Thomas Wayne Gorla

With profound sadness and heavy hearts, we announce the passing of Thomas Wayne Gorla, a dedicated friend to many, a decorated military officer, and a loving father, who passed away on October 21, 2023, in Richmond Virginia, at the age of 79. Tom was a man of unwavering love and boundless kindness.

Born on January 28, 1944, in St. Louis Missouri, Tom Gorla graduated from Saint Louis University High School in 1962. Tom then attended the University of Notre Dame, graduating in 1966 with a major in Political Science, and was commissioned as a Naval Officer after completing the ROTC program.

Tom reported to the US Navy for duty in San Diego, California on July 4, 1966. During his distinguished military career, Captain Thomas Gorla served in the US Navy including two tours in Vietnam. His unwavering dedication to duty and outstanding leadership earned him numerous awards and commendations. Among his many honors, he was awarded the Navy Commendation Medal, the Navy-Marine Corps Presidential Unit Citation, and the National Defense Service Medal.

Tom completed 30 years of combined active and reserve service, including work with the Naval Special Warfare Group in support of Navy SEAL Team operations in Danang and later with Riverine Operations as Officer-in-Charge of SEAL support operations based in MyTho Dinh Thong Province. In further active duty tours he served department head billets in destroyers, amphibious ships, and squadrons.

Tom displayed an unmatched determination and a deep connection to the sea. Over the past 20 years, Tom shared his love for open-water swimming with friends and fellow enthusiasts. Tom’s passion inspired many to join them on swims along the beaches of Corona Del Mar, California, forging connections and memories that would last a lifetime. The ocean, to Tom, was a source of solace and inspiration, a place where he felt most alive.

Tom was preceded in death by his parents Wayne Oliver Gorla and Helen Burdette Gorla, and his long-time friend, Edward Bruce McDonald.

Tom was a loving father to his two children, Peter Thomas Gorla and Liv Gorla Schneider, whom he often spoke about with pride.

Tom is further survived by Liv’s children, Chloe Elizabeth Schneider, Bennett James Schneider, and Anderson James Schneider; Peter’s children (with wife Rochelle), Quinn Peter Gorla and Trey Thomas Gorla; the mother of his children and dear friend Barbara Gorla; his siblings Jeanne Zemblidge, Ann Needham, John Gorla, Carolyn Weiler, Cathy Vance, Steve Gorla, Elizabeth (“Kanada”) Gorla, and Nancy Gaughan; Gunnel Cole, his long term partner; and many loving nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

Tom's kindness extended beyond his family; he was a friend to many, always ready with a helping hand or a listening ear. His warm smile and caring nature made him a beloved figure in the community, and he will be deeply missed by all who had the privilege of knowing him.

Fair winds and following seas, Tom, you will be sorely missed but never forgotten.

Celebrations of Tom’s life will be held as follows:

• Wednesday, October 25th from 5-8 pm there will be a Visitation at Woody's Funeral Home 1771 N.

Parham Road Richmond, VA 23229.

• Thursday, October 26th at noon there will be a Funeral Mass at Saint Mary's Catholic Church at

9505 Gayton Rd, Henrico, VA 23229.

• Following the Funeral Mass, a reception will be held at Liv’s home.

In lieu of flowers, please consider donating in his honor to the Freedom Committee of Orange County, an organization whose mission is to bring Living History into the classrooms. Donations may be sent to The Freedom Committee of Orange County, 3465 Santa Clara Circle, Costa Mesa, CA 92626.

Tom will be interred in Quantico National Cemetery with Military Honors in the spring of 2024.