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Gordie Rivera

1944 - 2017

Gordie Rivera obituary, 1944-2017, Yuma, AZ

Gordie Rivera Obituary

You only live once.

And Gordie Rivera made the most of it.

The Kofa High School star athlete, state champion wrestler, college wrestler, professional drag racer and devoted family man and business man, who was respected by and a friend to one and all, moved on to start the cycle all over again with the angels and saints in heaven on Tuesday, Feb. 14.

Delfino "Gordie" Rivera Jr. leaves behind his father, Delfino Rivera, wife Deborah of 51 years, and sons Douglas Scott Rivera/Kayla and Delfino Gordie Rivera III; step grandsons Cameron and Colin Yancey; sister-in-law Diane Harding and brother-in-law Robert Harding; brother Louie Rivera/Terri; and many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his mother Stella Rivera, sister Rosalie and brother Frank Rivera.

Gordie began his life journey on Jan. 8, 1944, in Phoenix, the second son of Delfino and Stella Rivera.

He moved to Yuma when he was in the sixth grade, attending Palmcroft Elementary School and Gila Vista Junior High School before arriving at Kofa High School, where he would leave an iconic mark.

Among his accomplishments as a King were two state wrestling championships, one at 127 pounds, the other at 133 pounds. In football, Gordie led the Kings in rushing (652 yards, 4.8 yards per average) and scoring (six touchdowns, 48 points) during the 1960 football season. He also excelled at track and was named to the All-State Track and Field Team in the 100-yard dash with a personal best, and then-Kofa record, 10.1 seconds. And as a freshman, he was a starter on the varsity basketball team.

Before graduating with the class of 1963, Gordie was offered a football scholarship at Point Loma University and a full-ride wrestling scholarship to Oklahoma State University, but chose instead to accept a wrestling scholarship from Phoenix College.

He also tried out for the U.S. Olympic Team in wrestling.

In 1965, Gordie married his teen-age sweetheart, Debbie Borg.

Gordie then went into business, starting what is now Gordie's Speed Center, and in 1973 he began a five-decades-old run as a competitor in the National Hot Rod Association's Pro Stock Division. Gordie, with Debbie by his side, traveled across the country, competing in more than 250 NHRA national events. His only, final-round appearance was at the NHRA Arizona Nationals in 1990, when he was runner-up to Bob Glidden.

Gordie also eclipsed the 200-mph mark late in his career, finished in the coveted Top 10 four times, including a career-best No. 5 ranking in 1985, and was one of only four Pro Stock drivers chosen to put on a drag racing demonstration in Japan, in his own car.

During his drag racing career Gordie also established a reputation for having one of the sport's fastest reaction times at the starting line.

But drag racing is not what defined Gordie. He did not want to be a one dimensional man. He wanted to be known more for the motors he built, and challenge of finding more horsepower, not just driving a race car.

He was also a beloved father to little Gordie and Doug, and an animal lover.

And Gordie was a friend to everyone he met, always a good listener, always willing to help out with advice, always willing to share his knowledge of life, and always willing to offer a firm handshake.

Needless to say, he will be missed by all who knew him.

Funeral Services are scheduled for 1 p.m., Feb. 21, at First Christian Church, 3261 S. Avenue 6E.

In lieu of flowers the flowers the family suggests making a donation to the Humane Society of Yuma.

Published by Yuma Sun on Feb. 18, 2017.
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Memories and Condolences
for Gordie Rivera

Not sure what to say?





My thoughts and prayers go out to the Rivera family and to God to thank him for welcoming Mr. Rivera home into his realm. Mr.Rivera was a big help to me and when you speak of his generosity, I can relate to that. May God continue to bless his family and our nation.

Douglas Lombardo

Other

February 12, 2023

Prayers are for Gordie and his entire family. Rest in Peace Mr. Rivera.

Doug Lombard

February 12, 2022

Though belated, condolences on your loss. RIP Gordie, you were and continue to be a benchmark for success in life on anyone in the Yuma & Imperial Valley communities.

Richard

Other

November 18, 2021

Thinking of Gordie and prayers for the Rivera family.

Doug Lombardo

Acquaintance

February 12, 2021

Remembering Gordie and his family...a very unselfish man.

Doug Lombardo

Acquaintance

February 12, 2020

I met Gordie and his family at the Winternations. My son and I were sitting next to the family, such nice warm and friendly folks so proud of Gordie. I became a fan and saw him at Phoenix and Pomona many times. I enjoyed saying hi in the pits and always was greeted as a friend. I miss those days and my son James passed 4 years ago. It meant a lot to kinda know a real racer and be treated so good. Gordie please tell my son hi for me and may you always make those wonderful passes with your family cheering you on. God bless you

Cap W ilburg

Friend

March 1, 2019

...on this day I am thinking of Gordie and his family, and praying for peace for all.

Douglas Lombardo

February 12, 2019

I was saddened to learn of Gordie Rivera's passing today. I want to express my deepest sympathy to the entire Rivera family. People talk about how generous with his time he was and I can attest to that. He helped me over the phone to establish lineage to a classic car that I own. He was patient with me and from what I have ever read he was like that with everybody he came in contact with. May he rest in peace and may God bless his family and friends.

Douglas Lombardo

Douglas Lombardo

March 29, 2017

Sad day! Just heard the news on the NHRA tribute to Gordie. He was a wonderful man, kind & humble beyond all others.

My daughter & I met Gordie on his travels through the Northwest during the '90's. He always had time for us and all of the fans. He took special time and interest in my daughter's Junior Drag Racing career, listening and giving helpful tips and advice from a driver's perspective. His help and genuine interest was greatly appreciated and influenced her to two track championships!

