Gabriel Cordi Obituary
Gabriel Cordi passed away on September 25, 2024. Gabriel was born in Roccella Ionica, Calabria, Italy in 1938. He was preceded in death by his mother, Elisabetta Coluccio, his father, Giuseppe Maria Cordi, his sister Rosina (Cordi) Muscolo, his brother, Domenic Cordi, and his daughter-in-law, Cora Cordi. He is survived by his beloved spouse of 61 years, Kathryn, and his children, Christopher (Michele), Elizabeth Bejarano (Michael), Andre (Denise), and Katrina (Jeff), as well as grandchildren Joseph, Jon Luca, Julianna, Jillian, and Sydney, and siblings Pasquale and Victor.
Gabriel was raised in the hills of Roccella Ionica during World War II, surviving bombardments, hunger and poverty. He left Italy in 1957, two months short of earning an engineering degree, so that he could follow his dream of living in the United States. Within two days of arrival in the United States, he secured a job, a social security card and a place to live. Shortly after, he joined the Army National Guard, and became a citizen of the United States. He loved Italy, but he was so proud to be an American citizen.
He met and married Kathryn in 1963, and they shared 61 loved filled years. He started his own construction company in 1972, which he helmed until his retirement 30 years later. He worked all over the state of Washington, building a stellar reputation of reliability, timeliness, and high-quality workmanship to the point where he was often called on to serve in emergent and difficult jobs. He built his dream house in 1975, where he raised his family, hosted many gatherings, gardened, and lived for over forty-six years.
He enjoyed fishing, hunting, playing poker with his children and grandchildren, and going to the casino. He was named one of the Top 10 Italian Americans at the 100 year anniversary of the Order of Sons of Italy, Pacific Northwest Chapter. He was beloved and admired by all who knew him, and he will be greatly missed.
The Rosary will be held on October 7, 2024, at 7 pm at St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church, 15226 21st Ave SW, Burien, WA 98166.
Services will be held on October 8, 2024, at 11 am, at St Francis of Assisi Church, 15226 21st Ave SW, Burien, WA 98166, with a reception to immediately to follow at the church hall. Burial will take place on October 10, 2024, at 10 am, at Mountain View Cemetery, 2020 Mountain View Dr, Auburn, WA 98001.
