John P. Gorham

John Philip Gorham, 75, of Salisbury Beach, Massachusetts, passed away peacefully on October 12, 2025, at the Edith Nourse Rogers Memorial Veterans Hospital in Bedford, Massachusetts.

Born on April 13, 1950, in Boston, Massachusetts, John spent his early childhood on the family farm in Hopkinton, New Hampshire, surrounded by his grandparents and cousins. In 1958, his family moved to Concord, where he attended Concord High School, graduating with the Class of 1968. During his school years, he was an active member of the track and cross-country teams.  

John went on to attend the University of New Hampshire, where he joined the Air Force ROTC program and graduated in 1972 with a bachelor’s degree in History. He then proudly served his country in the United States Air Force, achieving the rank of First Lieutenant and serving as a transportation officer at George Air Force Base in Victorville, California. After his honorable discharge, John pursued a master’s degree in Public Administration from Arizona State University.

Returning home to Concord, John worked for many years as an estimator at Capitol Plumbing and Heating Supply.  In his later years, he moved to Massachusetts and served as a dedicated postal carrier for the U.S. Postal Service in the town of his alma mater, Durham, NH, as well as surrounding communities.  The strong sense of duty, reliability, and integrity that he gained during his time serving his country guided both his professional life and personal relationships.

John was a quiet, intelligent, and deeply caring man whose kindness and generosity touched all who knew him. A lifelong Boston sports fan, he cheered faithfully for the Red Sox and other hometown teams. He loved music and dancing—especially 1970s disco—and was always ready to take to the dance floor with a smile. He enjoyed playing softball, golfing, and bowling, and in his later years, found joy in kayaking, hiking, birdwatching, and helping to keep Salisbury Beach clean for everyone to enjoy.

A proud veteran and patriot, John never missed an opportunity to honor those who served, often marching alongside his beloved Uncle Bill in the annual Veterans Day Parade in Nashua. He was also an active member of several fraternal organizations, including the Loyal Order of Moose and the Knights of Columbus.

John’s greatest joy, however, was his family. He was a devoted father and grandfather, known for his thoughtfulness, his cards for every occasion, and his steady presence at family gatherings. He was especially proud to attend his grandson Patrick’s Eagle Scout Ceremony and high school graduation in June 2025.

Raised in the Catholic faith, John lived a life grounded in service, humility, and compassion. In his later years, he attended Hope Community Church in Newburyport, Massachusetts, where his faith deepened and sustained him.  John will be remembered for his gentle spirit, his quiet strength, and his unwavering love for his family, his country, and his community.

John is survived by his son, James Patrick Gorham, and daughter-in-law, Rebecca, of East Greenwich, Rhode Island; his two grandchildren, Patrick and Hannah; his partner and caregiver, Barbara Mills of Fitchburg, Massachusetts; and his sisters, Jane Person of Batavia, Iowa, and Betsy Gowdy of Winchester, Virginia. He was predeceased by his father, Joseph J. La Fauci; his mother, Lillian M. (Harris) Healy; and his stepfather, John P. Healy.

A Celebration of Life will be held at South Congregational Church in Concord, New Hampshire, at a date to be determined. Interment will follow at the New Hampshire State Veterans Cemetery in Boscawen, with a reception at Alan’s Restaurant. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in John’s memory to the Hunter Seven Foundation at https://hunterseven.org.