 CORDOVA, DENNIS ROBERT 1940-2014 Dennis Robert Cordova, age 74, went to be with our Lord on Sunday, September 14, 2014 surrounded by his family. He was born June 29, 1940 in Belen, New Mexico to Manuel and Trinnie Baca Cordova. Together with his eight brothers and sisters, he did not have the easiest youth, but his family's house was always filled with laughter and music, which became a significant part of his personality. For a man who never finished high school, Dennis graduated from the University of New Mexico (UNM) with a Bachelor of Arts, and a Master from San Diego State University. In his early career, he worked for the Public Service Company of New Mexico. He was at the same time President of the Belen Chapter of the Jaycees. His easiness with all kinds of people and his ability to communicate made him a highly appreciated and also respected person. Therefore, after his studies, he became a primary school teacher for a Catholic School in Chula Vista. He then moved to Albuquerque in the late 1980s, where he started a successful General Educational Development (GED) Program for UNM. Taking his skills in Education, he became Head of Education for a US Correctional Facility. Here, he met with former President Fox of Mexico, to bring a Mexican GED program to inmates. Retired in Grants, he volunteered in both Obama campaigns and was also a Poll Worker for many elections. Dennis Cordova also loved to dance, golf, motorcycle, baseball (St. Louis Cardinals), puzzles, Johnny Cash and John Wayne. He was preceded in his death by his wife (the true love of his life), Deola who passed away much too early; as well as his parents; his brothers, Raymond and Ruben; and his niece, Ericka. He leaves behind his children: Jon Conrad Cordova and husband, Thomas Biland, Corine "CC" Cordova, Chris Cordova and wife, Cindy, Cindy Mitchell and husband, Eric. Dennis loved his grandchildren who will miss him dearly: Daniele, Jonathan and Kristina Martinez, Curtis and Shay Cordova, Austin and Cody Cordova, Anne-Sophie and Gregory Biland, and the apple of his eye, his great-granddaughter, Liliana. He is also survived by his brothers, Toby and Ernie Cordova; his sisters, Rosie Montoya and husband, Henry, Margaret Montoya and husband, Joe, Anna Upton and husband, Tony, Donna Bergevin and husband, Don; along with many nieces, nephews, cousins and many friends. Dennis loved life and had an incredible belief in the good in human beings. Being surrounded by his kids and family made him truly happy. He was a warm hearted, positive with a mischievous side, who spread harmony and peace. He will be remembered as living his life the way he wanted, to the fullest because he was "JUST LIKE COLOR TV". A Funeral Mass will take place at Romero Funeral Home in Belen on Saturday, October 4th at 11:00 am. Interment will follow at Our Lady of Belen Memorial Gardens. It is requested to wear red or something with the Cardinals in his honor. In lieu of flowers, the family has requested that donations be made in the Dennis Cordova Memorial Fund, Bank of Albuquerque, P.O. Box 26027, Albuquerque, NM 87125-6027. Sign Dennis' online tribute at www.romerofuneralhomenm.com Romero Funeral Home, 609 N. Main Street, Belen, NM
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