Arnold Cordova, Laguna Niguel
June 27, 1919 — April 12, 2012
Arnold Cordova, 92, was born on June 27, 1919 in Los Angeles and entered into eternal rest on April 12, 2012 in Laguna Niguel, CA.
Arnold was raised in East Los Angeles. He was one of eight children and attended schools in the Belvedere area. He was in the U.S. Army from 1941-1946 during World War II and was a surgical technician in the 365th Medical Battalion in the European Campaign. His decorations included the American Defense Service Medal, American Campaign Medal, European African Middle Eastern Campaign Medal, Good Conduct Medal, Meritorious Unit Award and World II Victory Medal.
After the war, he married Esperanza (Hope) Cordova and raised his two sons in Montebello. Arnold started an auto repair business and operated four auto repair service businesses in East Los Angeles and Montebello. Arnold's Rio Grande gas station located across from Soledad Church was well known in the area where people would come to visit each other. In Montebello, he operated a Chevron gas station and received an outstanding service award as a Chevron Dealer.
He was active in the East Los Angeles community and was a member of the Belvedere Optimist Club for many years and was awarded Optimist of the Year in 1964-65 for outstanding contribution to his community. He was installed as President in 1965-66 and received the Outstanding Leadership Award. He received the Boy's Clubs of America Golden Anniversary Year Award for his outstanding public service in support of the Eastside Boy's Club. He was generous and friendly, always concerned about the welfare of others.
In 1990, he formed a breakfast club of eight friends which met monthly. Today, the group called the 'Belvedere Gardens Vets' of about 50 men who graduated from Garfield and Roosevelt High Schools meet each month in Montebello. He was the 'godfather' and mentor of the group.
He strived to live his life according to the Optimist Creed. He was genuine and loving to his family and had many friends who he helped in his almost 93 years of life. Arnold was a father, grandfather and great grandfather. He is survived by his two sons and spouses (Arnold and Linda and Richard and Janice), four grandchildren (Jason, Marisa, Vanessa and Jessica) and one great grandchild (Jacqueline).
Visitation will be held at St. Benedict Catholic Church on Tuesday, April 17, 2012 from 6-8:00pm, with the Vigil service at 6:00 pm. The Funeral Mass will be held on Wednesday, April 18, 2012 at 9:30am at St. Benedict Catholic Church. Interment will follow at Rose Hills Memorial Park.
Condolences may be sent to the family through our website at www.rishermortuary.com .
Arnold was raised in East Los Angeles. He was one of eight children and attended schools in the Belvedere area. He was in the U.S. Army from 1941-1946 during World War II and was a surgical technician in the 365th Medical Battalion in the European Campaign. His decorations included the American Defense Service Medal, American Campaign Medal, European African Middle Eastern Campaign Medal, Good Conduct Medal, Meritorious Unit Award and World II Victory Medal.
After the war, he married Esperanza (Hope) Cordova and raised his two sons in Montebello. Arnold started an auto repair business and operated four auto repair service businesses in East Los Angeles and Montebello. Arnold's Rio Grande gas station located across from Soledad Church was well known in the area where people would come to visit each other. In Montebello, he operated a Chevron gas station and received an outstanding service award as a Chevron Dealer.
He was active in the East Los Angeles community and was a member of the Belvedere Optimist Club for many years and was awarded Optimist of the Year in 1964-65 for outstanding contribution to his community. He was installed as President in 1965-66 and received the Outstanding Leadership Award. He received the Boy's Clubs of America Golden Anniversary Year Award for his outstanding public service in support of the Eastside Boy's Club. He was generous and friendly, always concerned about the welfare of others.
In 1990, he formed a breakfast club of eight friends which met monthly. Today, the group called the 'Belvedere Gardens Vets' of about 50 men who graduated from Garfield and Roosevelt High Schools meet each month in Montebello. He was the 'godfather' and mentor of the group.
He strived to live his life according to the Optimist Creed. He was genuine and loving to his family and had many friends who he helped in his almost 93 years of life. Arnold was a father, grandfather and great grandfather. He is survived by his two sons and spouses (Arnold and Linda and Richard and Janice), four grandchildren (Jason, Marisa, Vanessa and Jessica) and one great grandchild (Jacqueline).
Visitation will be held at St. Benedict Catholic Church on Tuesday, April 17, 2012 from 6-8:00pm, with the Vigil service at 6:00 pm. The Funeral Mass will be held on Wednesday, April 18, 2012 at 9:30am at St. Benedict Catholic Church. Interment will follow at Rose Hills Memorial Park.
Condolences may be sent to the family through our website at www.rishermortuary.com .
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