The ABS expresses our sincerest sympathies to the family of Mastersmith Joe Cordova, who passed away on April 25.  Joe was an extraordinary knifemaker, ABS Chairman, and friend to the ABS.  He will be missed.  Below is Joe’s Obituary.

Joseph Cordova

1935-2022

Joseph (Joe) G. Cordova, age 86, a resident of Bosque Farms, NM, passed away on Monday, April 25, 2022. He was a world-renowned custom knife craftsman. Joe was a dedicated member of the Knifemaker’s Guild, as well as the American Bladesmith Society (ABS). He served the ABS as Treasurer and as Chairman of the Board. Joe was a member of Our Lady of Guadalupe Catholic Church where he sang with one of the church choirs for over 20 years. Singing was a dear passion of his. Joe served his country in the Air National Guard and US Airforce. He loved his adventures fishing and hunting with his grandchildren and friends. Joseph is preceded in death by his parents, Frank and Librada Cordova; brothers, Micky and Candido Cordova; youngest sister, Joyce Cordova; and sons, Joseph and Philip Cordova. He is survived by his wife of 50 years, Amelia (Kay) Cordova; daughters, Susan Suazo-Martinez and Maria Appenzeller; grand-daughters, Aubry Padilla and Rachel Appenzeller; grand-sons, Orlando (Sarra), Carlos (Jamie) and Lorenzo Suazo (Deborah); and great-grandchildren, Isaiah, Aria, Shane, Brandon, Gavin, Aidan and Jonny. Joe, an accomplished and respected custom knife craftsman, aided many of the younger talents in this field of interest. He always encouraged young learners to work towards success with honesty and pride. Joe took the time to share his knowledge and many skills he had acquired with others. A visitation will take place on Saturday, April 30, 2022 at Romero Funeral Home Chapel at 10:30 a.m., followed by a rosary to be recited at 11:00 a.m. A Celebration of Life will begin at 11:30 a.m. In lieu of flowers the family requests a donation be sent in his name to the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation, 4550 Montgomery Ave. Suite 1100 N, Bethesda, MD 20814. Please sign Joseph’s online tribute at www.romerofuneralhomenm.com Romero Funeral Home, 609 N. Main St., Belen, NM