Thomas Alan Cortright, 56, of Basom, died Sunday (July 25, 2010) at his residence after a lengthy illness.
He was born in Batavia on December 17, 1953, a son of Eleanor Sullivan Cortright of Basom and the late William Cortright.
Mr. Cortright was employed as a grounds keeper for the NYS Police Troop A Headquarters in Batavia. He enjoyed fishing and hunting and was a restorer of fine treasures. He was devoted to veterans organizations and a member and Past Commander of the Holley Post # 202 Veterans of Foreign Wars, member of the Vietnam Veterans of America Chapter 193 and a member of the Alabama Volunteer Fire Co.
He served with the US Army "Blue Ghost, 49th Cavalry Division," in the Vietnam War and was the recipient of, The Distinguished Flying Cross, "For Heroism While Participating in Aerial Flight Over the Republic of Vietnam on January 15, 1973." The Army Air Medal, "For Meritorious Achievement While Participating in Aerial Flight Over the Republic of Vietnam during the Period of November 9, 1972 to November 26, 1972." The Army Commendation Medal, "For Performance of Meritorious Service in Support of Military Operations Against Communist Aggression in the Republic of Vietnam, Absolutely Performed Under Extremely Adverse Conditions During the Period From August 2, 1972 to February 5, 1973." The Vietnam Cross of Gallantry with Palm, Vietnam Campaign Medal W/ 60 Dev., Aircraft Crewman Badge, National Defense Medal and Good Conduct Medal.
Surviving, besides his mother, are: his wife, Mary Ann Brodfuerer Cortright; a son and daughter-in-law, Jeffrey and Jennifer Brodfuerer, of North Dakota; a daughter and son-in-law, Gina and Brian Boldt, of Akron; two grandchildren, Dominick Boldt and Sara Brodfuerer; two sisters and brothers-in-law, Ana and David Weatherbee, of Alabama, NY, and Donna and Wayne Riexinger, of Corfu; four brothers and two sisters-in-law, William and Faith Cortright of Wyoming, NY, John Cortright (Sherry Williams), of Batavia, Robert and Sandy Cortrigh, of Alabama, NY, and Frank Cortright, of Pembroke. Several nieces and nephews also survive.
Family and friends may call at the J. LEONARD MCANDREW FUNERAL HOME, 32 JOHN STREET, AKRON, on Monday from 4 - 7 p.m. and Tuesday from 2 - 4 and 6 - 8 p.m. A funeral service will be Wednesday at 11 a.m. at the Funeral Home. Burial will be in the Alabama Cemetery with full military honors.
Those desiring may make memorial contributions to: Homecare & Hospice, 550 E. Main St., Batavia, NY 14020.
Expressions of condolence may be made at: www.mcandrewfuneralhomes.net. Or by calling 716-542-4747.
Arrangements were entrusted to the, J. LEONARD MCANDREW FUNERAL HOME, 32 JOHN ST., AKRON. RONALD P. KONIECZNY, DIRECTOR & VETERAN.
