Hamden Mourns the Loss of Public Service 'Giant'

HAMDEN, CT — Hamden is mourning the loss of a “giant” with the passing of former Legislative Council President Al Gorman.

Gorman passed away on Tuesday and tributes immediately began pouring in for a man who served the town of Hamden for decades in a variety of positions.

“Hamden lost a giant yesterday,” Mayor Curt Balzano Leng said. “There is no denying that Hamden, a town Al loved so much, is a remarkably better place because of all his deep, committed, lifelong record of public service. He helped so many people — always teaching, always working to preserve and improve our history and always working to do the right thing.

“Al Gorman will be greatly missed and never forgotten.”

House Speaker Brendan Sharkey (D-Hamden) called Gorman the “most dedicated public servant in Hamden.”

“As Town Council President, member of the DTC, and as a volunteer for innumerable good causes in our community, Al Gorman was the most dedicated public servant in Hamden, but more importantly, he was a good friend,” Sharkey said in a statement. “Hamden has lost a giant and my thoughts are with Betsy and her family."

Gorman was president of the council when Town Center Park was established and he was remembered as a “true community servant” on the park’s Facebook page.

“Al and his wife Betsy were always willing to lend a hand and support,” the post reads. “Whether a project as big as the construction of the new Animal Barn at Brooksvale, the moving and preservation of the historic Rectory Barn that sits at the entrance to Town Center Park, or service as simple as serving up cider and cookies at the annual Silverbells celebration, Al was there. His sense of community brought out the best in all of us, and we will always try to build on his good example.”

Gorman retired from the Legislative Council this past November and was honored with a tribute at his final meeting for his decades of service.

Patch file photo