Robert F. Gorman OBITUARY

Robert F. Gorman OBITUARY

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the death of our dear father, Robert F. Gorman on January 17, 2025, at the age of 102. Born in Manchester, CT on July 12, 1922, Bob was the devoted son of the late Michael and Esther (Patton) Gorman, and loving brother of the late Thomas Gorman and stepbrother of the late Clarence Foley.

Bob attended St. James School and Manchester High School. A 1943 graduate of Niagara University, he also attended the University of Connecticut Law School and Graduate School of Business Administration.

Bob served in the U.S. Army during World War II as a member of the 557 Field Artillery, an experimental Battalion which was attached at different times to the Third Army, Fourth Army, Seventh Army and Ninth Army, participating in four major battles: The Battles of Northern France, Rhineland, Ardennes and Central Germany.

In his earlier years Bob worked in the automotive and petroleum business, primarily as a senior salesman for Tidewater Oil Co. and as president of Gorman Brothers, Inc. In his later years he was employed by the State of Connecticut in various business and planning capacities with the State Comptroller, Department of Children Services, the Office of Policy and Management and the Department of Developmental Services (formerly DMR).

In his lifetime Bob served his community as President, Chairman or member of a myriad of civic committees and activities in his many different areas of interest, too numerous to list here but each deeply valued. Among recognitions he received were Citations from the Connecticut State Legislature on two different occasions for outstanding commitment in the field of mental retardation. In 1998 he received the Humanitarian of the Year Award from the American Association on Mental Retardation, Connecticut Chapter. A man of deep faith, Bob was a lifelong member of St. James Parish in Manchester.

At the center of Bob’s life was his family. Bob is remembered as a loving husband, cherished father, grandfather and uncle, gifted with a sense of Irish humor and always available when needed. He was preceded in death by his beloved wife of 43 years, Eleanor (Cronin) Gorman, mother of his five children, Marion Mooney (Joseph), Susan Mahoney (Paul), Maureen Gorman (Faisal), Michael Gorman (deceased) and Francis Gorman (deceased). He was also preceded in death by his dear second wife, Barbara (Weir-Perkins) Gorman. He leaves seven grandchildren, Christine Peyman (Jeff), Karen Fletcher (Calvin), Kellie Dunn, Meghan Mogan (Thomas), Matthew Mooney (Andrea), Colin Mooney (Beth), Erin Brown (Adam) and sixteen great-grandchildren all of whom he adored. Bob also leaves four nieces and a nephew, children of his deceased brother Tom, all of whom he was very close to. His devoted nephew Brian Foley preceded him in death.

The family wishes to extend a most grateful thank you to the doctor, nurses and support staff at the Arbors of Hop Brook, Beacon Hospice Care and Always Best Care Senior Services for their extraordinary expressions of loving care, compassion and professional excellence in caring for Bob. The family is deeply indebted to these treasured individuals.

In lieu of flowers, those wishing to make a donation in Bob’s memory are asked to consider the St. James School Foundation, Inc., P.O. Box 254, Manchester, CT 06045 or the Michael J. Gorman Fund for Persons with Disabilities, c/o The Community Foundation of Eastern Connecticut, 68 Federal St., P.O. Box 769, New London, CT 06320.

Funeral arrangements are being handled by John F. Tierney Funeral Home, 219 West Center Street, Manchester, CT 06040. Calling hours are Thursday, January 23, from 5:00 – 7:00 pm and Friday morning, January 24, from 9:30 – 10:30 am. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11:30 am at St. James Church, 896 Main Street, Manchester with burial to follow immediately at St. James Cemetery, Manchester, CT. For online condolences, please visit www.tierneyfuneralhome.com.