Cordoba Family,

I was telling my 9 year old son, all about Victor,  El Zócalo, and his beloved Costa Rica.  My Dad and I made the weekly journey to El Zócalo for Friday or Saturday evening dinners for many years when we lived in Detroit. This was back in the 80s. Victor was always there with his big smile and his infectious personality. As a young man, I would sit back and just listen to my Dad and Victor talk throughout dinner.  He truly touched so many lives in the Detroit area on both sides of the border.  My Dad, being a very successful businessman, was always so impressed with Victor's entrepreneurship, hard work and success. He always wanted to open up another restaurant with Victor but there was never enough time.   We always told Victor we would get to Costa Rica and do some of the things he suggested. I'm finally making the journey with my family and we will have Victor in mind as we explore his beautiful country.  I know Victor and my Dad have reconnected again and are probably enjoying a margarita or a martini, and both are sharing extraordinary stories from the past and their strong Catholic faith.  Victor was a very special man who had a tremendous impact on Detroit.  He is greatly missed by all.

We have been coming to Victors place for dinner and drinks for years. just saw him it seems just a short time ago, and he never said anything about surgery. So so sorry for your loss. It wont be the same with out him. He was always out on the floor checking on everyone! He's up there checking on the clouds! They better just float...rip mr vic

Mrs. C., Cindy, Karen & Renaldo We spend the winter months in Florida, and were very shocked and saddened to hear of Victor's passing. We have a long history with him, El Zocalo, & the Cordoba family, since the conception of the restaurant to present day. He was a special man and will be missed by many of his Canadian friends. El Zocalo will never be the same. Our thoughts and prayers are with the family. Leo & Chris Carroll & family

I am so sorry to hear of Victor's passing. He will be missed.

My dear Yvonne and the rest of the Cordoba family. My heart was broken when I heard of Victor's passing. We live in Florida six months, so my brotheer just informed me of his passing. I have know your husband and father for more than 30 years. I remembee when El Zocolo first opened. I remember how much Victor did to improve Detroit. The Valdez family spent the last 13 years celebrating what we called "The Valdez Mexican Thanksgiving". We took up the whole back room. This past November 24th was the last time I saw him. Victor always came back to say hello to more than 40 of us, and with that wonderful smile on his face he would say "Whatever you want Victoria will be done". Now how often does one hear those words from the owner of such a wonderful restaurant? My medical friends from Harper Hospital and Wyandotte hospital visited several times a year and Victor always came to our table and shared exciting stories with us. He remembered everyone's name. I have pictures of him from our November visit that I will always treasure. Victor was such a good man and so kind to everyone, I know he is in Heaven and at peace. Please know the entire Valdez family sends their sincerest condolences and you are in our thoughts and prayers. When we schedule our 2014 ElZocolo Thanksgiving, we will be toasting a great man. Sinerely Victoria Valdez Feigel

Stopped in for dinner today at our very favorite place to eat and learnt that Victor passed, it was a sad meal, missed his voice and his presence today....... RIP Victor.

Querida Familia Cordoba: No podemos expresar con palabras la tristeza que sentimos al saber de esta gran perdida de un ser tan querido como lo fue Hugo. En estos momentos de dolor queremos hacerles extensivo nuestro mas sincero cario y apoyo, y lamentamos el no poder estar cerca fsicamente con ustedes. Sabemos que Dios sabra fortalecerlos, y nuestra oracion es y sera que la paz y el amor de Dios consuele sus corazones. Nunca olvidaremos el apoyo que Hugo nos dio, ese razgo de generosidad quedara para siempre grabado en nuestras mentes. Que Dios los bendiga. Con mucho cario. Su familia en Costa Rica. Evelia Mota, Gilbert Ramirez, Errol Ramirez, Nayibe Ramirez, Marco Ramirez, Aramis Ramirez y Jennifer Ramirez.

My most sincere condolences to the Cordoba family. I knew Victor because he was a good friend of my late father and I worked at his restaurant during my college breaks. As a retired U.S. Army Lieutenant Colonel Iraq War Veteran and a world traveller it was always nice to stop in his restaurant and see his friendly smile. He was a great conversationilist and loved his work and people. May he rest in peace. My prayers for him and his family.

