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Thomas Gorman Obituary
Some people like to imagine how they would spend their days if they learned that they had only one week to live. Thomas E. Gorman seems to have spent his last seven days as if he had some inkling of what was to come.
The week began on Sept. 4, which happened to be the day that Mr. Gorman's eldest daughter, Laura, turned 15. Before Mr. Gorman left for his job as a police officer with the Port Authority's emergency services unit in Jersey City, he left Laura a "Happy Birthday" note on the kitchen table of their home in Middlesex, N.J. He cooked dinner that night and passed around slices of cake to his wife, Barbara, and their three children.
Two days later, Mr. Gorman, 41, invited his friends to a golf outing to raise money for the Middlesex Little League. Fathers of Little League players showed up, as did some of Mr. Gorman's co-workers.
That same week also found him celebrating his wife's birthday, the two of them riding in his motorboat up Barnegat Bay. They stopped at a lighthouse and collected seashells and driftwood. Their getaway ended with dinner at a seashore restaurant as darkness settled.
Days later, Mrs. Gorman watched from her car on her way to work as an airplane crashed into 1 World Trade Center. Miles away, her husband climbed into a rescue truck. It was the end of a very full week.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Linda Hoski
September 11, 2024
Dear Barbara and Family, Remembering Thomas on The 23rd Anniversary of 9-11......
Genie Murphy
September 12, 2023
Always in my thoughts and on my wrist on this day of remembrance
Linda Hoski
September 11, 2023
Dear Barbara and Family, Thinking of Thomas on the 22nd Anniversary of His Passing.....❤
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Linda Hoski
September 11, 2022
Dear Barbara and Family,Keeping Thomas in Our Prayers Always...And Thinking Of All of You... The Hoski Family...
Genie Murphy
September 12, 2020
Dear Barbara: Again this year my thoughts are of the sadness and loss you and the family experienced with the lost of your husband. I continue to pray for you and hope you have found happiness in these years since.
Linda Hoski
September 11, 2020
Dear Barbara and Family, Remembering Thomas on the 19th Anniversary of His Passing...Our Thoughts and Prayers Are with All of You... Linda and Renee Hoski
Genie Murphy
September 11, 2019
Dear Barbara and Family:
Seventeen times I have written on this page and recalled to memory your husband and family that day. I thought it was time to send you this photo of the bracelet I wear to honor his memory on this day each year. I hope you and your family have found happiness in the years that have followed.
Linda Hoski
September 10, 2019
Dear Barbara And Family, Our Thoughts And Prayers Are With You On The 18th Anniversary Of Thomas's Passing God Bless All Of You.Fondly, Linda And Renee Hoski
Genie Murphy
September 13, 2018
Dear Barbara and Family..although 17 years have passed I continue to honor your Tom by wearing his bracelet on this anniversary . You remain ever close to my heart.
Linda Hoski
September 11, 2018
Dear Barbara And Family,Our Thoughts And Prayers Are With All Of You On The 17th Anniversary
Of Thomas's Passing.God Bless All Of You. Fondly TheHoski Family.
Doreen Mazza
September 11, 2018
It's just another day here in Middlesex, NJ, but none of us can ever forget that horrible, life changing day. All of us have been touched by this tragedy in one way or another..Tom was always smiling and upbeat and he truly loved his family and was a super father!! It hasn't gotten any easier as the time goes by..if anything, it's worse. Just wanted to say that we miss you and thank you for giving up your life so that we can live in freedom.
September 12, 2017
Just want the Gorman family to know that I wore Officer Gorman's wristband today as I have for sixteen years and had him in my thoughts and in my prayers.
Genie Murphy
Linda Hoski
September 11, 2017
Dear Barbara And Family,Our Thoughts And Prayers Are With All OfYou On The 16th Anniversary Of Thomas's Passing.God Bless All Of You. Fondly,The Hoski Family
Patrica Borowski (NASH)
September 15, 2016
Tommy, thank you for running towards in heroism for others. Lifelong, you made a difference as an officer, with your beautiful family and more. That day, you did make a difference and saved lives. Forever in my prayers, as are you Barbara and the family.
