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THOMAS GORMAN Obituary

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.

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Published by Richmond Times-Dispatch on May 5, 2013.

Memories and Condolences
for THOMAS GORMAN

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May 9, 2013

Dear Gorman Family please accept our deepest sympathy for your loss Our thoughts are with you all from the Staff at Dr. George Oley & Assoc.

Meg Rock

May 8, 2013

Dear Gorman Family...Please accept my deepest condolences at your profound loss. You are all in my thoughts and prayers.

Jonathan Romeo

May 7, 2013

Dear Gorman Family, I am so sorry for your loss. I have so many wonderful memories of Dr. Gorman and all of you in our years together, and I cherish that time in my life. I am holding you all in love and light. Jonathan Romeo

Donna Lietzke

May 6, 2013

Tommy, Darlene, Daniel, and Emily . . . our thoughts and prayers are with you. May God grant you peace in the knowledge that Mr. Gorman is with our heavenly Father . . . much love to you all. Donna and Sarah

Dan Testin

May 6, 2013

Dr. Gorman was an extremely interesting man. I will always remember the conversations that we had while I was a teen growing up in Stratford Hills. I would run into him during his many neighborhood walks, or just up at the local hardware store. He would question the "status quo"; he challenged me think about life just a little bit differently. May he rest in peace.

Abdou & Olga Koly

May 6, 2013

I have know Tommy (and his son Daniel) for few years now through work; worked toghether on couple projects, traveled to Florida for another project also, and what a great guy!
After reading all about his Dad, I see where Tommy got all this kindness and intelligence from!
Our hearts and prayers go to the Gorman family.In this time of sorrow, We should all keep praying for him.

Charles Norris

May 6, 2013

Teresa and Julie, I was saddened to read of your father's passing. May warm memories help to alleviate today's pain. My thought's are with you, your mom, and all of the Gorman clan.

Julie Shelton

May 6, 2013

Dad,
You are forever with me, loving me and always teaching me. Thanks for being you....see you again some day. With all the love in my heart.
Your oldest,
Julie (Jumper)

Jenny, Chris, Ian, Brendan Laude

May 6, 2013

My dear Ohana (family),
So many years filled with songs of laughter, tears of sorrow and pain, and miraculous blessings. Our Families will be forever united here on Earth and in Heaven everlasting.
"...And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain: for the former things are passed away." Revelation 21:4
Rest in peace, Dr. Gorman and angels surround you my sister Teresa, Roberta, Julie, Tommy, Susan, Greg, Michael, Chris, Jeff, and cousin Doug.

Sarah McComb Ashworth

May 5, 2013

Praying for your family during this difficult time.

Brenda Brinn

May 5, 2013

My thoughts and prayers and with the entire family. May God bless you all and provide you with comfort during this time and always.

Emily Gorman

May 5, 2013

"Deda", as the Gorman grandchildren called him, is the smartest man I've ever met. His ability to recall details and talk about history, the Bible, or herbal medicine always shocked me. He told me once, "Emily, it's ok to not know the answer. Don't be afraid to say you don't know, how else are you going to learn?" This advice has helped me realize that the pursuit of knowledge is messy and takes dedication and inspired me to keep learning. I am happy that Deda is at peace and I know he will continue to care for Mema, Greg, and the rest of us. Rest in Peace.

Dad and I on my 50th birthday, December 25, 2012.

Tommy Gorman

May 5, 2013

I will always carry you in my heart, Dad. The last words you told me face to face should be known: "There are hundreds of angels, thousands of angels all around us. When can you come by so I can tell you a secret?" I believe. Your loving son and namesake, Tommy

Betty Cunningham

May 5, 2013

Angels surround you and your dear family. My heart and prayers go out to everyone in the wonderful Gorman Clan. God Bless. Betty Lou Cunningham

Susan Hundley Gaillard

May 5, 2013

Prayers and love to the entire Gorman family!

May 5, 2013

May you soar with the Eagles Dr. Gorman. To the family my deepest regrets. Hold the memories close and let your laughter and love of his memory remind those of his loving spirit. Nan Siders

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