proud every time I watched him saying our nation’s pledge. I will sure miss his ‘hooyah.’ He was a true American hero,” Langford-Fleming said.
Rep. Spencer Roach, R-Fort Myers, said Cortese “represents the best of a generation.”
“He never complained, never lost faith in the inherent goodness of human veins and never, ever gave up – not even when those close to him wanted him to quit,” Roach said.
“My heart goes out to Doris, his loving wife of nearly seventy years. Wally will be remembered as a patriot a loving father and husband, and a model of a life well-lived,” Roach said.
“The world lost a great man that served our county and this community with great passion,” Lee County Commissioner Kevin Ruane said.
“I will miss my friend and heaven just received another angel. My prayers are with Wally, Doris and their entire family as they mourn their loss of a very special person. It was truly my honor to have recently spent some time with Wally late last week,” Ruane said.
County Commissioner Brian Hamman told Florida’s Voice Cortese always had a “kind word” every time he saw him, and had a “huge heart that was filled with love for his country and his fellow man.”
“He took the time to get to know my family and to care about our personal lives. He will be remembered for his service to our nation and his authenticity to the individuals who got to meet him,” County Commissioner Brian Hamman said.
“Wally Cortese was an American Hero who devoted his resources and valuable time for decades to our community and country. His loss will be felt throughout our community but the results of his sacrifices will live on for years to come,” Sen. Jonathan Martin, R-Fort Myers, said.
Founder and CEO of Florida’s Voice, Brendon Leslie, remembers Cortese as, “a man of integrity. The very epitome of American made.”
Leslie recalled Cortese’s support of Florida’s Voice from the very beginning.
“When many laughed at the idea of me starting Florida’s Voice, Wally Supported it. One of the greater blessings in my life was seeing him do the pledge of allegiance at many of my shows. Regardless of how he was feeling due to health issues, he would make a point to show up. Truly a remarkable man I will never forget,” Leslie said.
Cortese continued to support Leslie’s mission at Florida’s Voice and recently attended the “Hurricane Ian Recovery Forum” last Tuesday. He is seen in the photograph with his wife, Lee County Sheriff Carmine Marceno, County Commissioner Brian Hamman, and Brendon Leslie.
It’s with a very heavy heart I report WW2 & Korean War Veteran Wally Cortese of Lee County passed away. It was a great honor to have this wonderful man come to all my shows. He’s an inspiration to many and will be missed so much.
— Brendon Leslie (@BrendonLeslie) July 3, 2023
Thank you, Wally, for always believing in me. pic.twitter.com/5yrOS0IPj5
