John Gorman

1928 - 2024

John J. Gorman, M.D. Schenectady - "A Life Worth Living" is the title of Dr. John J. Gorman's story. He was almost ninety-six years young on May 5, 2024 when he peacefully left this life to be reunited with his loving God. This man of faith, fun, and far-fetched stories (as only an Irishman can tell), was born on August 29, 1928 in Syracuse, NY. He graduated from Draper High School, and his teen memories included WW2 food and gas rationing, charting the Allied advance with stickpins on a map of Europe, and playing basketball and baseball in local leagues. After graduating from Union College in 1950 with a B.S. in Biology, John earned a Master's Degree in Biology and Chemistry, and a teaching certificate, from New York State College for Teachers in Albany. He was accepted to medical school, but war waits for no one. He was drafted into the Army, and served his country at the Army Medical Research Lab in Fort Knox, KY.
Marie Bove, the girl next door (technically, around the corner) went from being his best friend's sister to the love of his life during his graduate school years. They commuted to school together and fell in love while swapping his chicken sandwich lunches for her pasta braciole leftovers. Letter writing and phone calls during the Army years strengthened their bond, and on a short visit home, he proposed in the car on the way to dinner, too excited to wait a second longer. A gorgeous marriage spanning 70 years ensued.
They moved to Syracuse shortly after the wedding, where John attended State University of New York Medical School, graduating in 1958. Their landlady had one rule, "no children," but she must have warmed to them because 7 years and 5 kids later, they remained. John spent his residency in Syracuse, specializing in Radiology. With dreams of heading home, they returned to Schenectady where he did his fellowship and began work as a Radiologist and Associate Professor of Radiology at Albany Medical Center.
In 1965, John joined St. Clare's Hospital, beginning a long and distinguished career of more than 30 years in the X-Ray Department. He served as Chief of Radiology and Diagnostic Imaging, before retiring in blow-out party fashion in 1997. Five children had turned into seven, and the self-proclaimed "fun family" was complete.
While his medical career comprised his life's work, his family was his absolute passion. He was the go-to guy for health and wellness. "Dr. G Took Care of Me" was his retirement party slogan, and aside from the free medical advice he doled out daily, he fully gave of himself with care and compassion. John found time throughout his career to cart his many children, and their many friends, to their many activities, and always stayed to cheer them on. Whether hosting family parties, weeping in his beer over another Giants or Red Sox loss, swimming side stroke in the pool, or vacationing with a gaggle of children and in-laws, his quiet strength, unmatched intelligence, and silly sayings made up a fascinating man who laughed with ease and cried without shame.
Alongside his tireless wife Marie, he volunteered his time and talent for many Schenectady causes. He earned the St. Clare's Spirit of Healing Award along with a City of Schenectady proclamation, where January 24, 1997 was set aside as Dr. John J. Gorman Day! He was a long-time member of the Schenectady County Medical Society and past president of the New York State Radiological Society.
After retirement, John consulted on cases for MLMIC and proudly served on the board of the Samaritan Counseling Center. He enjoyed summers on Cape Cod surrounded by his children and grandchildren, scouting for antique treasures, reading voraciously, researching the O'Gorman family history, listening to Irish music, sharing a pint of Guinness, saying daily prayers for a long list of loved ones, and imparting his wit and wisdom to all.
Waiting to welcome John with open arms are his parents, Richard and Minna, his brother, Richard, and his sisters, Marilyn and Kathleen. Left to celebrate his name is his best friend and loving wife, Marie, his seven children, Rick (Diana) Gorman, Kathy (Barry) Denison, Maureen Beebe, Eileen (Terrence) Donnelly, Colleen (Jack) Judge, Tim (Kathy) Gorman, and Christine (Chris) Molluso, 25 grandchildren, 2 step-grandchildren, 7 great-grandchildren, 6 step-great-grandchildren, his brother Jim (Mary) Gorman, and numerous cherished nieces, nephews, in-laws, and friends.
A special thank you to the wonderful staff at Kingsway Manor Skilled Nursing Facility for their gentle care and unfailing kindness during his short stay.
As we raise a parting glass to this humble man so loved and admired, we simply pray that the road rises up to meet him and he spends eternal life in good company.
Calling hours will be on Sunday, May 12 from 3:30 to 6:30 p.m. at Gleason Funeral Home. A funeral Mass will be held at 11 a.m. on Monday, May 13 at St. John the Evangelist Church, 810 Union St., Schenectady, followed by interment at Most Holy Redeemer Cemetery, Niskayuna. Memorial contributions may be made to the Samaritan Counseling Center, 220 N. Ballston Ave, Scotia, NY 12302, or St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, 262 Danny Thomas Place, Memphis, TN 38105.