Jose Alex Cortes, age 56 years, of Flemington Borough, NJ, died peacefully at home on Tuesday, November 24, 2020, surrounded by his loving family and under the caring watch of Hunterdon Hospice.

Born in Cartago, Costa Rica on June 13, 1964, son of the late Maria Luisa Arbustini Mata and Esmeraldo Cortes Granados, Jose emigrated to the United States in 1990 in search of opportunities to help better himself and his family.

Working hard in a print shop for many years, Jose had many hobbies, chief among them was playing and referring soccer. He was known as a tough but fair referee, and his passion for the game inspired players of all ages. He also enjoyed bicycle riding and fishing.

His christian faith was important in his life, and as he faced a terminal cancer diagnosis, Jose took solace that he would be reunited with all his loved ones who had gone before, and also that he could still intercede and be there for his wife, children, grandchildren and the rest of his family and friends in many ways.

Surviving are his cherished and devoted wife, Hilsa Gallardo Cortes; his children and their spouses, Roberto and Wendy Gallardo, Cesar and Brenda Cortes, Ester Gallardo and Franklin Delcid, Alex Cortes, and Nathan Cortes; a host of grandchildren, brothers, sisters, nieces, nephews, cousins, and many friends made around the world.

Jose will lie in repose on Saturday, November 28, 2020 from 2:00-3:00 p.m. in the Chapel of Wright & Ford Family Funeral Home and Cremation Services, 38 State Highway 31, Flemington, NJ 08822.

This will be followed by a life celebration service at 3:00 p.m., officiated by Rev. Salvador Batres and Rev. Wilberto Gonzalez.

Following the services in New Jersey, Jose will be brought home to be entombed in Cemeterio de Orosi, Orosi, Costa Rica, under the care of Funeraria Del Magisterio, San Jose, Costa Rica.

Kindly note that masks and social distancing are required at all funeral related events. Please follow the instructions of the Wright & Ford Care Team Family Ambassadors upon arrival at the funeral home.

Please visit Jose’s permanent life celebration site at www.wrightfamily.com to light a candle of hope, leave messages of condolence, share words of comfort and recollection, and post photographs of his life.

In lieu of flowers, contributions to help offset the costs of bringing Jose home to Costa Rica would be appreciated by the family. Checks can be made payable to ‘Wright & Ford’ and mailed or dropped off at 38 State Highway 31, Flemington, NJ 08822 with “Jose Cortes” noted in the memo.

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Wright & Ford, your local, family owned & operated “Life Celebration Home”