Robert Chavez Corella

Robert Chavez Corella was 74 when he unexpectedly passed away on February 27, 2021. Bob, the oldest of four siblings, was born December 13, 1946 in Phoenix, AZ. His parents were the late John and Mary Corella. Bob married Catherine Yoshida on June 15, 1997, and during their 23 years of marriage, they traveled much of Arizona, United States, Europe, and Japan. Bob loved Arizona and its history, and was proud of his Arizona ancestors who date to the Spanish colonial days. He loved being a grandfather, and enjoyed their Japanese art and dance experiences.

Bob had an artist eye. As a Carl Hayden High School student, he was yearbook photographer, and for a time worked for a professional studio after graduation. He got his education degree from Arizona State University, and for over 27 years taught art in the Cartwright Elementary School District in Phoenix. During this time he was able to complete his Master’s Degree in Educational Leadership at Northern Arizona University. Before and after retirement, for 20 years he and some of his closest teacher comrades met weekly as the “Breakfast Club”- lots of laughs, musings of life, including how not to catch a fish.

Bob was a lifelong advocate in the community. He was a decades-long member of the Phoenix Sister Cities Commission for Himeji-Japan in which he helped plan Phoenix’ Japanese Garden, the Phoenix Matsuri committee, and Stu Zink Westside Civitan. In 1985 he formed a Japanese Swordsmanship Club, where he was Sensei of the Kenshin Dojo upon his death. Bob spoke fluent Japanese, was a passionate collector of Japanese swords, and a mentor teacher of Mujinsai Araki Ryu Laido, a 400-year-old Japanese art form.

Bob is survived by his wife Cathy, two daughters Yukiko & Mariko Corella, two stepchildren Alana (Justin) Lageschulte; Justin (Mary) Downes, and three siblings Johnny (Sylvia) Corella, Lydia (Rick) Figueroa and Steve (Mary) Corella; and three grandchildren Violet & Evan Lageschulte & Molly Downes.

Once it is Covid-19 virus safe to do so, the Corella family will schedule a Memorial Service Celebrating Bob’s Life. Please share your favorite memory or story of Bob for use at the Commemoration of Bob’s Life. Check here for details on this event.