Donald Michael Gorman

Donald Michael “Mike” Gorman, 88, of Sarasota, Florida, passed away peacefully surrounded by family on May 27, 2026. He was born on May 7, 1938, in Syracuse, New York, to Anne Hamill Gorman and Donald Gorman. He was very much loved and appreciated by all his family and friends. Whether sharing laughter, stories, kind words or moral support, he will be missed every day.

Mike grew up in Syracuse, where he attended local schools before proudly serving his country in the United States Navy. Following his military service, he began a distinguished career with General Electric that would span decades and take him around the world. His work brought him from Syracuse to Ankara, Turkey, and Alaska, before he joined the nation's space efforts as a contractor supporting NASA in Houston, Texas, and Cape Canaveral, Florida. During the Gemini and Apollo eras and the Skylab program, Mike contributed to some of the most significant achievements in American space exploration.

On December 26, 1963, Mike married Laraine Vecchio Gorman Hurd in Syracuse, New York. Together they had two daughters and many years of family life. When the Space Program concluded in 1973, Mike and his family moved to Pittsfield, Massachusetts, where he continued his career with General Electric until his retirement in 1989.

On July 26, 1986, Mike married Theresa “Terri” Salvini Gorman. Together they built a wonderful life filled with travel, family, and cherished friendships. For many years, they spent their winters in Bradenton, Florida, where they owned a second home and developed a close circle of friends. They enjoyed golfing and traveling and shared many happy years together there. In 2017, Mike and Terri sold their home in Pittsfield, Massachusetts, and moved permanently to Bradenton. Terri passed away in 2018 after 32 years of marriage.

Mike enjoyed golfing, traveling, and spending time with family and friends. Whether on the golf course or exploring new places, he valued the friendships and experiences that enriched his life. Above all, he treasured time spent with those he loved.

Mike was predeceased by his wife, Theresa “Terri” Salvini Gorman; his brother, Peter Gorman; and his parents, Anne Hamill Gorman and Donald Gorman.

He is survived by his daughters, Michele Gorman (Andrew) and Nicole Gorman Double (Bill); his beloved grandson, William Michael “Billy” Double; his sister, Mary Susan “Sue” Gorman Goleski of Camillus, New York, and many loving nieces and nephews.

He is also survived by his much-loved stepchildren, Marjorie Hoke (John), Stephen A. Salvini, Jr. (Joy), and Lisa J. Frinks (Andy), who were a very important part of his life; his step-grandchildren, Stephanie Quinlan, Mark Salvini, Gabriella Salvini, Sydney Frinks, and Collin Frinks.

Mike’s life was defined by service—to his country, his profession, his faith, and his family. From his years in the United States Navy to his contributions during the pioneering days of America’s space program, he embraced every chapter of life with dedication, curiosity, and gratitude. He will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered by all who knew him.

A Catholic Liturgy of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Friday, June 5, 2026, at 9:00 a.m. at Incarnation Catholic Church, 2901 Bee Ridge Road, Sarasota, Florida, where Mike was a faithful parishioner. The liturgy will be followed by interment with military honors at Sarasota National Cemetery, 9810 State Road 72, Sarasota, Florida.