Gordon Noonan

Gordon William Noonan was born in Sioux City, Iowa, on April 3rd, 1936 to Celeste Montagne, originally from Jefferson, SD and Albert Eugene Noonan (known by all as "Gene") born and raised in Sioux City.



Gordon was the first of two boys: his younger brother, Tom, was born four years later in 1940. In 1943 the family moved to the Long Beach area of Southern California. Gene's older brother, Clarence, had moved to Southern California in the early 1930's and helped Gene obtain employment at a large Texaco refinery in Wilmington California, close to the port of Los Angeles.



Seven year-old Gordon was enrolled in the local elementary school and then attended St. Anthony High School in downtown Long Beach. It was in high school that Gordon found the first love of his life, the internal combustion automotive engine. He began working on the Noonan family car and on every other automobile whose owner would allow him to get under the hood at age 15.



After graduating from St. Anthony, Gordon decided to enroll at Loyola University in southwest Los Angeles. After one year, he told his parents that he was going to leave college for a few years, while figuring out what he wanted to do with his life. His mother tried hard to convince him to stay the course and get a degree, but he would not hear of it. He said he had to begin earning money and learn about the world.



A good friend from the car group was having success in the retail business, and helped him get a job in one of the major retailers in Southern California called Newberry Stores. Gordon worked hard and rose quickly. Within a year, he was the assistant manager of one of large stores in the city of South Gate. A year after that promotion, he met Paula Carpenter, who was to become his first wife a year and a half later. Together Gordon and Paula had three daughters, Lisa, Ann-Marie and Christy. They divorced in 1972.



In 1973, while working at Goodyear, Gordon met the love of his life, Betty Carrillo when she accompanied her dad to purchase new tires. Gordon and Betty were married on April 20, 1974 and went on to have three boys, Mark, Joel and Jacob.



Gordon worked for Frito Lay for many years but was weary of living in Southern California. In 1991, Gordon and Betty moved to Wickenburg, Arizona for some peace and quiet. They absolutely loved living in Wickenburg and enjoyed many happy years there.



Gordon was an extremely hard worker, often working two jobs to support his family. He loved cars and anything related to cars, especially watching and attending car races. He was passionate about Lakers basketball. He loved spending time with his family and loved his dogs very much. Most especially though, he loved Betty. After Betty became ill and passed away on November 24, 2018, Gordon was never the same. He missed his beloved Betty tremendously. They are together now and forever and Gordon is at peace.



Gordon is survived by his brother Tom Noonan (Ana); his children, Lisa Allen (Brian), Ann-Marie Pena (Louis), Christy Zellerino (Shawn), Mark, Joel and Jacob; his five grandsons, Jeff, Vincent, Bryce, Christian and Jonathon; his great grandson, Aiden as well as many brothers-in-law, sisters-in-law and numerous nephews and nieces. Gordon was preceded in death by his wife Betty in 2018.