Gabriel John Cordova

Gabriel John Cordova, 91, of Prospect, formerly of Ridgefield and Milford, beloved husband of Marion Tangney Cordova, passed away peacefully on May 24, 2023. Gabriel was born on January 15, 1932, in New York City, to the late Gabriel and Genevieve Cordova.

Gabriel met the love of his life, Marion, when they were next door neighbors as children. They were married after he returned from serving his country in the United States Air Force. He furthered his education, attending Brooklyn Polytechnic University in the evenings for 10 years, while working full time days as a draftsman, ultimately graduating with a bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering. Gabriel began his new career at Bechtel, transferring to Crawford and Russell, and eventually to John Brown. His company moved his family to the Netherlands for two years, where he learned to sail, prompting him to join Sprite Island Sailing Club after returning from Holland. Once stateside, they settled in Ridgefield for many years. But Gabriel’s dream was owning a home on the water, so another move took them to the coast of Milford, where they resided for 18 years. Finally retired, Gabriel and Marion moved to Prospect to be closer to family. He adored his grandchildren and was so happy when surrounded by family.

Gabriel was a true adventure seeker. He enjoyed camping, canoeing, tennis, and any activity that embraced the great outdoors. Above all else, his passion was skiing. Gabriel served as President and lifetime member of River Hills Ski Club in Stamford. He organized ski trips all over the world, sharing his passion with his children and grandchildren, and even pushed the boundaries of the sport with helicopter skiing.

In addition to his wife Marion, Gabriel leaves behind his son Gabriel Cordova, his daughter Aili Arisco, grandchildren Stephanie Cordova, Michael Arisco and Nicholas Arisco, a sister Norma Cordova, and many extended family members. He is also survived by his little companion and sidekick, a dachshund named Frankie. Gabriel was predeceased by his parents Gabriel and Genevieve Cordova, a sister Genevieve Torresola, parents-in-law John and Annie Tangney, and siblings-in-law, Annette Kelleher, Joan Tangney, and John Tangney. A prince among men, forever young, Gabriel embodied a spirit of joy and love of life that inspires us all.

Family and friends are invited to pay their respects on Tuesday, May 30, 2023 from 8:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. at the Alderson-Ford Funeral Home, 615 South Main St., Cheshire, CT. A Mass of Christian Burial will follow at 11 a.m. at St. Bridget of Sweden Parish / St. Bridget Church , 175 Main St., Cheshire, CT. Memorial contributions in lieu of flowers may be made to: VA CT HCS, IMO Gabriel Cordova, 950 Campbell Ave., West Haven, CT 06516.