Peter Joseph Cortes, age 89, passed away May 14, 2023. As a native of Bogata, Columbia, Pete came to the United States of America in 1937 with his mom, Margarita Otero de Francisco, Maria Alicia, Margarita, Beatrice and Pedro Joseph. They came through Ellis Island.
Pete joined the United States Air Force and was a crew Chief on th eDC3. He then went to Imeson Airport as an Airframe & Powerplant Mechanic and also fueled airplanes. His ambition was always to become a Pilot and fly airplanes.
Barnett Bank employed Pete in 1968, he then was the Captain of a Twin Beach, King Air 100, King Air 200, a Challenger 604 and his Pride and Joy was the Citation 3, which was very fast. He flew as the Head Captain on the Corporate Jet. In 1997 Barnett Bank merged with Nations Bank. Pete did not want to retire, so he continued to fly as a relief pilot for an additional 22 years. Pete had over 32,000 flying hours.
Pete’s hobbies were riding and showing horses, playing golf with his buddy’s, rebuilding and showing old cars and trucks, and he loved NASCAR racing.
He is survived by his wife of 66 years Nancy R. Cortes, a daughter, Dianna Cortes Prieto and a grandson, Thomas Joseph Cortes.
A celebration of Pete’s Life will be held Saturday, June 10, 2023 at 3:30 PM at Diamond D Stables, 5901 Solomon Road, Jacksonville, FL 32234
Leave a Condolence