Obituary: John Francis Gorham

John Francis Gorham, at 97

John Francis Gorham, 97, of Weymouth and formerly of Hull, passed away on December 15, 2023, in the company of his family. 

Known as Jack, Mr. Gorham was born in Braintree on January 17, 1926, to the late Elmer and Helen (Payson), and was one of nine children. After serving honorably as a master sergeant in the U.S. Army, Mr. Gorham and his wife, Barbara, started their life together in Quincy, eventually relocating to Hull, where they raised their nine children. Mr. Gorham was a loving and devoted family man. He retired as a member of the AFSCME Local 1395 after working as a custodian in the Hull Public Schools for 20 years, and worked multiple second jobs to provide for his family.

Mr. Gorham was predeceased by his beloved wife of 73 years, Barbara (Beatey), his son, Scott, and seven siblings. He is survived by children Deborah Moore and her husband, Allen; John and his wife, Paula; Douglas and his partner, Deirdre Kahler; Michael and his wife, Meg; Geoffrey; Alan and his wife, Debbie; Kim Donnellan and her husband, Frank; and Amy Langan; 12 grandchildren; 18 great-grandchildren; one great-great-grandchild; and his sister, Claire Cleggett and her husband, Billy.

A memorial visitation will be held on Wednesday, January 24, from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. at the Downing Cottage Funeral Chapel, 21 Pond St., Hingham. Burial will take place on Thursday, January 25 at 10:15 a.m. at the Massachusetts National Cemetery in Bourne.

In lieu of flowers, donations in memory of Jack Gorham can be made to the DAV or the Salvation Army. For more information and online guestbook, visit www.downingchapel.com.