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Joseph Cordova Obituary
Joseph Samuel Cordova, 84, a longtime resident of Albuquerque passed away at home on 17 June 2015 with his loving wife of 58 years, Elaine, by his side. Joseph "Sam" Cordova was born in Fort Collins, CO, on 17 November 1930, the fifth of ten children born to Jose Dolores and Maria Refugio Cordova. He began his over 32 years of federal service during the Korean War as an Airman in the United States Air Force before serving the last 20 years as Albuquerque Regional Director of the Veterans Administration. As the patriarch of a large extended family, his charismatic presence served as a constant source of integrity, strength, and guidance for a countless number of nieces, nephews, family and friends.
He is survived by his wife Elaine; three siblings, Moses Cordova, Mary Lucero, and Vi Esparza; a brother-in-law, Carl Hautzinger and a sister in-law, Audrey Steel; four children, John Cordova (wife Diane), Barbara Hurley (husband Lonny), Col Douglas Cordova (wife Amy), and Marikay Sullivan (husband Patrick); ten grandchildren, Katie, Kurt, Samantha, Joseph, Kimberly, P.J., Layne, Abigail, Steven, and Matthew, and one great-granddaughter, Hailey Ruth.
A Rosary will be recited at Our Lady of Annunciation Parish, 2621 Vermont St. NE, on Saturday, 20 June 2015, at 0930, followed by Mass of Christian Burial at 1000. Mr. Cordova will be laid to rest at the Santa Fe National Cemetery at 0900 on Monday, 22 June 2015. A separate memorial celebrating his life will be held in Fort Collins, Colorado, where he was known as "Sam," at a later date. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the New Mexico State University Foundation, in care of the Joseph S. Cordova Business Scholarship Fund, New Mexico State University, PO Box 3590, Las Cruces, NM, 88003-3590. Please visit our online guestbook for Mr. Cordova at
www.FrenchFunerals.com.
FRENCH â€" Wyoming
7121 Wyoming Blvd. NE
(505) 823-9400
Memories and Condolences
for Joseph Cordova
Sponsored by French Funerals & Cremations - Wyoming & San Antonio.
July 30, 2015
My sincere sympathy to all of the Cordova Family. I met Mr. Cordova and his wife Elaine when they came to Colorado Springs CO to see their son Doug and Family. Col Cordova and I were in the same office when Doug was just a Captain promoted to Major. Mr. Cordova and his daughter-in-law Amy made a great breakfast for the office to celebrate the promotion. A few years later I again met Mr. and Mrs. Cordova. It had been several years since I saw them. He remembered who I was and where we met. Met some of the other children as well.What a great man. Never forgetting anyone that he had passed ways with. He will live on in my heart even though I didn't know him that well. This is a family that one doesn't forget. Blessings, Prayers and Peace to all. Kathy Nelson, 21 SW/JA Office, Peterson AFB CO
Vicki Solaja
June 23, 2015
Steve & I just heard about Joe's passing. Your family is in our thoughts and prayers. We have such wonderful memories of him and he was so kind to us. God Bless
Consuelo LeFebre
June 22, 2015
Dear Mr. Cordova,
If I had known the last time I had seen you would have been the last time, I would have given you a giant hug.
I want you to know that you are my most favorite customer. I looked forward to seeing and chatting with you every April and October for the last eight-years.
I am a better person, parent, wife and friend because of you. You have given me a lot of great advice over the years and for that I am forever grateful. I knew if I did what you said it would work and it did every time.
You made my job more enjoyable and I wish all my customers were as wonderful, gracious and humble as you are.
I felt very sad when I heard I wouldn't see you again but then cheered up just a bit when I realized that you would be looking down from heaven.
Your impact on my life was tremendous and I will never forget you. I will miss you dearly.
Sincerely,
Consuelo LeFebre
June 20, 2015
Dear Cordova Family:
It was always great to see Mr. Cordova in Las Cruces. We know he was an Aggie fan. Please accept our heartfelt condolences at this difficult time. Janet Green and Eddie Binder
June 20, 2015
We are grateful to have had a man like Mr. Cordova in our lives. He made you feel like you were one of his own, we will miss him deeply. Know that your family will be in our thoughts and prayers. Respectfully yours, Bernie & Gina.
Bruce Strothers
June 19, 2015
Peace be with Mr. Cordova, his family, and all the lives he touched and made better.
June 19, 2015
To the entire Cordova Family our Prayers and Support to you in this difficult time. Mr. Cordova to me was a man of Honor and they don't make the quality of man like him much anymore. I always enjoyed seeing him at the Aggie football games and he always made your feel so special when you spent time with him. He will be missed.
Michael & Tracy Mistler
Overland Park, Kansas
Bowina Burback
June 19, 2015
Elaine and Family,
My prayers and thoughts are with you. Sam will forever be Loved.
God Bless you all,
Bowina Sanchez-Burback
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