Gary “GENO ” Cortelloni, of Centralia, passed away on Friday, October 9th, 2026, at the age of 77.
Born on April 17th, 1949, in Vandalia, Illinois, Gary is the son of Eugene Henry Cortelloni and Rose Mary (Pryor) Cortelloni.
Gary first worked for the IC Railroad, he then went to Coal Mining School and moved to Utah where he worked . He moved back to the area to work for Rockwell, which later became Cambridge and Meridian, for over nineteen years until the plant closure. After this chapter, he obtained his Commercial Driver’s License and continued his career at Pitchford Elevator in Richview, where he worked for many years.
In 2003, Gary married Melanie (Goddard) Cortelloni at the Calumet Street Christian Church in Centralia, marking the beginning of 23 wonderful years together. Gary’s love for his family was a guiding force in his life. He delighted in fishing, camping, and cooking delicious meals for family and friends. His kindness was further exemplified through his support of local causes, including the Central City Lioness Scholarship Fund.
Gary is survived by his devoted wife, Melanie Cortelloni of Centralia; his son, Daniel Eugene Cortelloni and wife Natalie Suzanne, of Mt. Vernon, Indiana; and his adored grandchildren, Christian, Danielle Rose, and Jacob Eugene Cortelloni. He also leaves behind cherished nieces and nephews—Chris, James and JR Greider, Kathryn Bridget Schneider, Missy Waddock, and Brent Cortelloni.
He is preceded in death by his parents, Eugene Henry and Rose Mary Cortelloni, his son Jacob Lewis Gill, his sister Brenda Greider, and his brother Robert “Bob” Cortelloni.
To celebrate Gary’s remarkable life, a Celebration of Life Service will be held on Wednesday, October 14th, 2026, from 10:00 am to 12:00 pm at the Sutherland-Garnier Funeral Home in Centralia, Illinois. In Lieu of flowers, Memorial donations may be made to the Second Chance Animal Rescue of Fayette County, where he rescued his 4-legged companion, or the Central City Lioness Scholarship Fund, where he helped with cooking for one of the scholarship program’s major fundraisers, the Quarter Auction. Donations will be accepted at the Sutherland-Garnier Funeral Home, 235 North Sycamore Street, Centralia, Illinois 62801, (618)532-3523, which is honored to serve Gary’s Family during this time. Online condolences may be made to the family by visiting www.sutherlandfuneralhome.com and the Funeral Home Facebook page.
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Gary’s legacy of love, kindness, and community will forever remain in the hearts of those privileged to know him.
