Obituary
Daniel James Gorman passed on Sunday April 14, 2024 after valiantly battling Alzheimer’s Disease for more than a decade.
Beloved Partner to the love of his life, Jeanne Smith. Loving father of Keith (Judy), Danielle and the late Brett (Connie). Loving step dad of Glenn, Susie (Randy), Jeanette (Brian) and Diane (Mark) and the late Peter (Rina). Son of Francis and Millie Gorman. Brother of Jean Nelson (the late Jim), Dennis (Patty), Dean (Natalia) and the late David. Grandfather of Sami, Skyer, Chandler, Sawyer, Nathan, Kate and the late Anthony. Step grandfather of Britten, Courtney, Emma, R.J. Eric, Mikey, Olivia, Natelie, Devin, Megan, Scotty and Jared. Uncle of many nieces and nephews.
Dan was born in August 9, 1941 in Framingham Massachusetts. He was raised in Framingham with his sister Jean and brothers Dave, Dennis and Dean. Dan was a dual high school varsity sport athlete in baseball (outfield) and gymnastics (High Bar and Horse). Dan loved competition and always played hard, evidenced by a broken ankle sliding into home and a broken arm during a high bar competition. Notoriously conscious of his physical appearance, he insisted on following a healthy diet in high school and throughout his life. His high school nickname, “Two Can Dan”, was given to him by his buds, mocking his tendency to be ‘influenced’ by just two cans of beer. Throughout his life, Dan would laugh out loud whenever called “Two Can Dan”, as it became a term of endearment for friends and family. Dan had a great sense of humor, often dry and succinct. He always enjoyed a good laugh with friends and family, and kept true to his sense of humor to the end.
Dan graduated with a BS in Electrical Engineering from the University of Massachusetts in 1963. He was also artistically talented, studying art in both High School and at UMass. He concentrated on sketching the human body as well as WWII military themes. Dan was recruited by Sperry Rand Corporation as an electrical engineer immediately upon graduation from UMass. He worked for Sperry at its Long Island location, married Patricia and had three children, Keith, Brett and Danielle. While working at Sperry, Dan was assigned to US Naval Research vessels, sailing the North Atlantic, Gulf of Mexico, Caribbean and South Atlantic. The first time he crossed the equator he was tossed overboard by the crew, a naval tradition for sailors making their first voyage across the equator. On another of his voyages the ship’s captain awarded him the infamous “Z Award” during a ceremony held on the ship. Given in good jest, Dan received the plaque memorializing his ability to sleep soundly and loudly, no matter what the sea and ship conditions.
Dan received a Master’s degree from Columbia University, where he later taught for several years. After working for more than decade at Sperry Rand, he created his own company which he ran successfully before handing the reigns over to a colleague. Dan later worked for another engineering firm, Hazeltine Corporation, before finally retiring.
Dan and Jeanne moved to Fiddlesticks CC, Fort Myers in 2002 where they built their dream home, overlooking a canal and the Fiddlesticks practice range. This was his paradise, where he and Jeanne made many wonderful friends and memories together.
Dan, forever the athlete, enjoyed sports throughout his life, playing tennis, racquetball, skiing, snowboarding and then frequent weekend biking trips with Jeanne. Dan took up the sport of golf later
in life and quickly transformed into a lover of the game. His natural athletic ability helped grow his success and passion for golf. He regularly played the Long Mean and Wee Friendly courses of Fiddlesticks CC and in many of the club tournaments. He enjoyed playing golf no matter where Jeanne and Dan’s travels took them. In addition to playing golf with family and friends in New York, Massachusetts North Carolina and Florida, he played storied courses of Pebble Beach and Spanish Bay in California, Dye Fore and Teeth of the Dog in the Dominican Republic. Dan also played the Scottish courses Loch Lomond and Turnberry with Jeanne’s son Glenn, where Dan proudly broke 90 at each course.
A Christian, Dan did not wear his faith on his sleeve. Nevertheless, he often did the “works” expected of a Christian, quietly humble in his faith. As his disease began to ravage his physical and mental health he wore a crucifix as a symbol of his faith. When Dan was gifted the crucifix by brother Dennis, he quickly put it on, then said he was afraid he would lose it. When reminded that he never had to take it off he smiled, such a smile of solace. Dan wore his crucifix until the day he passed.
Rest in Peace Oh Danny Boy, Oh Danny Boy, we love you so!
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