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Lou Cordero Obituary
April 9, 1932 -
December 3, 2017
Lou Cordero, 85 of Manhattan Beach, California passed away peacefully in his sleep on December 3, 2017. Lou was born in Santa Barbara, California on April 9, 1932. He was the last of seven children. He attended Dolores Elementary School and Catholic High School in Santa Barbara. He played varsity basketball, ran varsity track, was a member of the varsity football team and was selected as all league guard. He served in the United States Navy aboard the aircraft carrier "Philippine Sea" CV47 during the Korean War 1950-1953. He taught for Centinela Valley Union High School District for over 40 years. He was hired to teach at Lawndale High School in 1961. He taught Spanish and coached tennis, basketball and soccer. In 1980 he was transferred to Leuzinger High School where he taught Spanish and coached soccer and softball until he retired in 2003. Lou lived life to the fullest. He loved to run, lift weights and bike ride. He traveled the world and enjoyed the annual camping trip to Bass Lake. He was an avid USC football fan. He loved the Chicago Cubs and the Raiders. He enjoyed attending athletic events at both Lawndale and Leuzinger High School. Lou was a proud and loving father, husband and partner.
He is survived by his four sons, Paul, Christopher (Jennifer) and their children Quinnlan, Raegan, Jared; Matthew (Faye), David (Nichole) and their children Katelyn and Isabel; two brothers, Augustine, Frank; former spouse, Georgia; and partner of 34 years, Sharon Curto and her three children: son Sean Curto (deceased) wife Kas; daughter, Kelly (Curto) McCusker husband Coleman; son Brian Curto wife Sara and their daughters, Avery, Sophie and Isabel.
Private Services will be held for the family. Those desiring to honor Lou please sign the guest book at www.dailybreeze.com/obits.
Memories and Condolences
for Lou Cordero
33 Entries
Randy Treadway
March 13, 2022
My sympathies go out to the Cordero family. Mr. Cordero was an excellent teacher and I enjoyed being in his class. LHS
Class of 77.
Claudio Ribas
July 11, 2018
I was extremely saddened to hear of Coach Cordero's passing. He was my soccer coach during my high school years, along with Mr Rodriguez. He was very passionate about the sport and always pushed us to do better. Thank you Coach! Class of 87.
Becky Woodring
February 3, 2018
Sending my love and prayers. He was a great teacher. I think of my time with him and Ms. Curto at Leuzingrr often. Sad to hear. So sorry.
Janet Holender
February 1, 2018
From the moment we met Lou we became friends. Lou was friendly, warm, extremely intelligent and he enjoyed life. We traveled to many states with Sharon and Lou and he was such a delightful, enjoyable friend at all times. We will miss Lou so very much.Janet and Art Holender
Gilbert Gonzalez Jr
January 30, 2018
My deepest condolences to the family of Mr. Cordero. He was my Spanish teacher and soccer coach at Lawndale high.
Aline Fillers
January 26, 2018
Dear Sharon,
My deepest condolences in the loss of your best friend, and great love. A sweeter man never walked the face of the earth. We all go back to the very beginning, at Lawndale!
Please remember, "Sorrow does not last forever. LOVE does."
Aline Fillers
ida kemperman
January 13, 2018
Dear Sharon,
My sincere condolence to you on the loss of your best friend, Lou. You have been a happy, loving couple for many years, for that you can be thankful. I look forward to seeing you soon.
Love, Ida
SgtMaj Antonio Oliva, USMC (ret.)
January 13, 2018
My heartfelt condolences to Lupe Cordero's family and friends. He was my first year Spanish teacher at Lawndale HS. His teaching severed me well later in life. May eternal light shine upon.
Mary Beth Robinson
January 9, 2018
I was blessed to teach next door to Mr. Cordero for fifteen years at Leuzinger High School in Lawndale, CA. I taught German and English as a Second Language. We were on the second floor of the Main Building and sometimes we would have time to chat at class break times. Mr. Cordero was a devoted educator who was filled with energy and a positive outlook. If you wanted to learn Spanish, you were in the right place! His positive instructional methods and caring filled his classroom!
Yolanda Ybarra Imamura - 71
January 8, 2018
Thank you Mr. Cordero for being a great Spanish teacher. I will always remember you having us all read one page from the book Don Quixote Man of La Mancha out loud for you (in Spanish, of course). You made me feel so proud of myself that day - Gracias mi amigo por todo
Evelyn Legarda
January 8, 2018
I'm sorry for your lost my prayers are for you an your family
Michael Radke
January 8, 2018
From when I was a kid, coming over to the house in Manhattan to when I was bringing my kids over, he was always so nice and very patient with all us Wild kids. It won't be the same without him. He and Sharon and the whole family are so loved by us all.
