Jerome Joe Cortino

Jerome Cortino, 77 of Anaheim, California passed away on Sunday, December 22nd, 2019 at home. He was born on Tuesday, December 23, 1941 in Brooklyn, NY, and was the oldest son of the late Antonio and Viola Cortino. As a young man, he worked with his Papa in their restaurant business. In 1961 he settled in Orange County, California with his wife Jean (the love of his life) and worked as a Chef for over 50 years until retiring in Anaheim, Ca. Jerome was a black belt in Karate, played the drums in addition to being an entrepreneur and inventor. In 1961, he co-partnered the first Italian Restaurant, Roma D’ Italia in Tustin. Once the area tasted his food they were lined up around the building in the rain waiting to get in. In 1971, he won Mr. Gourmet Cuisine Award and in 1983 the Golden Plate Award for most Artistic and Creative Dish of the year for International Cookery. He was a member of the Chefs de Cuisine Association of California as an Executive Chef. A few of his creations were ‘Dial A Recipe’ when the internet was not even a thought, Cortino’s liquid pasta and the fabulous Cappuccino Cake which he marketed to other restaurants.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Jean, sister, Carmella Finnamore, and his brothers Rudolph and Anthony Cortino. Jerome is survived by his sisters, Rose Thiel, Lorraine Casiere, and Joanna Perrelli, Step daughter, Sandra Magazzu, nieces, nephews and friends. He will be missed by those that knew him and loved him. A Funeral service will be at 2:30 pm on Friday, Jan 24, 2019 at Fairhaven Memorial Park Mortuary, located at 1702 Fairhaven Ave, Santa Ana, Ca. 92705