THOMAS GORMAN

GORMAN, Dr. Thomas Leo, born on April 14, 1931 to Dr. James Raymond and Mary Woodville (Ferguson) Gorman, departed this life on Wednesday, May 1, 2013. A native of Lynchburg, Va., Dr. Gorman made Richmond his home for the last 47 years. He was preceded in death by his parents as well as his brothers, James R. Gorman Jr. and Dr. John B. Gorman; and survived by his sister, Elizabeth Bond (Ralph). He is also survived by his wife of 55 years, Roberta Harkins Gorman and their eight children, Julie Shelton (Tyler), Teresa Haynes (Dennis), Thomas L. Jr. (Darlene), Susan Reimann (Thomas), Gregory, Michael (Erin), Christopher (Madeline) and Jeffrey (fiancee, Natalie Aprill). He also leaves behind 15 grandchildren, David, Sarah and Andrew Haynes, Matthew Denny, Jennifer, Thomas and Stephen Reimann, Daniel and Emily Gorman, Noah, Oscar and Audrey Clare Gorman and Anna, Carter and Molly Gorman. In addition, he leaves his two great-grandchildren, Tristan Haynes and Christian Rowe; and his beloved dog, Lady Bridget of Ware. Dr. Gorman was an "Honorable Rat Graduate" of the Virginia Military Institute, graduate of Georgetown University ('52) and the University of Virginia School of Medicine ('56). He served and was honorably discharged as a General Medical Officer in the United States Navy before accepting and completing his residency in ophthalmology at Wills Eye Hospital ('64). Afterwards, he practiced ophthalmology in the Richmond area from 1966 to 1985. In addition to being a loving husband, father, and grandfather, Dr. Gorman was an active member of Rotary club, an avid dog lover, author, patriot and seeker of truth. There will be a Memorial Mass at 11 a.m. Friday, May 10, at St. Edward the Confessor Catholic Church, 2700 Dolfield Dr. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Special Olympics Virginia Area 6, P.O. Box 90019, Richmond, Va. 23225, or the Hospital Hospitality House, 612 E. Marshall St., Richmond, Va. 23219. The family would like to give special thanks and appreciation to the medical team at the VCU/MCV Neuroscience Critical Care Center for their extraordinary skill and care.

This obituary was originally published in the Richmond Times-Dispatch.