Obituary: Kevin J. Gorham
August 30, 1948 – December 9, 2024
December 13, 2024
Kevin J. Gorham. 1948-2024
Kevin J. Gorham, 76, passed away peacefully on December 9, 2024, at his home in Waterbury Center, surrounded by his beloved wife and daughter. Born on August 30, 1948, in Bellows Falls, Vermont, to Ethel Gorham and Ralph Gorham, Kevin's journey through life was marked by love, passion, and service.
Kevin met the love of his life, MaryBeth, during their college years in Pennsylvania, where they laid down roots and started a family. The Green Mountains called them back to Kneeland Hill in 1998, where Kevin reveled in the beauty of Vermont. Summer evenings found him on the back deck, soaking in the stunning sunsets over Camel’s Hump.
An athlete and lover of the outdoors, Kevin's fraternity brothers fondly recall his perfect jump shot, infectious smile, and the twinkle in his eyes. He embraced Vermont's spirit of adventure, enjoying cross-country skiing, hiking, biking, golfing, swimming and kayaking, often in the company of his daughter, Missy, and best friend, Clair Shepard. A dedicated fan, Kevin rarely missed a Celtics or Philadelphia Eagles game. Go Green!
When Kevin wasn't off on an adventure, he kept busy assisting his wife with her gardening passion. He provided the muscle and championed her enthusiasm for creating a vibrant and beautiful landscape together.
In June 2011, Kevin's dedication to service was recognized with the prestigious Paul Harris Award from Rotary International. He joined the Waterbury Rotary Club soon after, where MaryBeth had been a member since 2004. Following Tropical Storm Irene, Kevin and his friend Charlie Grenier, as part of the Rotary sheet-rocking crew, tirelessly helped rebuild homes for flood victims.
Kevin’s big smile could light up a room. His kindness and generosity knew no bounds. He loved his family deeply, always putting their needs above his own.
Kevin J. Gorham's legacy of love, laughter, and service will forever be cherished by all who knew him.
He is survived by his loving wife of 53 years, MaryBeth; his cherished daughter and best friend, Melissa (Missy) Gorham of Waterbury Center; his son, James E. Gorham of Berlin, Vermont; grandchildren, Harper Lee Gorham and Holden James Gorham; his brother Robert Gorham of Albuquerque, New Mexico; his sister Elaine Gorham, also of Albuquerque; and his stepbrother Mark Strange of Wilbraham, Massachusetts.
Visitation will be held on Jan. 5, 2-4 p.m. at Perkins-Parker Funeral Home in Waterbury. A celebration of life will follow from 4 to 7 p.m. at Blackback Pub in Waterbury.
In lieu of flowers please consider donating to Central Vermont Home Health & Hospice or the Waterbury Ambulance Station Creation Project.