Francis X. Gorham

Rev. Francis X. Gorham, O.M.I., 80, died at Lowell, MA, on December 25, 2011. He was born in South Boston, MA, on May 2, 1931, the son of the late John J. "Bunny" Gorham and Helen "Nellie" (Hayes) Gorham. In addition to his parents, he was predeceased by a brother, John "Bunny" Gorham.
He attended Gate of Heaven High School in South Boston. He studied at the Oblate Seminary in Newburgh, NY, and then completed his studies in philosophy and theology at the Oblate College, Washington, DC. He was ordained a priest in the Missionary Oblates of Mary Immaculate in Washington, DC, on May 21, 1958.
During his 53 years of priestly ministry, Fr. Gorham served in several parishes and other locations. His early assignments were in Indianapolis, IN, and Lowell, MA, and as hospital chaplain in West Jefferson, OH. He served parishes in Andover, OH, Millington, TN, Grand Rapids, MI, Douglas, GA, and West Palm Beach, FL, where he also served as a high school chaplain. In the last ten years of his ministry, Fr. Gorham was hospital chaplain in Lowell, MA, and chaplain at Tewksbury Hospital, Tewksbury, MA. Fr. Gorham retired in 2010.
Fr. Gorham's mother was a talented performer. He inherited from her a gifted singing voice. His talent and boyish charm enlivened many gatherings of friends over his life time.
Fr. Gorham is survived by his sister-in-law, Patricia Gorham, Lynnfield, MA; nephews John Gorham, Tewksbury, MA; Michael Gorham, Richmond, VA; Francis Gorham, Swampscott, MA; Thomas Gorham, Peabody, MA; and nieces Mary Rae, South Boston, MA; Susan Gaglione, Penacook, NH; and Linda Caslin, Lincoln, MA.