Obituary for Morris Cordova

Morris Cordova, 93, of Newark, passed away peacefully on January 23, 2024, at Licking Memorial Hospice following a brief illness.

He was born June 15, 1930, in New York City, to Shapat “Sam” R Cordova and Sarah (Eskenazi) Cordova. Morris earned a bachelor’s degree in chemistry from the University of Miami in Florida and pursued graduate studies.

His first post-college position was what is now known as a CSI Investigator for the Dade County Sheriff’s Department in Miami, FL. Morris then held positions as a chemist at St. Regis Paper Mill in Pensacola, FL, and at Glidden Chemical in Baltimore, MD. After moving his young family to Coshocton, Ohio, Morris worked at the General Electric company holding various titles until retiring after 26 years as their Cost Improvement Manager.

Retirement, however, did not slow him down. Morris founded MC Associates, focusing on conducting background checks for new company hires, a venture he pursued well into his 80s.

Morris was a devoted member and supporter of Dawes Arboretum with its focus on nature and conservation and cherished his time spent in its expansive natural areas. He was also an avid gardener, maintaining a large vegetable garden on his property for many years. And he was a fan of both pro and college football, particularly the Cleveland Browns and The Ohio State Buckeyes.

Morris will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved him.

He is survived by his sons, Keith (Yvonne) Cordova, and Steven (Mark Van Milligan) Cordova; daughter-in-law, Jane Cordova; stepdaughter, Michele Ridenour; stepson, Geof (Barbara) Ridenour; sister, Sophie Schrager; five grandchildren, two step-grandchildren, seven great grandchildren and many nieces and nephews, as well as his first wife, Vivien Richards.

Besides his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife Marilyn Cordova; son, Vincent N Cordova; sister, Betty Berson; and former wife, Sally Giddens-Cordova.

A celebration of Morris’ life will be held at a later date. Contributions in his memory may be made to the Dawes Arboretum, 7770 Jacksontown Rd, Newark, OH 43056, or online at https://dawesarb.org/support-dawes-arboretum/.

The family would like to thank Hospice of Central Ohio for their dedicated care of Morris in his last weeks.

Arrangements are by Hill Funeral Home in Westerville, Ohio where family and friends are invited to sign the online guest book at www.hillfuneral.com.