September 13, 2016
Just want the family to know that I still wear the bracelet given to me 15 years ago by my police officer daughter that bears Officer Gorman's name. He will be in my thoughts and heart forever.
Genie Norris Murphy
Linda Hoski
September 12, 2016
Dear Barbara And Family, Remembering Thomas On The 15th Anniversary Of His Passing....Our Thoughts And Prayers Are With All Of You.
Fondly,The Hoski Family
September 11, 2015
Just want you to know that I still keep Officer Gorman in my thoughts and prayer and still wear the bracelet with his name on it.
Genie Murphy
Linda Hoski
September 10, 2015
Dear Barbara And Family, Remembering Thomas On The 14th Anniversary Of His Passing. Our Thoughts And Prayers Are With All Of You..God Bless All Of You..
Evy W
August 11, 2015
I just came across Mr. Gorman's obituary while searching the internet for another Thomas Gorman. My heart felt a need to light a candle. My prayers to the family.
Genie Murphy
September 12, 2014
Dear Barbara
I continue to wear your husbands bracelet and think of you and your family each day. I hope life is going well for you. Your husbands bravery will never be forgotten
Linda Hoski
September 11, 2014
Dear Barbara And Family,Remembering Thomas Today On The 13th Anniversary Of The World Trade Center. Our Thoughts And Prayers Are With You And Your Family..... Fondly, The Hoski Family
Marti Mayse
September 11, 2014
Wearing Thomas's metal bracelet today as I do every year on this day. God bless his soul; his bravery and exemplary efforts are so much appreciated. May god give continued comfort to his family. Thank you, Thomas.
anthony mckeating
April 9, 2014
To the Gorman family' my wife and i recently visited ground zero , during filming i zoomed in on your husbands name , when we got home we searched for him on the internet. A true hero, god bless you and your family.
September 11, 2013
Rest in peace my brother in blue. Brian Marsh
Linda Hoski
September 10, 2013
Dear Barbara And Family, Thinking Of You On The 12th Anniversary Of Thomas's Passing. Thoughts And Prayers Are With You Always...... Fondly, The Hoski Family.
Genie Norris-Murphy
September 10, 2013
For the last twelve years I have always kept you and your family in my thoughts and prayers. Tomorrow, like every year on September 11 I will wear his wristband and think of your, husband, father, friend and celebrate his bravery.
Denise Barry-Santiago
September 9, 2013
I rode yesterday in the Knoxville 9/11 Memorial...The Blue Knights give out a card with one of the 9/11 victims and I chose Officer Forman's card...I wanted to know more...I am from Queens NY and grew up in NJ ...I live in TN now...Just want the family to know my prayers are with them...and to Thank them for his service...His smile is what I noticed when I saw his card...
September 1, 2013
Almost 12 years have passed, for many it occurs daily. I knew Officer Gorman and many other PA officers who sacraficed their lives to help / save others that day. Let it be known , as im certain you do, true heroes are seldom in the spotlight, Officer Gorman was one. God bless you all. Allie, employed by Continental Airlines during this horrific event. Life will never be as carefree as it seemed prior~
Alex Henderson
September 11, 2012
To the Gorman family-
I never knew Thomas, but today I was given a sticker with his name on it to wear today to commemorate his life and heroics. My thoughts and prayers are with you on this difficult day. God bless you.
Linda Hoski
September 10, 2012
Dear Barbara And Family,Thinking Of You Today On The Passing Of Thomas 11 Years Ago.My Thoughts And Prayers Are With You.
September 11, 2011
Dear Barabara & Family: We still remember, keep Tom & you in our prayers & hearts & thank Tom for his efforts. P.A. Nash, DHS
Linda Hoski
September 8, 2011
Dear Barbara And Family,Our Thoughts And Prayers Are With You On The 10th Anniversary Of Thomas's Passing.May The Lord bring You Peace And Love.God Bless You All. The Hoski Family.
