Arsenio William Cordova, 75, passed away peacefully at the family home in El Prado Sunday September 22, 2019 surrounded by his wife, children and daughters-in-law. He was born April 26, 1944 at Taos Pueblo. He was preceded in death by his parents Willie and Josephine Cordova, maternal grandmother Maria de las Nieves Martinez and siblings Dan Cordova, Fabiola (Ben) Garcia and Ruben Cordova. In-laws who have passed away include Theresa Lujan Montoya, Eloy Montoya and Stella Sosaya Montoya. Other deceased persons include many aunts, uncles, cousins and several close friends. Arsenio was succeeded by his wife of 52 years, Kathryn Cordova and children William (Clara) Cordova, Andrew (Shirley) Cordova and Theresa “Tessa” Cordova. Grandchildren include Selina (Francisco) Lujan, Bridgette (Robert) Sanchez and Santiago Mascareñas. He was the great grandfather of six children. Many other youngsters considered Arsenio and Kathy as adopted grandparents. Surviving siblings include the following: Corelia (the late Eugene) Sanchez, Maria Elena (Randy) Mirabal, Fernando (Bernice) Cordova and Francis (Ernestina) Cordova. Sisters-in-law, Lillian Cordova and Olivia Cordova also survive Arsenio. Numerous godchildren, nieces, nephews and cousins are also included in the family circle.
Educational endeavors include Bachelor of Arts and Master of Arts from New Mexico Highlands University and a degree in Pastoral Administration from the Institute of Pastoral Life in Kansas City, Missouri. He retired as a Bureau Chief/Administrator with the State of New Mexico and continued work in the cultural area. Arsenio became a part-time college instructor at Northern New Mexico College, New Mexico Highlands University, UNM-Los Alamos and UNM-Taos. In retirement, he founded Sangre de Cristo Liturgies, a multi-faceted company devoted to preservation of the northern New Mexico culture, including music, drama and lectures. He directed the Sunday 8:30 a.m. Spanish choir at Our Lady of Guadalupe Church and composed church music, much of it published by Oregon Catholic Press. Cordova produced and directed drama productions through Sangre de Cristo Liturgies of which the best known is the annual play Los Pastores which features a local cast. Because of these efforts, the State of New Mexico’s Office of Cultural Affairs/State Historic Preservation Division awarded him a Lifetime Achievement Award in 2012. Arsenio also received many other honors. The community-oriented activist belonged to many organizations and boards, two of which included appointments by the governor: the inaugural National Hispanic Cultural Center board and the New Mexico Housing Authority. He also belonged to the Taos Municipal School Board for three terms at two different times. Arsenio served on the Alcoholism Board at the Embudo Treatment Center and as Chairman, Vice Chairman and Central Committee member and a lifelong member of the Republican party. Cordova was an avid Redskin fan, and when people teased him, he didn’t care. He loved to hunt, fish, bowl (a league member and youth coach), play and coach basketball and travel. Arsenio Cordova is best known as a man who honored the courage of his convictions and remained unafraid to speak his mind. He died of cancer, glioblastoma tumors.
Public Visitation will be held on Wednesday, September 25, 2019 from 2 to 4 PM at Rivera Chapel. Rosary will be recited on Wednesday, September 25, 2019 at 7 PM at Our Lady of Guadalupe Catholic Church. Funeral mass will be held on Thursday, September 26, 2019 at 10 AM at Our Lady of Guadalupe Church, with interment to follow at the Sierra Vista Cemetery.
Arrangements by Rivera Family Funeral Home, Taos. To share a memory, please visit our website at www.riverafuneralhome.com
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About |
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| Name | Arsenio William Cordova |
| Date of Birth | 1944 |
| Date of Death | September 22nd, 2019 |
| Home Town | El Prado, NM, US |
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Memorial |
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| Funeral Home | Rivera Family Funeral Home - Taos | |
| Address |
818 Paseo Del Pueblo Sur Taos NM 87571 United States |
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published a tribute .
I’m an saddened by the news of Mr Cordova’s passing. You were a great influence and appreciate the time and enthusiasm you shared while teaching. I learned so much and enjoyed the trips I was able to attend. Rest In Peace Señor. My condolences to your family. Andreita
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My condolences to your family. I was looking in the internet to check if Arcenio had written new music. I am sad to learn he died. We lost a good friend and a great composer. Rest in peace my friend.
