It is with heavy hearts that the family of Robert Duane Cordova are announcing the passing of our loving father. He passed away peacefully on February 28, 2024 at the age of 91. He was preceded in death by his parents Oracio P Cordova and Mabel G (Smith) Cordova, his wife Martha E (Spaulding) Cordova, brothers Wesley Cordova, and Jerome D Cordova, daughter Cathleen M Cordova, granddaughter Julie Cundiff, nephew Craig Cordova and longtime companion Joann Herie.
Bob was born on June 24th,1932 in Santa Monica, California, and had lived in Camarillo since 1965. He lived a happy, healthy, and fulfilling life. On September 26th, 1953, Bob married Martha Spaulding and they started a new life and family together. Throughout his life Bob was always very happy to see his children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren. He always cherished time he could spend with them.
Bob Cordova grew up in West L.A. and Santa Monica. He attended St. Monica High School where he was a member of the football team. He enjoyed going to Venice Beach and lifting weights in his lively youth. After high school Bob became a Marine. He was stationed in Japan for a short time before being deployed to the Korean War.
After an honorable discharge from the military, Bob found employment with Western Electric, a subsidiary of AT&T. He was employed there for 33 years. His position included installing central office equipment systems and working on defense contracts for the U.S. military at various locations throughout Southern California. He spent much time at Vanderburg Air Force Base and Pt Mugu Naval Base. He was also an integral part of the original installation team at NORAD's Cheyanne Mountain Space Force Station near Colorado Springs. After retiring from AT&T in 1985 he became an independent contractor and a quality-control specialist in his field for several start-up companies. Years later, Bob completely retired so that he could take care of his wife Marty after she had a stroke.
Bob had many passions in his life. One of them was recording family gatherings and activities. He loved filming his young family playing and camping. Whenever there was a family gathering Bob had his super 8 camera to film it! Later his sons got into wrestling, and he filmed nearly every match. He continued this tradition with his grandchildren and great grandchildren. One of his greatest pleasures in life was watching them participate in sports and other events.
Bob enjoyed camping. He and his wife Marty, along with other families and friends, took their family on long camping trips every summer and during holidays. Bob and Marty continued to go camping for many years. Bob was also an avid fisherman. He had gone fishing in the ocean since he was a kid. For many years he fished for largemouth bass in lakes throughout California. He also entered largemouth bass-fishing tournaments in lakes all over Southern California. Later in life Bob loved to travel. He and Joann traveled countless miles by car across several western states.
Bob's favorite hobby at home was gardening. He always had an immaculate yard and took great pride in his beautiful plants and gardens. He had the most amazing collection of succulents that he had amassed over decades; Bob was always planting new succulent seeds, even within weeks of his passing.
Perhaps Bob's biggest passion was wrestling. He instantly fell in love with this sport after his son Dan started wrestling. Two of Bob's sons, his grandson, and two granddaughters took up wrestling and he rarely missed a match. He could always be seen at their meets and tournaments filming and encouraging them and their teammates.
Bob is survived by his children Robert J Cordova, Daniel J Cordova, Lisa Cordova Schwarz (Craig) and Christopher J Cordova; his grandsons Jason Cundiff (Claire), Jameson Lingl (Susanne), and Nolan Cordova; his great grandchildren Zoe, Kiley, Karleigh, Kristena, Kelli, Athena, Paxton, and Brennan and three great-great-grandchildren, Genevieve, Daniel, and Magnolia.
Bob wanted to thank Dr. G. Loman, GP, Dr. P. Sharma, Cardiologist and Dr Allan for years of good care.
On April 27, 2024, at 10:30 a.m. there will be a graveside burial, and then a celebration of life at 12:00 p.m. Please come join us at Conejo Mountain Memorial Park at 2052 Howard Rd., Camarillo.
The celebration of life will continue at 3:00 p.m. at Bob's home. Please contact the family for details and come join us.
Posted online on April 24, 2024
Published in Ventura County Star
