GLOUCESTER - Ira Gorman, 81, of Gloucester, MA, died Thursday from COVID-19 complications. Ira grew up in Brookline, MA and held fond memories of Driscoll School, watching movies in Coolidge Corner, and sledding down Summit Ave. A self-taught tennis player, Ira made up in persistence what he lacked in form. Ira graduated from Dartmouth College in 1961 and obtained masters degrees from Stanford University and Smith College of Social Work.  He taught history in the 1960s at Brookline High School, where he helped to transform the curriculum to include underrepresented voices. In his clinical social work private practice in Connecticut and 20 years at North Suffolk Mental Health, Ira supported countless people through challenging life circumstances. He loved books, classic films, live theater, Chinese restaurants, trips to New Hampshire and Maine, and good discussions. In retirement, he drafted a book manuscript on decision-making. Ira leaves beloved wife Pandora, sister Ellen, daughters Leah Gorman, Liz Gorman, and Emily Gorman-Melo, and grandchildren Joselyn, Laurel, Nathan, and Isaac. He is also survived by life-long friends and extended family.  Services will be announced. If desired, contributions in Ira's memory may be sent to The Gloucester Stage https://gloucesterstage.com/iragorman or Coolidge Corner Theater https://coolidge.org/iragorman to help the arts survive these challenging times. Complete notice will follow. Arrangements by Driscoll Funeral Home, Haverhill. For guestbook, please visit www.driscollcares.com