Dematrio ‘Dee’ Cordova

Dematrio (Dee) Cordova passed from this world, with his family by his side on Dec. 9, 2021 in the Murray, Utah I.M.C. Hospital. He was 77 years old.

Dee was born in Pueblo, Colorado May 6, 1944 to France Adenies and Rosie Cordova. His father worked for the railroad so they moved around to different states during his childhood. He attended many schools in Colorado, Nevada, California and Utah.

In 1961 he moved to Utah where he met Bonnie Mecham at the “Hi Spot” in American Fork and would never move again. He finished school in Am. Fork and Pl. Grove and in 1965 he joined the Utah National Guard and went to training in Fort Ord, California. When he returned, he married Bonnie on Dec. 2, 1965. They were able to celebrate 56 years of marriage. They had two children, Kim and Jacki and made their home in American Fork. This is where they spent their whole life together.

Dee started work at Kennecott Copper and became an asset to them. They would call him long after retirement for consultation and assistance. He was proud of his accomplishments there. He was also a good mechanic and had several cars he worked on.

Dee was very involved in his kids’ education and activities. He coached Kim and Jacki through their baseball and softball years and was involved in scouting. He would never miss a Daddy Daughter date with Jacki. He was also involved with the grandkids in sports and school. He would reward them for their good grades and spent a lot of money.

In 1976, he was introduced to Karate and went on to earn his black belt. He took a passion to this and believed in the philosophy of true karate. He loved to teach and watch the students shape and grow in its teachings. A lot of friendships grew along with it.

Dee loved hunting, fishing, camping, boating and was a great waterskier. He had many wonderful friends and they were together almost every weekend with their families. He also loved and enjoyed all of his friends at LeSabre. He spent many hours doing yard work and wouldn’t give a weed a chance to grow.

He is survived by his wife Bonnie, son Kim (Megan) Cordova, half-sister Kathryn Sullivan, grandchildren Brittany, Kasey (Taylor), Colby, Landon.

Preceded in death by his parents Adenies and Rosie Cordova, daughter Jacki Ann Cordova and half-brother Larry Vallerio.

A family gathering will be held on Friday, December 17, 2021 from 9:00-9:30 am at the Warenski Funeral Home, 1776 North 900 East, American Fork, Utah. Family and friends may call Thursday evening from 6:00-8:00 pm at the Warenski Funeral Home. Interment will take place in the American Fork City Cemetery.