Priscilla Reyes from Holy Family Church in Stafford, Tx.
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We are very saddened to hear of you loss. Our hearts go out to you all in your time of sorrow. Know that you all are in our thoughts and prayers. Out deepest sympathy to the entire family!
~ Wallace, Lula Salazar and Family
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published a tribute .
Michelle and I extend our sincere condolences to Kathryn, Tessa, and all of Arsenio's family. We are deeply saddened by the loss of Arsenio, but feel so privileged to have shared precious moments with him through IHM Alumni Association activities. Arsenio was a treasure in so many ways to so many people. His loss will be felt by many, but his legacy to New Mexico history an culture will outlive us all.
Valentin and Michelle Varela
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My deepest sympathy to all the family. May he rest in peace. Lots of love to all of you1
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Sincere condolences. May you find the comfort you need while grieving from family and dear friends. (Psalms 94:19)
Respectfully,
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Kathy, Tessa & Willie
I am so sorry for your loss. He will forever be loved his smile and humor will be in our memories and hearts. May our Blessings and Prayers and much loving memories bring your spirit peace.
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Katheryne, Tessa and family, It is wth a sincere heart that I offer my condolences. May God give you strength and comfort during the loss of your loved one. Mr. Cordova was a great teacher, mentor and friend. May he fly with the angels! Your friend, Liz Padilla
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Mr. Cordova was one of the best instructors I had the pleasure of having when attending Unm Taos over 15 years ago. Arsenio had a great way of keeping your attention and making you laugh. My condolences to Kathy and family. He was a pillar in our community and will be missed.
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Giving thanks for being considered as a daugther to this beautiful family. I some how started referring to him as Notorious BIG Arsenio Cordova and would sing Biggie Smalls song to him whenever I saw him. He would laugh and sing with me. We would have deep political conversation and not always agree, but that was ok. He was a VERY committed family and community man
I am so THANKFUL and BLESSED to call him my friend and my Taos Dad. BLESSINGS Notorious BIG Arsenio. May you RIP. Prayers to the communities on Taos and El Paso. To the family please know you are deeply in my prayers. I lit a candle and asked the priest to pray at the National Shrine to Mary in DC. As I shared with them we NOW have a Saint Arsenio among us. He is NOW our BEAUTIFUL ANCESTOR. PRESENTE Notorious BIG Arsenio Cordova.
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Arsenio was a precious friend. I will treasure the memories of singing with him and the fun times we had. Arsenio is going to be dearly missed. He is experiencing the GLORY of GOD! How beautiful is that! RIP my precious friend. May God console you Kathy, Tessa, Willie and Andrew as you grieve and miss him. Remember he was loved by many.
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Arsenio was a special & unique man, who did so much for his community, family & friends. He will be greatly missed. Sending much love to Kathy, & his beloved family.
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published a tribute .
Deepest condolences to the family, Arsenio was a wonderful warm hearted person, my son considered him a second grandfather! Thoughts and prayers are with you all! :(
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Kathy, Tessa and Cordova Family,
My deepest condolences. Bendiciones En Paz and prayers to each of you. GOD BLESS
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published a tribute .
It was so rewarding to get to know Arsenio, Kathy and Tessa during this difficult time of Arsenio’s illness. We had fun and laughs during our PT sessions early on. What a gracious man and generous family!
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Kathy, Tessa and family -my deepest condolences for the of Arsenio. He was a wonderful and special person. He tried to always stay positive. I was happy to see all of you at mass on Sundays. He made sure that he had a big smile for everyone that greeted him. What a tremendous loss for your family and the community. My thoughts and prayers will always be with you. Much love to you and your family. My sympathies Elaine Sandoval
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Arcenio was a great friend. Please accept our sincere condolences and heartfelt prayers on his departure from this stage of his life and his flight to the next one.
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published a tribute .
Kathy and family, you are in my thoughts and prayers. Arsenio was very special to me.
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Kathryn & family, we were so sad to read about the passing of Arsenio. May you find comfort knowing that he is resting in peace with no more pain. God bless you all and give you strength to get through this difficult time. We will remember you and your family in our prayers and pay a mass in memory of your husband, dad,grandfather & great grandfather Arsenio.
Love & prayers
Yvette (Rosemary's sister) Santa Rosa, NM
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