Dr. John M. Gorrie, DDS

Dr. John M. Gorrie, DDS, of Fullerton, California, passed away September 11, 2016, at the age of 89. He was the youngest of three children born to John and Cordella Gorrie, and was preceded in death by his brother, Sydney Gorrie, and his sister, Dorothy Newton. He is survived by his wife, Rene Durand Gorrie and his children, Dennis Gorrie and Caron Gorrie Chalstrom. He also leaves behind a daughter-in-law, Susie O’Connor Gorrie, 4 grandchildren (Gil and Christine Chalstrom, Brett and Neal Gorrie) and several nieces and nephews.John was born and raised in Los Angeles, California. He attended Los Angeles High School, and upon graduation, spent two years in the U.S. Maritime School. His second year was spent aboard cargo ships traveling to many locations. When he returned, he was accepted to the USC School of Dentistry and became a member of the Delta Sigma Delta Professional Dental Fraternity. It was also at USC that he met his future wife, Rene, who was attending the USC School of Dental Hygiene. He graduated dental school in 1955, married Rene on November 6, 1955, and also became a Lieutenant in the U.S. Navy that same year. John served both at Camp Pendleton, CA and Port Hueneme, CA as a dentist treating U.S. Navy and Marine personnel.In 1961, John and Rene moved to Fullerton, CA where he established a private practice that served the community for the next 35 years. John was a Life Member of the California Dental Association, Orange County Dental Association, American Dental Association, and was a Fellow of the Academy of General Dentistry. John was a devoted husband and father to Rene, Dennis, and Caron. He was a Life Member of the Fullerton Host Lions Club and St. Andrew’s Episcopal Church. He also enjoyed working as a Literacy Volunteer and being a member of the Hacienda Country Club. John will be remembered as an upstanding, kind, and wise man, who cared deeply and touched many. He remained in Fullerton until his passing. Private services were held on Monday, September 19, 2016 at Holy Cross Cemetery in Culver City, CA. In lieu of flowers, donations may kindly be made to St. Jude Hospital, Fullerton, the USC School of Dentistry, or your favorite charity.