Janice Mercier
September 8, 2011
To The Gorman Family:
May you find peace and love in all the memories you have in your heart with your Tom. My prayers are with you and all the families who have lost a loved one. God Bless
Genie Norris-Murphy
September 1, 2011
Dear Mrs. Gorman:
As the tenth anniversary of your husband's passing approaches please know that he remains in my thoughts and prayers and I once again will be wearing his memorial wristband to honor his memory. I hope that you and your children are well and that you take some comfort in knowing he continues to be remembered.
Genie Norris-Murphy
September 13, 2010
Dear Mrs. Gorman:
I just wanted to let you know that I wore the memorial wristband with your husband's name on it this weekend. I do this each year on the anniversary of his passing. I think of you and the children and want you to know that the passage of time does not dim the valor of your husband or his memory in the hearts and minds of countless people. My family pays tribute to him and continues to pray for you and your children.
Linda Hoski
September 10, 2010
Dear Barbara And Family,Our Thoughts And Prayers Are With You On The Loss Of Thomas 9 Years Ago,Sept.11,2001."The Love of Those Who Loved me,And The Warmth Of Those Who Cared,The happiness And memories And magic That we Shared."
Ray Glaze
January 4, 2010
Dear Mrs.Gorman I'm so sorry for your lost love.I stumbled across this site while looking up relatives on my dads side of the family back east.My Great Great Grandfather was Dennis Patrick Gorman who had come over from Ireland. Toms website came up and I started reading.I don't know if there is a connection but,I couldn't be prouder had he been my brother.I also graduated H.S. in 1977 and our family came to N.Y.in 2008 to pay our respects for those brave men and women on that terrible day. With Warmest Regards,Ray
Barbara Gorman
February 2, 2009
May I first say that it's so difficult to believe that seven years has passed since 9/11/01. And yet, our lives have gone on and will continue to.
This is the first time I have gone onto this website and viewed the many heartfelt prayers and sentiments in honor of Tom. And may I say, it takes me back to those devastating days when our world was shattered and changed forever.
Thank You to all who have honored and prayed for him and his children.
Please know that your words and support have strengthened our family and even seven years later as I read your sentiments, they still resonate now.
Thank You and Never Forget!
Barbara Gorman
December 7, 2008
December 7, 2008
December 7, 2008
Danielle Ghiozzi
September 12, 2008
Our thoughts and prayers are with you all on this special day of rememberance. I never met Tom, but had the pleasure of getting to know you, his family, during our vacation back east this past August. I'm thankful my Aunt Pam introduced us. You all have touched my life in such a special way. You have taught me to live life to its fullest each day, because you never know what God has in store for you. God Bless you all.
Linda Hoski
September 11, 2008
Dear Barbara and Family,I am Thinking of You Today, and Letting You Know My Thoughts and Prayers Are With All Of You.May The Lord Be With You Always....
Dan Dugan
September 11, 2007
To the Gorman Family:
Tom was a great friend of mine during our days at Bayonne Hign School. We graduated together in 1977. Years later we drifted apart though as our lives took different paths. Tom looked exactly the same then as he does in the pictures here. I think about him a lot.
Dennis Gorman Sr.
March 24, 2007
Tom,
To the 2nd cousin I never knew existed. I have finished my final tour on Jan. 1, 2007. I wish I could have sat down and had a beer with you.
Lt. Dennis J. Gorman Sr. (Ret.)
Woodbridge, NJ Police Department
Kristine
November 2, 2006
As I stitched your name on the memorial that I am doing for all of the victims, I prayed for you and your family. Please know that your death was not in vain. We will always remember. God Bless.
P Tabbernor
October 24, 2006
In memory....
Carrie H.
September 11, 2006
I wanted the Gorman family to know, although you don't know me I have been praying for your family for the past 5 years now. My name is Carrie, and I am a 31 year old, mother of 4, living in Connecticut.
In late 2001, my church was raising money for some of the relief efforts and was selling angel pins with the names of the brave people that tragically lost their lives that horrific day. I received the name of Thomas Gorman, and he and his family have been in my thoughts and prayers since.
I think of your family often, and you are all in the prayers of more people then you know.
lori cattano
September 11, 2004
andy's sister...... i remember tom when i went to andy's house in middlesex and met you guys a few times. and saw you recently at drew's graduation party, but we didn't speak. hope you are doing ok. lori
Dennis Gorman Sr.
