William J. Gormley, Sr.

William J. Gormley, Sr., age 95, of Havertown, PA, passed away on May 15, 2025. Born in West Philadelphia, he was the proud third son of the late Charles E. and Hannah Gormley.

William always said he was lucky enough to marry and love two wonderful Mary’s. His first wife, Mary Gloria (nee Reuling) was his partner for 19 years and the mother of his six children. She preceded him in death in 1978. He and his second wife, Mary Theresa (nee Moran) shared 41 years together before she passed away in November 2024.

William was the ever loving father of Kathleen M. Scanlon (the late Michael), William J. Gormley, Jr. (Joan), Carol Dooling, Charles E. Gormley (Diane), Thomas M. Gormley (Christine), and Stephen G. Gormley (Sheila); proud grandfather of Kellie, Michael, William J. III, Catherine, Anne, John, Jaclyn, Alysse, Michael, Charles, Shannon, Thomas, Caroline, Erin, Kevin, and Caitlin; caring great-grandfather of Everly, Daniel, and William J. IV.

He was preceded in death by his three brothers, The Reverend Charles E. Gormley, John W. Gormley (the late Joan) and Richard D. Gormley (the late Florence and Mary Ellen.) Also survived by his dear in-laws: The late George Reuling, Jr, James and Renee Reuling, Bill Moran (Kate), John Moran (the late Joyce), Ed Moran (Ginny) and Kevin Moran (Ellie.) Also survived by many nieces, nephews and friends.

William was born on Christmas Eve in 1929 during the Great Depression. He grew up during World War II in a row house on Dunlap Street in Philadelphia, attended Saint Rosa of Lima grammar school and was a graduate of Saint Thomas More High School, the last surviving member of the Class of 1947. He was a proud Navy Veteran of the Korean War and worked in the metals distribution industry for 58 years before retiring at age 75. He was a man of faith and a parishioner of Annunciation BVM Church in Havertown, Pennsylvania for 65 years where he attended daily mass, served as cantor and lector, was active in the choir, Holy Name Society, Cub Scouts, and trained the altar servers. William was a member of the Knights of Columbus, 3rd Degree, Upper Darby Council #3132. He was also a member of the Men of Malvern Weekend Retreat Group from 1945.

He lived a life of faith, family and friends. His goal was, when he left this earth, he would be referred to as a true “Catholic Gentleman.” If you were ever having a down day, you’d be blessed to run into William Gormley. He greeted all with a “Hello My Friend” and a hug like no other. He always said, “When I woke up this morning, I knew something good was going to happen today and here I run into you. Thanks for making my day!”

Relatives and friends are invited to William’s Viewing on Wednesday, May 21, 2025, from 5:00-8:00 PM, at The Donohue Funeral Home, 8401 West Chester Pike, Upper Darby, PA 19082, followed by his Funeral Mass on Thursday, May 22, 2025 at 11:30 AM at Annunciation BVM Church, 401 Brookline Blvd, Havertown, PA 19083. Interment SS Peter & Paul Cemetery, Springfield, PA.

In lieu of flowers, contributions in William’s name to one of the three charities who shaped his life would be appreciated. Saint Thomas More Alumni Association (Checks may be sent to: STMAA, PO Box 294, Drexel Hill, PA 19026), Men of Malvern Retreat House (Checks may be sent to Malvern Retreat House P.O. Box 315 Malvern, PA 19355) or Annunciation BVM Church, Havertown (Donate online abvmh.org/online-giving)