Obituary of John R. Gormley Jr.

GORMLEY, JOHN RAYMOND JR. 92 of Egg Harbor Township (formerly of Ventnor), passed away peacefully on September 13, 2024, on his 92nd birthday, following a lengthy illness. John was born and raised in Atlantic City he was a life time area resident. He was preceeded in death by his Father and Mother Raymond and Irma Gormley; his brother Larry Gormley; his son John Raymond Gormley III and his first wife and mother of his children Paula Ridgway. A Graduate of Holy Spirit High School Class of 1950, John served in the United States Marine Corps with the 2nd Marine Division-(Fleet Marine Force) (1st Battalion 8th Marines) based in Camp Lejeune, North Carolina during the Korean Conflict era and was deployed several times on Med-Cruises. He received the Navy Occupation Medal (Europe), Navy Occupation Service Medal, National Defense Service Medal, and Good Conduct Medal. Following his Honorable Discharge from the Marine Corps as a Sergeant, he attended and graduated from Temple University and Eccles College of Mortuary Science. He had spent many summers serving as an Atlantic City Beach Patrol Lifeguard. John was a NJ licensed Funeral Director for over 65 years. John embraced life with enthusiasm, his kindness and generosity had no boundaries. He loved being with family and friends of which he had many lifetime friends. He was always ready with a story and for a party, he believed everyday was a day to celebrate. He hosted many bashes for every occasion on Somerset Avenue. He loved food, always looking for something new to experience with food. He enjoyed travelling across the country trying new foods and attending many festivals that boasted exotic food, or go to a friend's house to cook for them. He truly loved cooking for family and friends and morning visits with his Ventnor friends -- you know who you are! John loved fishing! He spent summers fishing in Alaska for Halibut and Salmon with his brother and friends and fishing the local back bays and ocean including Florida and anyplace he could cast a hook and line. John also enjoyed crabbing and canoeing in the back bay. He was an avid crossword puzzle enthusist and would complete the puzzles daily with his wife Margo. John is survived by his wife Margarette "Margo" Gormley, his children-Mary Bullock (Jim), Joanne Cheek (Larry), Beth Johnson (Bob), Paul Gormley (Donna) and Joseph Gormley; Step children, Christine Harrington, Michael Harrington (Denise); grandchildren Jamie Hoffman (Josh), Ryan Bullock, Carly Argue (Jordan), Michael Cheek (Courtney) Patrick Cheek (Haley), Jennifer Cheek, Robert Johnson (Chandler), Raymond Johnson (Kate), Jessica Holliday (Ian) and James John "JJ" Gormley, his sisters; Marcie McAvaddy (Jack), Sister Irene "EE" Gormley RSM, and sister-in-law Mitzi Gormley, 16 Greatgrand children (and three on the way), many nieces, nephews and cousins. A Mass of Christian Burial will be Celebrated for John Raymond Gormley 11:30am Friday, September 20, 2024 at Our Lady Star of the Sea Church 2651 Atlantic Avenue, Atlantic City, NJ 08401. Relatives and friends may begin to gather for his viewing from 9:30am in the Church. Donations in his memory may be made to: Our Lady Star of the Sea (OLSS) School 15 North California Avenue, Atlantic City, NJ 08401 would be appreciated. Burial will be private. Arrangements by the Gormley Funeral Home LLC/AC (gormleyfuneralhomellc.com).