Joseph J. Gorse of Medford died on Friday, December 16, at Meadow View Nursing Home of North Reading. Raised and educated in Charlestown and Somerville, he was the son of the late William E. and Julia (Crosby) Gorse. Joseph proudly served in the Army during World War II, and later worked as a stationary fireman.
Joe was an avid golfer who loved playing. He didn't like those water holes though. He was also an avid bowler (94) average and played on the Warren Pals league every Monday for 30 years until recently. Joe loved tinkering on OUR older cars and it wouldn't be out of the ordinary to see him with a stethoscope trying to hear an engine knock. Joe was old school. He didn't like to hire anyone for anything if he thought he could do it himself - and that included volunteering his "services" at his children's homes. It may have taken double the time but Joe always got it done.
Joe loved his coffee but boy it had to be HOT. Dunkins around the corner was his favorite. He was a regular car or no car. He didn't like going out to eat much but when he did it was the "Hilltop". Joe didn't much like the beach either but when he did suggest it, we'd pack up the car at 4:00PM and head to the beach. Joe enjoyed many family vacations with his family to Disney, Colorado, Hawaii, Ireland and London and to a local favorite Old Silver Beach in Falmouth. He loved to entertain us playing the organ he bought 25 years ago.
He enjoyed weddings because he loved to dance. Playing cards was a favorite activity and more often than not he won. He was happiest when surrounded by his entire family especially at Christmas where he kept the area around "The Chair" clean for his grand kids and great grand kids.
Joseph was the beloved husband of Kathleen (Horan) Gorse, and the devoted father of Kathleen Sullivan and her husband Frank of Beverly, Jo-Ann Gregorowicz and her husband Bob of Reading, Arlene Latsey and her former husband, Peter, both of Tewksbury, Joseph J. Gorse Jr. "Jack" and his wife Carol of Stoneham, and Caroline Junta and her husband Patrick of Stoneham. He was the loving grandfather of Matthew and his wife Hillary, Patrick, David, Jonathan, Catherine, Eric, Alexis, Joseph III, Lauren, Jacklyn, and Jen, and the loving great grandfather of Dennis and Brooke Sullivan. Joseph was the brother of the late Mary Connolly, Dorothea Morin, Esther O'Brien, William Gorse, Robert Gorse, and Jean Worshan. He is survived by his nephew, Rev. Peter Connolly, and many more loving nieces and nephews.
Funeral from the Dello Russo Funeral Home, 306 Main St., Medford on Wednesday, December 21 at 9 AM followed by a funeral mass celebrated in St. Joseph Church, 118 High St., Medford, at 10 AM. Relatives and friends are respectfully invited to attend. Services will conclude with burial at Oak Grove Cemetery, Medford. Visiting hours Tuesday, December 20, from 4 through 8 PM.
As an expression of sympathy, contributions may be sent in Joseph's name to Children's Hospital of Boston, 1 Autumn St, #731, Boston, MA 02215.