Dr. Benjamin Gorman died of natural causes, Monday, August 11, 2014. He was 80 years old. Gorman was a University of Florida Professor Emeritus of Sociology. He served as a university faculty member for 37 years, the last 28 of those at U of F, including a term as Department Chair. Before or during his U of F tenure, Gorman held faculty appointments at Adam Mischevitz University (Poland), Boston University, U. Dijon (France), Central State (Oklahoma), Florida State (London), Oklahoma State, U. Trier (Germany), Tulane University, and West Texas State.
Dr. Gorman was born in Bardstown, Ky. He attended Shimer College (Illinois) and received B.A. and PhD. Degrees from Tulane. He was a sometime officer in the Farm Foundation, Midwest Sociological Society, and Southern Sociological Society. He served as a ms. Evaluator for several professional journals book publishers and as a panelist for the National Institute of Health. He published two books and a variety of articles. His research ranged from leadership in the Black community through international differences in labor force utilization to esoteric techniques in quantification. He was awarded grants or contracts from, or served as a consultant to: NIMH, the U.S. Air Force, Florida Dept. Natural Resources, US Dept. Education, state of Texas, and research foundations in France, Germany, Poland, and Spain.
His favorite leisure activities included bridge, food (eating and cooking), poker, and traveling. Gorman is survived by his wife of 62 years, Zelda Joyce. And by his son, Brian Gorman (Bozeman, Mt.) and daughter Gayle Johnston (San Antonio, Tx) and by 5 grandchildren and 10 great-grandchildren.
Dr. and Mrs. Gorman have been long time supporters of the arts in Gainesville, especially the Hippodrome and Gainesville Friends of Jazz. They have endowed an annual prize for a graduate student in the Department of Sociology. Shoud you wish in lieu of flowers, donations may be made to any one of these.
There will be a “Remembrance Reception” held in his honor on Monday, August 18th at 3 PM in the Piano Atrium of Oak Hammock (5100 SW 25th Blvd). Hors d’oeuvres, Wine and other refreshment will be served. Dress will be “Day Casual”
Joyce, Gayle and Brian,
please know that you are surrounded by the love of the extended family in this time of sorrow. Ben was one of the greatest men I’ve known, and we all will remember his intelligence, his love, his wonderful dry Gorman humor. Keep the happy memories close as you adjust to his loss. Love to you all. Barb
John and I are so shocked and saddened to hear this news. Ben was the definition of eternal youth. I’ll never forget the surprise of hearing of your grandchildren long before we ever thought of having them. It just seemed impossible that anyone who seemed so young could have grandchildren of those ages. Ben was a pixie who didn’t hesitate to contribute his food ideas and interests to the UWC Gourmet Group where he will be sorely missed. His stories about his educational background were both impressive and entertaining. His absence will leave a real hole.
I am so sorry for your loss. Dr, Ben Gorman served on my doctoral dissertation committee, way back in 1973, and I remain thankful to him for helping me complete my doctorate at a very difficult time in my life. Just a few years ago, shortly before Ben and Joyce moved to Oak Hammock, I played an afternoon of bridge with Ben and Joyce. (I moved to Gainesville after a 30 year career in sociology at Ohio University.)
With sorrow at the loss of a fine professor and person, and with my sympathy,
Eric A, Wagner
My condolences, Joyce: I just heard of your loss through Mike Radelet. I am so saddened of your loss & wish I had known & definitely would have come to his memorial. .God bless & if you need company or anything at all, please let me know. I always enjoyed visiting with you two..I believe the last time I saw you was Dr. Streib’s memorial. My deepest sympathy..Please email or phone
485-1005, if I can help..love you♡, Sheran Flowers 🙂
JOYCE, I am so sorry to hear of Ben’s passing. I just found out today from Mike Radelet. I had no idea of your sad news or I would have been there for you with a big hug and share many special memories of our times together. God bless and would love to hear from you..my email is above. He’s up there entertaining everybody with his special humor and wit…he’s special in many ways. He was good to me and a great & understanding boss and colleague.. You are surrounded with your friends & family but know my heart goes out to you and your family. Love you dear friend… ♡♡