David B. Gorsich, age 63, of Granite City, IL, born on July 15, 1960, in St. Louis, MO, died on Monday, July 8, 2024, at his residence.
Our parents, Ray and Florence Gorsich raised their family of 11 children in Holy Angels Parish, on 36th Street, in East Saint Louis, IL. Our brother David entered this world as number 8 in the birth order of an already assembled large brood, and would be absorbed into the predictable family chaos of that time. His arrival would soon be superseded by 3 more siblings. It could only happen that such circumstances would render a rather malleable human being with an adaptable nature. David learned early on how to “go with the flow”. There was a sweetness about David from the time he was a little boy, an innate quality that was admired by all who knew and loved him. One could always depend on his kind spirit, a loving temperament which would touch the hearts of many who crossed his path. He was drawn to those who shared his good nature.
David blossomed quickly in his post academic years. It was intriguing to watch him flourish in the absence of scholastic pressures, and wonderful to observe him enjoying the simple pleasures of life, without constraint. His wit was sharp and quick in a way that revealed a level of intellect that had not become apparent in educational environments. He became quick to laugh in a way that was infectious. The delightful heartiness of the sound his unabashed, never mean spirited, but full body expression of laughter, will forever pervade our memories of him.
His abilities expressed themselves further when he attended an automotive college and flourished there. He truly loved cars and absorbed all he was taught. He could share this knowledge and help others in a way that fostered connections within his community. It seemed to enhance his sense of self-worth and became an avenue he used to create new friendships.
His automotive passions inspired his ongoing collection of hot wheel cars, and also guaranteed to extend the length of any shopping excursion where they were sold. It would be remiss to fail to mention his obsession with model cars too. He’d work on 4 models at one time. And more than a few landlords didn’t appreciate the damage caused by the over spray of model paint in his rented apartments. His coffee mugs were each decorated with fingerprints of the many spray paints he used to craft his models.
Dave also loved music, to a degree that words fail to explain. He shared this joy with all of us, and seemed to relish it even more when he could share it with others.
Early on in his adult years, David began to experience some mental health challenges. Despite them, he did his best to maintain employment with day labor, factory, and restaurant jobs. As his brain disease persisted, the consequences took their toll. His physical wellbeing was also affected.
What a gift it has been to have been able to enjoy his loving disposition despite his health challenges all these years. The flexibility David acquired in the midst of his formative years served to help him continually adjust to the cascading litany of repercussions his brain disease rendered.
David deserves recognition for finding the courage early on to accept his plight and truly assist and cooperate with the myriad of mental health professionals who supported him along his journey.
Our family is honored to have attended to our brother’s needs throughout his life. He was special to us all, and we miss him already.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Raymond Sr. and Florence, nee Fuhler Gorsich, his brothers, Michael Gorsich, Mark Gorsich, John Gorsich, and Kenneth Gorsich.
David is survived by his siblings, Gary (Maureen) Gorsich of Beaumont, TX, Ellen (Bill) Maintz of Lake St. Louis, MO, Kathy (Wes) Bell of Cahokia, IL, Joseph Gorsich of Granite City, IL, Raymond Gorsich, Jr., of Granite City, IL and Mary Jo Gorsich of Belleville, IL; and many loving nieces and nephews.
Those who care to honor David may want to consider a charitable donation to the Society of Saint Vincent de Paul at 8800 West Main Street in Belleville, IL 62223.
Visitation will be held on Tuesday, July 16, 2024, from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. at Kassly Mortuary, Ltd., Fairview Heights, IL.
Funeral Service will be held on Tuesday, July 16, 2024, at 1:00 p.m. at Kassly Mortuary, Ltd., Fairview Heights, IL. Interment will be in Mt. Carmel Cemetery, Belleville, IL.
