Ludgerio Frank “Luke” Cortez, 96, died peacefully on Thursday, March 18, 2021 at Lowell General Hospital - Main Campus. He was the widower of the late Barbara (Starling) Cortez who passed away in 1981.
A son of the late Frank Cortez and the late Curina (Mello) Cortez, he was born in Lowell on July 5, 1924. He was raised and educated in Lowell. After he graduated from high school he enlisted in the United States Navy and served his country during World War II. After the war was won, he served in the US Naval reserves and was recalled to service in Korea.
Mr. Cortez worked as a hospital aid at the Bedford VA Hospital and later as an electrician at Hanscom Air Force Base for many years before his retirement. Nearly his entire life was spent in service to the United States of America both as a veteran during WWII and Korea and later as a civilian with the VA and at Hanscom AFB, he was truly a member of our greatest generation.
Luke was also well known as a talented dancer. He could frequently be found on a dance floor any chance he got with his longtime partner, Rita.
He is survived by his son, Rick Cortez of Chelmsford and his companion, Dawn Mayo, of Nashua, NH, his grandchildren; Joseph Cortez of Chelmsford, Kristen Dufault and her husband, Donald, of Merrimack, NH, Brandt Cortez of Nashua, NH, Courtney Cortez and her fiancé Brian Wiik of Nashua, NH, his great grandchildren; Travis, Liam and Summer, and his companion of 26 years and dance partner, Rita Wilson of Lowell.
He was the father of the late Karen Millette, brother of the late Catherine Silva, Margaret Silva, Anthony Cortez, Thelma Hodgson, Eva Abdella, Frank Cortez, Mary Ringwood, Ruth Machado, Dorothy Cortez, Julia Morrison and John Cortez.
While following social distancing guidelines and wearing a mask, all are welcome to attend his visitation on Thursday, March 25, from 5 until 8 p.m.. at the McDonough Funeral Home, 14 Highland Street, Lowell, MA 01852 - 978-458-6816. His Funeral Service will be held at the funeral home on Friday, March 26 at 10 a.m. with burial to follow at St. Patrick Cemetery.