"My condolences go out to his family. He was a great friend of my dads and a great mentor for me!"
In loving memory of
Joseph "Joe" Gordon
October 20, 1931 - December 30, 2013
Joseph Gordon of Seattle, Washington was born on October 20, 1931 in Washington, D.C. Joseph passed away December 30, 2013 at the age of 82 in Renton, Washington surrounded by family members.
Joseph Gordon was born to the union of Jackson Gordon and Mary Elizabeth Riley. He was the youngest of 7 children. He graduated High School in Washington, D.C. 1950. He met and married Veronica "Yvonne" Curtis of Washington, D.C. in 1952. They were married for 32 years and had 5 children. In 1955, he moved his family to Seattle, Washington.
During the Korean War, he volunteered for the U.S. Navy where he was stationed at Pensacola, Florida. Joe's Military experience also included the Army and Navy Reserve.
Joe initially worked in two of Washington State industries: Pier 91 as a Dock Worker and as a mechanic for the Boeing Company. In 1960, he was hired to the King County Deputy Sheriff's Department. His work with the King County Deputy Sheriff included temporary assignment to the FBI and the Secret Service. In 1966, Joe worked for the Drug Enforcement Administration, (DEA) as a Special Agent and working undercover. He was promoted to Supervisor and worked in other capacities as Group Supervisor, Acting Special Agent In Charge, and Inspector retiring in 1986. Post retirement, Joe worked for the NFL/Seahawks as a Drug Program Coordinator and owned and operated a Private Investigator firm. His career span 50 years of service in Law Enforcement.
Joe was active in social organizations that included Black Law Enforcement Association of the State of Washington, Black Heritage Society of Washington State, Member of the Association of Former Federal Narcotics Agents, Seattle Police Athletic Association, Retired Deputy Sheriffs and Police Officers Association, Buffalo Soldiers- the Ninth and Tenth (Horse) Cavalry Association, Member of the Masonic Temple, American Bowling Congress, Member of the Washington State, the Central Area Senior Citizens' Center.
Joe had a passion for live Theater productions, Golf, fishing, World Travel, singing, dancing, playing instruments from different countries, played the harmonica, classic movies, loved to entertain where he would be the life of the party.
Joseph Gordon Sr. is survived by his children, Theresa Gordon, Deborah (Joseph) Piazza, Barbara McClure-Blair, Joseph Gordon, Jr. and Patricia Gordon. Dear Grandfather of Enjolia (Joi) McClure, Seaquyoiah (CeCe) Gordon, Eric & Alexander Piazza, and Alexis Gordon: Great Grandfather of Truth and Michael (Mikey) and a host of extended family of nieces and nephews of Ballard, Bell, Belt, Fox and Perry families and friends
Tributes
"îíëàéí ïîêåð ôàðèä ïîêåð shark, ëèáî ïîêåð íà äåíüãè íà ðóáëè qiwi!"
"èíòåðíåò êàçèíî âûèãðàé äåíåã, êàçèíî àçàðò îíëàéí."
"Dear Gordon family: I am truly saddened at your loss of a fine man and outstanding law enforcement officer. When I joined DEA, he was one of the Special Agents that taught me how to survive on the streets and inside DEA as a person of color. I will always hold him in the very highest esteem. God bless him."
"Joe was a very kind, warm fun loving person, always had a smile on his face. Rest in peace You are home with the angels God bless his family "
"One of the most fun loving person anyone could have ever known, who love life, and live life to it's fullest, it shows in all the accomplishments he has achieved. I feel truly Blessed to have known Joe. Blessings to the family."
"On behalf of the Jefferson family our thoughts and prayers are with the entire Gordon family. The Gordon family was truly a blessing to have as neighbors, back in the day (On 15th) Mr. Gordon was a great role model in our neighborhood and community, Thanks for the memories and sharing him with us. God's blessings now and always. Love Upendo & Pearl "
"He was my father for 31 years of my life. I appreciate the life he helped provide for us, the experiences and knowledge. He is my father, my papa and my dad. He and my mom raised us with love and made sure we had a cultured, rich life that most people are not privileged to have. Forever grateful. The last conversation we had, he said he was tired and lived a full life. He was a veteran, a sheriff, one of the first African American DEA agents and many more accomplishments. That is what I will remember. Thank you Dad! May your destination be filled with Movies, musicals and Ice CREAM! Ha ha( whoever knew him knows what I mean). In his famous phrase ...."So long, Papa" thanks for the memories and opportunities. Love your DAUGHTER Nikki, NO ONE can take that away...."
"To my uncle Joe, You were always a great role-model and uncle figure in my life and I have nothing but good memories of you. May you rest in Paradise."
"Joe and I started our police careers together working in the King County Jail. We maintained contact through the years and I will miss him so. Joe was a wonderful human being and friend."
"Joe was in my group in 1970 when I hired on. He was tops; taught me stuff to survive the streets of L.A., but most of all Joe was a kind and gentle friend. My deepest condolences to Joe's family."
"I didn't get to know Joe until after we were both retired. He was a fine man - the type you were always glad to have spent some time with. "
"Joe was a very well respected person, may he rest in peace"
"Joe was a great guy to work with. May he rest in peace."
"Joe & I worked in L.A.in the late 1960s. He was a unique, creative agent who was a great pleasure to work around, always willing to help and a man to be associated with. It's a great loss to all of us who knew him"
"To the family of Joe Gordon, I offer my condolences. Joe and I attended Basic Agents school in 1967. He has been a lifelong friend and I feel your loss."