Walter "Tom" Gorman

Walter “Tom” Gorman, son of the late John Francis Gorman, died on April 19, 2026, in his residence surrounded by his loving wife, Nancy, and their daughters: Kathleen, Heather, and Megan. Tom was born in New Orleans, Louisiana on January 17, 1947, and was a longtime resident of River Ridge. He graduated from East Jefferson High School and shortly thereafter committed himself to the two great passions of his life, when he joined the Jefferson Parish Sheriff’s Office in 1968 and married Nancy Burkhardt in 1969.

Tom was a protector at heart, and he put his nature to good use at the Jefferson Parish Sheriff’s Office, where he spent 45 years primarily in the Criminal Investigations Bureau investigating violent crimes. While at the Sheriff's Office, he served under three elected sheriffs and rose to the rank of Chief Criminal Deputy, also serving as the sheriff's second in command on a rotating basis. Tom continuously sought knowledge to better his pursuit of justice; to that end, he attended Loyola University where he received a bachelor's degree in criminal justice, graduated from the FBI National Academy, trained in forensic hypnotism, forensic sketch artistry, and was well-known for his interview skills. He was the co-founder of the Stop Child Abuse and Neglect program, assisted in creating a rape examination program with Lakeside Hospital, assisted in the early establishment of the Child Advocacy Center in Jefferson Parish and designed the Jefferson Parish Sheriff’s Office patch worn by deputies to this day. Tom did not consider policing his employment, he considered it his righteous calling.

Tom’s devotion to justice was surpassed only by his love for his family. Tom remained beautifully and nauseatingly smitten with his wife of 56 years, Nancy Burkhardt Gorman. He was a proud girl-dad to Kathleen Gorman (Todd Bologna), Heather Gorman (Donald Clogher) and Megan Gorman. His eyes lit up when he was called “Pop Pop” by his grandchildren, Stephen “Tommy” Hughes, Leigha Bologna, Sierra Bologna, and John Gorman. Tom was the protective big brother of Colleen Wild (Kevin Wild) and uncle to John, Christian, Kevin, Jordan (deceased), and Kelly. He was the cousin of Helene “Tookie” Flaherty (Tom Flaherty) and their children Jason and Amy. He will be remembered for his conviction, strength and quiet resolve.

Visitation will be held at Lake Lawn Metairie Funeral Home on May 9, 2026, from 11:00 am – 2:00 pm, followed by a brief service in the chapel. In lieu of flowers, please have a mass said in Tom’s name, donate to the pulmonary fibrosis society, or to any charity of your choice.