Carlos Cordova

Carlos Cordova, cherished husband, father, and grandfather passed away on Monday, December 9, 2024 after a recent cancer diagnosis. Carlos was born in Torrance, California in June 1958 to Luis and Ysabel Cordova. He grew up in the South Bay, enjoying the beach and body surfing in his spare time. Carlos earned a bachelor’s degree in history from Loyola Marymount University, a master’s in history from UCSB and a Juris Doctor from UCLA Law School. He began his legal career in 1988 at the Office of General Counsel at the CSU Chancellor’s Office. One of the major projects he worked on was helping CSU Northridge recover from the catastrophic 1994 Northridge Earthquake. Carlos was also involved in reviewing the contracts for what was to become the Cal Poly Performing Arts Center.

In 1985, Carlos met his future wife Beth at a Christmas party. The irony is that they had gone to the same Catholic high school but didn’t know each other. They were in different social circles! Carlos and Beth married in 1989, and were blessed with their first son Nick in 1991. In 1994, Carlos had the opportunity to serve as Cal Poly’s in-house legal counsel, which brought his family to the Central Coast. Not long after their arrival, their daughter Michelle was born. The Central Coast was home.

Carlos was a huge fan of the Boston Bruins, Baltimore Orioles, and the L.A. Dodgers. Carlos truly enjoyed participating in his Los Osos fantasy football league and was always proud to say he won the championship 4 times! He also enjoyed attending Cal Poly football and baseball games. Music was a source of enjoyment for him, as well as St. Patrick’s Day.

Carlos was so proud of Nick and Michelle and the individuals they’ve become. And he was filled with happiness and joy at the weddings of Nick and Kamryn, and Michelle and Chad. He wished he was able to watch his first grandchild grow up but was grateful for the time he had with her.

Carlos is survived by his brother Ricardo (Jane) and his family. His brother Arturo (Valerie) preceded Carlos in death. He is also survived by Arturo and Valerie’s family, nieces and cousins.

The funeral mass will be held at St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Church in Los Osos on January 10 at 10:00 AM. A celebration of life will be held at noon at the San Luis Obispo Elks club. Please RSVP to [email protected] if you plan to attend the celebration of life.

In his final email to friends and family, he said “I know it's cliche but please give a loved one a hug and tell them you love them.”

In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to the Cal Poly Foundation for the Performing Arts Center. https://foundationfortheperformingarts.ddock.gives