Paulene "Diana" (Trinchitella) Cortese

Paulene “Diana” (Trinchitella) Cortese, 89, of Melrose, a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, and friend, passed away suddenly, surrounded by family, on March 14, 2026, at her home in Melrose.

Diana was born in 1937 in Dorchester to her loving parents, the late Francis and Paulene Trinchitella. They later moved to Melrose when she was 4 years old. Diana was their only child. A proud graduate of Melrose High School class of 1955, she grew up surrounded by very close friends and extended family members in the Melrose Highlands area.

After graduating from high school, Diana began her career in 1955 as a typist in the banking industry in Boston. She eventually moved into her position as executive secretary to the Vice President. In 1959, she married her high school sweetheart, James Cortese (also of Melrose). In 1960, their first son, David Cortese, was born, followed two years later by the birth of their youngest son, Paul Cortese, in 1962.

Very fond early memories included family summer vacation trips to the Dennis Port and Harwich Port areas on Cape Cod and the “Little Neck” area in Ipswich. Later in her life, she enjoyed weeklong vacation trips with James at The Union Bluff Hotel in York Beach, Maine. Spending Christmas Eve eating Chinese food, decorating the tree, and opening presents along with her granddaughters was something Diana especially looked forward to every year. Family was the cornerstone of Diana’s life, and she was always happiest at home, taking care of her family and pets. Diana loved the ocean and was an avid swimmer. She would often travel to her favorite Wingaersheek Beach in Gloucester to soak up the sun during the summer months in the company of those she loved most. She is lovingly remembered by her granddaughters for always looking her best, with her signature lipstick and weekly hair appointments, and for her stubborn spirit that filled family gatherings with laughter.

Diana is survived by her devoted husband of 67 years, James Cortese, of Melrose. She is also survived by her eldest son, David Cortese & his wife, Susanna, and her youngest son, Paul Cortese, of Saugus. She was the proud grandmother of Bianca and Stella Cortese of Melrose.

Visiting hours will be held at the Gately Funeral Home, 79 W. Foster St., Melrose, on Wednesday, March 25th, 2026, from 4:00 PM-7:00 PM. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at the Most Blessed Sacrament Church, 1155 Main Street, Wakefield, MA, on Thursday, March 26th, 2026, at 10:00 AM, followed by the interment at Puritan Lawn Cemetery in Peabody, MA. Relatives & friends are respectfully invited to attend.

In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to the Melrose Human Society. Diana absolutely loved all animals, big and small.