CORDI, Mario Matthew

Today's News-Herald, Lake Havasu City, Arizona Published Tuesday, August 17, 2010 Mario Matthew Cordi passed away Aug. 16, 2010, at his residence in Lake Havasu City, Arizona at the age of 89. Mario was born on Oct. 2, 1920, in Springfield, Mass., to Antonio and Fortunata (Velardi) Cordi. Following graduation from high school, Mario enlisted in the U.S. Navy, proudly serving for six years. After a two-year break, Mario returned to military life, this time in the United States Army serving for 16 years. During his military service, Mario received his master’s degree and upon his discharge from the service, he began teaching and counseling for the Inglewood School District, a position he held for 22 years. Mario and his wife made Lake Havasu City their home 21 years ago, moving here from Bellflower, Calif. He was an avid reader and enjoyed learning, as education was very important to him. Mario is survived by his loving wife of 55 years, Reiko; sons, Michael Anthony Cordi and his wife Theresa, of Ocean City, N.J., Bunji Matthew Cordi and his wife Lupe, of Oak Hills, Calif.; daughters, Angela Marie Horner and her husband Mitch, of Joplin, Mo., and Yoshi Regina Zrelak and her husband Dan, of Lafayette, Colo.; sister, Mary Zerola, of Arkansas; nine grandchildren and three great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his brother, Dominic; and sisters, Frances, Lena and Dolly. Funeral services will be Saturday at 10 a.m. at Lietz-Fraze Funeral Home. Interment will take place Monday at Rose Hills Memorial Park in Whittier, Calif. Mario’s son, Matt Cordi, will officiate both services. Thoughts and condolences may be submitted to the family at www.lietz-frazefuneralhome.com. Arrangements were placed under the care of Lietz-Fraze Funeral Home and Crematory.