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1940 Peralta Boulevard Fremont, CA 94536
(510) 797-1900 fremontchapeloftheroses@yahoo.com

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John L. Cordeniz

1/26/1930 - 8/24/2020

Text:

Obituary For John L. Cordeniz

John L. Cordeniz, loving husband, cherished father and grandfather passed away unexpectedly at Kaiser Santa Clara Medical Center on August 24, 2020. John was the fourth of five children born on the Pugh Ranch in Tulare, California, to Portuguese immigrants, John and Esperanca (Salles) Cordeniz.

In 1933, the family moved to Newark, California, where John attended Newark Grammar School and Washington Union High School. After graduating in 1948, he began full-time work in the family dairy business. On June 6, 1953, after a seven-year courtship, he married Antoinette Elizabeth Pimentel at Holy Spirit Church, Fremont. John and Antoinette were original Glenmoor homeowners for their entire married life.

On April 26, 1955, with “Johnny’s” US Army military and induction service pending, his father decided to sell the dairy by auction. John always wished he could have served his country as part of the Greatest Generation. John began his career in sales by completing the Dale Carnegie course in effective speaking and leadership. He said this was the best self-improvement decision he ever made. True to John’s nature, he was awarded the superlative “Mr. Enthusiasm” at the conclusion of the course. He brought his love of sales and people to many businesses over his career: insurance, real estate, Portuguese fraternal organizations, advertising, importers, and Orchard Supply Hardware in Fremont. John’s favorite by far was his last - a partnership in Grissom’s Chapel/Mortuary in San Lorenzo, as his dream was to own his own business. He retired in 1996 to travel with Antoinette. They enjoyed a number of trips with friends and family, visiting many sites around Europe, John’s ancestral home in the Azores Islands of Portugal, and especially the good old USA.

As a boy of the Great Depression and the son of Portuguese immigrants, John stayed true to his roots of hard work, self-reliance, and sustainability. Everything could be homemade, grown or fixed - never thrown away or replaced. He usually was there with a helping hand and a tip before you could even ask for help. He was known for his lengthy detailed storytelling, cooking, home remedies, his love of God and country, and his commitment to helping others. Above all, John was a devoted family man who treasured his wife, children, and grandchildren. There was no one he loved more than his family and he would do anything he could to help those he loved.

John also enjoyed connecting with relatives and classmates. He was always updating his genealogy and databases. He spent many hours involved in community service for organizations such as S.E.S/P.F.S.A Portuguese societies, Washington Township Men’s Club, SIRS (Sons in Retirement), AARP, and the Portuguese Heritage Society of California. With his family, he enjoyed sharing his Ford F-100 1962 red and white “Dove Truck” in the Holy Spirit Festival parades which turned into a “Patriot Truck” for Glenmoor’s Fourth of July.

John is survived by his devoted wife of 67 years, Antoinette, his loving children: Mark (Joan) Cordeniz of Lake Bluff, Illinois, Michael Cordeniz of Fremont, Elizabeth “Liz” (Tim) Moore of Newark, and Catherine “Cathy” (Derek) Souza of Fremont; grandchildren Martha (Michael) O’Hara, William Cordeniz, Joey (Kayla) Moore, Amy Moore, Zack Souza and Max Souza, along with bonus grandchildren, Michael (Corinne) Souza, Shanna (Bryan) Lerg and bonus great grandson, Owen Lerg. Also survived by sister, Helen Bettencourt, cousins, nieces, nephews, relatives and friends. John is predeceased by his parents, John and Esperanca, sister Alice Rose and brothers Manuel and Oliver Cordeniz.

The family thanks the caring and compassionate physicians at Kaiser Permanente Fremont and Santa Clara Medical Centers for their care and guidance over the last several years. John could not say enough about the great care he received.

Services will be held for the immediate family at Fremont Chapel of the Roses on Tuesday, September 8, and will be streamed to comply with state ordinances. Burial will be private at Holy Sepulchre Cemetery, Hayward. In John’s memory please consider a donation to Holy Spirit Church or Holy Spirit School, Fremont, or your favorite charity.

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Condolences

  • 10/01/2021

    Steven Bucholtz

    What a wonderful man! He often drove our little carpool to Moreau in the mornings. I had the pleasure of visiting the Cordeniz home on many occasions in my youth. He was always so welcoming. He was a very grounded person and you always knew where he stood. He, with the amazing Mrs. C. raised a wonderful family. Blessings always Mr. C! Thanks for all you were and did. You have left a wonderful legacy. Eternal rest grant unto him O Lord and let perpetual light shine upon him. May he rest and peace and rise in glory. Condolences to all who knew and loved him.

