Orlando Cordova

On June 1, 2025, Orlando Cordova passed away peacefully in his sleep. Our Dad was born on September 16, 1932, in Puerto de Luna, New Mexico to Agapito and Veneranda Cordova. He was the oldest of six children.

In 1951, Orlando enlisted in the United States Air Force. His job was in construction. He was stationed many places overseas and across the United States. He retired in 1977 and had a second career as a building inspector for the civil service.

He met our mother, Louise, at a dance, and they married in 1955. They were married for 57 years. Sadly, Louise died on their 57th anniversary at a dance. They had three children Michael, Robert and Cindy; four grandchildren Kyra, David, Chris and Rachel and two great-grandchildren Finley and Brooklyn.

Orlando is also survived by four of his siblings Zulema Flores of Laveen, AZ., Alfredo Cordova of Santa Rosa, NM., Roberto Cordova of Santa Rosa, NM., and Lucille Zamora of Belen, NM. Orlando had a good relationship with his brothers and sisters throughout his life and made sure that his children knew their aunts, uncles and cousins.

Orlando enjoyed playing sports. One of his favorites was fastpitch softball. He was a pitcher for his team and won many championships, earning himself the nickname Big O. Orlando was awarded “Most Valuable Player” multiple times. He also enjoyed playing golf and got a hole-in-one several times. He had a low handicap and won many amateur golf tournaments. Orlando loved to dance and had a smooth style. He met many friends through dance. He also met a special person in his life, Marilyn, in 2014.

Our Dad’s final words to us were, “Be good.”

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to Hospice of the Valley.

A rosary for Orlando will be held on Wednesday, June 11 at 5 PM with the Deacon Roy Drapeau officiating. It will be held at Thompson Funeral Chapel, 926 S. Litchfield Road, Goodyear, AZ.

An informal visitation with memory sharing will be at 5:45 PM, also on Wednesday, June 11 at the mortuary.

His funeral mass will be on Thursday, June 12 at 10 AM at St. John Vianney Catholic Church in Goodyear, with Father Kennedy presiding. We will go in procession to Holy Cross Catholic Cemetery for his committal service and interment.