ALFONSO CORDERO

Oct. 23, 1920 - Mar. 7, 2017

Alfonso Cordero passed away in his home on Tuesday, March 7, 2017 at the age of 96. He was the youngest of nine and was born in Calexico, CA on October 23, 1920 to Rafael and Maria Luisa Cordero.

Alfonso loved sports and was on the Calexico High School baseball and football teams that were DVL Champions in 1937, 1938 and 1939. He graduated in 1940 and soon after went to work for Consolidated Aircraft Corporation in San Diego, CA where he did major assembly work. He worked in San Diego until 1944 when he joined the U.S. Army. Alfonso was stationed in the Philippines and then Japan. He rose to the rank of First Sergeant and was awarded the Bronze Star. He was honorably discharged in 1946. In December of that same year he was hired by Imperial Hardware in Calexico and in 1955 was named manager of the Calexico store until his retirement in 1986.

On September 17, 1949 Alfonso married Rosalava Castro and together they raised six children. He loved his family and was active in the children’s education. He served on the school board for Our Lady of Guadalupe Academy as well as coordinated fundraisers. He also served as; Vice-President and President of the Rotary Club; President of the Chamber of Commerce and served on the Chamber’s Board of Directors and on the Board of Directors for Imperial Hardware Company. He was very proud of his service to our Country and was a life long member of the Veterans of Foregin War.

Alfonso is preceded in death by his lovely wife of 47 years, Rosalva Cordero; his parents, Rafael and Maria Luisa Cordero; siblings, Fernando Cordero, Carmencita Cordero, Julia Cordero, Belen Moreno, Carmen Barboza, Rafael Cordero, Elena Monje and Enrique Cordero.

He is survived by his six children, Cecilia (Stephen) Wong, Rosela (Robert) Walk, Raquel (Joe) Cave, Gerardo (Yolanda) Cordero, Gabriel (Alma) Cordero and Juan Carlos (Kathleen) Cordero; eighteen grandchildren and four great-grandchildren.

His Celebration of life will be held on Friday, March 31, 2017 with the Rosary at 9 a.m. and Mass at 10 a.m. at Our Lady of Guadalupe Church in Calexico, CA and will be officiated by father Justin Langille. Interment will be immediately after at Mountain View Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers donations may be made to the American Diabetes Association, P.O. Box 15829, Arlington, VA. 22215. Please have donations designated for Research.