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Eugene Gorman

Jaycox-Jaworski Funeral Home & Crematory

Obituaries | The Tube City Almanac | May 21, 2024

Eugene Francis Gorman, 90, of McKeesport, passed away peacefully at Whitetail Springs Assisted Living on Sunday, May 19, 2024. Born August 6, 1933, in Pittsburgh, PA, to Frank and Elizabeth Gorman. Gene grew up in Greenfield. He was the fourth brother of siblings: Jay, Connie, Paul, and Bill (all deceased), survived by Bud, Butch, and Marzie.

Gene passionately played sandlot football and softball daily at Magee Field. A Central Catholic graduate, he proceeded to Potomac State College to play football. In one game against Glenville, he had three interceptions, including a 97-yard touchdown return. This earned him a spot on the University of Pennsylvania's football team. It was on that field, he was drafted by the US Army. He proudly served his country for two years in Munich, Germany. He studied at Penn State University, ultimately graduating from the University of Pittsburgh with a degree in education and a master's degree from Duquesne University. Returning home from Germany, he met the love of his life, the late Mary Kay O'Toole and was married to her for 63 years.

He became the first head football coach and Biology teacher at Serra Catholic High School. His influence on his students and players lasted a lifetime. His Crooner's voice performed "Moon River" and "I Left My Heart in San Francisco" at Serra proms and later at students' weddings. Central Catholic, South Allegheny, and St. Joe's also topped his resume.

Gene was also a champion swimmer. His lifeguarding at Schenley Park Pool provided his family with the quintessential summer camp. It included cookouts and sing-alongs with some of Oakland and Lawrenceville's finest. He took his last lifeguard test at the age of 80 and received a standing ovation when he passed it.

A die-hard fan of the Steelers, Pirates, Notre Dame, and Yankees, he loved the game. He treasured traveling, walking the track, and cheering at local sporting events with his wife. Most of all, Gene was a proud father, grandfather, and great-grandfather who always put his family first. His wife described him as "the most reliable, faithful, inspirational, no maintenance man on the face of the earth." His students applauded "his prioritized balance of life: God, family, school, sports, and then everything else..."
"I competed well; I finished the race, and I kept the faith."

He is survived by his three children, Mary of Steamboat Springs, CO; Sally Leonatti (Don); and Tim of McKeesport; three grandchildren, Jennifer Summers (AJ) and Jessica Leonatti; and three great-grandchildren, Ethan, Jack and Edie Summers. No visitation is scheduled. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Thursday, May 30, 2024, at 10 a.m. at St. Rosalia Church in Greenfield, with Rev. Douglas Boyd officiating. Inurnment will follow at Calvary Cemetery. Condolences and memories may be shared at www.jaycox-jaworskifh.com.

Originally published May 21, 2024.

Other deaths:
"Darien Clark" || "Rev. John David Else"