Robert R. Cardoza
August 09, 1937 - July 18, 2020
San Juan Capistrano California
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Robert R. Cardoza
August 09, 1937 - July 18, 2020
San Juan Capistrano California
Obituary
Robert R. “Bob” Cardoza, 82, of San Juan Capistrano, California, passed away after a long battle with cancer on July 18, 2020, at his home with his family at his side.
Bob was born in East Los Angeles, California on August 9, 1937, son of the late Robert S. Cardoza and Frances Cruz. He spent his childhood surrounded by the love of his large extended family. Bob graduated from Garfield High School in 1955. During high school, and later as a student at ELA Junior College, he was a member of the varsity gymnastic team. While in his teens, Bob was a founding member of the ELA Coffin Cheater Club, a local car club that engaged in volunteer activities helping those who were less fortunate. Bob married Stella, his high school sweetheart, in August 1957. Together they raised two sons, Brian and Perry, who with their wives Susanne and Catherine blessed the Cardoza family with six beautiful grandchildren, Sebastian, Anthony, Cassandra, Aaron, Madeleine and Anna.
He graduated from California State Polytechnic University (Cal Poly), Pomona in 1964 with a degree in landscape architecture. After graduation Bob worked for the County of Los Angeles, Bechtel Corporation and at various private design firms. In 1971 he co-founded Cardoza, DiLallo & Associates. After almost fifty successful years, the company under its current name, NUVIS, maintains Bob’s vision for excellence.
As an alumnus of Cal Poly, Pomona, Bob dedicated himself to serving his university in numerous capacities. He held positions on many boards and took great pleasure in the leadership roles he held as a volunteer. For his years of dedicated service, Bob was honored with the Distinguished Alumni, College of Environmental Design, Cal Poly, Pomona award in 2003.
The American Society of Landscape Architects (ASLA) is an organization where Bob devoted much of his of his volunteer energy. He served in many leadership capacities and was recognized for his numerous contributions when he was made “Fellow, American Society of Landscape Architects” in 1982. This was a distinguished honor Bob held with great pride throughout his long career.
The California Landscape Architecture Student Scholarship (CLASS) Fund was another organization close to Bob’s heart. He helped establish the scholarship fund in 1980 and served as chairman of the board for many years. He took great pleasure in visiting universities and personally presenting scholarship awards to many deserving students pursuing a career in landscape architecture.
Bob was a tireless volunteer and visionary who wanted to make a difference in the communities where he lived, Cypress and San Juan Capistrano. He generously served on the planning commission of each city and took great satisfaction in his contributions. In San Juan Capistrano he was a member of various commissions and committees dedicated to helping preserve the city’s unique historical and cultural features. He especially supported the creation of a tribal park in San Juan Capistrano on the site of the ancient Indian village of Putuidem that once belonged to the Acjachemen (Juaneño) Nation.
He loved deep sea fishing, photography and traveling. He and Stella traveled much of the world together, the making of many memories along the way. Having grandchildren sometimes join in the fun of travel to faraway places was the joy of Bob’s life.
Bob was a devoted husband, father and grandfather. He was a dedicated and generous professional, and a loyal friend. Along with his sense of humor and broad smile, he was an optimist and a visionary who always saw the good in everyone he met.
55 responses to Robert R. Cardoza
Perry Cardoza says:
August 4, 2020
I love you Dad.
Perry
Shawn Aguilera says:
August 13, 2020
Uncle Bob lived a great life where he loved and was loved very much. I really liked the old photos of him when he was young. I’d never seen those. I love you Uncle Bob.
Brian Cardoza says:
August 5, 2020
We will all miss him very much. His example lives on through each of us. He left the world a better place. I am proud to be his son.
Capistrano Historical Alliance Committee Board of Directors says:
August 5, 2020
The Capistrano Historical Alliance Committee extends our prayers and deepest sympathy to Stella, Perry, Brian and all the members of the Cardoza family. Bob’s presence, his encouragement, support and advise will be greatly missed. He will never be forgotten by our committee. His example will live on in our work to always protect and defend all the historical elements that make San Juan Capistrano the great community it is. Bob and Stella blessed us with their participation in our Old Mission Historic Cemetery annual Mass of Remembrance. They would join in the entrance procession carrying in the floral arrangements that would decorate and grace the Altar for the Celebration of the Mass. Because of their generosity our historic families were then able to enjoy a traditional S.J.C. meal and gathering at the Blas Aguilar Adobe. We will think of Bob whenever we look at our adobes, historic lands/sites and our sacred ancestral village of Putuidem. His memory will forever live on in these S.J.C. treasures. Sincerely, Jerry Nieblas, Gigi Nieblas Jancie Pickartz, Garry Meeker, Frances Rios, Barbara Clancey, Linda Ivanhof, Missy Garcia and Theresa Nieblas-Saunders.
Cuz Patty & Mike Moore says:
August 5, 2020
Sweet Bobby – We miss you already. When I was little, you were already a dashing teenager, with your hot car and the body of a gymnast. We were always in “Awe” of you! And still are. I always called you “precious” and that made you laugh. You will always be precious to me. As you grew older, you took the lead of the greater Cardoza family and were greatly respected and loved by all your cousins because of your warmth, good humor and caring nature. So farewell, sweet Bobby. You’ll remain in our treasured memories. All our love to Stella, the boys and all the family.
David Uranga says:
August 5, 2020
Condolences to Stella, Brian and Perry from the Uranga family. My Bob rest in peace. He was an outgoing and fun gentleman who loved my parents and family. Was always close to our hearts. RIP Bob.