David Gorman

David Gorman, age 79, of Brockton, died unexpectedly on February 23, 2026. He was the devoted husband of Judith Ann (Coleman) Gorman, for 55 years.

Dave was born and raised in Brockton and loved the City of Champions dearly. He was the son of Thomas and Mary (Coyne) Gorman. He attended the Ellis Brett School, West Junior High School, and Brockton High School. It was in his school days that he developed a love for running that he carried throughout his life and instilled in future generations. He even set a few track records in his youth.

Dave worked as a truck driver for Roadway Express for thirty years before retiring in 2000. He was a proud member of Teamsters Local 653. He was also a member of the Bertocci Club and often joked he had to join the club to see his brothers.

He was a man of great character. Many Brockton and surrounding area residents knew him as the director of the Kids Road Races, a position he held in the community for 40+ years. The Kids Road Races were a beloved part of his identity as he held them bi-annually in the spring and fall. He took tremendous pride in offering this youth sporting event for only $1 per race and followed the careers and life stories of many of its participants. Those involved in the Kids Road Races were amongst his dearest friends.

Dave took the most pride in his volunteer work. In addition to directing the Kids Road Races, he organized Brockton’s Jingle Bell Run, which benefited the Helping Hands Fund, for nearly 20 years. He also volunteered his time and energy (and road race equipment) to countless local road races, raising hundreds of thousands of dollars for various charities and was featured regularly in local newspapers for these actions.

Over the years various dignitaries and community organizations recognized him for his volunteerism, service, and citizenship. Particularly proud moments for him included being named a Champion of the City by the city of Brockton in 2002 and being inducted into the Brockton Athletic Hall of Fame in 2024.

Dave’s hobbies included his community service, of course, and he also enjoyed watching the Patriots with his family on Sunday afternoons. He loved doing yardwork and exercised regularly, often to counteract the pizza he ate the night before.

Dave was known for his giving spirit and garrulousness. He was a very social person and loved telling stories (often somewhat embellished) and spending time with family and friends. He was never shy to brag about the accomplishments of his children, grandchildren, and even himself! If anyone ever doubted him or wanted to know more, he often had his press clippings at the ready for anyone to read.

David is survived by his wife Judy, his two children, Kevin and wife Jennifer Gorman of Norwood, and Kathy and husband Mickey Ireland of Mansfield. He had five grandchildren who were the center of his world: Kerin, Jolene, and Cormac Gorman, and Bridget and Brendan Ireland. He is further survived by his brother Daniel Gorman and wife Susan of Bridgewater as well as several nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by three brothers: Gerald (and Patricia), Thomas (Tucker) (and Georgette), and Robert Gorman.

Despite his sudden death, he passed in circumstances most comfortable to him--at home and wearing a Kids Road Races sweatshirt.

Calling hours will take place at Conley, Russell & Pica Funeral Home located at 165 Belmont Street, Brockton, MA, 02301 from 3:00 to 7:00 pm on Thursday, March 12.

A funeral service will take place at the location listed above at 10:00 am on Friday, March 13 followed by a burial at Coweeset Cemetery in Brockton, MA.

A celebration of life for Dave will also take place on Saturday, March 14. Please contact a member of the immediate family for details.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Dave’s name to TheCharityGuild.org.