  • 10/01/2021

    Joe and Marilyn Terra

    Sending comforting thoughts and prayers to the family. We certainly will miss John at the family lunches, we enjoyed visiting with him and hearing his stories, always so interesting! Thinking of your family and sending our sympathy during this difficult time.

  • 10/01/2021

    Dan & Denise Pagan

    We want to extend our deepest sympathies to the entire Cordeniz family who we’ve known for so many years. Thank you for allowing us to view the beautiful memorial service. Such heartfelt words spoken by all. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.

  • 10/01/2021

    Richard

    What such a giving and loving tribute by you all in honor of your father! From Texas all our love to you all, God Bless.

  • 10/01/2021

    Steve Moore

    John was a not only a loving husband/father but also an admirable businessman and outstanding member of the community. He will be missed by all. Our condolences to his loving family in these difficult times we find ourselves in - Steve, Pat and Stephanie Moore

  • 10/01/2021

    Jean Bettencourt

    Mrs. Cordeniz and family, So sorry to hear of the passing of your husband and father. My sincere condolences. Jean Bettencourt

  • 10/01/2021

    Johnny

    To Whom this may concern: God has really called upon a great man to joint him in Heaven. Toe the Cordeniz family the Dykzeul, morn's the tragic loss of such a Great human being. John L. Cordeniz, always was a good mentor, to me as a Sales guy myself, He once called me to his house asking me,[ believe hit or not, asking me] how I learned the "Art" of sales. His warm reception to me and his unbelievable demeananour for my unusal approach to sales, Which he told me, took him 20 years to master. And My upbringing of the way I was raised. Left him flabbergasted. Years later this same "Gentleman" Told me, if I [could have] went to Santa Clara, A received a business degree, "I'd would have been a millionaire. I've always have admired the Cordeniz family. And I'm truly sorry for your loss.

  • 10/01/2021

    Mabel Gomes

    Dear Antoinette and family, my condolences to all of you. Your husband and father left his footprints in the sand and his fingerprints on everything and everyone he touched. He was a gentleman with a since of purpose and a great since of humor which will be sorely missed by so many—a friend to anyone who met your beloved John. Just know you will be remembered in my prayers that will hopefully help you through this trying, grieving time. A death of a loved one is devastating, but what can give us solace is the knowledge it is a step back home. I know John will be there to greet each one. Peace to all of you and know you are loved. Sincerely, Mabel Gomes

  • 10/01/2021

    Peter and Connie O’Hara

    Our deepest sympathy to the Cordeniz family! Mr. Cordeniz was a wonderful person and shared may interesting stories with us! He will be dearly missed! R.I.P. Mr. Cordeniz! Peter and Connie O’Hara

  • 10/01/2021

    Dennis A Bettencourt

    Uncle John was a wonderful man who always made time for you. He was my godfather and mentored me on many life issues that I will always be grateful for. I will always remember our first business venture together re: coffee! It was exiciting. He was a great conversationalist with many family stories and very empathetic towards others. I will always remember the fond times we spent together at family get togethers especially when our Portuguese food was on display! He had the family recipe's down pat and always loved his feloz, fava beans and torresom's., Although he is now in a "better place", it is those of us left behind that feel the pain of his loss. I am sure the family is all celebrating their new heavenly bodies and new eternal life together which brings me joy knowing there is no more pain and suffering. I know that he and Mom are beaming together! for all of us believers, just know that he will be a bigger part of our future than he was of our past as we will all get to be together one day. My love and condolences to Aunt Anne, Mark, Mike, Liz and Cathy. My thoughts and prayers are with you during this challenging family time. I am here for anything you need. God rest his soul as he will always have a special place in my heart.

  • 10/01/2021

    Mary Jane Rivers Luck

    Lit a candle in memory of John L. Cordeniz

  • 10/01/2021

    Daniel Bettencourt

    John was a wonderful man and a wonderful friend of my family including my late Grandfather Ray. He was a great conversationalist and very empathetic towards others. I will always remember the fond times we spent together with other friends at Denny's/Cabrillo, and always remember how warm and caring John was. Now he's in a better place with his other past family and friends, including my grandfather. My love and best wishes to all his living family & friends, he will always have a special place in our hearts.

  • 10/01/2021

    Daughter Liz

    John celebrating sister Helen's 97th birthday, October 2019

  • 10/01/2021

    Daughter Liz

    4 files added to the album Through the Years

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