Michelle Jaurretche Jensen
January 8, 2018
I have wonderful memories of being in his Spanish class. He was passionate about teaching and a very positive man. May he rest in peace.
January 7, 2018
God bless. Great mentor,barest teacher.
Betty Hall
January 7, 2018
Sharon, you & your family have my deepest sympathy. I remember you & Lou attending & enjoying the Lawndale Cardinal basketball games. I know he will be sorely missed. May his soul rest in peace.
Carolynn Hendricks
January 7, 2018
Mr. Cordero was my first year Spanish teacher at Lawndale High school. He made learning fun. So sorry to hear of his passing. My most sincere condolences to his family ,Mr. Cordero was my first year Spanish teacher at Lawndale High school. He made learning fun. So sorry to hear of his passing. My most sincere condolences to his family
Rosa Eshaq (Gonzalez)
January 7, 2018
He was our Spanish teacher at Lawndale High school. He was also our Spanish club sponsor He also sponsored a service club for Latina's. He was our supporter and a friend!!! Rest In Peace Mr Cordero!
Sue Curto
January 7, 2018
Sharon, we are so sorry to hear of Lou's passing. Always remember the love and great memories you both shared. Love Sam and Sue
Pamela Parsons
January 7, 2018
Mike and I loved our patio "Lou chats", usually about sports, but sometimes about politics or history, and always interesting or funny. We loved his sense of humor and his joy for life. What a special, sweet, loving man. He will be missed but never forgotten.
Ashley Daly
January 7, 2018
Sending lots of love to you Sharon. Xoxo
Kelly McCusker
January 7, 2018
Lou and my mother were together for 30 years and he was a wonderful love, partner and best friend to my mom. They had so much in common and always had a great time together traveling, USC games, movies, dancing, school games and eating out at thieir favorite restaurants. I will miss him very much he meant a lot to me❤ Love Kelly
Barbara Hendricks Kamekona
January 7, 2018
Mr Cordero was an awesome, patient teacher..one of the few teachers I remember fondly. My condolences to Ms Curto & family members
cindy engel thompson
January 7, 2018
Ms.Curto i am so sorry for your loss. Mr Cordero was a great teacher. My prayers are with you and your family. God Bless you all.
Karen Anderson
January 7, 2018
Mr. Order was my Spanish teacher at Lawndale high. He was always, prepared, caring and sensitive to his students. He cared about us as individuals not just a student. I admire his dedication to the teaching profession. He was in great shape and enjoyed his retirement to the fullest. He was devoted to Ms. Curto and I know she will miss him. A few times I saw them at basketball games and we talked and laughed together . It made me smile. Fondly Karen anderson
Bill Greene
January 7, 2018
What a great teacher, one of my favorites. Was always kind, helpful and made Spanish class fun. My thoughts and prayers are with his family, Cardinal class of 75.
Linda Madrigal Lee
January 7, 2018
Ms. Curto, I am so sorry for your loss. My thoughts and prayer go out to you and the family.
Edward Dominguez
January 7, 2018
One of the most committed teachers at Lawndale a true Cardinal. My favorite memories talking about our football game and reminding me not to have " manos de mantequilla " ! Always think of him when hearing 'Take me out to the Ballgame', sang it en Espanol during Spanish class. Condolences to his family and friends Rest in Peace. Class of 1978
Nikki Nicholas Salceda
January 7, 2018
This was the most amazing teacher. Because of him I stayed in school. He was a teacher that made a difference, he truely cared. Thank you Mr. Cordero for caring and for remembering that you even spoke to my heart to be a better person.
Dolores (Sanchez) Garcia
January 7, 2018
Uncle Lupi you will be missed your resting with your loved ones and family God bless ❤
Valerie Lomeli
January 7, 2018
Rest in gods kingdom in heaven give your cousin France Ann my mama a hug from me...god bless you
Bill Cordero
January 7, 2018
My condolences to the Cordero family. I have fond memories of meeting up with Lou at USC football games. God bless you all.
Tony Cordero
January 7, 2018
May God bless Lou and his family! I'll always remember a special visit with Lou and Marv Goux at a USC football game! Viva familia!
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