Mark F. Coratti, 94, of Bluffton, and a longtime resident of Huntington, passed away Friday morning, Aug. 11, 2023, at Bluffton Regional Medical Center.
He was born June 4, 1929, in Zemun, Yugoslavia to Frank and Marija Coratti.
In 1936 at the age of 7, Mark immigrated to the United States, moving to Baltimore and later to Madison Heights, Mich., before settling in Bluffton in 1967. After graduating from high school, he enlisted the United States Navy in Aug. of 1946, at the age of 17, with his parent’s permission, and was assigned to the USS Gurke (DD783). He was discharged in June of 1950 but served in the Navy Reserves for six more years.
On May 13, 1951, at Main Street United Methodist Church in Logansport, Mark married Joetta (Rennewanz) Coratti. They have shared 61 years of marriage together, before she preceded him in death May 19, 2012.
He attended drafting school through the GI bill and started working at Essex Wire for 25 years, Ford Motor Company, and at Franklin Electric in Bluffton. He worked for Franklin Electric for 29 years, and retired in 1996. In his retirement, he kept busy volunteering at Parkview Hospital, 55 Alive Drivers, American Heart Association, with the DNR in Huntington County, and for Aging & In-Home Services. In 2011, he was recognized by the Indiana House of Representatives for his volunteerism with the Golden Hoosier Award. He was a 27-year member of the American Legion Post 111 of Bluffton, V.F.W Post in Huntington, and was a past Exalted Ruler with the Bluffton Elks Lodge 796 and was a lifetime member. He volunteered for the Hoops Shoot thru the Elks for many years. He was an avid fisherman and enjoyed spending time with his family.
Survivors include his children, Mark (wife Cheryl) Coratti of Bluffton, Michael (wife Chris) Coratti of Bluffton, Jeffry (wife Alice) Coratti of Bluffton, James (wife Mary) Coratti of Port Charlotte; and a daughter Tina (husband Brian) Monroe of Huntington, along with 18 grandchildren and 22 great-grandchildren.
He is preceded in death by his parents; wife, Joetta; infant son, Jody Coratti ;and two siblings, Mitza Bozin and Anthony Korati.
Friends are invited to visit with the family from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Tuesday, Aug. 15, 2023, at the Thoma/Rich, Lemler Funeral Home in Bluffton.
Funeral Services will follow visitation at 1 p.m. Tuesday, at the funeral home with his son Rev. James Coratti officiating. Burial will follow at the Star of Hope Cemetery in Huntington County with Military Honors by the United States Navy Honor Guard and American Legion Post 111 of Bluffton, Honor Guard.
Memorials may be made to the American Alzheimer’s Association.
Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to the care of the Lemler family of Thoma/Rich, Lemler Funeral Home in Bluffton. Friends can send online condolences to the Coratti family at www.thomarich.com.