LYNN — Thomas B. McGovern, 89, of Lynn passed peacefully at his home Tuesday, August 1, surrounded by his loving family. Thomas was born in Lynn on March 6, 1928 and was the son of the late William and Catherine (Magrane) McGovern.
Thomas grew up in the Barry Park neighborhood of West Lynn with his 11 brothers and sisters. He attended Lynn schools. He loved to reminisce about playing youth baseball for Sacred Heart, and he was an avid bowler and enjoyed swimming in his younger years. Thomas lived in Lynn his whole life. He served in the United States Navy in World War II on the USS Orion AS-18, and later the Korean War on the USS Yosemite AD-19.
Thomas worked for the City of Lynn Department of Public Works for over 40 years where he retired as superintendent of streets. He also spent many years working for the Wonderland Dog Track. He was a member of the Ancient Order of Hibernians in Lynn and the VFW. He was a devoted parishioner of Our Lady of the Assumption church in Lynnfield. His faith, strong will and determination helped him conquer his many health challenges throughout the years.
Thomas was most proud of his family, his home and his Irish heritage. He cherished his time spent with his children and grandchildren. He loved spending time with all his relatives and recently enjoyed attending the McGovern family reunion.
Thomas was known for being a hardworking man, a family man, and a devoted friend. He looked forward to his afternoons spent at the “club house” having an Old Milwaukee with his good friend Larry Moronie.
Thomas was predeceased by the love of his life, his wife Barbara, whom he shared over 55 years of marriage. He leaves behind four children; his son Paul McGovern and his wife Beverly of Methuen, his daughters Cathy McGovern of Groveland, Ellen McGovern of Merrimac, and Cheryl Labrecque and her husband Greg of Groveland; his grandchildren, Thomas, Joseph and Michael Labrecque, and Paul and Peyton McGovern. He leaves behind one brother; Peter McGovern and his wife Connie of Peabody; one sister Carol Couillard and her husband Ronald of Indiatlantic, Fla.; his sisters-in-law; Marjorie Wilson of Peabody, Connie McGovern of Peabody, Leone McGovern of Kansas; his brother-in-law Thomas Montgomery of Saugus. He is also survived by many nieces and nephews. He is the brother of the late William “Buddy”, James, Bernard, John Paul, and Francis McGovern, Mary “Tootsie” Ulatowski, Adeline Newhall, Margaret “Peggy” Mathes, and Joan Montgomery.
Service information: His funeral will be held on Saturday August 5, at 9 a.m. from the SOLIMINE Funeral Home, 426 Broadway, (Rte .129) Lynn followed by a funeral mass in Our Lady of the Assumption Church, Lynnfield at 10 a.m. Burial in St. Mary’s Cemetery, Lynn. Relatives and friends are respectfully invited. Visiting hours are on Friday from 4-8 p.m. Donations may be made to the Care Dimensions Hospice, 75 Sylvan Street, Suite B-102, Danvers, Massachusetts 01923. Directions and guestbook at www.solimine.com.
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