John “Joe” Gorman

John "Joe" Edward Gorman, 86, passed away peacefully at home in Amesbury Massachusetts on October 2, 2025, surrounded by the love and comfort of his family. John was born and raised in Lynn MA, the youngest of Mary and Francis Gorman's seven children. A graduate of Salem State Teachers College and Framingham State College, John taught for 39 years in the Grafton Public Schools, serving as a history teacher and Middle School principal. He loved taking students on historical field trips and getting them excited about learning history. As a principal, he enjoyed having the ability to help kids who really needed it, and that was what he was most proud of. John met his wife Jane while they were both working at a Howard Johnson's restaurant. They married in 1967 and settled in Northborough to raise their son and daughter, Rick and Beth. John enjoyed the simple pleasures of life; potato chips, ice cream, gardening, helping neighbors, and summers at Long Beach in Rockport. After retirement, John and Jane moved to Amesbury to be closer to Beth and her family. Family was the center of John's world and he took great joy in spending time with his grandchildren and his regular trips to Ireland to be with Rick and his family. John is survived by his beloved wife Jane (Turner), their son Rick and his wife Karen of Cork, Ireland; their daughter Beth Mettling and her husband Tom of Newburyport, and three cherished grandchildren, Jane and Tom Mettling and Kate Gorman. John was predeceased by his parents, Mary (Healey) and Francis Gorman, his siblings, and their spouses Florence (William) Doyle, Margaret (Harry) Pywell, Francis (Norma) Gorman, William (Rose) Gorman, Theresa Gorman, and Carol (William) Wheaton. The Memorial Service will be held on Saturday October 25 at 11 a.m. at St. James Episcopal Church in Amesbury. Burial will be private at a future date. In lieu of flowers please consider making a donation to the American Cancer Society or the Dementia Society of America.