Joseph M. Gorham

RUMFORD – Joseph M. Gorham, 76, was lovingly accepted into God’s arms at home in Rumford on March 7, 2026.

Joey was born in Rumford on May 25, 1949 to William and Christine “Teena” Gorham. He had the great blessing of a large, eccentric, and loving family. As the oldest of eight siblings, he was a trailblazer.

He grew up on Penobscot Street and attended St. Athanasius School and Stephens High School. He pursued higher education at Thomas More School and Assumption College. He ventured out into the world, living in Rhode Island, Colorado, Hawaii, and Florida to collect many memories and motorcycles. He often said he enjoyed his best “retirement” when he was young. He lived a big, adventurous life before moving back to Rumford to open The Shelter Lounge at Teena’s Restaurant.

Joe became a figure of the community during his 35 years as a bartender at The Shelter. He loved to bring people together. Still now, everyone loves reminiscing with him about their fun nights at the bar: karaoke, the legendary Halloween parties, or just catching up with friends over his famous margaritas.

He was also proud of his years of service at The Parish of the Holy Savior, Thibault Funeral Home, and Mountain View Eyecare.

Everyone was drawn to his larger-than-life personality. Whether you’ve known him since childhood or were newly acquainted, he shared a familiarity and good-spirited banter with all. He had quotable catchphrases, was a loyal pen pal, and enjoyed regular phone calls with old friends.

If you asked his siblings, they would say he was his mother’s favorite. Joey and Teena shared a special bond. They were close at heart, and even closer in distance, when he moved in next door to raise his children. Joe lived up to the role of eldest brother, always setting a great example of what not to do (his words)! He was thankful for his brothers who would always show up with the right tool, a helping hand, or the perfect advice. His sisters and sisters-in-law were his confidants and caretakers, constantly pampering Joey!

Joe’s proudest accomplishment was his three children. He supported their academic pursuits, praising them as “genius time,” and was on the sideline of every sporting event. In their adulthood, he called Addy every night, visited Alyssa and her kids in Florida, and always had a long list of projects for Hanson’s visits home. He was the best dad and cherished being Papa Joe to his grandsons, Jack and Jude.

Joe loved his leisure time, like summer days at Roxbury Pond where he’d count down to a sunset cruise on the Party Barge. His golfing career began at his father’s driving range and led him to courses across the East Coast. A local celebrity, he hosted Channel 7’s coverage of Oakdale Golf Tournaments and MVHS basketball, and was the opening voice of 96.3’s Morning Jab. A devoted member of The Parish of the Holy Savior, he lived his faith and reminded everyone to “Keep God in the Equation.”

Joseph was predeceased by his parents, William and Christine Gorham; and siblings John Gorham and Katharine Symington.

Joe is survived by his siblings Bridget and Steve, Christopher and Jane, Patrick and Roxanne, Mark and Mindy, and Kelly and Katie; as well as many nieces and nephews. He is survived by his children Hanson Gorham, Addy Gorham, and Ethan Foss; and his grandchildren Jack and Jude Foss.

Joe arrived in Heaven just in time to welcome his daughter, Alyssa Foss, on March 11, 2026, after her courageous and hard‑fought battle with cancer.

Funeral services for Joe will be held at The Parish of the Holy Savior, with a date to be announced.

Arrangements by Thibault Remembrance Center, 250 Penobscot St. in Rumford, 364-4366. To share memories and condolences with The Gorham Family, please visit http://www.thibaultremembrancecenter.com