HEARTBROKEN friends of a city dad have spoken of their shock at his death and described how he helped them through dark times and could always make them smile.
A grieving community in Worcester has paid tribute to father-of-two Tom Gormley, who died aged 44, describing his kindness, compassion and willingness to help and defend others, even when he was struggling.
Friends have remembered Mr Gormley as a kind and funny man with a big heart whose cheek and charm touched the lives of others and who went out of his way to support people when they were in trouble.
Several said he could make others laugh, while others recalled his friendly nature and willingness to offer advice. The comments come ahead of a celebration of of Mr Gormley’s life at Brickfields Park in Worcester on Wednesday, October 14.
REMEMBERED: Tom Gormley will be remembered at a gathering at Brickfields Park next Wednesday (Image: Supplied by Tom Gormley’s family)
Tony de Simone said: “R.i.p brother top bloke helped me out when I was kicked out on the street looked after me in a dark time will never forget you brother.”
Cheryl Griffiths said: “He’s always been a kind and approachable person. Always up for giving advice to anyone who needed it, it’s a great shame he was never able to get the help he needed so desperately.”
Manlike Canlike said: “When I used to walk to school through the Arboretum, he always did something funny to make my little brother and me laugh. Saw him just the other day. Always says hello. Rip brother.”
MISSED: Tom Gormley has drawn many tributes from across Worcester as friends and family mourn his death (Image: Supplied by Tom Gormley’s family)
Martyn Jones wrote: “Rest now my brother Tom. I feel blessed for the years that we have been mates never forget you pal fly high till the day we meet again. RIP.”
Nicky Dorey said: “Remembering when he was a kid. Lovely lad, very cheeky and guaranteed a chuckle in his presence, everyone loved him. RIP Tom.”
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Barry Francis said: “God rest his soul. You’ll be missed by many xxxxx.”
Mr Francis also described Mr Gormley as an “absolute legend” in his tribute.
Mr Gormley’s family had earlier paid tribute, calling him a “lovely, cheeky and full of character and charm”. One family member said: “Everyone who came into contact with him absolutely loved him.”
IMPRESSION: Tom Gormley made a big impression in Worcester (Image: Supplied by Tom Gormley’s family)
He lived in Worcester all his life and was raised in Tolladine. Mr Gormley attended Elgar High School and enjoyed watching films, going to the gym and making people laugh.
The hope is that a memorial bench will provide a place for relatives and friends to meet and remember Mr Gormley.
A “Get Together for Tom Gormley” has also been arranged at Brickfields Park in Worcester on October 14. It will begin at 6.30pm, with a balloon lift planned for 7pm.
The gathering will allow people who knew Mr Gormley to pay their respects together. Friends and relatives have been invited to attend and remember his life in the city.
Details of when, where and how Mr Gormley died have not been shared publicly by his family. Notes about his death said only that it happened earlier this year, although it was understood to have been in recent days.
