Cormac Hanley Gorman

Cormac Hanley "Bud" Gorman, aged 93, of Lakewood, Ohio, passed away peacefully at The Woods on French Creek on June 25, 2024.
Bud was born in Greenfield, Pennsylvania, a neighborhood of Pittsburgh, to Frank and Elizabeth Gorman on February 12, 1931. He was one of ten siblings and is predeceased by his brothers Jay (Audrey), Paul, Bill (Beverly), Gene (Mary Kay), and Matthew, and his sisters Connie and Catherine. He is survived by his brother Raymond (Jenny) and his sister Mary McCaffrey. Bud's extended family includes many nieces and nephews, George and Linda Sonnendecker, Kathy Naughton, Cathy Gorman, and his faithful feline companions.
Bud attended St. Rosalia's Catholic Grade School and graduated from Central Catholic High School in Pittsburgh in 1949. He went on to earn both a Bachelor's and a Master's degree from LaSalle University in Philadelphia between 1945 and 1953.
In 1969, Bud married the love of his life, Louise Mary Sonnendecker, at St. James Catholic Church in Lakewood, Ohio. Together, they raised Ann Marie (Ryan) and Mike (Lisa), and they remained faithful members of St. Clement's parish and the Lakewood community for over 45 years.
Throughout his 40-year career in education, Bud taught high school algebra, geometry, and calculus in Pittsburgh, Miami, and Northeast Ohio. He also coached track and cross-country, and he was even talked into coaching 7th grade girls' volleyball when no one else would step up. He retired from teaching in 1989 then continued working as a security guard for the United Church of Christ in downtown Cleveland until 2000.
Although Bud was involved in numerous sports, his greatest passion was swimming. He coached students that swam in the National Championships, he won first place in the 1948 Allegheny Mountain Association of the AAU Junior 150 meters Breaststroke, and he even swam as an alternate in Nationals himself.
Known for his generosity and helpful nature, Bud left a lasting impact on all who knew him. He was a mentor to many of his students and athletes, one of whom invited him to Philadelphia decades later to announce his induction into the Alumni Sport Hall of Fame for swimming at West Catholic High School.
Bud's favorite saying, "Bring Your Sweater," emphasizes his pragmatic and caring approach to life.
To honor Bud's legacy, please take some time to read on the porch, go for a swim, count turtles in the valley, nap with a cat, or sip a milkshake (or a highball) with your loved ones. Above all, appreciate those that are kind to you and be generous with your laughter. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests that donations be made to causes close to Bud's heart - Cleveland Metroparks or the Cleveland Animal Protective League. Please contact the family directly to share memories.
A service will be held on Monday July 1, 2024 at St Clement's Parish. There will be a Visitation starting at 10:30 AM, followed by mass at 11:00 AM. A small reception will be announced to take place immediately after the mass.
10:30 AM Visitation - St. Clement's 2022 Lincoln Ave Lakewood, Ohio
11:00 AM Mass
12:00 PM Reception - To Be Announced