Arsenio Cordova

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