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John Cordova Sr., 94, long-time president of the local typographical union, died Wednesday. He was a master craftsman of the printing trade. He joined the union in 1935 in Pueblo, CO and remained a member until his death. He was president of local ITU 304 in Albuquerque for twenty-seven years through the 50s, 60s, and 70s. He retired from the Albuquerque Publishing Company in 1975. He loved his craft and was regarded as one of the most productive and accurate of printers. He proudly showed his family and anyone who would take the time the intricacies of the "hot metal" Linotype machine. He successfully negotiated for higher wages and increased benefits for members with the Albuquerque Journal, Tribune and commercial print shops. He shepherded the union through the transition from hot metal machines to computers and "cold type." However, it was his love of reading that most attracted him to the printing trade. He was a voracious reader of newspapers, books and magazines. In the last months of his life he still read both the Albuquerque Journal and Tribune cover to cover. Often he would call his son to note some item buried deep in the classified section of the paper. He said his most enjoyable job was working for the UNM Press where he was able to type and read academic reports and books published at UNM. The association with UNM fed his love of history and of his own family's history of migration from New Mexico to Colorado in the mid 1800s. John and his family returned to New Mexico in 1946. John loved his church and the many friends he made there. He served for many years as a Eucharistic minister and lector. Until illness slowed his step, he attended mass every day at Holy Ghost Church. He and his wife Helen attended Holy Ghost when it was a mission church located near Pennsylvania Ave. They were founding members of the parish. In later years, he kept informed of church activities through regular visits with his friend and Eucharistic minister Larry O'Connell and neighbor Mary Chavez. He received the sacraments regularly and was given the last rites before his death. After his wife Helen's death in 1969, he found solace in his family and particularly the support provided by his four granddaughters, Sharon, Katherine, Deborah, and Rosemary. He was married to Helen Lopez Cordova for thirty-five years until her death. They met at a dance in Burnt Mill Colorado. He was immediately attracted to the shy and beautiful, country girl with, as he recounted, 'lips like Clara Bow's.' In the mid '70s he fell in love with fellow printer Katye Waters. He and Katye remained companions until her death almost three years ago. She and John will rest near one another in Gate of Heaven Cemetery. After retirement, John was appointed to serve on the City of Albuquerque Library Board by Mayor Harry Kinney. He loved the opportunity to serve and saw the construction of three new libraries in the Northeast Heights. He served with Margie Hernandez whom he recalled fondly. Although popular and well respected, he declined to take a direct interest in politics. He was fond of U.S. Senator Dennis Chavez with whom he shared libations at the Federal Bar. He was a life-long Democrat who was a strong supporter of U.S. Senator Pete Domenici and Mayor Marty Chavez. When David Cargo announced his intention to run for New Mexico Governor he made his announcement at a meeting of the printers' union. Of course Dave became governor and always reminded John that he "kicked off" Dave's successful campaign. John loved his extended family. He had nine sisters and a brother. All but one (Flora Cordova) has passed away. Helen also had a large family - eight brothers and four sisters - two members of her family are still living (Josephine Lopez Marquez and Bobby Lopez). He had eighty-one nieces and nephews and had special memories of each and every one. He had a special Thursday telephone date with his niece Rosie Ruiz and his niece Rita Baca had red chile and menudo delivered to him by Mrs. Keller from Pueblo. John's special joy and the one thing that death would cause him to miss is seeing his great grandchildren grow up. They were the joy of his life and he reveled in their energy, intelligence and beauty. Throughout the years, the good doctors and staff at Lovelace on Gibson have cared for the Cordova family. Dr. Randy Lovelace treated John Sr. and John Jr. Special thanks are extended to Dr. Charles Benton, Dr. Wesselman and the nurses and staff on the third and fourth floor at Lovelace. The kind and considerate care of Vista Care Hospice is deeply appreciated as is the long-term care provided to John by Barbara Perea. He died as he wished, in his own home and in his green recliner. His two children, John Jr. and Vera Little, were at his side along with his daughter-in-law, Carolyn Mountain. Vera lovingly consoled her father in his final days. He is survived by his children, John Cordova, Jr. and Carolyn Mountain of Albuquerque and Vera and Robert Little of Torrance, CA; his grandchildren, Sharon and Jeff Buckwell of Huntington Beach, CA, Deborah and Chris Berry of Phoenix, AZ, Katherine Cordova and Andrew Dalton of Gloucester, MA; and Rosemary Cordova and Francisco Rivero of Berkeley and Middletown, CA; and six great-grandchildren, Grace Buckwell, Lauren and Carsten Berry, John and Isabel Dalton, and Lazaro Cordova-Rivero. His sister, Flora; sisters-in-law, Josephine Marquez and Rose Lopez; and brother-in-law, Bobby Lopez; as well as many beloved nieces, nephews, and friends, also survive him. He was preceded in death by his parents, Elvira Chacon Cordova and Candido Cordova; his wife, Helen Lopez Cordova; and his eight siblings. Mass will be celebrated on Monday, 9:00 a.m., at Holy Ghost Catholic Church, 833 Arizona SE. Pallbearers for the Funeral are family members. They include Andrew Dalton, Jeff Buckwell, Chris Berry, Carlos "Cookie" Sisneros, Charles Davis, Rudy A. Lopez, Ben Gettler, Bob Little, Rudy P. Lopez, Leo Romero, and Rick Lopez. Ennichement of cremated remains will follow at Gate of Heaven Cemetery. John requested that Mariachi Tenampa provide entertainment at his celebration of life. French Mortuary 1111 University Blvd. NE 843-6333
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