An archived article from the April 19, 2002 Columbia University Record  with a spotlight on Cory-- 

https://curecordarchive.libra…

Citifield

Like many have already said throughout this tribute site, I had the privilege of knowing and working with Cory for many years across 2 companies.  Mike and Frank said it best, that you really get to know someone when working with them in a small office sitting shoulder to shoulder.  One of the most unique individuals I had the pleasure of knowing.  To Cory, always the smartest person in the room with his intimidating background and accomplishments.  Person who can do it all, from building IKEA furniture in the office to building valuation models for the business.  Always calm and collected, to be able to keep Ralph in check with his crazy business ideas.  To the athlete in the room who can back down Frank in a game of basketball.  To the sports fan who can match trivia knowledge with Mike.  To the foodie who was always down for a good meal with Pat and I.  To one of the boys who can make fun of Vinnie and Peter with the best of us.  To the team player in the room who would even watch the Mets play and run a 5k with me knowing very well we will likely come in last.  Always surrounded himself with good people like Natalie and the teams he has built up.  But the biggest quality about Cory was definitely his family.  Always keeping us up to date about the fam.  From picking colleges for Nathan.  The excitement when Henry got into football.  Bragging on about Caroline and Betsy’s baking skills.  We all felt like a part of his family, so much where we would fight to pickup Cory’s phone when he was off the desk to say hello to Kari Jo. Regret we lost the last few years from not being in the office and you will truly be missed!

I had the privilege of working with Cory for the 14 years at the same company, 7 of those years in the same office. I remember when he first joined us at our new company how lucky we all felt that someone that smart would want to work with us. When you work next to someone in a small NYC office for 7 years you really get to know the person and Cory was always so kind, calm, thoughtful, loved to compete, and was someone we all looked up to. Whenever we had something we needed help with, no matter the subject, we asked Cory because we knew he would give us a good answer. Getting us approval on an idea was seen as a stamp of approval. He had such a big impact on me professionally and when there was a chance I could work directly with him on a big project I took it and that helped propel my career forward. One of my favorite memories was staying late in the office on Monday night with the whole team, working, having dinner and watching Silicon Valley, a TV show he recommended that quickly became a favorite of everyone’s. He was more than a co-worker though , he was a friend. Someone who loved his family and enjoyed telling us about the goings on with wife and kids and you tell how much they meant to him. I am forever grateful that he came into my life and made my life happier and better.

I went up to visit Cory and his family at their house and he took us on a tour of their property on a beautiful fall day. We saw the lake and the tree house he made and just marveled at what a wonderful home and life they had made there. I was so warmly received by Kari-Jo and his children as we played card games, ate food and laughed together.

Cory met my family and I in Central Park and brought along a kite for the kids to play with. He showed them how to fly the kite and they were amazed. He even told them silly jokes which they loved. In the Christmas card we got that year, there was another joke which my son loved and he wrote back with a joke of his own which prompted Cory to write him another joke. It just shows how kind he was and how much kids loved him.

This was before our company Summer party and I can’t remember if the attire asked for Hawaiian shirts but we both had one on and saw each other and kinda chuckled about it.

Celebrating another successful year for our business at our annual holiday dinner at Wolfgang’s. This photo makes me laugh because of the size of the bottle of wine and because the two men sitting next to me that always knew out to make a simple event even better.

Im truly sorry for your loss.  Cory was a manager, inspiration and also a friend throughout my career and life.  From spending thanksgiving with the family to drinks in London, my memory of Cory will stay within my heart forever.  

Cory a wonderful boss and a great leader. I truly enjoyed working alongside with Jason and Cory to develop and grow the security department. He was kind, helpful and always gave the honest answer to help you move forward with any problem that you may have. I was devastated to find out the sad news. Prayers and thoughts to the Cates family and Longevity family who worked with such an incredible person. 

Dear Kari Jo - my deepest condolences to you and your family for your loss. Praying for you during this difficult time. 

Cory was so welcoming when my partner and I moved to Cold Spring.  He made us feel right at home when when attending St. Philip's on Sundays and afterwards at coffee hour.  His love for his wife and children were deeply apparent. Sending all my love and prayers to the Cates family.  He will be an amazing guardian angel for our community.  <3 Peter & Noah

Just love this photo, so much peace

Two men in a boat

Jump seren ! Our annual cold spring June visit is one we all cherish for memories like this. He was so kind to seren that day, so patient, treading water while she got the courage to jump into his arms!

Celebrating Sale of Longevity

My dearest Kari Jo, Nathan, Henry,Carolyn,Bestsy and family. My heart aches at the news of Cory’s passing. I can’t make sense of this. I’m so sorry and sending all our love and condolences to you all. Am here for you always. Know that Cory is resting in our Lords hands and he will not come to you, but you will go to him. Lots of love in these most hardest times. 🙏🕊

Dalila, Mikey and Gabby