May 9, 2003
On September 11, 2001 I sat in my office and was advised and went and watched in horror at a nearby television when the second airliner struck the towers. I did my duty that day and made sure that traffic proceeded smoothly on the congested highways of the township I work for and in. There are two high points in the township where I could see the towers ablaze and later where I could no longer see them standing.
I am also from Bayonne where Officer Gorman was born and raised.
When my co-workers asked if I was related I indicated, "No".
I beleive we are distant cousins - so says my brother who studies the family tree.
My brother and I discussed it on several occasions. We are not totally positive.
To the family of Thomas Gorman I am proud to know that Thomas was a hero to his wife, his children, his family and his co-workers. I'm sure he stands in a special place in heaven reserved for those brave few who made the ultimate sacrifice on that eventful morning.
God Bless You All,
Sgt. Dennis Gorman
Woodbridge Police Department
Sherry Gorman
September 11, 2002
My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family today and everyday. I wear my mercyband with Thomas' name on it, everyday, WITH PRIDE. God Bless you and give you peace.
Barbara Bottino
September 10, 2002
To Thomas' Family:
In memory of Thomas my husband and I are planting a White Spruce tree in our yard. My husband is a retired correction officer and my name is Barbara. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. May God bless Thomas and your whole family.
Tom Rhodes
July 23, 2002
TO Barbara and the kids,
We had the honor of attending the mass on Nov. 4th and the reception afterward. All 9 of us from SDPD were moved beyond description at the service. I hope the video I sent you will remain a remembrance of all the good things about Tom, God bless you, Laura, Patrick and Bridget.
Texana Qwimby
June 15, 2002
To the family of Thomas Gorman, I got a mercyband with your husbands name on it and will wear it to honor his memory. God Bless your family.
Sherry Gorman
June 14, 2002
Mrs. Gorman and family,
I received a Mercy B.A.N.D. today bearing your husband's name and put it on. My husband and I have 2 grown daughters and I know that with Sunday being Father's Day, it will be an especially difficult time for you and your children. We will be thinking of you and your children this Father's Day more so than on the other days since finding your husband's name on the list of victims. I will wear your husband's name proudly.
Lisa Gorman Proulx
June 1, 2002
God bless your family! On behalf of all the Irish Gorman's in NH to yours in NY.
Sherry Gorman
May 22, 2002
Dear Mrs. Gorman and family,
As you can tell by my name, I am also a Gorman, but what you don't know is that my husband's name is also Thomas Gorman. I saw your husband's name on a list of missing and dead from Sept. 11, 2001. Words cannot express the feeling I got in my heart at the sight of the name. I have felt an extreme sadness at the loss of humanity that happened that day, but to have it brought home to me this way, made it almost personal. As the wife of another Tom Gorman, I felt compelled to write you. Please know that my prayers are with you and your family and I will be obtaining a bracelet with your husband's name to wear with pride. May God bless you and your children and please know that you have an 'extended family member' thinking about you.
Angie Campbell
April 26, 2002
**********GOD BLESS YOU**********
Virginia Della Barca
April 18, 2002
Dear Barbara & Family:
You might not remember me but my husband and I bought your house in Bayonne back in 1991. We both work for the Port Authority and we were so terribly saddned to learn of Tom's death. Along with him we lost some very dear co-workers. I recently bought a cap that the Port Authority police was selling to raise funds for the victims families. Every time I look at it or wear it I think of Tom. We often pray for you and the children. May God bless you all.
Tracy Abate
March 27, 2002
Dear Barbara & Family
Everyday I make sure I wear my button that was made in memory of all the PA Officers, Policmen and Firefighters that became our heros on 9/11. It is important to me that we all continue to remember that these people gave their lives to save others. But most of all not forget how all of our lives changed that day. Not a day goes by that I don't think of Tom. I'll always remember Tom with his big smile -- I feel honored to have met him. My thoughts are always with you!
