Date of death: 8/2/2014
Saint Meinrad Class: O 1954
Mr. Bill Gorman, 86, of Louisville passed away on Saturday, August 2, 2014 at the Nazareth Home.He was preceded in death by his parents, John William Gorman, Sr. and Blanche Hinton Gorman; and his sister, Ruth Ann Pierce.Left to cherish his memory are his loving wife of 41 years, E. Celeste Gorman and brother Patrick T. Gorman (Barbara Lammers Gorman); sister-iJamn-law Diana Dalton; 13 nieces and nephews; 26 great nieces and nephews; and 8 great great nieces and nephews; and many , many dear friends.Bill grew up in Holy Name Parish after which he entered the seminary. He was ordained a Catholic priest and served actively in the Archdiocese of Louisville for 18 years. He taught and/or coached at Flaget High School, Trinity High School, Bishop David High School and Spalding University. During these years he was an avid learner and student of theology, psychology, and family therapy, earning three masters degrees (Divinity, Religious Education, Guidance and Counseling). He conducted many study groups, workshops and retreats in schools and parishes. He also founded the Roncalli Center, a catechetical education center for religion teachers.In 1971 he received a grant to study Marriage and Family therapy at the Institute for Religion and Human Development in Houston Texas. He left the priesthood at this time to develop a career in Marriage and Family Therapy. On returning to Louisville, he opened a private practice and worked with individuals, couples, families and groups for 38 years. He volunteered his time throughout his career to educate and supervise young therapists. Bill also taught in the University of Louisville Family Therapy Programs. He was instrumental in pursuing legislation on behalf of Marriage and Family Therapy which ultimately led to regulation of the profession in Kentucky.In 1998 the Kentucky Association for Marriage and Family Therapy awarded Bill the following: “Distinguished Contribution to Marriage & Family Life Award For Meritorious Service to the Families in the Commonwealth of Kentucky”Bill was also an avid U of L Fan, and a member of St. Margaret Mary Church for 38 years. He was a very bright and gifted man, generous to a fault in his service to others. He cherished his family and friends above all and excelled in gratitude for the gifts that came his way. For those who knew and loved him, it is the end of an era. His passing leaves a big hole in the universe.The family wished to thank Nazareth Home for the kindness and compassion Bill received while there, and for the extraordinary care given to him by the nursing staff and by Dr. Jane Cornett.