R.I.P. Gordie....Thanks for the memories! We will remember you always!

Fred Bridgehouse

March 20, 2017

Oh man what a human being, the best of the best. He is such a good egg. God bless and my sincere condolences to all that had the honor of loving such a great person. You get all the Ice Cream you can eat on us Gordie! Watch out for us please..

Rog Patrick Carpenter

March 1, 2017

TO THE RIVERA FAMILY,OUR DEEPEST SYMPATHY AND PRAYERS TO YOUR FAMILY.THE NEAL FAMILY
JOHN
DAVID
MARTI

March 1, 2017

gordie rivera was a very good driver and a nice person my dad knew him in the 80s at the spring nationals he gave me dad and brother tshirts he always called the house to talk to my dad he will be missed but always be in our hearts.

matt daugherty

February 27, 2017

Family and friends, I met Gordie through a friend whose father raced Pro Stock. She knew him from the time she was a kid. In the 90s she introduce me to Gordie and he was such a wonderful man. He made time to talk to me and at other races, mainly in CA, AZ, and Vegas. I will never forget his kindness and down to earth personality. God have him in Heaven and God bless you, Debbie and family.

Hector Sandoval

February 26, 2017

I'm Gordie Rivera fan for the last 35 years . I remember he racing in Tucson in the 1970s and 1980s. The California vs Arizona Pro Stocks Shows were Awesome, Dick Landy , Corky Booza, Jim Baker .. The Yuill Bros, Gordie racing against all the guys. You couldn't help but cheer for the one man band that he was engine builder, truck drive , engine tuner, etc. but at the end of the day he always had time to sign a autograph or just talk to a fan . I will miss you dearly God Speed .

Frank Rivera

February 22, 2017

So sorry we've lost him. My heart goes out to family and friends of Gordie. Cheered for him many many years and loved to watch him race especially when he took out the larger sponsored teams/ drivers. He left a mark. Best wishes

Roger Sinistri

February 21, 2017

Debbie & Family....I am Denis, crew member for Action Performance Racing Team(Alban Gauthier) We were pitted next to each other a few times. Please accept mine and my family's most sincere condolences.We will always remember the smile! Godspeed!

Denis Michaud

February 21, 2017

May God bless you as you guys go through this. I am so sorry to hear of his passing. Will be thinking of you everytime I pass by the shop when I'm out...

Tammy (Schmitt) Pierce

February 21, 2017

What a great man....

Jack Puckett

February 21, 2017

May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.

Becky Kuechel

February 20, 2017

May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.

February 20, 2017

Debbie, Boys and family. The world isn't as good a place now that Gordie has passed. We know of no other man that was so generous, thoughtful, and so darn nice. With the utmost respect to this remarkable man. We appreciate you all for all you have done over the years. You are in our prayers. Jeff and Debbie Pence

Debbie Pence

February 20, 2017

a loved one

February 20, 2017

I remember the first words Phino (yes thats what we called him in the 7th grade) spoke to me in December of 1957...He walked up to me with his two menions - Fudd Harmon (ya we had a friend named Fudd) and Leonard Burkland gave me a shove and said: "So your the new kid" That was the beginning of a long friendship....We went on to play football, wrestle and run track at Kofa Hi...He was always the star. Then we were neighbors for 25 years. He will be missed and whenever I think of important people that have passed through my life I will think of Phino.

Chuck Gideon

February 20, 2017

Debbie, we are so sad to receive word of Gordies passing. He was a wonderful example of a devoted and loving husband and father. A great friend to many. We pray The Lord will see you through these weeks and months ahead as life won't be the same without him. All who knew him, from his NHRA days to his friends and customers will feel a great loss also. Your old ffriends from days gone by,.

Phil & Donna Warren
Cross Junction,Va.

February 20, 2017

Debbie I am not in Yuma and unable to attend Gordie's service. I was so sad when I heard of his passing and I truly know what you are going through. There is nothing like losing the love of your life. I will tell you to always remember the awesome times you and Gordie shared together and the memories you made together.

February 19, 2017

We are so saddened by the sudden passing of such a great man. Gordy was a good friend and mentor. Anytime you needed his help he was there. He helped with Zach's go cart motors when he raced and always had one of the fastest carts out there. He was a special person and will be dearly missed
RIP Gordy

The Freeman Family

Kirby Freeman

February 19, 2017

Debbie, God bless you and your family as you pass through this time of loss of your beloved. Jen called to give me the news. My heart has been heavy for you and you have been in my prayers. I am here, if there's anything you need, please don't hesitate to call me.

Jan Cannell

February 19, 2017

RIP my old friend although I didn't see you often sometimes years would pass we were always friends I will miss you Gordi
My condolences to Debbi little Gordi Doug & the family you too Delf been a long time sense we saw each other
Gordi was a dam good man RIP MY FRIEND

Bobby Pancrazi

February 18, 2017

Debbie, Doug and Gordie Jr. Gordie made Drag Racing fun and exciting for me. His spirit and love for the sport kept me wanting more..Sitting in the pit near him, a dream come true.
His presence in my life was an honor, a loving gracious memory..
There could be no better man.
My love, thoughts and prayers to you and your family..

Debra Michel

February 18, 2017

Debbie and family my thoughts and prayers to you all. I am so sorry for your loss.

Dolores Duarte-Leyva

February 18, 2017

Gordie was a great man that not only made us feel welcome, but helped us so much when we came to Yuma to race. We were always so happy to see him at the track. Our thoughts and prayers go out to his family.

Bert and Kara Beech

February 17, 2017

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Funeral service

1:00 p.m.

First Christian Church

3261 S. Avenue 6E, AZ

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