Fabian Cordova

Dr. Fabian D. Cordova, D.D.S., age 92 originally from Quito Ecuador, but living in NJ since 1964, passed peacefully after an unexpected sudden illness and complications, on Tuesday 1/16/24. He was surrounded by his family and closest friends, in the ICU. Other than these last critical days, Fabian lived fully, actively, even driving to get his haircut 2 weeks ago. He stayed out on New Year’s Eve past midnight to celebrate with friends.

Dr. Cordova and family settled in Wayne in 1970, and loved his homes, after first arriving in Paterson. He was not only a family man and gentleman, but a highly-respected professional. He owned a private dental practice and home in Queens, NY and worked well past the age of retirement. He was very active in the Spanish-American Medical-Dental Association, as well as other Ecuadorian cultural and educational organizations. 

Fabian Demetrio was born to Marco & Judith in Quito in 1931. He was a proud alumni of the Mejia School, and later the Central University of Dentistry in Ecuador, He enrolled in the Ecuadorian army as a ranking Lieutenant officer, serving as a dentist. He had many stories about his time serving, and the remote places he would be sent. He also co-owned a dental practice in Quito. Eventually he would sell his share in order to start over in the United States. He would lead a fight to reform acceptance of credentials from overseas universities, but first had to study all over again at SUNY, the State University of New York. He participated in fraternal societies there. He eventually bought an investment home & office in Queens, where he would commute 6 days a week from Wayne.

Fabian came from a large Catholic family with many traditions. His parents had 12 children who lived into adulthood. All siblings in order from oldest to youngest: Martha (+), Hugo (+), Maria (+), Beatriz (+), Marco, Fabian (+), Fabiola (+), Fausto (+), Regina (+), Anita, Guillermina, Elba, Yolanda, and Jose (+). Plus his sisters and brothers-in-law, and many nieces and nephews on the Cordova side. 

He married Leny Susana Delgado in Quito, after having admired her from afar for many years. He was immediately embraced by her family and close to everyone. His in-laws Laura & Pedro, and Leny’s siblings: Coca, Peter, Fernando, Lupe, their spouses and many nieces and nephews.

After retirement, as a couple, Fabian & Leny have remained socially & culturally active, as well as always in touch with family and friends, both here and abroad.

Fabian was a very talented painter and attended weekly classes when possible, as well as having received awards of recognition for his art.
They also took care of themselves by taking walks, stretching, and doing some home exercises. He enjoyed music, dancing, reading, chess, drinks & sweets! He loved company and remembering the past,
He was always meticulous in his appearance and presentation. Generous and kind; a true gentleman.

The home he loved the most on Tall Oaks Drive, allowed him time in the garden & yard. Observing and feeding the birds. Looking at the deer and other creatures, as well as his backyard full of trees. He was proud of his home and entertaining guests. 

He sensed the achievement of the family he built with his wife Leny, son Peter, daughter Eleana, and later grandson Damon and daughter-in-law Barbara. As well as close friends who were like family. He always kept his family in Ecuador close to his heart and looked forward to future encounters. 

Fabian & Leny spent the last year in a smaller apartment, to simplify life and be close neighbors to their daughter. They were together every day. During the last 2 years of health crises with his wife, he was very affected by any time of separation. Their love is eternal.

In lieu of flowers memorial donations to Operation Smile would be greatly appreciated.  When making a donation please acknowledge that the donation is in memory of Fabian Cordova.