Guido G. Cordova

Guido G. Cordova, aged 84, passed away peacefully on March 25, 2021 in Naples, FL surrounded by his family after battling cancer. Guido was born April 19, 1936 in Havana, Cuba, to Maria Castro and Luis Cordova.

Born and raised in Havana, Guido had a disciplined, but adventurous childhood, as his father was active fighting against political tyranny of the Cuban people. Upon the death of his father Luis, Guido and his mother immigrated to the United States through the port at Ellis Island in New York City. Upon arriving in the US, Guido and his mother settled in the lower east side of Manhattan at the age of 13. Neither he nor his mom knew any English. Guido quickly learned to navigate the Bowery and began developing a deep appreciation and love for the United States. Guido deepened his patriotism and decided to enlist in the United States Air Force where he had a passion for flying and aeronautics. Due to a physical injury, Guido was unable to pursue his dream of being a pilot and quickly transitioned into training to become an Air Traffic Controller. Following an Honorable Discharge from the Air Force, Guido began his career with the Federal Aviation Administration as an Air Traffic Controller at the New York Air Route Traffic Control Center (ZNY) in Islip, New York. He would go on to serve over 35 years at ZNY as a “controller” then supervisor. During his career, he mentored and trained many individuals who went on to become some of the finest controllers the ZNY has ever had.

Married in 1965 to Diane Cimini, Guido created a large and loving family of five children who have remained close and committed to each other. Guido’s passion for the Air Force, space, travel, and speed transferred to many of his hobbies he enjoyed including: building and flying 1/4 scale radio-controlled airplanes, going to sports car races, and skiing fresh powder out west. Guido also enjoyed playing a lot of golf and fly fishing many beautiful streams and rivers on Long Island and upstate New York with his children. Forever, the “family man”, Guido supported the education and many activities that his five children participated in from grade school all the way through college. Upon retirement from the FAA in 1994, Guido and his beloved wife Diane traveled frequently and became snow-birds down in Rockledge, FL. Guido and Diane both shared a passion for space which often found themselves visiting the Kennedy Space Center in FL. Their love for Florida convinced them to permanently move there to enjoy all of the wonderful things the Sunshine State has to offer including seeing Mickey and Minnie at Disney World via their annual park hopper passes! Guido also enjoyed going on many cruises in the Caribbean with Diane.

Guido is survived by his sons, Louis Cordova of Coram, NY, Glenn Cordova (and wife Lalena Cordova) of Effort, PA, Mitchell L. Cordova of Estero, FL (and fiancé Catherine Gorman, Michele Cordova Mensch (and husband Mark Mensch) of Mastic Beach, NY, Kerry Cordova of Sound Beach; two granddaughters (Julia Cordova and Cecilia Cordova); three nieces and a number of other relatives and close friends.

Reposing at the O.B. Davis Funeral Home, 1001 Route 25A, Miller Place, New York 11764. Visitation is on Monday April 5, 2021 from 2-4 & 7-9 PM. Closing prayer is on Tuesday, April 6th at 10 AM with interment to follow at Calverton National Cemetery, Calverton, New York.