August 2, 1937 ~ November 19, 2014
Resided in:
Palos Verdes Peninsula, CA
Jose Alfonso Mendoza "Little Joe" Aguirre died peacefully in Torrance, CA on November 19, 2014 at the age of 77.
Joe is survived by his loving wife Edna Aguirre, his children and their spouses. Sandi Arias, Joe (Cindy) Aguirre, Donna (Claudio) Rabut, Randy Aguirre, Larry (Julie) Aguirre, Sabrina Aguirre (Eric) Salinas. He was the proud grandfather of Vince Arias, Karin Guinto, Larry Aguirre II, Kelli Saldana, Brandon Aguirre, Ariel Aguirre, Samantha Salinas, Joseph Salinas and Nathan Salinas. He was also the Great grandfather of Marcus, Ashley, Cameron, Claire, Lysander, Sadie, Gemma, and Isaac. He is survived by brothers Robert and Clemente Aguirre, and sisters Mary Martin, Concha Vasquez and Natividad Hernandez.
Joe Aguirre was born on August 2, 1937 in Robstown, Texas to Clemente and Juanita Aguirre. As a child his family relocated to Bakersfield, California. There, he met the love of his life, Edna Ortiz in grammar school; they were wed when they were just 16 years old. After humble beginnings working for the Boyton brothers Tire Company in Bakersfield, Joe took a job with Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company and relocated the family to Torrance California. Over the next several decades, Joe became a respected figure in the motorsport racing tire business. He left Goodyear Tire to work with the Parnelli Jones Race Car Division at Firestone for a period of time before returning to Goodyear and Carroll Shelby operations where he retired.
"Little Joe" will be fondly remembered as a devoted husband, father, loving grandfather and great grandfather, and loyal friend. He had a passion for motorsport racing, restoring classic cars, travel, and spending time with family.
A memorial service will be held at two o'clock on Monday December 1, 2014, at Rice Mortuary, 5310 Torrance Blvd. Torrance, California 90503 with a reception to follow.
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None better than Joe. A true friend to all he met. The world is now a lesser place that he is gone. The world is a better place because he was here. RIP Joe. Edna, you are in our thoughts and prayers.
Edna and Family –
I was saddened to hear of “Little Joe’s” passing. I had to pleasure to work with him for a short period at Carroll Shelby Enterprises before I moved on to my engineering carrier. I enjoyed our times together at the races and sensed and saw his love for the sport. Though I haven’t seen him for some time my brother kept me up to date on what “Little Joe” had been doing.
I know that he was loved dearly and will be missed. May the Lord bless you during this difficult time and may the knowledge that you will yet see “Little Joe” again comfort you. We will keep you and the family in our prayers
Gary Duncan
RIP “Little Joe” You have helped so many racers make their dreams come true. I for one probably wouldn’t have been able to live my dream if not for you. Thank You
RIP Uncle Joe
Growing up I always looked forward to the visits from Aunt Edna and Uncle Joe from California. They would cruise into town in the Goodyear Racing Semi and park next to my Grandparents house in Sonora. I remember Uncle Joe going to get a hair cut at a local salon just because he liked the way a certain lady stylist cut his hair. I remember their grandkids when they would visit with them being fascinated by my chickens, and pigeons that I raised. The few times I visited California I remember Uncle Joe taking us to the track to watch the stock cars race, and him driving us kids around the neighborhood in his dune buggy. Memories. I’ll miss you Uncle Joe.
Gaston Gamboa
San Antonio Tx.
Dear Randy and Family:
So sorry to hear of your loss and am praying for you all. We grieve because we will no longer see our loved one, but he is in the best place of all now, with God and in Glory!