Emilio “Sonny” J. Corrente Jr., 84, of Salem, N.H., passed away peacefully Wednesday, May 17, at home, surrounded by his family. He was born in Lawrence and was the son of Emilio J. Corrente and Retenda (Loffredo) Corrente.
Raised and educated in Lawrence, he graduated from Lawrence High School and later attended Northeastern University. He served his country proudly in the U. S. Navy’s Seabees division during the Korean War. Upon his return, he worked with his father as a plasterer and eventually became a home builder. He designed and built homes and businesses throughout the Merrimack Valley and the New Hampshire seacoast. Corrente served on the Salem Planning Board for 25 years and was the board chairman for about 20 years. During his life he generously gave of his time and skills to various community projects. His hand-carved signs, many of which he gave as gifts, adorn hundreds of homes and businesses throughout the region. He was a talented photographer, as well as an avid reader and outdoorsman.
Corrente is survived by his loving wife of 52 years, Barbara (Earley) Corrente of Salem, N.H.; daughters, Karen L. McDowell and her husband Joseph of Gilford, N.H., and Dana E. Read and her husband Greg of Methuen; three grandchildren, Liam Read, Corey McDowell and Owen Read; brother, Richard Corrente and his wife Barbara of Rye, N.H.; two nieces; and one nephew.
Relatives and friends are invited to visiting hours Sunday, May 21, 3 to 7 p.m., at Cataudella Funeral Home, 126 Pleasant Valley St., Methuen. His funeral service takes place Monday, May 22, 11 a.m., at the funeral home. Burial will follow at Immaculate Conception Cemetery, Lawrence.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to The Birchtree Center, 2064 Woodbury Avenue, Suite 204, Newington, New Hampshire 03801-2808, or online at birchtreecenter.org.