Tazewell, VA - Mike Cortellesi, age 77, of Tazewell, VA, passed away Monday, December 29, 2025.

Born October 30, 1948, in War, WV, he was a son of Mike Francis Cortellesi and Dorothy Hicks Cortellesi.

Mike attended McDowell County Schools and graduated from Big Creek High School in 1966.

After Army service with the 9th infantry, during the Tet Offensive, where he was wounded and spent months recovering at Walter Reed Army Medical Center, he earned a BS in Elementary Education in 1973 from Bluefield State College. He taught science and math in McDowell County for a few years until he was asked to become a principal to provide leadership and discipline in the schools. Taking classes nights, weekends, and summers, he earned three master's degrees from West Virginia University and worked as a Principal, Title 9 Supervisor, Personnel Director, Assistant Superintendent, and, ultimately, retired as Superintendent of McDowell County Schools.

In addition to his school work, he operated several personal businesses, including the first garbage disposal business in War, car parts, movie rentals, memorabilia, and sports trading cards. He maintained booths at malls and flea markets in WV, VA, TN and NC.

He trained in martial arts and earned a Second-Degree Black Belt in Go-Ju-Rye Karate. He competed frequently then became an instructor, teaching many of the area police population.

He also loved softball and played on a number of local teams, some of which were coached by his father. He loved lake and river fishing, camping, outdoor living, and hiking the hills of War, WV.

He was active on the McDowell County Commission as a Representative and then as President for many years. He served as Chairman of the Democratic Party Committee and was a member of the Economic Development Authority.

He was a member of Emmanuel Baptist Church and loved attending when he was able.

He designed and built several buildings, and taught himself how to wire, plumb, and install all needed components.

He loved animals and was constantly finding homes for the stray dogs and cats that were dropped off at his home.

Flea markets and antique shops were another passion. He delighted in finding treasures to put up for his children and grandchildren.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a daughter, Etiola Michelle Cortellesi, and a son, Jonathan Michael Cortellesi.

He is survived by his wife, Julia Surface Cortellesi. Also surviving are the mother of his children, Janet Marshall Sparks; daughter, Julia Yates (Charles); son, Devin Michael Cortellesi (Amberly); stepdaughter, Lauren Fox (Ryan); brother, Dr. Thomas Brian Cortellesi (Heather); sister by heart, Marcella Gail Marrs; grandchildren, Christina Yates, Ashley Yates, Charles Yates, Jr., Aaron Cortellesi, Taylor Cortellesi, Riley Fox, Grayson Fox, and Evelyn Fox; several great-grandchildren, a niece and nephew.

Mike was thankful for the care he received from Legacy Hospice in recent months.

A graveside memorial service with military honors will be held on Saturday, January 10, 2026, at Grandview Memory Gardens in Bluefield, VA. Those wishing to attend the service are asked to meet at Peery & St. Clair Funeral Home in Tazewell, VA, at 10:15 AM, for procession to the cemetery.

Peery & St. Clair Funeral Home in Tazewell, VA is honored to serve the Cortellesi family. Messages of condolence may be sent to www.peerystclairfuneralhome.com.