The world became a little poorer in spirit on February 8, 2026 with the passing of Retired Paterson Police Detective Harry B. Gourley. Always known as "Mickey" for his Irish heritage, Mick was born September 15, 1945 and lived his entire life in Paterson, NJ, a city he loved and served. Mick attended St. Mary's schools and parish. He was an exceptional athlete but particularly excelled on the St. Mary's championship baseball team. He held the dubious honor of being the only St. Mary's Student Council President impeached from office. Offered a full baseball scholarship at 17, Mick instead enlisted in the Air Force. As a Military Policeman, he served in Vietnam stationed at Tan Son Nhut Air Base from 1963 to 1967 when the base was a focal point for Air Force Vietnam deployment.

He went back to college later, while he was working, going nights for 8 years, earning a MA in Urban Ed and BS in Criminal Justice from William Paterson.

Home from Vietnam, Mick followed his father and grandfather onto the Paterson Police Force in the Police Academy Class of 1968. He served the Paterson Police Department for 52 years, 26 in uniform and the balance as a civilian. Starting patrol in Paterson's First Ward, he worked undercover, detective bureau, ABC investigator, and retired from the streets of Paterson in 1994 assigned to narcotics and vice. He was a police academy instructor and Paterson's first certified polygraph operator. Mick was most proud of his years in Major Crimes in the detective bureau from 1973-1991. A member of Paterson PBA Local #1, founded by his grandfather and namesake, Harry B. Gourley, he served as Trustee in 1984. He was also a member of the department's shooting team.

Mick will be remembered as a "cop's cop," a man with a big heart who never refused to help someone in need, and never sought recognition for his good deeds. Blessed with family and friends who loved him, he proudly continued the legacy of Paterson law enforcement left to him by his grandfather and father.

In his Irish tradition, Mick was a raconteur of the highest order. He was always telling stories or amusing his colleagues with jokes or clever comments. He was devoted to the New York Yankees and Notre Dame football. His favorite vacation spot was Green Pond on the 4th of July. He loved to go out to eat, especially at the Park Ave. Club, which reminded him of Paterson's Hamilton Club. Mickey loved to entertain and gave the best parties for every occasion. Mick was a handsome guy who dressed sharp and always had the coolest cars, mostly Cadillacs.

Mick was a member of Paterson's Hamilton Club and on the Board of Governors. When the Club closed, he tried to save the historic building by operating the Club as a private restaurant, "Traditions." It was a short career as a restaurant owner!

He served the larger Paterson Community by serving as Commissioner on the Historic Preservation Commission, Trustee of Passaic County Community College and Foundation, Father English Center Board of Directors, Hamilton Club Board of Governors, VFW Post 3483, American Legion Post 3360 and Passaic Valley Elks Post 2111.

Mick was predeceased by his parents, Harry J. & Alice Gourley and his brother-in-law and dear friend, Tom Jones. He goes home to the sweetest dog in the world, Pokey. He is survived by his longtime companion, Susan E. Champion, his son, David M. Champion, and his beloved companions, Daisy and Lucky, who never left his side during his illness. Also survived by his sisters, Carol Halchak (Nick) and Eileen Spinella, nephews Tom Jones, Michael Jones (Michelle), and Patrick McCabe (Lisa), nieces Maura McCabe Papagni and Maureen Riccie (Michael), grandnieces and grandnephews Brendan (Isabelle), Collin, James, William, Michael, Jenna, Lauren and Mickey. He will be missed by an army of friends, and remembered by the many officers he mentored in the Paterson Police Department.

Relatives and friends are invited to attend the funeral from the Festa Memorial Funeral Home, 111 Union Blvd., Totowa on Tuesday, February 17, 2026 at 9:30 AM. Funeral service to follow at Calvary Baptist Church, Paterson at 10:30 AM. Interment to follow at Calvary Cemetery, Paterson. Friends and relatives may visit on Monday, February 16, 2026 from 2:00-4:00 PM and 7:00-9:00 PM with a funeral service commencing at 8:00 PM. To honor Harry's legacy, we are creating the HARRY B. GOURLEY SCHOLARSHIP FOR CRIMINAL JUSTICE-PATERSON CAMPUS at Passaic County Community College, One College Boulevard, Paterson, N.J. 07505. (Attn: Gourley Scholarship Fund).