Alfred Cortese, 95 years old, of Niagara Falls, New York, passed away peacefully at home on January 2, 2016, with his daughters and grandson beside him.

Alfred was born in Niagara Falls, NY on April 23, 1920 to Frank and Anna (D'Alonzo) Cortese. He served in the Navy during World War II aboard the USS Arided for four years in the South Pacific. He worked as an electrician for 33 years at Kimberly Clark and for 11 years at Harrison Radiator.

Alfred was a all-around athlete who played for the love of the game and the love of competition. He played two years of varsity football and basketball at Trott Vocational High School, where he captained both teams. In 1938, he transferred to Niagara Falls High School where he again played both sports. He also played baseball for St. Mary's American Legion team and teamed with Sal Maglie on another team. He played baseball, basketball and softball in the Industrial League for Kimberly Clark Corporation. He played with various teams in the local Muny league as shortstop in baseball and a backfielder in football. One sportswriter described him as "Al Cortese, 5'2", 140 lb. whirling dervish of the backfield." He received many sports awards in recognition of his accomplishments, including the 1956 Carling Sports Award as one of the city's Outstanding Athletes. A photo of him playing basketball hangs on the wall outside the gym at Niagara Falls High School as being one of the outstanding school district's athletes. In 1991 he was inducted into the Niagara Falls Oldtimers Sports Hall of Fame for his "outstanding athletic career in softball, baseball, basketball and football.

A hero and role model to youth for many years." Mike Quinlan, a well-known local sportswriter, described Al in a 1960 sports column as "probably the greatest athlete, inch for inch, that this city ever had."

He was the husband for 51 years of the late Lucy (Gismondi) Cortese who predeased him in April 1999. He is survived by daughters Denise Barnett of Wynnewood, PA, Roberta Cortese of Niagara Falls, and by grandchildren Adam Zazcek and Khadijah Barnett. He is also survived by his 105 year old sister Mary Fulgenzi, sister-in-law Flora Cortese, and by several nieces, nephews and cousins. Mr. Cortese was the brother of the late Frank, John and Tony Cortese, and sisters Rose Brooks, Grace Lozina, and Jennie "Mamie" Loverde.

Visitation will be held on Tuesday, January 5th from 2 - 5 p.m. concluding with Military Honors at M.J. COLUCCI & SON NIAGARA FUNERAL CHAPEL 2730 MILITARY ROAD NIAGARA FALLS, NY. Burial in St. Joseph Cemetery, Niagara Falls, NY will be held at the convenience of the family. Flowers are gratefully declined. Memorials may be made to a charity of your choice.