Barratt (Barrie) Arthur Gorman, 76 died Tuesday, August 12, 2025 while swimming off of his beach at sunset, one of his favorite activities in life.
Barratt was born in Lockport, New York, October 1,1948 to Thomas and Hazel (Kinney) Gorman. He attended Lockport High School and graduated in 1966. In 1970, he graduated from SUNY Oswego with a degree in science. While at SUNY Oswego he was a proud brother of the Sigma Tau Chi Fraternity. Barrie started teaching at St. Paul’s Elementary after graduation before finding his lifelong career at the James A. Fitzpatrick Power Plant (now Entergy). His passion for science and the world kept him engaged at the Environmental Lab for 30 years. At the time of his death he was splitting his time between Oswego, New York and Jensen Beach, Florida. Barrie was an iconoclast to modern living, sometimes to the frustration of those who loved him. His love of natural things and his unique way of fusing them into everyday life was unique and evident in his surroundings. Rocks, driftwood, glass and light permeated all things in his creative world. Sculptures in his house, sprawling stone paths, gardens and stained glass peppered his property. Eschewing from everyday things like drinking water, watching television (with the exception of his beloved NOVA), and rules being followed – he was a person who was all his own, but always invited you to join. As the organizer of many annual “family” events, such as the Birthday Bowl, Glen Vintage Weekend, and Harborfest gathering, or nightly fires on the beach at his house, everyone was included. Whether you were his best friend or a stranger he met for the first time, you were offered a drink and told a joke. His home was a veritable museum to all his interests from his life, piles of materials yet to be used, boat models, books, music, etc and always interesting to walk through to see his current fascination. His greatest resource however was the many couches, beds and unique places for his guests to sleep, including the coveted “treadmill bed”. Nothing gave Barrie more joy than a house full of people. When not creating or building, Barrie loved adventures, including sailing his boat on Lake Ontario, farther afield to the Bahamas, and rafting down the Colorado River. He was lucky to have many profound friendships over the course of his life and attracted people wherever he went.
He is survived by his brother Thomas Gorman (Cathy), brother Kevin Gorman (Susan), daughter Sarah Kelley, son Peter Gorman (Jillian), son Michael Gorman (Courtney), grandchildren Ezekiel, Michaela, Benjamin, Zaiah, Cole, Hazel and Waylon. He is also survived by his longtime companion Mary Flynn, his many nieces and nephews, former spouse Terri Gorman, and all of his brothers of Sigma Tau Chi.
A private celebration of life is scheduled for this Fall.
The arrangements are in the care of the Sugar & Scanlon Funeral Home, 147 W. 4th. St Oswego.
One of the best of us.
Always smiling, ready to enjoy the people he was with. Such a comfortable guy to be around.
He was highly thought of, and will be sorely missed by all who knew him.
Sail on brother.
Peace
Dearest Barry
You were a beacon of light always funny, hard working and playful. Our neighborhood won’t be the same without you. I am sure you are in a better place but we will truly miss you
Love Lil
We lost a Legend! Thanks for mentioning his other Family! It was a great privilege meeting Barrie when I was still a Student in the Late 90s and an active Brother at Sig Tau. I could always count on Barrie to be at the House of Blue for any Alumni Weekend I turned up at and many Harborfests! My Condolences to his family and close friends that knew him best.