David L Gorbey, 74, of Franklin, passed away peacefully, on December 16, 2020. David was born on February 8, 1946. He married the late Barbara J Gorbey on June 24, 1967 and enjoyed living in Franklin for 50 years.
Dave grew up in Ridley Township PA. After high school, he served in the United States Air Force, stationed at Pease Air Force base in Portsmouth NH, where he focused on cryptography. There he met his future wife Barbara Maloney. Following his service, he worked for IBM as a field service engineer and regional manager for many years. Later in his career he successfully partnered with others and independently established numerous businesses. Among these was PineBrook Computer where he served as President and later Oak Knoll Realty Trust, where he managed numerous commercial and residential properties and real estate development projects. He made great contributions over the course his career and was well-respected by his colleagues and tenants.
Dave was a fan of all New England sports teams and was a season ticket holder for the Red Sox, Celtics and even the Hartford Whalers. His favorite games to watch were his children and grandchildren’s. Dave coached youth hockey in Franklin and was the founder of the Franklin High School hockey boosters. He especially enjoyed watching his son David and later his grandson James play the game. He spent his weekends at many ice rinks observing games and making notes. He was a positive force for the teams he followed and could recall details of most any game he ever watched. It was this dedication that earned him the nickname “The Mayor of Hockeytown”.
Dave coached Little League baseball in Franklin for 25 years where he made many lifelong friendships and was a role model to his players. He enjoyed monthly poker games with his buddies for decades and won many hands of cribbage over the years.
Dave enjoyed spending time with his wife Barbara, entertaining in their home as well as exploring the world. Together they discovered some of their favorite places: Hawaii, California, Aruba, Puerto Rico and spent many cherished summer days at the cottage on Long Beach Island NJ surrounded by family.
Dave’s greatest joy in life was being a papa. He loved spending time with his five grandchildren and cheering them on in school, sports and life.
Dave is survived by his son David and his fiance Melissa of Franklin, daughters Danielle and her fiance Carlos of Hopedale, Deirdre Donovan and her husband William of Franklin.
He is also survived by brother Ed Gorbey and his wife Donna, sisters Dottie Cappelli and her husband Dominic and Gail Brawley and her husband Tom, all of Pennsylvania.
He is also survived by his cherished grandchildren David and Sciarra Gorbey, Carlos Rivera, James and Ellen Donovan as well as many nieces, nephews, aunts and uncles. He is also survived by these special kids who he loved very much: Kevin, Meaghan and Katie Swenson; Melanie and Thomas Ballarino; Sean, Sam and Jack Donovan; Alyssa, Matt and Stephanie Donovan; Ben and Matt Penick and Angelina Rivera.
Due to Covid-19 services will be held privately. A celebration of life will be planned for June.
Donations in his memory may be made to the American Heart Association 300 5th Ave Waltham, MA 02451.
The Charles F. Oteri and Son Franklin Funeral Home is honored to assist the Gorbey Family. Guestbook/directions www.oterifuneralhome.com.