I told you he was honorable. And handsome, too.
FORT FAIRFIELD – John J. Gorman, 87, husband of M. Winifred Gorman, passed away unexpectedly Thursday, Dec. 20, 2012, at his residence. He was born June 19, 1925, in Staten Island, N.Y., the son of Harry and Mary (McVeigh) Gorman.
John was a graduate of Curtis High School, Staten Island, N.Y., and went on to further his education at Cornell University and later Dartmouth Navel Academy. He enlisted in the Midshipman Training Program at Fort Skyler, N.Y., and was assigned to the South Pacific Theater of operations, commanding L.C. M. 1203, Landing Craft during the invasion of Okinawa. After V.J. Day, John repatriated Japanese POWs back to the Japanese Home Islands, being discharged as a lieutenant. After participating in a wedding in Fort Fairfield, John fell in love with the area and moved there, marrying M. Winifred Pelletier June 7, 1948. John was battery commander of the 152nd Towed Howitzer Battalion of the Maine National Guard from 1956 to 1969; a member of American Legion Walter-Lovely Post No. 27, Fort Fairfield; Veterans of Foreign Wars Paul Lockhart Post No. 6187, Fort Fairfield, for more than 62 years; was president of the Fort Fairfield Community General Hospital Guild for 17 years, Fort Fairfield Library Board of Trustees, Fort Fairfield School Board, and a third degree member of the Knights of Columbus, Council No. 1753. Mr. Gorman was also a member of the Barbershoppers of America for many years, the Presque Isle Chapter of the Road Runners Quartet Singers, Caribou Choral Society, and had been soloist at St. Denis Catholic Church, Fort Fairfield, where he sang for church Masses, weddings and funerals. He was an avid golfer at Aroostook Valley Country Club and was a member of the Hole in One Club. John had been employed by C.A. Powers Farms as a manager for more than 30 years, and later worked at the Fort Fairfield Utilities District for numerous years – 17 years as manager, retiring in 1992.
In addition to his parents, John was predeceased by one brother, Harry Gorman; two sisters, Mae Schwall and Ann Van Wagenen Dudley; and one son-in-law, Gregory Verosic. He is survived by his wife of 64 years, Winifred of Fort Fairfield; two sons and daughters-in-law, James and Jeanie Gorman of Moneta, Va., and Peter and Susan Gorman of Carabasset Valley; five daughters and sons-in-law, Marilyn Gorman of Phoenix, Roberta and Greg Fair of Camden, Del., Debra and Mark Fouts of Eau Claire, Wis., Rochelle Wishart of Derry, N.H., and Patricia and Dano Anderson of Hampstead, N.H.; 15 grandchildren, six great-grandchildren, several nieces and nephews.
Friends may call 7-9 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 26, at Giberson-Dorsey Funeral Home, 144 Main St., Fort Fairfield. A Mass of Christian burial will be celebrated 11 a.m. Thursday, Dec. 27, at Parish of the Precious Blood, St. Denis Catholic Church, 147 Main St., Fort Fairfield, with the Rev. Jean Paul-Labrie, celebrant. Interment will take place in the spring at St. Denis Catholic Cemetery, Fort Fairfield. A time of continued fellowship with refreshments will be held after the Mass at VFW Paul Lockhart Post No. 6187, Presque Isle Street, Fort Fairfield. Those who wish may contribute in memory of Mr. Gorman to the American Red Cross in Greater New York, Development Department, 520 West 49th St., New York, NY 10019. Envelopes will be available at both the funeral home and church.
The world is a bit darker when you don’t have any grandpas, but it is so nice knowing what a better place he made this world.
Don’t worry, I will be back to funny me soon.
