Delfino Gordie Rivera “Little Gordie”

May 15, 1971 November 29, 2021

Gordie was born in Yuma, AZ on May 15, 1971 to parents Delfino Rivera Jr. and Deborah Borg Rivera. On November 17, 2021 he suffered a cerebral hemorrhage and passed away on November 29, 2021 at Hospice of the Valley / Ryan's House in Phoenix, AZ. He was laid to rest beside his dad at Desert Lawn Memorial Park on December 9, 2021.

He lived his entire life in

Yuma, attending local elementary schools and Kofa High School. After completing his education he spent work days at Gordie's Speed Center doing his jobs and talking with customers. He loved to visit with the guys! At home he liked to spend his time in the garage watching his dad assemble racing engines, flowing cylinder heads and favorite days were in the Dyno Room. He recorded all the Dyno Sessions so that he could listen to them whenever he wanted. Riding in the 18 Wheeler to the drag races was always fun!

Gordie loved TV Sitcoms, game shows and especially music. He watched so many reruns that he knew the dialogue by heart. Many hours were spent with the TV going, headphones playing music and him doing puzzles all at the same time. He almost always had a cat by his side.

He is survived by his mother, Deborah Rivera; brother, Douglas (Kayla) Rivera; aunt, Diane (Robert) Borg Harding of Idaho; uncle, Louie (Terry) Rivera of Calif.; nephews, Colin and Cameron Yancey and many cousins.

Preceded in death by his father, Delfino Rivera Jr.; grandparents, Delfino and Stella Rivera; Douglas and Elaine Borg; aunt, Rosalie Rivera and uncle, Frank Rivera.

Gordie was born with medical problems having his first surgery when he was only 7 days old. There were many surgeries to follow but he was a trooper. He always had a smile on his face. Doctors had predicted he would only live to be fourteen, but God gifted us with over 50 years. Every day was a blessing!!! He will live on in our hearts forever.