Ronald E. Gorges

He was born in Keene, NH on September 7, 1931, the son of Linwood and Nelda (Caldwell) Gorges.

Prior to moving to Marlow in 1937, he resided in Keene, attending the very first kindergarten class at Fuller Elementary School. He was a 1949 graduate of Keene High School where he was voted the handsomest boy in his class.

Following graduation, he worked as road agent with the town of Marlow until he was drafted into the Army where he served in Japan during the Korean Conflict.

He was an accomplished builder, learning the trade by first working with Don Knowlton Construction Company. He later ventured out on his own, operating his own business for many years, Ron Gorges Builders. Not only did he build the current home he resides in, he also built a home for himself and his wife, Lucille, in Arizona and in Maine. He was also instrumental in building the first “envelope home” in Stoddard, NH.

In 1941, as a young boy of 10, he helped plant spruce tree saplings to replace the trees lost in the fire on Pitcher Mountain in Stoddard. He and his wife, Lucille, enjoyed vegetable gardening, and took great pride in providing most of the vegetables the family required to live. For many years, he helped his dad, Linwood, run the Pitcher Mountain Farm for the Faulkner family, and continued doing carpentry work for the Faulkner family right up until his death. He also enjoyed hunting and fishing.

He and his wife, Lucille, were accomplished dancers and graced many a dance floor over their 54 years of marriage.

He was a member of the Marlow Fire Department, and in the late 50’s, early 60’s a Marlow Town Selectman. He was also a member of the Foresters of Newport, NH. Mr. Gorges worked for ten years as a part-time bailiff for the Cheshire County Superior Court in Keene.

He is survived by two sons, Daryl Gorges of Parks, AZ, Conway Gorges of Alstead, NH; a brother, Richard W. Gorges and his significant other, Shirley Lambert, of Naples, FL; two sisters, Jean G. Lake and her husband, James, of Keene, MaryJane Burns of New London, NH; three sisters-in-law, Sandra Cunningham of Keene, Shirley Wilkes of Westmoreland, NH, Nancy Croteau of Winchester, NH; a brother-in-law, Carroll Willson of Keene; several nieces and nephews; and his beloved dog, Molly. He was predeceased by his wife, Lucille J. (Willson) Gorges, on April 22, 2014.

A funeral service will be held Monday, February 22, 2016 at 11:00AM in the Marlow United Methodist Church, 11 Church Street, Marlow. Burial with military honors will be held in the spring in the Village Cemetery, Marlow. There are no public calling hours.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Mr. Gorges’ memory to the Marlow United Methodist Church, PO Box 4, Marlow, NH 03456, or to the Marlow Historical Society, PO Box 12, Marlow, NH 03456.

The Foley Funeral Home of Keene, is assisting the family with the arrangements.