Joseph Samuel Cordova

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. FRENCH - Wyoming 7121 Wyoming Blvd. NE (505) 823-9400