R. Joe Gorton, 49, of Homer City, passed away at home peacefully on June 2, 2020 from an unexpected cardiac arrest. He was born on July 7, 1970 in Latrobe PA. He was the son of Ronald and Shirley (Piper) Gorton, of Blairsville, PA.
He graduated in 1988 from Blairsville-Saltsburg Senior High School, where he enjoyed playing football. Joe followed in his father and grandfathers footsteps in becoming a Journeyman Electrician for IBEW local #5, serving over 22 years. In that time he taught for the union electrical apprenticeship program for 17 years. Joe recently was elected to the executive board for his union.
Joe was a member of Williamson Lodge #431 of Saltsburg and Coudersport Consistory where he became a 33rd degree Master Mason. He was also a member of numerous clubs and associations. Joe was a hard working family man. He was quick witted and known to be the “life of the party.” Joe knew and spoke to everyone, and he was always willing to lend a hand to anyone in need. Everyone that knew him walked away with a smile. He enjoyed his IBEW “brothers” and all of their “pranks.”
Joe enjoyed watching his son Joey perform throughout his high school and college years in multiple bands, band competitions, percussion ensembles and the IUP marching band. Joe was so proud of Joey buying his first new car. Joe also enjoyed coaching his daughter, Felicia’s softball team, watching her cheer and compete, becoming a successful RN and an amazing mother. One of his most recent cherished moments was hearing his grandson say “love you Pappy.”
He loved bowling with his wife Mandi, golfing with his father-in-law Terry, playing cards with his friends “Saturday night card night,” and going side-by-siding in the “Pinto.” He enjoyed fishing, boating and building huge camp fires while singing with his mother-in-law Ruth. He enjoyed all of his “camp family.” Joe was a devoted family man and loved by all. As a last selfless act Joe was an organ donor.
He is survived by his loving wife and high school sweetheart of 28 years, Mandi (Shields) Gorton of Homer City. His two children, daughter, Felicia (Paul) Girouard, of Shelocta, son, Joseph “Joey” Gorton of Homer City, two amazing Grandsons, Carson Girouard and Kyzer Girouard.
He is also survived by his father, Ronald Gorton of Blairsville, sister, Wendy (Jay) Leary, niece, Carlee Leary and nephew, Jacob Leary of Blairsville. His in-laws, Terry R. and Ruth (Durand) Shields of Indiana. Brother-in-law, Terry A. (Brenda) Shields and niece, Jazmin Shields of Blairsville.
Joe was preceeded in death by his mom, Shirley (Piper) Gorton, his brother, Tony and his sister, Brenda.
Friends and Family will be received on Friday June 5th from 2-8PM with a celebration of his life at 8PM at Bowser Funeral Home and Cremation Services, Inc., Homer City.
Due to the current pandemic we are asking for family and friends to please wear a mask.
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