Theodore J. Gourley Sr.

“I have no idea when romance will end” is the opening line of Theodore Gourley’s unpublished memoirs. “Enduring love and an incurable curiosity about life and world cultures have been an essential part of my active life.” A retired military officer with the United States Air Force and veteran of World War II, Theodore Gourley passed away on Monday morning, August 4, 2014, after a brief illness. In recent years, Ted had begun to write his life story with the hope of leaving a legacy of memories for his family. He often marveled at his good fortune to have had such a rewarding and long life shared with his wife of 68 years. Josephine Gourley passed away in 2010. Born in Clifton, New Jersey, he was the second son of Louise and Hugh Gourley. Louise was a ribbon weaver and his father, a shipping clerk in a linen factory. “My birth came four years after the silent movie Tillie’s Punctured Romance, the first full length comedy silent film released in 1914. His first memories, however, were of moving to the second floor of a two-family house near Paterson. He particularly remembered the trolley car that passed by the house, and the clip-clop of horses’ hoofs from the horse-drawn wagons and carriages. Ted Gourley’s love affair with adventure began when he was just three years old—a journey by train from the East Coast to a farm in Volga, South Dakota. Ted spent his earliest years growing up on a farm, riding the family horse Lady to the one room school house, and of course, doing typical farm chores. From this humble beginning, Ted’s curiosity and love of life took root. He would instill his passion for learning to his children. In 1935, as a young man of 17, he took a job with Sikorsky Aircraft in Stratford, Connecticut. He later admitted he fabricated some prior experience in sheet metal working in order to get hired. It would not be the last time that Ted Gourley would spin some “blarney.” He loved hearing—and telling—a good story. His years at Sikorsky fostered a real interest in flying. Prior to the outbreak of World War II, Ted worked for American Airlines in Chicago. He had earned his aircraft mechanic license and had seven years of experience in aviation. His position in aviation building meant he’d likely not be drafted into military service. His goal was to learn to just to build airplanes but to fly. He enlisted in the Aviation Cadet Program. He would advance in the United States Air Force during the war to pilot a B24 Bomber, known as “the liberator.” During one mission over Germany in November 1944, an emergency landing forced the B24 down behind enemy lines. He and his crew were reported Missing in Action. After the war, Ted remained in the Air Force, advancing eventually to the rank of Lieutenant Colonel. During the Cold War years, he served in New Foundland, Massachusetts, Alabama, Hawaii, New Jersey, and the Azores. Retirement brought an opportunity to return to school and to the Midwest where he earned his Bachelor’s Degree. He taught at history, social studies, and foreign languages—he was fluent in Flemish, French and Spanish—in Evesham Township. After his “second retirement,” Ted continued to led an adventurous life. He climbed Mt. Kilamanjaro and sailed his catamaran, Jo Do Mar, through hurricane Beth. He had trekked through Nepal and crewed aboard a whale ship in the Caribbean. He truly had a life well lived. His memoirs, although not published, is indeed a legacy for his family and his many friends. Surviving are his seven children: Dr. Theodore J. Gourley, Jr., Mt. Holly, NJ; Janice Gourley Shaffer, Escondido, CA; Dr. Dennis Radigan Gourley, Woodbridge, VA; Susan Marie Gourley-Damon, Chalfont, PA; Paula Gourley-Taylor Kristiniak, Williamstown, NJ; LTC. John H. Gourley, currently stationed at USAG Bavaria; and Kevin N. Gourley, Marburg, Germany. Additionally, he is survived by seven grandchildren and five step-grandchildren; one great-grand daughter, and six step-great grandchildren. His brother Constance Gourley lives in West Patterson, NJ. Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated 11 am, Thursday at Sacred Heart RC Church, 260 High St., Mt. Holly. Interment will follow in the NJ Veterans Memorial Cemetery. Relatives and friends may visit with the family Wednesday, from 2 to 4 pm and again from 7 to 9 pm at the Perinchief Chapels, 438 High St., Mt. Holly.

Theodore J. Gourley Sr.

June 11, 1918 - August 4, 2014