Gorton, Former Town Solicitor, Democrat Town Committee President, Dies at 59

Vernon L. Gorton Jr. age 59 of Portsmouth passed away on Sunday, May 17, 2015 at Miriam Hospital in Providence, RI, after a long illness.

He was the loving husband of Beverly (Correia) Gorton for the last 24 years.

Born on November 15, 1955, in Fall River, MA, he was the son of Anna E. (Sullivan) Gorton of Portsmouth, RI and the late Vernon L. Gorton Sr.

Vern graduated from Portsmouth High School in 1973, Providence College in 1977 and Western New England School of Law (Cum Laude) 1981.

Vern was a central figure in the legal and political affairs of his beloved town. He practiced law here for 34 years. Vern’s deep respect for the law and his generous spirit was evident in his work for those who could not otherwise afford an advocate.

He was a longtime member and past president of the Portsmouth Democrat Town Committee. He was Portsmouth Town Solicitor for many years. He also served as Middletown solicitor. He served on the Board of the Portsmouth Public Library. Vern coached girls softball, assistant coach for boys little league, lifetime member of the Portuguese American Citizens Club. He was a lifetime member of the Seaconnet Sportsman’s club, past associate member of Democrat state committee, member of the Rhode Island Bar Association and the Newport Bar Association.

Besides his wife and mother, he is survived by his two children, Samuel and Maggie Gorton of Portsmouth, his three sisters, Jo-Anne Gorton and Nancy Harrington of Portsmouth, RI and Patricia Khokasian of Tiverton, RI, as well as many nieces and nephews.

Calling hours will be held on Friday, May 22, 2015, from 4-7pm in Connors Funeral Home, 55 West Main Road, Portsmouth, RI.

His funeral will be held on Saturday, May 23, 2015, at 9am from Connors Funeral Home, followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 10 am in St. Barnabas Church, 1697 East Main Rd, Portsmouth.

Burial will take place in the Portsmouth Cemetery, Turnpike Avenue, Portsmouth, RI.

In lieu of flowers donations in his memory may be made to Samuel J and Maggie L. Gorton Scholarship Fund, c/o Citizens Bank, Portsmouth RI.