Raphael O. Cordero II, Advocate for Aged, Dies
Raphael O. Cordero II, co-founder and executive director of the American Centenarian Committee, an organization that honors the aged, died Monday of AIDS complications.
For the last seven years, Cordero, 40, worked as a full-time volunteer for the Burbank-based ACC, visiting senior citizens at nursing homes and convalescent centers.
He started an annual American Centenarian Day luncheon that honors the aged and worked to dispel stereotypes associated with the elderly. His work captured the attention of celebrities and politicians, including President Bush and former Presidents Reagan, Carter, Ford and Nixon.
Born July 9, 1951, in New York City, Cordero studied business and science at Inter-American University in Bayamon, Puerto Rico, and at Chicago’s Northeastern Illinois University.
Before moving to California in 1982, Cordero worked as a geophysical technical assistant for Texaco Inc. in Denver and as a counselor with the Colorado Minority Engineering Assn.
Survivors include his mother, Carmen Marsach of Dorado, Puerto Rico, and a sister, Frances Cordero of Denver.
A memorial service will be held at 11 a.m. Monday at J.T. Oswald Mortuary Good Shepherd Chapel, 11020 Camarillo St., North Hollywood. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the American Centenarian Committee, P.O. Box 10031, Burbank, Calif., 91510.
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