Francis Jay Gorton

Francis Jay Gorton, 84, of Chamberlain Avenue, Bradford, passed away Sunday, September 21, 2025, at Geisinger Medical Center in Danville.

Born June 24, 1941, in Bradford, he was a son of the late Clifford and Phyllis (Harrington) Gorton. He was a 1959 graduate of Bradford High School.

After high school, he enlisted in the United States Navy. He was stationed in Germany and Turkey, and was honorably discharged in 1964.

On May 29, 1965, in the East End Presbyterian Church, he married Judith D. (Johnson) Gorton who preceded him in death on February 2, 2020.

Jay was employed by the local Carpenters Union and he retired in 1991.

Jay enjoyed hunting and fishing with his family.  He also enjoyed fishing on his boat with his best friend Carl. He enjoyed spending time at the family camp in Cherry Springs, PA and enjoyed woodworking, and gardening. He was a former member of the East End Presbyterian Church.

Surviving are two sons, Dennis (the late Cindy) Gorton, of Duboistown, and Jeffrey (Kathy Eddy) Gorton, of Watsontown, five grandchildren, Anthony, Hailey, Orin, Ethan, Gavin, and two great grandchildren, Remi and Brooks, and several nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, his wife Judy of 54 years, and his brother, James Gorton of Hooksett, NH.

He missed his wife dearly,  and it gives the family comfort to know they are together again.

Family will receive friends on Friday, September 26, 2025, from 4pm to 7pm in the Hollenbeck-Cahill Funeral Homes Inc. 33 South Avenue, where funeral services will be held on Saturday at 10 am with Rev. W. LeRoy Beckes, retired Presbyterian Pastor, officiating. Burial will be in Willow Dale Cemetery.

Memorial contributions, if desired, may be made to the Roswell Park Alliance Foundation or a charity of the donor's choice.

Funeral arrangements are under the direction of the Hollenbeck-Cahill Funeral Homes Inc.

Online condolences may be expressed at www.hollenbeckcahill.com

 

HOLLENBECK-CAHILL Funeral Home

33 South Avenue • Bradford, PA 16701

All Condolences -

Uncle Jay was the most amazing, precious man! He loved Aunt Judy dearly. I will always remember his smile and the way he deeply cherished his family.
— Nanette

Uncle Jay was the most amazing, precious man! He loved Aunt Judy dearly. I will always remember his smile and the way he deeply cherished his family.
— Nanette

Sending my thoughts and prayers to Jay''s family. He was a wonderful husband to Judy, the love of his to life a loving father to his two sons and a dear friend to so many. He was always thinking of how to be of help, always a smile. He will be missed on this earth but welcomed in heaven with open arms...dancing with Judy once again.
— Judy Wells

Good man spent alot of time at their house with my friend Jeff
— Scott Clawges

Sending my condolences. My thoughts and prayers are with you Denny, Jeff and family. I know your dad missed your mom terribly and he now is reunited with her. Keeping you all in my prayers.
— Leslie Paige

I am sorry to hear this. Judy and Jay watched Stacie and Brian before we left Bradford. Always kind. Prayers to the family.
— Barb Snively

Uncle Jay the “ Jewel” He always had genuine intrest in how others were doing, what was going on in others lives, always downplayed his own pain, grief, even in the midst of his sickness, his interest was always others. Thanks for being a kind, caring, concerned loving “Jewel” of a man. You will be missed Uncle Jay.
— Jack R. Johnson

My Condolences to family. JAY WAS SUCH A DEAR FRIEND.
— ERNESTINE WOODS

Jay was a true gentleman. He always had a kind word for us every time we saw him. GOD BLESS
— Mike & Mary Angello

Condolences

  • Uncle Jay was the most amazing, precious man! He loved Aunt Judy dearly. I will always remember his smile and the way he deeply cherished his family.

    — Nanette
  • Uncle Jay was the most amazing, precious man! He loved Aunt Judy dearly. I will always remember his smile and the way he deeply cherished his family.

    — Nanette
  • Sending my thoughts and prayers to Jay''s family. He was a wonderful husband to Judy, the love of his to life a loving father to his two sons and a dear friend to so many. He was always thinking of how to be of help, always a smile. He will be missed on this earth but welcomed in heaven with open arms...dancing with Judy once again.

    — Judy Wells
  • Good man spent alot of time at their house with my friend Jeff

    — Scott Clawges
  • Sending my condolences. My thoughts and prayers are with you Denny, Jeff and family. I know your dad missed your mom terribly and he now is reunited with her. Keeping you all in my prayers.

    — Leslie Paige