Kalas Funeral Home & Crematory

John R. “Jack” Gorman, 89, a forty-eight year resident of Bowie and previously of Cheverly, MD, died at his home on Monday, September 16, 2024 after a short battle with cancer.

Born on January 16, 1935 in Johnstown, PA to the late Emma Grace and Thomas A. Gorman, II, Jack served in the U.S. Army and the National Guard. He enjoyed a lengthy career with the International Union of Elevator Constructors Local 10, retiring in the mid-1990s as a foreman.  

Jack loved his job as an “elevator man”.  He made many lifelong friends over the years and continued these friendship bonds after his retirement, attending the annual Local 10 picnics and meeting the guys for breakfast. 

Jack was very social and outgoing. He loved spending time with family and friends celebrating milestones.  If there was a party, he wanted to be there; this side of Jack never changed.  He was a member of Annapolis American Legion Post 7, the Annapolis Moose Lodge, Annapolis HOG and the Broadneck Elks Lodge. 

Jack enjoyed and was proficient at working on engines and anything mechanical.  He could easily take apart any engine and put it back together.  Jack had a passion for and owned many cars and motorcycles, including Triumph, Indian and Wizard Motor Bikes and his favorite, a Harley Davidson, which he owned until 2023.  He drove his motorcycles to Daytona Beach, FL many times over the years. 

Whenever Jack could, he would get away to his vacation spot on Deep Creek Lake in western Maryland where he would spend time boating and creating memories with family and friends. 

Jack had many cats throughout his life, including strays up until his passing, and he loved all of them dearly, “almost more than anything, his family would say.” 
Jack was preceded in death by his wife of 42 years, Carine Harshbarger Gorman, who passed in 1999, and his brother, Thomas A. Gorman, III.

He is survived by his children, Cully (John) Infante, Brian R. Gorman and John R. (Sheri) Gorman, Jr.; his sister, Mary Jane Henger; five grandchildren, Jeremy (Ashley) Welch, Tyler (Allie) Welch, Paige Gorman, Hailey Gorman and Lindsay Gorman; two great-grandchildren and a third on the way.  Jack is also survived by his companion, Sharon Evans, whom Jack met 22 years ago and who has been embraced by and become an integral part of his family.  They shared and enjoyed many mutual friends and years of travel together.

Friends are invited to celebrate Jack's life at the Kalas Funeral Home & Crematory, 2973 Solomons Island Rd., Edgewater, MD on Saturday, September 28 from 10 am to 12 pm. Inurnment will follow at Lakemont Memorial Gardens Cemetery in Davidsonville, MD at 12:30 pm. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the SPCA of Anne Arundel County, 1815 Bay Ridge Ave, Annapolis, MD 21403.

Condolences may be offered using the Memories link on this page.

John R. "Jack" Gorman

John R. "Jack" Gorman

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