Gilbert Cordova

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Gilbert Cordova

November 24, 1937 ~ August 4, 2023

Our grandpa passed away peacefully on Friday, August 4, 2023. He was surrounded by our parents and the three of us – Andreas, Ellie and Sophia.

Gilbert was born on November 24, 1937, at St. Mark’s Hospital. He was the proud son of Phil and Tillie Cordova, raised in Bingham and Salt Lake City, Utah. He was the quintessential big brother to his sisters Kathy, Yolanda, Patricia and Elizabeth. He was a coach, teacher, friend, brother, surrogate father and surrogate grandpa to many.

Our grandpa was incredibly proud of his sons. He showed our dads (Anthony and James) what a great father looked like. Gibby, as we lovingly called him, was the most devoted to us. The four of us shared a friendship that will forever live on.

Grandpa was a true adventurer at heart and lifelong learner, which led him to explore the world. He left his footprints from the deserts of the Middle East to the jungles of Mesoamerica, across the United States and Europe, and deeply into Utah, the state he called home. His passion for traveling was equaled by his passion for learning. He started the Cordova legacy at Judge Memorial Catholic High School, where he found community, love and lifelong friendships.

Gil graduated from Judge Memorial Catholic High School in 1956, a scholar and star multisport athlete. He earned a degree in art history from Westminster College and helped lead their football team to a championship. He also earned a master’s degree in sports psychology at the University of Utah, and was a Fulbright Scholar. He proudly served in and played football while in the Army at Fort Monmouth, New Jersey and in Germany. He went on to become a high school football coach and teacher, building the character of young men and women. Gil was “indubitably” the most extraordinary father and grandfather anyone could ever ask for. We will live our lives fully with “tenacity” while keeping it “copacetic” just like he taught us.

He leaves his sons Anthony (Carrie), James (Cori), and the three luckiest grandkids, Andreas, Ellie and Sophia (Parker), with a lifetime of memories and adventures. He leaves his sisters and their families as well as the many dear friends, players, students and Sugarhouse Park walkers.

A celebration of life was held August 12, 2023 at Starks Funeral Parlor, Salt Lake City. In lieu of flowers we ask that you donate to the Judge Memorial Gil Cordova Memorial Fund.