Kevin Thomas Gorbett

Kevin Thomas Gorbett (1965-2023)
Kevin Thomas Gorbett, 57, passed away on Wednesday, April 19, with his wife, Laura, her son Brad, and his loving family by his side. Born and raised in Parma, Ohio, Kevin was a 1983 graduate of Holy Name High School "Home of the Green Wave," and received a Bachelor of Science from Kent State University in 1990. He served his Country in the Ohio National Guard 1986-1992. Kevin's career included various management positions including regional manager, vice president of sales, licensed insurance agent, and warehouse manager.
Tom and Betty Gorbett welcomed their ninth and last child, Kevin, into their family on June 12, 1965. A large, fun, fully devoted to one another, Irish Catholic family, Betty often told Kevin in addition to his parents, "Kevy, you also have four mothers and 3 fathers." On May 30, 1992, Kevin married Christine "Chris" Rolfe and they were blessed with two beautiful, athletic, intelligent, accomplished, kind-hearted, wonderful children, Samantha (Sammy) and Ryan (Bubba). Kevin met Laura in 2016 and they were happily married December 20, 2020.
Fiercely proud of his Irish roots, Kevin adored his super-sized family and every single one of the extended family, "the Gorbett Nation" and the Costellos. His brothers and sisters still living, Donna, Pat, Judy, Tim, Sis, and Moe and their spouses and children and their children were so vitally important and precious to him. The younger ones loved to play with him, crawl up his legs and chest to be flipped, and just hang out and have fun because they knew their "Uncle Kebs" was just a big kid at heart. Friendships are often made and forgotten, but if you were once a friend of Kevin's you were always his friend..especially the "Namers" from Holy Name. The Class of 1983 went above and beyond by orchestrating a fundraiser in March in 11 short days led by Dave Clifford and Team. Although appreciative, Kevin, was not comfortable at all with this highlight on himself. However, after an evening of stories, laughter, and lots of hugs, he was so overwhelmed with the kindness, generosity and love from his classmates; an evening that will never be forgotten. Special thanks goes out to Jimmy and Kimmie Gorbett for their fundraiser as well as their visits, laughter, and introduction of "Moose Therapy." Kevin enjoyed nothing more than to watch his children grow up and be "Dad." He was not bashful in telling anyone who would listen about their achievements in cheerleading, baseball, hockey, and numerous other sports and activities as well as their academic accomplishments. Then in recent years was overjoyed with their college successes and post-graduate career choices. Sammy and Bubba were the highlights of Kevin's life; they made him unbelievably happy, especially in his last months. On March 4, Kevin proudly walked Sammy down the aisle as she married Pat Mueller, his new son-in-law whom he welcomed and loved. Kevin met Laura in 2016 and they made each other so very happy. A few vacations, enjoying each other's family and friends, and just doing life together. Laura will be forever grateful for God placing the two of them together as they had never been happier "Always and Forever."
Kevin was an avid "bad" golfer, loved and hated watching the Browns "almost win," and was a devoted OSU football fan. Music from the Eagles, Bob Seger, and Michael Stanley Band often played in the car if he wasn't listening to sports talk radio. He had the gift of gab and would often tell stories for the ump-teenth time reciting the tale as though it had just occurred yesterday. If Kevin didn't make you LOL, that was your problem! His infectious laugh, generous spirit, love of life, and love for his family and friends was evident to all who knew him. Kevin Gorbett was simply a GOOD, GOOD man and always lived by what his Dad often taught, "It's nice to be nice." We are all so blessed to have called Kevin Thomas Gorbett Dad, Friend, Brother, Uncle, Cousin, and Husband. Heaven has gained an extraordinary angel who is certainly cutting up with his celestial shenanigans causing all to smile and howl with laughter on the other side. Our world has lost our dear, beautiful, lovely soul who will be horribly missed until we meet again.
Kevin joins in Heaven his parents Tom and Betty Gorbett, sisters Kitty and Colleen, special angel, Kevin Fox, and a host of many other relatives and friends. He leaves behind, his loving wife, Laura, and his beautiful, amazing children Sammy Gorbett Mueller (Pat) and Ryan Gorbett, as well as the mother of his children, Chris Gorbett. His devoted and loving brothers and sisters, Donna Gorbett, Pat Gorbett (Mary Lee), Judy Darwal (Jim), Tim Gorbett, Mary "Sis" Fritsche, Maureen "Moe" Kish (Denny), 21 nieces and nephews and countless grand nieces and nephews, and brother-in-law Jim Wood (Suzanne Gabric). Treasured close friends Jim and Sherri Fox, Dave and Nellie Clifford, Pat and Karen Lenehan, and Casey and Chrissy King. His Holy Namers, friends from Kent State, and a multitude of others Kevin has touched with his humor and kindness along life's journey. Laura and the Gorbett Family are immensely grateful for the outpouring of love and support shown to Kevin in these last months. Special thanks to Summa Hospice and especially Nurse Jill and the professionals at the Aultman Cancer Center.
Friends and family may visit at the Schuster Straker O'Connor Funeral Home in Parma (5904 Ridge Road, Parma, Ohio 44129) on Friday, April 28, from 1-3 p.m. and 5-7 p.m. A Mass of Christian Burial will take place at Saint Charles Borromeo Church (5891 Ridge Road, Parma, Ohio 44129) on Saturday, April 29, at 10 a.m.
A private family interment will take place at a later date at Hillside Memorial Park in Akron, Ohio.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Kevin T. Gorbett Holy Name Scholarship. Please make checks payable to Holy Name High School earmarked for the Kevin T. Gorbett Scholarship. Mail to: Holy Name High School, 6000 Queens Hwy, Parma Heights, Ohio, 44130.