John J. Gorman

John Joseph Gorman passed away April 10, 2026, after a long and well-lived life. John was born December 4, 1927, in New York to the late John J. Gorman and Agnes Gertrude (Kenny) Gorman. He was preceded in death in 2018 by his wife of almost 67 years, Mary Joan (McEnaney) Gorman, and son Michael James, and daughter in law Patricia in 2025. He is survived by children John, Maureen, and Mary Elizabeth Gorman; grandchildren Sherri Panzarella (Phillip), Christina, John, Michael James Gorman, Caitlin Gorman Rivera (Elijah), and Galileo and Cornelia Hetherington; and great grandchildren Phillip, Shannon, and Faith Panzarella.

Jack (as he was known to family) graduated from Cathedral Preparatory Seminary in 1946. In 1950, he began service in the U.S. Army and served in a medical lab in Heidelberg, Germany, where he and Mary Joan were married. In 1953, he began a 20+ year career as a proud firefighter for FDNY, first stationed at 3 Truck in Manhattan and later as an inaugural member of the groundbreaking city-wide Super Pumper crew. After his retirement, he earned a degree in allied health science from Borough of Manhattan Community College and began his second career as a respiratory therapist working mainly at Roosevelt Hospital in NYC. He went on to earn a bachelor’s degree from Empire State College, and later to work as a clinical instructor in respiratory therapy at BMCC.

He was an avid hobbyist, over the years taking up ham radio through the Hall of Science in Queens, photography classes, and painting – starting with Bob Ross but then finding his own way. Camping, especially in the Adirondacks and Catskills, was something the entire family looked forward to each summer. Many of his pursuits involved physical activity and being outdoors: jogging, bicycling, deer hunting (which was really just an excuse to be in the woods in winter), ice skating, swimming, cross-country skiing in the Adirondacks (well into his 80s), and his beloved surf fishing on the south shore of Long Island. He was also an unapologetic champion of the mid-afternoon “eye rest.”

Steady and wise with an occasional sly silly streak, he leaves a wonderful legacy in his children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren, and will be greatly missed.

Visitation will be held at R. Stutzmann & Son, 224-39 Jamaica Ave, Queens Village, NY 11428, US, on April 16, 2026, from 4:00 pm to 8:00 pm.

A Funeral Mass will be held at Our Lady of Lourdes Roman Catholic Church, 92-96 220th St, Queens Village, NY 11428, on April 17, 2026, from 10:45 am to 11:45 am.

Burial will follow at Mount St. Mary Cemetery, 172-00 Booth Memorial Ave, Flushing, NY 11365, on April 17, 2026, from 12:30 pm to 1:00 pm.