Stephen James McGowan

Stephen James McGowan, 75, husband of Colleen and father of Cameron and Margot, passed away on February 24, 2026, in Providence, Rhode Island. His charisma and generosity buoyed the spirits of all who knew him. The ocean was his church, and the endless horizon guided his way.

One of eight children born to Catherine and Robert McGowan in Brooklyn, NY, Steve’s athleticism earned him All-County Defensive End honors at Stepinac High School and a football scholarship to the Division I school, University of Dayton. Leadership and humor followed him wherever he went. Steve earned his Merchant Marine Captain’s license and built a 50-year career restoring, racing, and cruising fine sailing vessels, logging thousands of miles of blue-water sailing. A master marine mechanic, he developed expertise in complex propulsion systems and was sought out internationally. He took particular pride in ensuring that New York City’s fireboats were always ready for service; work grounded in decades of experience at sea.

A fixture at New Bedford Yacht Club, Steve won sailing championships year after year and was a passionate advocate for the sport. He served as an advisory committee member and devoted supporter of the C. Thomas Clagett Jr. Regatta in Newport, expanding access to competitive sailing for sailors with disabilities. He believed the freedom of the water belonged to everyone. Steve sustained lifelong friendships with a far-flung brotherhood of extraordinary men who, despite miles and years, remained fiercely loyal. The stories and adventures of that crew have sustained us for decades. As much as he enjoyed the ocean, he also cherished the mountains. Skiing was another one of his lifelong passions where his graceful form and flawless turns, with the occasional Gowplow, impressed everyone.

He lived on and sailed the Caribbean Sea for a decade with his first wife, Lynn, furthering his great love of the ocean. Eventually moving to land when pregnant with their first daughter, Cameron. They settled in South Dartmouth, Massachusetts after friendships and mentorships guided them home. It was there they custom built a warm family home, welcomed their second daughter, Margot, and always had a loyal family dog by their side. After the passing of Lynn, Steve devoted himself to raising his daughters. A proud and steadfast father, he guided them into becoming widely traveled and deeply experienced women; competent, strong, and loving. He was especially fond of his sons-in-law, Willie and Drew, and took great joy in the happiness they brought to his daughters. His grandchildren; Kailash, Tigerlily and Yamuna were an endless source of his delight. Steve traveled widely with his beloved, fun loving wife, Colleen, his constant companion in life and at sea. Whether anchoring in a quiet cove or rowing ashore for lobster on an island in Buzzards Bay, their shared adventures defined their years together.

Steve’s highly creative mind was always dreaming up another maritime project. From his passion for protecting the water and coral reefs of the Caribbean, he co-founded Clear Water Caribbean. He spotted a hole in the market for gimble videography technology at sea and invented the MarCam marine camera. Ever-present in the home was his vintage sailcloth sewing machine where creative projects emerged. His passion for wooden boats formed in his teenage years building his first small wooden motorboat through to his involvement in IYRS, the International Yacht Restoration School in Newport, RI. Whether checking on the specs of a yacht for a friend, or brokering an international sale, Steve always used his expertise to navigate those decisions with precision and clarity.

He brought laughter and energy to McGowan family gatherings, sharing his gift for making people feel seen and valued as the Master of Ceremonies. His parents ensured that all of the siblings maintained a tight-knit relationship, something that Steve took great pride in upholding. Always supportive and interested in everyone in the family, he loved and followed all of his nieces and nephews exploits. Stephen was predeceased by his first wife, Lynn; his brother Brian; and his sister Joan. He leaves behind his wife, Colleen; daughters Cameron and Margot; grandchildren Kailash, Tigerlily, and Yamuna; sisters Kathleen and Laureen; brothers Robert, James, and Patrick; god-children Flannery, Sean and Patrick Jr.; all his nieces and nephews and a wide community of sailors and friends.

In the wind and the tide, he trusted the compass that guided his life.
Celebration of Life to be held this summer.