Walter “Rick” Cordeau

Of Saugus. Passed away surrounded by loved ones on the morning of Tuesday, September 26th at the Kaplan Family Hospice House in Danvers after a yearlong battle with cancer.

Rick grew up in Saugus and was the son of Walter W. and the late Hazel A. (Pinksten) Cordeau of Saugus. He graduated from Saugus High School in 1978 where he was an avid wrestler. From there, he joined the US Air Force. While deployed in Germany, he met the mother of his children, Renee Cordeau (Duranleau). Returning from their service, he married Renee in 1981 at the Saugus Elks and were happily married for 25 years. Rick and Renee raised their twins, William and Yvonne, in Chester, NH where Rick was heavily involved in his children’s athletic activities. Rick thoroughly enjoyed coaching for The Southern NH Chicks, Chester Baseball, and the Derry Rebels Wrestling program where he met many great families and made lasting connections. In 2013, he moved to Virginia to become the Director of Printing Operations for idX Corporation. He spent 10 years working and building family like friendships. It humbled his family in New England knowing that he was surrounded with so much love and support.

Rick was a God loving Christian man, enjoying everything to the fullest out of life. He thoroughly enjoyed cooking for a crowd, as well as eating diversified cuisines. He loved listening to music and attending concerts. Rick found great joy in relaxing on his oversized recliner, reading on his Kindle and watching Boston sports or his beloved Hallmark Channel movies. Not to say he didn’t love being outdoors as well; he would often reminisce about his time spent in Northern NH with his love Karen Phelan, hiking Mount Chocorua and kayaking on Chocorua Lake. Rick also loved travel with his family, smoke a good cigar while solving world’s problems with his brothers, and sipping a glass of fine whiskey. He created lasting memories with everyone everywhere he went. It was impossible not to like Rick with his positive attitude, personable personality, and genuine gratitude shining all the way through to the end of life.

Rick’s greatest joy was his children and his family. Rick absolutely adored being a Papa to his two grandchildren.

In addition to his father, Rick is survived by his two children William Cordeau of Manchester, NH and Yvonne Beg and her husband Barzan Beg of Merrimack, NH; his three brothers Daniel Cordeau and his wife Luanne Cordeau of Concord, MA, Robert Cordeau and his wife Paola Cordeau of Rowley, MA, and Paul Cordeau and his wife Brenda Cordeau of Melrose, MA; his two grandchildren Pasha Beg and Calla Beg of Merrimack, NH; along with many nieces and nephews.

In lieu of services, there will be a Celebration of Life on Saturday, October 28th at Luna Bistro, 254 N. Broadway, #101, Salem, NH, from 12pm-4pm. We invite anyone who knew him to attend and remember his wonderful life with great food and drinks.