Margarito "Richard" Cordova

Margarito (Richard) Cordova, 84, was called by our Lord on 10/16/14. He was born in his beloved Dawson, NM on 7/9/30 to Margarito (Maggie) and Elvira Cordova. He is survived by his loving wife of 62 years, Rosemary (Stella) Cordova (to whom he was devoted), his children, Richard Cordova, Joseph Cordova and his wife Christine, and daughter Rosemarie Cordova Baca; his grandchildren, Brian Chavez, Jennifer Cordova Neumann, and husband, Wyatt, Christopher Cordova, and wife, Jessi, Marisa Baca, Lisa Burke, and husband, Ryan, Sonja Flowers, and husband, Travis, John Paul Cordova, Feliz Baca, Sarah Cordova and Lily Cordova; his great grand-children, Olivia Maul, Marcos Chavez, Brianna Chavez, Aleah Cordova, Takota Neumann, Kory James Flowers, Stella Neumann and Matias Flowers. Also surviving are his brothers and sisters, Vivian and Annie Cordova, Celeste and Dave Medina, Bernadette and Esteban Mercado, Lorraine Cordova and Michael Cordova; and his extended family, Betsy Lange, Destani Gutierrez, Felipe Guevara, Lynne Cordova, Abby Garcia, and compadre Eloy Barela. He leaves behind many nieces, nephews, cousins and special friends Suzanne, Kimberly, Gloria, and Sheila. He had numerous friends whom he loved and had the pleasure of knowing and sharing camaraderie. Richard was preceded in death by his parents, his brothers Charlie, Gilbert, and Ted Cordova and his grandson Richard Patrick Cordova. He moved to Albuquerque with his family when he was 14 years old. He attended Los Griegos Elementary, Washington Jr High, and graduated from Albuquerque High in 1949. While at Albuquerque HS, he played football and his team won the state championship in 1949. He took 2nd place in the state in javelin in 1949. After High School, he joined the USAF (1949) and held the rank of Sergeant for 3.5yrs. He worked for the VA Hospital histology lab for 25yrs. After retiring from the VAH, he excelled as a chemical salesman for State Chemical and eventually began his own company, R&R Supply, which he owned for 30 years. He and his wife operated Casa de Cordova concessions for 55 years at the NM State Fair and at various Native American feasts and parish fiestas. He was a member of various groups and organizations including the Cursillo Movement, Knights of Columbus (member and state officer), St Vincent de Paul Society, Spanish choir at Queen of Heaven and an integral player in developing the Thunderbird Little League. He was also a proud member of the Albuquerque HS Alumni "A" Club and a loyal UNM Lobo fan. Although he had numerous accomplishments, he would often say that his greatest one was his loving family, which he cherished. He was devoted to and loved Our Lady of Guadalupe and attended the ceremony in Mexico City commemorating Juan Diego's sainthood. Richard and Stella hosted an annual New Year's Day open house for over 40 years where many of their friends and family enjoyed delicious food, song, dance and good conversation. A Rosary will be recited on Sunday, October 19, 2014 at 2 p.m. at Queen of Heaven Parish, 5311 Phoenix Ave NE. Mass will be celebrated held on Monday, October 20, 2014 at 10 a.m. at Sacred Heart Parish, 309 Stover Ave. SW. FRENCH - University 1111 University Blvd NE 505-843-6333