Johanna (Joan) Mary Gormley, Longtime Belle Harbor Resident, Dies at 91

Gormley was a registered nurse and loyal parishioner of St. Francis de Sales Church

Published on Feb. 26, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

Johanna (Joan) Mary Gormley, a longtime resident of Belle Harbor, New York, passed away on February 20th at the age of 91. Gormley was a registered nurse who worked in the operating room of a Bronx hospital after moving to New York City in 1957. She and her husband Herb settled in Belle Harbor in 1971, where their home became a gathering place for their children's friends and family from New York and Ireland. Gormley was also a loyal parishioner of St. Francis de Sales Church.

Why it matters

Gormley's passing marks the end of an era for the close-knit Belle Harbor community, where she and her family were deeply rooted for over 50 years. As a nurse, parishioner, and matriarch, Gormley embodied the values and spirit of the neighborhood, making her a beloved figure to many.

The details

After moving to New York City in 1957, Gormley first worked in the operating room of a hospital in the Bronx. She and her husband Herb later settled in Belle Harbor in 1971, where their home became a gathering place for their children's friends and family from New York and Ireland. Gormley was also a loyal parishioner of St. Francis de Sales Church.

  • Gormley passed away on February 20, 2026.
  • A Funeral Mass will be held for Gormley on Friday, February 27, 2026 at 9:45 a.m. at St. Francis de Sales Church in Belle Harbor, NY.

The players

Johanna (Joan) Mary Gormley

A longtime resident of Belle Harbor, New York who passed away at the age of 91. Gormley was a registered nurse who worked in the operating room of a Bronx hospital after moving to New York City in 1957, and her home in Belle Harbor became a gathering place for her family and community.

Herb Gormley

Johanna (Joan) Mary Gormley's husband, with whom she settled in Belle Harbor in 1971.

St. Francis de Sales Church

The church in Belle Harbor, New York where Johanna (Joan) Mary Gormley was a loyal parishioner.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What’s next

A Funeral Mass will be held for Johanna (Joan) Mary Gormley on Friday, February 27, 2026 at 9:45 a.m. at St. Francis de Sales Church in Belle Harbor, NY.

The takeaway

Johanna (Joan) Mary Gormley's passing marks the end of an era for the close-knit Belle Harbor community, where she and her family were deeply rooted for over 50 years. As a nurse, parishioner, and matriarch, Gormley embodied the values and spirit of the neighborhood, making her a beloved figure to many.