Philip John (Gonzo) Cortes

April 14, 1960 - December 21, 2018

Philip John (Gonzo) Cortes, 58, of Stuart Florida, formerly of Ellwood City, passed away on Friday, December 21 2018, at Martin Memorial Hospital in Stuart Florida. He was born in Ellwood City, the son of the late Frank and Jean Cortes, on April 14 1960. He attended Lincoln High School in Ellwood City. Recently he was employed as a custodian at Stuart Middle School. He was an avid NASCAR fan as well as the Pittsburgh Penguins, Pirates, and Steelers. Surviving are his sisters: Marilyn and Yvonne Cortes of Fort Mill SC; Susan (Mike) DiTommaso of Ellwood City; as well as nephews: Brian (Melanie) Oliastro of Middleburg FL; Frank Oliastro of Saltsburg PA; and Michael DiTommaso of Ellwood City. He is also survived by his loving companion of thirty years, Barb Wojton of Stuart FL, with whom he lived; and his stepdaughters: Holly Wojton of West Palm Beach FL; and Sarah Wojton of Marietta GA; his loving dog, JoJo; his uncle Jack and Aunt Verna Lee Cortes of Ellwood City; his cousins, Jackie (Zak) Powell of Ellwood City; Steven (Donna) Cortes and Leslie (Robb) Bortz, both of Florida; along with numerous other cousins. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his paternal grandparents, John and Mary Cortes; his maternal grandparents, John and Evelyn Hoffman, and his nephew, Thomas A. Oliastro. Friends may gather for a time prior to a Memorial Blessing service on Saturday April 27 2019, in the TURNER FUNERAL HOME, 500 Sixth Street, Ellwood City. The Memorial Blessing service will be at 2:00 P.M. Saturday April 27 at TURNERS. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the charity or foundation of the donors' choice.