Date of Birth
December 3, 1953
Date of Death
May 8, 2022
Steve Cordova, age 68, of Chicago, passed away unexpectedly, Sunday, May 8, 2022 at his home.
He was born on December 3, 1953 in Altoona, PA.
Steve grew up in Altoona, but spent several years living and learning at Boys Town in Nebraska. He graduated Bishop Guilfoyle High School with the class of 1972.
He continued his education at Juniata College in Huntingdon, PA. After graduating, he enlisted in the United States Airforce. Steve faithfully served his country until his honorable discharge and returned to civilian life in Houston, TX. While in the service, he pursued and received an MBA from Pepperdine University.
He was united in marriage to Denise Becerra in 1976 and were blessed with two children, Thomas and Leah. Eventually their paths would separate, and fate would smile upon Steve when he met Suzanne Diehl in 2005. They were united in marriage three years later on December 26. They began their new life together in Chicago for a time before recently moving to Oakbrook Terrace.
Steve made a life out of sales, spending many years with Prudential Insurance.
Steve was the ultimate sports fan who cheered for everything from football, basketball, baseball and even tennis in recent years. Though not a professional athlete himself, Steve did make a name for himself on the basketball court in high school and in later years, on the handball court. He was a people person that made bonds that would last a lifetime. Steve had a mind for trivia of all kinds and interspersed his vast knowledge in any conversation. He had a generous heart, and his laughter was contagious. He boasted a baseball hat collection that ranged as wide as his love of sports. Steve was proud of his heritage and had strong bonds with his hometown that only strengthened over time. He was a lover of music and movies, though his taste in either category was up to debate, apart from two of his favorites in The Fugitive or The Shawshank Redemption. He also tuned in faithfully to The Voice, Law and Order and his guilty pleasure, The Hallmark Channel. His stature made him loom over many, but his warm smile ingratiated him into the lives of so many. His loss is keenly felt and although the world is colder for his loss, his memory remains as strong as the man himself.
He leaves his loving wife, Suzanne Diehl; two children: Thomas (Victoria) Cordova and Leah (David) Harper; one granddaughter and the light of Steve’s life, Elena Cordova; 6 sisters: Amy Walker, Paula Brooks, Pam Frazier-Bowie, Gina Frazier, Delores Frazier and Priscilla Artist; one aunt, Connie Perry; half-brothers: Johnny Moore and Billy Moore; many nieces, nephews, cousins and a family of friends.
He is now reunited with his parents, William Moore and Cora Hansard Cordova, and two sisters who preceded him in death.
A funeral service to celebrate his faith and life will begin at 12 p.m. at the Divine Savior Catholic Church, 6700 Main St. Downers Grove, IL, Friday, May 13, 2022. Private family interment will follow at a later date.
In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Catholic Charities atthttp://www.catholiccharities.net/DonateNow. Memories and tributes may be left on the Conley Funeral Home Facebook Page, or at www.conleycare.com.
A funeral service to celebrate his faith and life will begin at 12 p.m. at the Divine Savior Catholic Church, 6700 Main St. Downers Grove, IL, Friday, May 13, 2022. Private family interment will follow at a later date.
I leave my condolence and prayers . Even though we have not talked alot in the past years . I have memories that I will always cherish.
Mistakenly my name (Marshay Moore his half sister and his half-brother Jousha Moore), was left out of the obit we yet loved and will never forget him.
Rest in Him
I can’t express how sad I was to hear of Steve’s passing. I met Steve and his sister’s Paula and Pam in Saint Leo elementary school more than a half century ago. His sincere smile, jovial spirit, inclusive demeanor, and basketball talents remain as firmly entrenched memories despite not having seen him in perhaps forty years. He left the world and all who knew him in a better place than they would have been without him. I trust that spirit will live on in all of us that had the pleasure of knowing him and that unmistakable laugh.
My condolences hearing Steve passed away! We were in high school together. I graduated 71 he was in 72. What a lovely lovely person he was then and I’m sorry to hear of his demise. Prayers for all
So very sorry and sad to learn of Steve’s death. I remember meeting him when I was younger living in Altoona. He was such a kind person with such a welcoming smile.
One of the nicest persons I have ever met, as a child growing up and watching him play basketball (star) at Bishop Guilfoyle he was a beast; He would stop by our house alot to see my parents (My dad treated him like a son) and he was always so nice and courteous to all, with that infectious smile of his, He will be sorely missed.