Obituary of Howard W. Cortis

"Belchertown – Howard W. Cortis, 81 of Bardwell St., died January 10, 2005 at home surrounded by his family. Born May 31, 1923 in Westfield, MA, he was the son of the late William and Gertrude (Crandall) Cortis. Howard was raised in West Hawley, MA has resided in Belchertown for the past 15 years. Mr. Cortis worked for Pearson Industry as a machinist for 20 years retiring in 1985 and also worked for Van Pool Transportation and Hulmes Transportation retiring in 2003. He was a member of the Belchertown Snowmobile Club, Belchertown Pitch League and Sons & Daughter of Hawley. Howard enjoyed spending time with his family, gardening and collecting John Deere memorabilia. He also enjoyed horse pulls and exhibiting his antique gas engine. He is survived by his wife of 21 years Pauline (Szczepanek) Cortis, 3 sons William, Robert and Thomas and 4 daughters Sandra Aubin, Deborah Ortelt, Sally Cortis and Tina Smith He also leaves a brother Harold and a sister Elizabeth Downing, 20 grandchildren, 21 great grandchildren as well as 6 stepchildren Robert DiLuzio, Michael DiLuzio, Ann-Marie Usherwood, Carol Brewer, Mary Lane, and Roberta Bray, 19 step grandchildren and 6 great step grandchildren. A funeral service will be Thursday at 7:00 pm at the Beers and Story Belchertown Funeral Home. Calling hours will precede the service from 5:00-7:00 pm. Burial will take place in the spring at Pudding Hollow Cemetery in West Hawley, MA. In lieu of flowers donations may be made in his memory to Roberta Bray, 87 Apple Rd., Brimfield, MA 01010. "