Gregory J. Gorman

Gregory J. Gorman, 57, of Needham, passed away at home with his family by his side on Saturday, April 12, 2025. Greg was the beloved husband of Valerie (Davis) Gorman and the loving and proud father of Liam M. Gorman. 

Greg was an exceptional and selfless person. His infectious smile, great sense of humor and easygoing, friendly nature connected him effortlessly with people, and he became an instant friend to everyone he met. Greg always sought to find the good in people and bring out the best in others. He was a master at making people feel good, simply by being himself. He always tried to leave things better than he found them - and he certainly did the lives of those that knew and loved him.

Born in Dublin, Ireland, Greg was the son of Dymphna and the late Ralph Gorman. He was the youngest of five: his brothers David Gorman and Michael Gorman, and his sisters Therese O'Toole and Valerie Balfe. 

At age 23 Greg left his hometown of Palmerstown, Dublin, and set off for Australia where fate led him to meet Val, a fellow Dubliner who would become his beloved wife and lifelong companion. Greg and Val spent 3 years in Sydney, and traveled around Australia. They returned to Ireland but were restless for another adventure. After only a year, Greg and Val set off for Boston.

Greg worked at Software House for many years, followed by 15 years at Harvard University Police Department’s IT Security. He loved both workplaces for the lifelong friendships and connections with coworkers.

Greg loved to spend time at home – working in the basement. He loved to potter around the house and he was the fixer of all things mechanical, electrical, or structural. When he wasn’t building or improving things around the house, Greg would most likely be carefully researching the next project on his list. “Measure twice and cut once!” was his mantra. His passion extended to the outdoors and he truly enjoyed gardening, planting, taking care of his yard, and, most of all, spending time with friends around his firepit. He was a self-proclaimed yapper and very sociable within his own group of friends. His ideal weekend was watching Premier League matches on TV, especially if his favorite team, Liverpool, were playing.

Greg treasured his yearly trips back to Ireland to see his Mam and family. He always tried to include a pop-in at The Palmerstown House to meet up with his family and old friends for a pint, followed by his favorite smoked cod at the local chipper. Greg’s fondest memories included going to the cinema in Harold’s Cross with his Dad, the golf range with his Dad and summer holidays in Wexford.

Above all, Greg was a devoted husband and father. His affection for Val was obvious and constant throughout their 26 years of marriage. Even during the most challenging times of the past two years, he would frequently be caught sharing a knowing glance and a smile with her as they worked through challenges together. He adored his son, Liam, and took great pride in Liam’s school accomplishments and piano playing. Greg and Liam had a tight bond, and Greg loved every moment they spent together playing video games, watching movies, discussing cars, music, scuba diving and even a flying lesson. 

During his two years of being treated for pancreatic cancer, Greg embraced every available treatment and surgery, so he could share more time with his loved ones, all while maintaining a positive attitude. He never let it get the better of him, often reminding his family, “It could be worse.” Cancer never dimmed Greg’s charisma. Even in the midst of his own treatment at Dana Farber, he held doors for others, uplifted fellow patients, and continuously expressed heartfelt gratitude to his care team.

The family is deeply grateful to Dr. Harshabad Singh and his team at Dana-Farber. Their professionalism, compassion and humanity made Greg feel as though he were their only patient. The family is profoundly grateful for the unwavering generosity, kindness, and support of dear friends over the past two years.

In addition to Val and Liam, Greg will also be sadly missed and lovingly remembered by his mother Dymphna, brothers Dave and Mick, and their wives Philomena and Marie, sisters Therese and Val, and their husbands Declan and Pat, mother-in-law Marie, brothers-in-law Ken and Tony, sister-in-law Helen, and her husband James, and all his nieces and nephews, relatives and friends.

To honor Greg’s memory, Greg’s family invites you to raise a glass to him and keep cheering for Liverpool – just as he would. 

In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to a charity of your choice as a meaningful way to remember Greg. 

Visiting hours will be held Tuesday April 15 from 5pm to 7:30pm at Eaton Funeral Home, 1351 Highland Avenue, Needham. 

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held in St. Joseph Church, 1360 Highland Ave, Needham, on Wednesday, April 16th at 10am. Relatives and friends are kindly invited. Interment is private. For full obituary please visit www.eatonfuneralhomes.com