John Cortese: 1 [jän] [kôr'teez' ee]

A timeless, classic man with a heart for caring. Student of older ways, fashioning wood from an ancient art. A man blind to his own greatness. His creative inspirations cannot be found in the museums of the world.  His work is not for show (too practical for that). This art will support coffee cups in the morning and whiskey at night. A precious few will  fall asleep atop his dreams.

Early to rise and  late to sleep. Every chisel has its place. Slabs of wood covered and  aligned like a military workshop. Sharp blades spinning with the intent  to do harm. Plants and statues bring back the peace. No grain out of  place, every joint secured to stand the test of time (and they will).

Built strong from the streets of Brooklyn, his hands construct near the soft sounds of the Pacific Ocean. Armed with street smarts he looks for the simple joys in life; great friends,hot coffee, an old jeep, a laugh and  warm memories of family. Parting with his greatest creations for a shiny  coin or even a compliment, he holds the greatest gift close…his friendship.

ORIGIN early 20th cent. (sense 1): From the given name John Cortese, used from early Brooklyn as a form of address to a man, or to denote various occupations…also referring to the man that was a boy who played  ball…in the street…at the corner of 7th & Seventh.

New Bfos American Dictionary