Charles E. Cortright

Charles (Charley) Ellis Cortright passed away on April 30, 2026. He was born on November 18, 1923 in Norwood, Ohio and preceded in death by his loving parents Anna (nee Cellarius) and Ion Cortright (the 1916 University of Cincinnati football coach), his devoted wife of 75 years Patty, sisters Mary Sterneberg and Sally Holtzmuller. He is survived by his beloved children Bruce (Rhonda) Cortright of Cincinnati, OH and daughter Laura Cortright Yale of The Sea Ranch, CA; granddaughters Emily (Adam) Cortright Roberts of Keller, TX and Beth (James Hunter) Cortright of Los Alamos, NM; great granddaughters Riley and Stella, and many nieces and nephews with whom he had a very loving relationship. Family and friends meant everything to him.

Charley married Patricia Steketee in Oxford, OH on 12/19/1947. He graduated from Norwood High School (’41) and Miami University (’48) with a BS in Business. He was a member of the Delta Tau Delta fraternity. He proudly served as an officer in the US Navy based in Okinawa, Japan during WWII. He spent his working years at Shillito’s Department Store as a buyer and store executive. After retirement in 1981, he lived at Ryland Lakes CC in Ryland, KY - eventually living full time in his home at Lakewood CC in Naples, FL.

Charley was an avid golfer, tennis player, a swimmer and was known by everyone in Naples driving his 1967 bright yellow Ford Mustang convertible around the neighborhoods. He was a member of the East Naples Methodist Church where he ushered for 30 years, volunteered at the Naples Community Hospital, built houses for Habitat for Humanity, delivered food for Meals on Wheels, was a docent at the Veterans History Museum and a member of the Sons of the American Revolution. He and Patty traveled extensively throughout the world. In 2022 they returned to live happily with their son and daughter-in-law in Delhi.

At Charley’s request, there will be no public service at this time. His body has been donated to the University of Cincinnati’s College of Mortuary Science with eventual interment at Rest Haven Memorial Park. A special thank you to Home Instead and North Star Hospice for their compassionate care. Memorial donations may be made to: The Veterans History Museum, 15205 Collier Blvd, Suite 106, Box 245, Naples, FL 34119 veteranshistorymuseum.org - or the charity of your choosing.