Albert Aldeno Corte, 92 passed away on January 1, 2025, in Indiana PA.
He was born in the family home on Oct 25, 1932, to the late Albert Ernesto Dalla Corte and Josephine Giop Dalla Corte and was a lifelong resident of Indiana PA. Growing up, most family and close friends called him Tete, a nickname his mother gave him.
Mr. Corte was self-employed in the home building industry where he was particularly skilled as a bricklayer. He graduated from Indiana Area Senior High School in 1950 and then served honorably in Korea in the 424 Army battalion mostly as a calisthenics instructor, where the motto was “No point being second best”. His bunkmate affectionately called him “Cortie”.
When Tete met Louise, it was love at first sight. He courted her on weekends when they both returned home from jobs away and through love letters. They were married June 27, 1959, raised two daughters and were proud grandparents. Tete was honored each time he was asked to be godfather for a new baby or to be a sponsor for a confirmation candidate at St. Bernard’s Catholic Church where he and Louise were members for over 60 years.
Albert and Louise were inseparable and together they worked in brick sales, apartment rental and car wash businesses. Many young people getting started would often see “Mr. Corte” years later and thank him for being such a wonderful and forgiving landlord. Hugs would most certainly follow. Often, it wasn’t about the rent, but more about relationships and doing what was right for someone struggling or just getting started in life. As a bricklayer, he had an innate ability to remember and identify a particular brick on a specific home in the area and tell you what the brick was and who manufactured it.
Along with Louise, he enjoyed traveling to various states and attending annual reunions of the 424 Army Battalion, getting to see his army buddies, especially his bunkmate.
In 2013, Tete and Louise hosted the 24th Army reunion of the 424 in Pittsburgh with professional entertainment and tours.
They went on a cruise in 2008 and saw Haiti in all its splendor, and then upon hearing of the news of the hurricane shortly thereafter, they decided there was no place like home.
They lived in the yellow brick house Albert built for over 62 years before deciding to downsize because of health concerns.
There was never a more devoted husband, loving dad, grandpa, and friend to many. He led by example with an excellent work ethic and as a person with integrity. He told his daughter Bertilla when she started college that he could teach her a lot of things, but he could not teach her AMBITION. He was very wise in such a simplistic way.
In younger years he enjoyed bowling and was a lifetime member of the Fraternal Order of Eagles, the American Legion and a 3rd degree member of the Knights of Columbus. For a brief time, he enjoyed teaching bricklaying skills at the Indiana County Technology Center and was a member of their masonry advisory committee.
In later years, Albert continued to serve his country providing taps for veteran funerals as a life member of VFW Post 1989 honor guard.
Albert was predeceased by his parents, his loving wife Louise Joan Conatti Corte (2023), his older brother Silvio I Corte (2017) and beloved 23-year-old grandson Aaron Jack Thompson (2015)
Albert is survived by his daughters Bertilla Thompson and Anita Corte; grandson Nicholas Albert Schrader and wife Veronica; son-in-law John Thompson; step-grandson Adam Thompson and wife Leanne and step-great-grandson Jack Thompson; Mary and Ivan Yankivch, sister and brother-in-law and many nieces and nephews who loved their “Uncle Tete”.
Albert’s daughters are grateful for the love, care and compassion he received while he resided at The Village House at St. Andrew’s of Indiana PA and by 365 Hospice caregivers.
In lieu of flowers, in honor of Albert, take a friend out to lunch and talk about how lucky you are to be alive and for what you have been blessed with.
The family suggests contributions be made to Citizens’ Ambulance Service of Indiana PA (www.asmgt.com) in which the Corte’s were some of the original contributing members more than 50 years ago.
Guests will be received at the Bowser Minich Funeral Home, Indiana PA on Sunday January 5, 2025, from 2:00 pm to 7:00 pm and on Monday January 6, 2025, at 10:00 am until time of the service at 11:00 am with Pastor Jack Lucas officiating.
Military Honors and Taps will immediately follow with entombment in the St. Bernard Cemetery Mausoleum, Indiana PA.
