Obituaries

Richard J. McGowan

Jan 20th, 2016

Richard J. McGowan
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Richard J. McGowan 86 of Yarmouthport passed into the arms of our Lord Wednesday January 20, 2016 at Cape Cod Hospital in Hyannis.

He was the husband of Patricia (Moriarty) McGowan and the late Mary (Gilbane) McGowan. Dick, as he was known to his family and friends, was born in Boston, to the late John W. and Georgianna (Baril) McGowan.

Dick was a graduate of Roxbury Latin School in West Roxbury and attended Harvard University before joining the Paulist Community for two years and received his bachelors degree from Georgetown University. He was commissioned as a First Lieutenant in the U.S. Army and served for the National Security Agency in Washington, DC.

He had a long and prosperous career in technology with Honeywell. A resident of Dover for many years. 

Dick resided in Yarmouthport, was a volunteer at Cape Cod Hospital and for Cape Abilities, a member of the Rotary Club of Yarmouth, and the Retired Men’s Club of Cape Cod, and was a trustee on the board at Kings Way.

He was known for his beautiful gardens, love of entertaining, golfing, the ocean and always lending a helping hand to others. His smile was contagious and his laugh would always bring a room to life.

In addition to his wife, Mr. McGowan is survived by two step-sons, J. Michael Ruddy and his wife, Melissa of Canton, CT, and Patrick Ruddy and his wife, Tricia of Newtown, CT; two step-daughters, Kathleen Chapple and her husband, Todd of Highlands Ranch, CO, and Sharon Yonker and her husband, Dan of Berwyn, PA; eleven grandchildren, Charlie and Laine Yonker, Henry, Hannah, William, and Oliver Chapple, and Anne, Katherine, Ryan, Kyle, and Sara Ruddy; and two nieces, Patty Bates of Nashville, TN, and Susan Head of Melbourne, FL. In addition to his first wife and his parents, Dick is predeceased by a brother, Robert McGowan.

A Funeral Mass will be celebrated at 10 a.m. Monday Jan. 25 in Saint Pius X Church, Station Ave., South Yarmouth.

Interment will follow at 2:30 p.m. in the Massachusetts National Cemetery, Bourne.

Visiting hours will be held from 1 to 4 p.m. Sunday Jan. 24 in the Hallett Funeral Home, 273 Station Ave., South Yarmouth.

As an expression of sympathy, memorial contributions may be made to the Roxbury Latin School, 101 St Theresa Ave, West Roxbury, MA 02132.

Guest Book

Gary Keenan
#5
Tuesday - Jan 26, 2016 12:00 am

Pat, Our heartfelt sympathies go out to you for your loss of Dick. He was a big presence in all of our lives. He taught so many of us to ski - something we wouldn't have gotten from our parents - we will all miss him. I'm sure these last days weren't easy for you. Keep your chin up. God Bless Garrett & Mary Keenan

Bill Keenan
#4
Monday - Jan 25, 2016 12:00 am

Sorry to discover that Uncle Dick is gone on.I will miss him. I always enjoyed his humor,and remarkable temperament. My condolences. I know you will mss him also Billy

Paul Buckanavage & Kerry Browne
#3
Sunday - Jan 24, 2016 12:00 am

Our deepest condolences to Pat McGowan, the Ruddy, Chapple and Yonker families, on the sudden passing of Dick. We will always have fond memories of Dick, a gentle man with a vibrant spirit, who quickly became a dear friend we always looked forward to seeing and catching up with during holidays or family get-togethers.

David P. Akin
#2
Saturday - Jan 23, 2016 12:00 am

Pat, So very sorry to read of your loss. Please know that you and yours will be in our prayers. Dave and Rosemary Akin

Betsy Johnson and Karl Warner
#1
Friday - Jan 22, 2016 12:00 am

Dear Aunt Pat, We are very sorry to hear about Dick. Please accept our condolences. We hope you are doing ok. Love, Betsy and Karl

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