Joseph Richard Cordova

Joseph Richard "Rick" Cordova died peacefully and surrounded by his children on May 25, 2022 in Denver, Colorado. He was 71 years young. The youngest of six children, Rick was born on July 29,1950 in Denver to Florence and Gerardo Cordova. And although he was the "baby" of the family, even from a young age, he was the patriarch — always checking in on his siblings, children and his multitude of nieces and nephews throughout his life. He was an amazing son, brother, father, grandpa, uncle, godfather, nephew, cousin and friend. Rick graduated from North High School in 1968, where he was a champion swimmer. He then went on to serve in the U.S. Navy for four years. While stationed in San Diego, California, he would often visit his two oldest sisters and their families in the San Francisco Bay Area. Upon returning to Colorado, Rick became an active member of the Denver community, joining various local organizations, including ones working with veterans. An avid churchgoer with a strong faith, and community volunteer, Rick had many, many friends. Rick always enjoyed working with young children, from teaching swim lessons and arts and craft classes to being a basketball coach. He worked his way up in various positions at the Parks and Recreation Department, eventually serving as director. Through the years, Rick could be found enjoying a drink, a cigar and great conversation with friends at his local watering hole, watching a Broncos or Rockies game — often stepping out to call or text his family members to see how they were doing. He eventually opened his own bar, The Alpine Inn. In 1980, he married Christine Gallegos-Cordova and together they had three children. His son and daughters were his pride and joy. Rick was preceded in death by his sisters, Barbara Cordova and Linda Antonis, his brother Tom Cordova, his niece Carrie Gonzales, his nephews Tony and Thomas Cordova, and his great-nephew Andres Aguirre. Rick is survived by his son, Seth Cordova, daughters Shayna and Samantha Cordova, grandchildren Connor and Eleanor Whalen, long-time girlfriend Petra Gonzales, sister Louise Casini, brother Armando Cordova and many beloved nieces, nephews, cousins and friends. Not only was Rick a devoted family man, he was an adored friend and kind person with a wonderful sense of humor who is already missed tremendously by all those who knew and loved him. He never took anyone or anything for granted in his life, never missing a moment to tell his family he loved them, he was proud of them and he was blessed. And in turn, he was one of their greatest blessings, always reminding them to love each other and hold one another close. In two of Rick's last signature handwritten notes, he wrote, "I've had a great life," and "I'll always be here with you." Rick will always be in our hearts. We're forever grateful for the time we had with him and know he will continue to watch over us from heaven as he flies high with the angels, a "Papa" to all of us.

A Memorial Service will be held on Tuesday, June 21 at 11:30 a.m. at Guardian Angels Catholic Church at 1843 W. 52nd Ave. in Denver.

A Celebration of Life will also take place on Tuesday, June 21 at 1:30 p.m. at Fort Logan National Cemetery at 4400 W. Kenyon Ave. in Denver.

Following in Rick's generous spirit, and in lieu of flowers, we ask that you remember that in a world where you can be anything, the most important thing is to be kind to others.