William Joseph Gorman , Jr.

William Joseph Gorman, Jr., born April 6, 1955, in Warwick, Rhode Island, passed from this life on February 24, 2026, at the age of 70, after a courageous battle with cancer. Known to many as Billy or Bill, he was the kind of man who lived without pretense: he broke the rules, challenged boundaries, and spoke his mind with a grin on his face and a twinkle in his eyes. While he may not have been the most polished, he was always real, and his willingness to share—even in the tough moments—was one of his most admirable traits. Bill loved an adventure, and was an arborist by trade. He enjoyed the freedom of riding his motorcycle and had a lifelong love of animals. He was especially fond of German Shepherds, most of all his beloved Roxy. He stayed up to date on the latest movies, rewatched Westerns, and was an avid fan of rock and country music. He never passed up an opportunity to go out for brunch. One of Billy’s proudest accomplishments was his many years of sobriety. While he credited Narcotics Anonymous with saving his life, those who knew him understood his recovery was a direct result of his own determination. Billy was a fighter, and the greatest battle he ever fought was with himself. He believed in tough love and the kind of direct guidance that came from lived experience. His dedication to N.A. and the relationships he built there were central to his life. Bill cherished the friendships he built both on the road and in the camaraderie of N.A. He showed up for others in ways that mattered: holding space, sponsoring people, and building genuine connection within the community he loved. He would want to be remembered for his dedication to recovery and his commitment to helping others along the way. Billy is survived by his two daughters, Christina L. Pearson (Jeremiah) of Harrisburg, PA, and Jennifer R. Gorman (Gregory Mallette) of Coventry, RI, as well as his grandsons, Devin L. Pearson and Gregory J. Mallette, Jr. He is also survived by his sister, G. Patricia McGuirl; his brother, Robert E. Deady, Jr.; and his nieces and nephews Jason, Danielle, Hayley, Hannah, Killian, and Sheamus. He was preceded in death by his father, William J. Gorman, Sr. (known as Goo); his mother, Patricia A. Deady; his stepfather, Robert E. Deady, Sr.; his sister, Deborah A. Sweeney; and his nephew, Anthony J. Cabral. Billy’s legacy lives on in the people he loved, the people he helped, and the people he inspired to keep going—one day at a time. A Committal Service will be held Monday April 6th at 11:00 a.m. in the chapel at St. Ann’s Cemetery, Cranston. Please plan to meet at the Cemetery's main gates no later than 9:45 a.m.

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William Joseph Gorman , Jr.

February 24, 2026