Richard Gorton

Richard (Dick) Gorton

July 11, 1932 - June 3, 2024

CEDAR RAPIDS, IA - Richard A. (Dick) Gorton, the first principal of James Madison Memorial High School (now Vel Phillips Memorial High School) passed away on June 3, 2024, at the age of 91.

Born in Cedar Rapids, IA, Dick attended St. Patrick's High School, graduating in 1950. After working for two years at Quaker Oats, he enlisted in the Marine Corps and served for three years, including 14 months in Korea, during which time he was wounded by shrapnel and awarded the Purple Heart.

Following his discharge he enrolled at the University of Iowa, where he obtained his BA in education and M.A. in counseling and guidance. After employment as guidance counselor at Monticello and director of guidance at Pleasant Valley, IA, Dick was selected to participate in a Ford Foundation program at Stanford University, leading to the award of a doctoral degree. For the next four years he served as principal of Madison Memorial High School. In 1969, he joined the faculty at the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee School of Education. For the next 21 years he taught in the Department of Educational Leadership, including five years as department chairman. During that time he authored over 100 professional articles and several text books, and also served as senior editor of The Encyclopedia of Educational Administration. His last position in education was as senior professor at San Diego State University from which he retired in 1993.

He is survived by Patty, his wife of 64 years; and two sons: John (Julia Edwards) of Lodi, WI, and Jim (Mila) of Milwaukee; as well as three grandchildren: Alice Beth, Angela, and Brandon. He was preceded in death by his grandson, Justin Gorton.

A Celebration of Life will be held in Cedar Rapids, IA.