Joseph Gorman

Joseph Iler Gorman, known to his friends and family as Joe, Grandpa Joe, and JoJo, passed away on September 4, 2026, in Gilroy, California, at the age of 96. He was born on August 5, 1930, in the Blaine Bottom area of Oklahoma, near the town of Keota.

Joe lived a full and active life, marked by hard work, family, athletics, faith, adventure, and a great sense of humor. In his younger years, he was an amateur boxer, and he continued as a talented city league athlete up until the age of 50, earning MVP honors more than once. He also coached sports and enjoyed sharing his love of athletics with others.

Joe held several jobs in his younger years, including working at a car dealership and serving as a reserve police officer. He often joked that he was Barney Fife from The Andy Griffith Show. He eventually built a successful career with PG&E, working his way up to foreman and running major jobs installing gas lines for new residential and commercial construction. His meticulous nature, exceptional eye for detail, and pride in being a sharp dresser were hallmarks of both his work and his life.

Faith was an important part of Joe’s life. He joined First Baptist Church of Gilroy in 1949 and remained a faithful member until his death, making him the longest-serving member in the church’s history. He also served faithfully as a Deacon, giving many years of service to his church and community.

After retiring in his mid-50s, he enjoyed traveling, especially the many cross-country road trips he took with his family. But perhaps Joe’s greatest gift was the fun he brought to those around him. He loved playing pranks and scaring people, and generations of children and grandchildren knew all about the mysterious “dingbat” who lived under the bed. Those stories and the laughter that came with them will live on in the family for years to come.

Joe was devoted to his family. He was the loving father of Christopher, Steven, and Laura. He is survived by Christopher and his wife, Dawn; Steven and his longtime partner, Donna Tapella; and Laura and her husband, Chris Harbert. He was a proud grandfather to Aaron, Sarah, Jennie, Tonya, Julia, Scott, and Lisa, and leaves behind many great-grandchildren and great-great-grandchildren. He is also survived by his siblings, Betty Blakley, Marland Gorman, Fred Gorman, and Ronald Gorman.

Joe was preceded in death by his parents, Kittie Clinton Gorman and Joseph Robert Gorman; his beloved wife, Mae Laverne Gorman; his brothers, Julius “Buddy” Gorman and Charles “Cyril” Gorman; and his sister, Marian “Ruth” Sargent.

During the final three years of his life, Joe lived at Merrill Gardens in Gilroy, where he enjoyed the friendship and companionship of a wonderful community. He was loved by many, and his memory will live on through his family, friends, stories, laughter, faith, and the many generations he leaves behind.

And somewhere, perhaps, the dingbat is still under the bed.

Dad, Joe, Grandpa Joe, JoJo—you will be deeply missed and forever remembered.