Stella T (Gallo) Cortese

Rotterdam – Stella T. Cortese, 83, passed away at Ellis Hospital on Sunday, June 4th, 2017. Stella was born and educated in Schenectady. She worked for many years as a receptionist and telephone operator at St. Clare’s Hospital. In her younger years, Stella was President of the Home Bureau of Schenectady. In her spare time, Stella enjoyed cooking, macramé, ceramics and bowling. She loved decorating her home for each holiday and spending time with her family and friends at their camp on Sacandaga Lake. Stella is survived by her husband of 64 years, Abramo Cortese, her children, Richard Cortese and Linda Kartner, one grandchild, Andrew Kartner and one great grandchild, Mason Kartner. She also leaves behind one brother, Vincent Gallo Jr. Besides her parents, Vincent Gallo Sr. and Carmella Gallo, Stella was predeceased by her brother, Andrew Gallo. To know Stella was to love her. She found and brought out the best in everyone she met along the way. She was an amazing wife, mom, sister, grandma, great-grandma and a true and loyal friend. A visitation will take place on Thursday, June 8th from 10am-12pm at DeMarco-Stone Funeral Home, 1605 Helderberg Ave., Rotterdam. Funeral services will begin promptly at 12pm at the funeral home and will be followed by interment in Schenectady Memorial Park. A very special note of thanks to the ED staff, floor doctors, nurses and support staff at Ellis Hospital, and the EMT’s who took such great care of her during all her challenges. Also a heartfelt thank you to her special friend, Nancy Whitmore who treated Stella with such love and kindness and was always there for her. Memorial contributions in Stella’s name can be made to the American Heart Association, 4 Atrium Dr. Ste. 100, Albany, NY 12205 or to Susan G. Komen for the Cure Foundation, 501 New Karner Rd. Ste. 2b, Albany, NY 12205.