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Thomas McGowan Obituary
Thomas is survived by his loving wife of 48 years, Lois I. (Davis) McGowan; his devoted six children, David P. McGowan and his wife Barbara of Oxford, Patrick J. McGowan and his wife Susan of Whitinsville, Paul F. McGowan and his wife Cheryl of Dudley, Daniel T. McGowan and his wife Liane; Kathleen A. McGowan, Karen J. Noonan and her husband Richard all of Worcester; a sister, Mary C. McGowan of Pocasset; fourteen cherished grandchildren; many nieces and nephews. Thomas was born in Leominster, a son of the late Patrick J. and Catherine (McManus) McGowan. He served in the U.S. Navy, and has lived here all his life.
Tom was as a Fire Fighter for 32 years for the City of Worcester Fire Department, with Engine Company 13, the Rescue Squad and retiring as a Lieutenant with Aerial Scope 1. Tom enjoyed all sports and worked as a High School Basketball Official for 25 years. He also worked as a Worcester School Bus driver over 28 years transporting many children to their schools and teams to their games.
He was a member of St Stephen's Church and the men's pitch league. He was a past board member of the International Association of Approved Basketball Officials board 26. A member of the International Brotherhood of Firefighters Union Local 1009, a member and Board of Director of the Worcester Firefighters Credit Union. A member of the Alhambra Council Knights of Columbus, the Vernon Hill Post American Legion, a life member of the PNI Club and a member of the Grafton Hillers. Tom enjoyed the summer with his wife, children, grandchildren and friends in his beloved Maine.
Tom's funeral will be held Tuesday, August 19th from the MERCADANTE FUNERAL HOME & CHAPEL, 370 Plantation St. with a mass at 11:00 a.m. in St. Stephen's Church, 357 Grafton St. Burial will be at the convenience of the family. Friends and relatives are invited to visit with the family from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. Monday, August 18th, in the funeral home. The family request that flowers be omitted and memorial contributions be sent to the Shriner's Hospital for Crippled Children, 516 Carew St. Springfield, MA 01104-2396
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Memories and Condolences
for Thomas McGowan
Ray Plante
August 22, 2008
Dear Pat, Dave, Kathy and the entire McGowan family, I am deeply sorry to learn of your family's loss. My thoughts and prayers go out to you all.
God Bless
Miriam Cruz
August 21, 2008
Dear Lois and family,
my prayers are with you and your family.Remember that your Durham family love you and we are by your side.My sincere condolences to you and your family.God bless you all.
janet carlstrom
August 19, 2008
dear lois, memories from our st.v days, bud and i are sorry to hear about the passing of tom. years fly by too fast. do contact me.
Jill Montgomery
August 19, 2008
Dave & Barbara, We are thinking of you and lifting you up in prayer during this difficult time. Much love, Frank & Jill Montgomery (Birmingham, Alabama)
Max McCarthy
August 18, 2008
Danny & Family
Tommy helped me learn the rules of basketball many years ago when he and my dad were at the School Street fire station. He always had a positive comment (along with a few 'questions') about any game he was at that I officiated.
Loyality and courage were his greatest qualities and the Bd. 26 officials he helped will continue to benefit for years.
Max McCarthy
Board 26, IAABO
M. ray hayes
August 18, 2008
DEAR Lois and FAMILY;
Our thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time.We have many fond memories of our days at Hampton.
Deacon Ray and Rita Hayes
Kevin Adams
August 18, 2008
Pat, Kathy & family - so sorry to hear of your loss. I can see him right now riding on big red right as it speeds down Dorchester Street towards another emergency. A good man.
Gene Berry
August 17, 2008
My thoughts and prayers are with all of you at this difficult time. My deepest sympathy.
Gene Berry
Retired WFD Garage
Ron DiBenedetto
August 17, 2008
Dear Lois and family,
I am sorry to hear of the loss of Tom. I have many fond memories of our days together both on the Fire Department and bus charters, especially those trips to Boston. My thoughts and prayers are with you all. Ron
Darlene McDonald
August 17, 2008
Mr. Wiggles, you are going to be missed so much. You always had a smile on your face for everyone. I will miss you.
kathy potvin
August 17, 2008
We're so sorry to hear of your loss. Tom was truly an inspiration to Jimmy and me. His dedication to his family and the Firefighters was amazing. He also told us quite a few funny stories. He was truly one of the nicest guys we have ever spent time with. Our thoughts and prayers are with your whole family. Jimmy and Kathy Potvin Rutland,Ma
John Riley
August 17, 2008
Hi Karen,
I am sorry to hear about the passing on of your father, who I got to know when he visited Riley's Restaurant on Lincoln Street. I also went up to Toronto in April to see the high school baseball games and your father was there to watch those games. It's been a long time since I taught you at St. Stephen's, yet I always remember you and many of the former students from those classes in the early 80's. My prayers are with you and the family.
jennifer martinez
August 17, 2008
Dear Lois, Mugsy was one of a kind, I bet he and Chipper are looking down on us right now...We will remember him and miss him always.....
Franco & Jen Martinez
Bro. Stephen Comeau
August 17, 2008
My deepest and most sincere sympathies -- Tom was a good man and a dear friend. When I think of him the word "loyal" comes to mind immediately. May he rest in peace.
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