Joshua passes away; family, friends pay respects

Joshua Lao Cordero with his wife Marivie

by Susan Palmes-Dennis

Defiant to the end, Joshua Lao Cordero, known and called by friends as “The Godfather”, passed away after a long battle with leukemia last Feb. 24, 2014. He was 53 years old.

Joshua Lao Cordero, younger brother of immediate past president Florami Lao Cordero-Lee of the Filipino-American Association of the Carolinas (FACC), succumbed to leukemia caused by complications from his chemotherapy. 

Lee posted the death of her younger on her Facebook page in response to “answer queries from her family and friends all over the world.” 


She said her younger brother fought leukemia with all medical options available in the last three years. 

Lee said if her younger brother was in pain, he didn't show it  as she quoted his friends who said “he was full of energy and hope.”

One of Joshua's close friends Joel Jose said Joshua was known as Godfather to their group because “he goes out of his way to help those who call on him for assistance. If he can't help, he'll find someone who will.”

“Pareng Josh has fought a long and gallant battle,” Joel said. Joshua Lao Cordero was born on April 28, 1960 in Cebu, Philippines and grew up in Quezon City.

Owner of the J2man Construction Co., Joshua is the son of Higidio Cordero of Pasuquin, Ilocos Norte and Naomi Lao of Danao City, Cebu. 

Josh was an avid gun collector and is one of the better Filipino pool (billiards) players in the country. According to friends, Joshua also has a very good low soothing karaoke voice and can sing Nonoy Zuniga songs.

Joel recounted one incident that showed Joshua's willingness to help people in need.

Joshua with past FACC vice president Amelia Bell

“I was working then as an office manager/salesman at Ace Auto Brokers on Independence Blvd., near where a new Wal-Mart now stands, I had an argument with a group of customers. I called Pareng Josh for back-up. As soon as he pulled up, these other guys left in a hurry.”

“Pareng Josh came with his two Cambodian 'friends', opened up his trunk and said to me, "Pare, mamili ka na kung ano gusto mo dyan (Buddy, you pick what you want). They stayed with me that whole afternoon,” Joel said.

As “Godfather,” Joel said Joshua helped Filipinos adjust to life in the US, specifically in North Carolina. 

Joel Jose gave this message at the FACC's Facebook page: “I first came to Charlotte in 1992 and was blessed to be welcomed by good friends and their families - dear friends until now.”

“We've all been through a lot of wars and battles, together and within our individual lives. Here we are on June 9, 2013 - a little bit older (hopefully wiser), still standing, still laughing, still fighting that day-to-day struggle called 'life'. 

We were known as the wacky 'Wais-Wais' back in the day - Edgar (Ukim-ukim) Salcedo, Hector (Kabsat) Aspa, Jun (Lakay) Medina, Josh (Godfather) Cordero, Johnny (lawn mowering at 3am) Quiocho and myself.

Pareng Josh has fought a long and gallant battle. But he's home now. Pare, pls put in a good word for us while you're up there, para pagdating namin dyan, medyo may padrino kami (so when we arrive there, we have a patron).

Also at the FACC Facebook page, Edgar Salcedo gave this account: 

“We were born Wais-wais, we die together as WAIS-WAIS pa rin. Pare/Pogi where ever you we love you and we never forget you!!!! Mabuhay ang Wais wais.

For Joshua's sister Florami, his epitaph would read: Dedicated father and a good  husband and a loving brother. Great friend and a good heart, helpful.

Joshua Lao Cordero is survived by his wife Marivie and children Mark, Naomi, Jocelyn, Angel and Melissa. 

His remains would be cremated at the JB Tallent Funeral Service and crematory located at 1937 Sharon Amity Road, Charlotte, North Carolina 28205. 

Last public viewing is on Friday and Saturday at 6-8 pm with Sunday service at 11 a.m also at JB Tallent Funeral Service and Crematory. 

Joshua with his group of friends in a pic posted in the FACC Facebook page