In the quiet, close-knit community of Oswego, New York, a somber mood has settled over the shores of Lake Ontario. On the evening of Tuesday, August 12, 2025, the life of Barratt A. Gorman, a beloved 76-year-old resident, came to a tragic end in the waters he so often embraced. His passing has left a void in the hearts of neighbors, friends, and family, who remember him as a steadfast figure whose love for the lake defined much of his life.

The Oswego County Sheriff’s Office received a distressing call at approximately 9:31 p.m., reporting a man in the water off County Route 89, just west of the SUNY Oswego campus. Deputies sprang into action, launching a search along the rugged shoreline where the lake’s waves meet the land. By 10:20 p.m., their efforts led them to Gorman, who was found in the lake and pronounced dead at the scene. The weight of the discovery rippled through the community, as many had seen Gorman’s familiar silhouette against the water’s edge, a place where he felt at home.

Barratt Gorman was no stranger to Lake Ontario. A longtime resident of Oswego, he lived just steps away on Route 89, where the lake’s vast expanse was both his backyard and his sanctuary. Neighbors often saw him swimming in the area, his strokes steady and sure, a testament to his comfort in the water. To those who knew him, Gorman was more than a swimmer—he was a man deeply connected to the rhythms of the lake, finding solace and strength in its depths.

Born on October 1, 1948, Gorman had built a life rooted in service and dedication. Before retiring in 2004, he worked for many years at the New York Power Authority, where he played a vital role in supporting the region’s energy infrastructure. Colleagues recall him as a thoughtful professional, someone whose calm demeanor and steady hand earned respect and trust. Beyond the workplace, Gorman’s passion for the outdoors shone through, whether he was exploring the natural beauty of Oswego or simply standing at the water’s edge, gazing out at the horizon.

The circumstances of Gorman’s death are still under review, but authorities have stated that no foul play is suspected. The incident serves as a poignant reminder of the lake’s unpredictable power, even for someone as experienced as Gorman. Lake Ontario, with its breathtaking beauty, can turn perilous in an instant, its currents and waves a force that demands respect.

As news of Gorman’s passing spread, the Oswego community came together to honor his memory. Friends shared stories of his quiet kindness, his love for the outdoors, and his unwavering connection to the place he called home. He was a man who lived simply but fully, finding joy in the things that mattered most: the open water, the camaraderie of neighbors, and the steady pulse of a life well-lived.

Barratt A. Gorman’s legacy will endure in the hearts of those who knew him and in the community he cherished. His life, like the lake he loved, was deep and profound, leaving ripples that will be felt for years to come. As Oswego grieves, it also celebrates a man who embodied the spirit of this lakeside town—a spirit of resilience, connection, and an abiding love for the water that shapes its shores.