Antonio Cortese, 89, of Eastchester, died on October 20, 2017. 

Born in Naples, Italy, Antonio migrated to the United States in 1954, and was for decades the proud owner of the acclaimed Amerigo's Italian Restaurant in Throggs Neck, the Bronx.

He was "la forza della vita" -- a force of life in any and all of his endeavors, especially when he was one with the water while fishing or boating in his beloved Ponza, to which he returned every year. Antonio also took delight in his cooking, soccer, singing in his outstanding voice, spending time with his beloved grandchildren, and just being there listening to friends and family. He was a strong yet gentle man who was not just the pillar of his communities on both sides of the ocean, but for his family as well, especially the love of his life, Anna Maria, his wife of 61 years.

Antonio Cortese was also the loving father of Maria (Stephen), and Gianna (Jeffrey).  Cherished grandfather of Danielle, Samantha and Victoria Fleischmann, and Joseph Gentile.  Dear brother of Fortunata, Rita, and the late Silverio, Giuseppe, Vincenzo, Maria, Gennaro, and Concetta.

The family will receive friends at the WESTCHESTER FUNERAL HOME, INC. EASTCHESTER Monday, October 23, 2017, 2-4 & 7-9pm.   Mass, Tuesday October 24, 2017 at 9:30 am at Immaculate Conception Church, Tuckahoe.  Interment to follow at Ferncliff Mausoleum.  In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Mount Sinai Hospital, https://philanthropy.mountsinai.org. To sign the online guestbook, go to www.westchesterfuneralhome.com