A true son of the Lord and a righteous man has left us for now to join the presence of Our Father. Papi is in a much better and peaceful place where everyone rejoices. Papi, I will always remember you as the most talented man and someone who showed me how to be a great man, while acting humbly, sincere, and loving Jesus Christ and our neighbors. Those we love don't go away, they walk beside us every day, unseen, unheard, but always near, still loved, still missed and very dear. Although no words can really help to ease the loss you bear, just know that you are very close in every thoughts and prayers. May the Lord bless the family now and forever, Amen.

Dear Friend, We the people that has been close to you will have a great loss in our spiritual and friendship group, I know you are rejoicing in HIS ccompanionship... VICTOR REST INTHE PEACE YOU GREATLY DESRVE...Sincerely. Jaime Vinas Sr.

En nombre de los Latinos de Livonia y personalmente deseo extender mi ms sentido psame a la familia del que fue un gran amigo y colaborador por ms de 30 aos. Descansa en paz querido amigo.

I just learned of the passing of Victor and my condolences go out to the family and those that worked with him at El Zocolo. I had just visited with him and enjoyed the stories he shared about Miami and his outlook for the city of Detroit. He will be missed. LCA

Dear Cordoba Family, My husband and I are frequent patrons at El Zocalo for 30 yrs. We always enjoyed our table side visits from Victor. He would share a story or two with us. We want you to as total strangers to your family, that he touched our lives and he will be missed. Our dinner just won't be the same. With Deepest Sympathy, Mike & Kathy Gasior

Los acompano de todo corazon, en estos momentos. El senor Cordoba fue muy especial para mi. lo voy a extrana. Milo. Mar'ks quality meats

I was shocked, and saddened at the passing of one of the most friendly, curtious, amazing, and happy individual I have ever met. Victor always made our trips to his wonderful restaurant that much more special. I will always hold on to the special memories he shared with me. We lost a wonderful man, yet heaven gained a wonderful man. Thankyou Victor for all the joy you gave us all. God Bless you my friend, you will be missed -Steve Belanger

What a sad loss for our Southwest Detroit community. Victor was a force be reckoned with. I first met him when he opened El Zocalo and it quickly became a favorite place for dining for me. Whenever he saw me, he always made sure my party was taken care of and never once did he fail to confess that if the food was bad, he cooked it! Speaking of confession, his Catholic faith was also a driving force of our friendship. He loved Ste Anne de Detroit and also spoke up whenever he was concerned about something he would see wrong there. His support of our parish will always be remembered positively. It is sad that the spot he sat at each Sunday will be empty and I will no longer be able to share the precious body and blood of Christ with him hear on earth. Christ was his model and anyone who offended Him would surely feel Victor's wrath. Victor's rhetoric, whether solicited or not was pretty much a staple that for those of us who knew him, will forever remember. Rest in peace my friend. I'll see you again one fine day. Saludos.

What a sad loss for our Southwest Detroit community. Victor was a force be reckoned with. I first met him when he opened El Zocalo and it quickly became a favorite place for dining for me. Whenever he saw me, he always made sure my party was taken care of and never once did he fail to confess that if the food was bad, he cooked it! It was a no brainer to support this agressive and creative enteprenuer that loved the people and community he chose to pound his stakes down within. Speaking of confession, his Catholic faith was also a driving force of our friendship. He loved Ste Anne de Detroit and also spoke up whenever he was concerned about something he would see wrong there. His support of our parish will always be remembered positively. It is sad that the spot he sat at each Sunday will be empty and I will no longer be able to share the precious body and blood of Christ with him here on earth. Christ was his role model and anyone who offended Him would surely feel Victor's wrath. Victor's rhetoric, whether solicited or not was pretty much a staple that for those of us who knew him, will forever remember. Rest in peace my friend. I'll see you again one fine day. Saludos.

My condolences to his beloved family. As a member of St.Annes family he will be sadly missed. God bless you all. Sincerely, Margaret Gonzalez

OBITUARY

Victor Hugo Cordoba

March 24, 1935 – March 19, 2013

A.H. Peters Funeral Home

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