We are deeply saddened to share the unexpected passing of Dr. Leonardo Cortese on June 12, 2026, at the age of 70, surrounded by his loving family.
He was a devoted husband to Mary-Louise Cortese for 35 wonderful years and a proud father to Luca Cortese. He was a beloved son of Angela Cortese and is now reunited with his late father Giuseppe Cortese and his sister Antonietta Guidolin (John). Leonardo was also a dear brother to Giovanni Cortese (Josephine) and a caring brother-in-law to Larry Mottram, David Mottram, and Barbara Mottram-Esposti (Anthony). He will be missed by many nieces, nephews, and godchildren; including Joseph Cortese (Carollynn), Martina Guidolin, Angela Guidolin, Sarah Cortese (Brandon).
Leonardo had an extraordinary capacity for compassion and care. His family and friends meant everything to him. His son Luca brought him immense pride, and he never missed any of Luca’s sports or activities. His enthusiastic cheers could often be heard echoing through hockey arenas with “GO EAGLES”!!
With a natural talent for connecting people, Leonardo’s warm personality filled the lives of those around him with positivity.
A man of action, he created “The Big Night” fundraiser out of his passion for community engagement and raising awareness about mental health. He also formed the “Tragically O’Hip” band as part of his creative approach to addressing various healthcare needs in uplifting ways.
Leonardo had intense passions that shaped his life beyond medicine-he loved music, cooking, gardening, sports, and everything Italian! He felt grateful for his Italian heritage from the years he spent living in Italy. This love for Italy influenced all he did; it even earned him the title “Italian of the Year.”
A true nurturer at heart, spending time in his garden brought him happiness and renewal. The care he showed in tending to his plants reflected how patiently he fostered relationships.
After graduating from Assumption Secondary School and Western University, Leonardo followed his passion into medicine at the University of Rome where he found inspiration in neuropsychiatry under Dr. Ashok Malla’s mentorship. After practicing in London for two decades, he returned home to Windsor in 2004 to focus on brain illnesses. He worked diligently on creating the Wellness Program for Extended Psychosis (W-PEP), which aimed at enhancing clinical care quality for individuals dealing with severe brain illness.
The impact he made on treating schizophrenia has been widely recognized throughout the field. For many years, professionals sought out his expertise through lectures and consulting engagements globally. Though honored with many accolades over time, he believed that his patients taught him far more than any textbook ever could. To him, serving them was both a privilege and an honor-something he took very seriously.
Dedicating decades to teaching medical students and residents alike inspired countless individuals who now carry forward what they learned from Dr. Len about brain disorders.
The world is certainly brighter because of Leonardo’s presence among us. While we grieve our loss deeply, we find solace knowing that he lived life fully on his terms-and that his spirit continues on in all those whose lives he touched profoundly.
A sincere thank you goes out to Dr. Frank Demarco, Dr. Anthony Glanz, Dr. Amit Bagga; nurse Char; along with the renal clinic team who provided exceptional care over many years.
Visitation will take place at Windsor Chapel Funeral Home located at 11677 Tecumseh Road East N8N 4S5 on Thursday and Friday June 18th & 19th ,2026 from 2-5 PM ;7-9 PM. Parish Prayers will occur Friday at3:30 PM. A Mass of Christian Burial is set for Saturday June20th at11:00AM , taking place at Good Shepherd Parish ,462 Advance Blvd., Lakeshore , ON N8N5G8
In lieuof flowers , the Cortese family asks that you consider honoring Dr. Corteses’ memorywith adonationto Hotel-Dieu Grace Healthcare Foundationfor Wellness Programfor Extended Psychosis(W-PEP) -a programhe passionately pioneered.
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