William S. Cordova, D'68

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                             obit_william_cordova_600x800William S. Cordova, D'68, passed away on May 28, 2022 in Oakbrook, Illinois.

William Stephen Cordova, 68, formerly of Altoona, passed away suddenly and peacefully on May 8, 2022, in Oakbrook, Ill. He was born in Altoona and grew up on Washington Avenue in the 1960s and 1970s, the son of Cora Hansard Cordova and William Moore.
From fourth to eighth grade, Steve lived and learned at Boys Town in Nebraska. He returned to Altoona in ninth grade for his high school years. Steve graduated with distinction from Bishop Guilfoyle Catholic High School, Class of 1972. He continued his education at Juniata College in Huntingdon and, after graduating in 1976, enlisted in the United States Air Force. He served honorably and returned to civilian life in Houston, Texas. While in the service, Steve earned a master of business administration from Pepperdine University.
 
He married Denise Becerra in 1976 and they were blessed with two children, Thomas and Leah. Eventually, their paths separated. Steve met Suzanne Diehl in 2005, and they were married in 2008, living in Chicago until recently. He retired two years ago after building a career in the insurance industry, primarily in sales with Prudential Insurance.
 
While Steve enjoyed a wide range of sports throughout his life, his athletic ability was first on display during his high school years in Altoona. He initially excelled in football, leading the Keith Junior High School football team to an undefeated season in 1969. The following year, Steve was the lone sophomore on the powerhouse 1970 Altoona Area High School football team, starting at outside linebacker. That team lost its only game of the season to Gateway in the WPIAL Championship, 21-20, and Steve stood out on a star-studded defense.
 
Given his early football success and the promise of even more, it was somewhat incongruous that Steve never played football again. To the surprise of many, he transferred to Bishop Guilfoyle Catholic High School at the end of his sophomore season and led those strong BG basketball teams of 1971-72 with his accomplished all-around game and unmatched energy.
 
He remained a lifelong sports fan who loved football, basketball, baseball and even tennis in recent years. Steve was also an accomplished handball player.
As an extrovert with a generous heart and a contagious laugh, he loved people and built relationships that lasted a lifetime. He also loved movies, music and trivia of all kinds. He was able to intersperse his vast knowledge in any conversation.
 
Steve was proud of his heritage and had a genuine affinity for Altoona, though he was an infrequent visitor in his adult life. He never strayed far from important early life lessons he learned there: a sense of responsibility, a love of education and a deeply ingrained belief that hard work and self-discipline would win the day.
With a stature that could loom over many, his warm smile quickly and forever ingratiated him into the lives of so many. Those who knew Steve feel his loss keenly, but his memory will remain as strong as the man himself.
 
He leaves his loving wife, Suzanne Diehl; two children, Thomas (Victoria) Cordova and Leah (David) Harper; a granddaughter, and the light of his life, Elena Cordova; sisters: Marshay Moore, Pamela Frazier, Paula Brooks, Gina Frazier, Delores Frazier, Priscilla Frazier-Artist and Amy Walker; brothers: Billy Moore, Joshua Moore and Johnny Moore; aunts, Connie Perry and Eunice Hansard; and many nieces, nephews, cousins and a family of friends.
 
Steve was predeceased by his mother, Cora Cordova; his father, William Moore; and his sisters, Charlene and Ivy.
 
A funeral service celebrating Steve’s faith and life will took place at 10 a.m. Saturday, July 23, 2022, at The Cathedral of Blessed Sacrament, Altoona.