Doreen Mazza
March 24, 2002
Dear Barbara and Children,
Just wanted to let you know that a day doesn't go by that we do not think about Tom. He was a great friend and a wonderful father. I think Tom would laugh if he knew what a hero he has become- he never saw himself like that. But he is our hero and he will never be forgotten!
Love, The Mazza Family
Bob Bidwell
March 11, 2002
I am wearing a bracelet with Tom Gorman's name in remembrance not only of him but of all the brave officers from the Port Authority Police and others who gave their lives that day. My heartfelt sympathies go out to the Gormans and all the families. Bob Bidwell
mary b cordray
March 3, 2002
Dear Mrs Gorman and family,
I am the mother of a Deputy Sheriff in Mushingum County,Zanesville Ohio.I know how dedicated they are with their jobs and with serving and protecting their comunity. In January this year we lost on of our Deputies on a traffic stop and was shot in the back of the head when he was walking back to his cruiser,the community was devistated and I myself still can't beleive it.To have lost so many great Officers as NY and NJ did is heart breaking. Doing what they loved to do .I made a quilt square in honor of your husband to be added to the memory quilt they are making.My heart goes out to you and your family for such a terrible tragedy this has been.Your husband will always be in my thoughts and prayers..Kiss your children every night and tell them its from their Dad...God Bless you and the children..I'm so sorry for your loss....
January 26, 2002
DEAR GOD SHINE YOUR LIGHT ON THIS BEAUTIFUL YOUNG MAN AND HERO THOMAS E.GORMAN AND MAY HIS SOUL REST IN PEACE WITH GOD AND HIS ANGELS..GOD BLESS HIS FAMILY AND FRIENDS..GOD BLESS AMERICA AND NEW YORK..AND MAY WE NEVER FORGET 9/11/01..MAY ST.THOMAS GREET YOU AT
THE GATES OF HEAVEN..AMEN
Frank McDonald
January 21, 2002
Dear Mrs. Gorman:
I just recently learned of the death of your husband Thomas through some people that I knew in my hometown of Bayonne, NJ. Tom played on my Little League team when we were between 10-12 years old. Who could have know that he would go on to dedicate his life to helping others to the point of ultimate sacrifice. These past months have made us all reflect so much on the people we knew and grew up with, and those we really only knew for a minute in time. I will keep you and your family in our thoughts and prayers, and feel honored to have "played" along side of someone who went on to dedicate his life in such a selfless profession.
In Deepest Sympathy,
Frank McDonald
Genie Norris
January 15, 2002
Dear Mrs. Gorman:
I am the mother of a capitol hill police officer. Shortly after 9/11 my daughter brought home from work a bracelet with you husband's name on it. It appears that many families of police officers are wearing bracelets in rememberence of police officers who have lost their lives on September 11.
I wear it every single day, it keeps the memory of officer Gorman alive in our family and serves as a reminder of his bravery and sacrifice.
I hope you can find some small measure of comfort in knowing this.
Genie
Jack Eustace
January 11, 2002
Tom,
All of us in the Eustace family miss you and your fun-loving sense of humor. We are thankful to have known you and we are gratified to know that you are being remembered as a hero, a loving husband, and loving father. You lived your life to the fullest and have left a legacy to the world in your wonderful wife and children. I miss the fun we had at Irish dancing and Jack O'Connor's. Thanks for all the memories and may God Bless You.
Teresa Jahn
December 30, 2001
We thank Thomas for dedicating his life to protecting and helping others as a police officer. Such dedication comes with a brave, warm and caring heart. May Thomas's courage, life and love live on in those who love him. May all the sorrow in your hearts be lightened by the golden memories of the beautiful moments in your lives together. We are deeply sorry for your loss of Thomas. Our hearts cry with you.
America Cries
We see your sorrow-
and our hearts cry....
We can not erase your pain
but you do not have to face the anguish alone-for we-
-the American people-
are beside you.
We so desperately want to have the touch that brings you comfort,
the strength that gives you courage,
and the words to lighten your spirits.
And when we are left speechless
may the silence of our nation weave love into your hearts
to ease your sorrow.
May you find healing through our nation's strength as we-
-the American people-
face this difficult time together. Our hearts are with you. Teresa Jahn
Dixon, IL
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