Henry 'Hank' Peter Corda

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Henry “Hank” Corda, after a courageous five-month fight with pancreatic cancer. He said he was ready to “meet his Lord” and was able to get home with the help of Providence Hospice and their caring staff. He passed peacefully with his adored wife, Karen, at his bedside.

Hank was born to Ernest and Minnie Corda in 1947 and spent his life on the family ranch until his passing. He attended Marin Elementary School, Kenilworth Junior High and graduated from Petaluma High School in 1965. He then attended Fresno State College on an athletic scholarship playing football for the Bulldogs, obtaining a bachelor’s degree in Dairy Science. He was a member of the Alpha Gamma Rho fraternity where he would build lifelong friendships.

He returned to work on the Family Dairy alongside his parents and brother David to build an award-winning dairy operation. After the passing of his Dad, Ernie, the dairy operation ceased in 1988. He then went to work for Petaluma Water Disposal until changing his career path and working as an Insurance Agent at Don Ramatici Insurance until his retirement in 2022. He was dedicated to all his clients and enjoyed meeting with them as often as he could.

Hank was a strong man. He still lived life to the fullest even walking, cooking, gardening and hunting without a hip replacement. His passions were cooking, farming, hunting, salamette making at the “Big Link”, trips to Tahoe with his wife, Karen, and being with family and friends. He was a great storyteller, a master of athletic trivia, and could embellish a story to captivate an audience of one or hundreds. He loved to hunt wild game both locally and traveling out of the state of California many times. At Cloverdale and Alder Point in addition to hunting, he would demonstrate his cooking skills leaving only plates licked clean on the table. In the past several years, he hunted Elk on Bray Ranch in Colorado while standing in his post with his walker. Hank participated in the Father, Brother-Son and Buddies benefit fishing competition in Cabo San Lucas until his mobility restrictions kept him off the boat. He was an inspiration to all who met him as he dealt with his limited mobility. Hank leaves a huge void in the lives of many.

Hank is survived by his wife, Karen, mother Minnie Corda, sisters Carol Siebe and Nancy Corda, stepson Justin Cynor, grandchildren Jordan and Avielle, Brother in-laws Bruce (Sandy) Wilkins, David (Jennifer) Buol, Sister in-laws Tracy (Jason) Lyman, Donna Wilkins, multiple nieces and nephews and great nieces and nephews.. He is pre-deceased by his father, Ernie Corda, brother David Corda, brother in-laws Tom Siebe, Gary Collins and Bob Wilkins and his in-laws Marion and Don Buol.

The family wishes to thank the Medical and Intensive Care Unit Staff, Dr. Cheitlin, Dr. Lally and Ancillary Staff and Hospice of Petaluma Staff for their excellent and compassionate care during Hanks final days.

Services will be held on Thursday, May 14th with an 11:00 am viewing followed by a Vigil Service at 12:00 pm at St Vincent de Paul Catholic Church, 35 Liberty Street, Petaluma 94952.

Celebration of Life to follow the services at the Elks Lodge, 2105 S. McDowell Blvd, Petaluma.

In lieu of flowers donations may be made in honor of Hank to:

Hospice of Petaluma, 416 Payran St. Petaluma, 94952 or Petaluma Valley Hospital Foundation, 400 N. McDowell Blvd, Petaluma, 94954 or the charity of your choice.