Donald J. Bordenave

Donald (Don) Bordenave passed away peacefully, surrounded by his children, at the age of 91 on March 8th, 2022. He was preceded in death by the love of his life Renee, of 38 years. Don was born and raised in Redwood City, California. He attended Bellarmine College Preparatory and graduated from Santa Clara University with a political science degree in 1952.After graduating SCU, he served in the Army during the Korean War. After the war, the life of an attorney was not his calling - EDUCATION was his passion - so he attended the University of San Francisco to earn his teaching credential.

In 1956, a 56-year association with the Santa Clara Unified School District began... In ’56, Don was hired by Santa Clara High School to teach English, History, and coach football. In 1959 he became Vice Principal and, in a few years, obtained his master’s degree from San Jose State University. Don became principal in 1972 and retired in 1991. In 1992 he was elected to SCUSD’s School Board and served until 2012.

His administrative responsibilities prevented him from coaching at SCHS, but he needed an outlet. In 1959, SCU resurrected its football program under his good friend, Pat Malley, and he volunteered his time as an unpaid assistant coach alongside Pat, and later his son Terry, for 33 years.

Don is survived by his three children: Tom (Carolyn) Bordenave, Teresa (Bill) Morrison and Denise Colby. His grandchildren: Damon Bordenave, Shannon (Leland) Grayson, Crystal (David) Gifford, Aaron (Amy) Bordenave, Kaitlyn (Nicholas) Colby-Jameson, Will (Riley) Bordenave and Nathan (Shea) Bordenave.

His great-grandchildren: Caralee Grayson, Dawson Gifford, Leah Colby, Andrew Jameson, and Noah Bordenave.

Visitation will be on Tuesday, March 29, 2022 from 5-8PM with Rosary at 7PM at Lima Family Santa Clara Mortuary, 466 North Winchester Blvd, Santa Clara, CA. Funeral Mass will be held on Wednesday, March 30, 2022 at 11AM at St. Justin Parish, 2655 Homestead Rd., Santa Clara, CA. Private Burial at Gate of Heaven Catholic Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, those choosing to honor Don’s life, the family requests that donations be made to the charity of your choice, or to Vitas Hospice Care.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.limafamilysantaclara.com for the Bordenave family.