Joseph "Joe" Gordon

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