Michael J. McGowan

Michael James McGowan (53) originally from Havertown, PA was a true original. Mike was born on September 6th 1970 in Burbank, CA to James and Katherine (Jacoby) McGowan. After the San Fernando Earthquake in 1971, Mike, his parents, and his brother, Robert Schillat, moved back to Havertown where there would be no earthquakes. Mike attended Lynnewood Elementary School and Haverford High School (class of 88). 

Mike graduated from West Chester University (on the 5 or 6 year plan) with a BA in Marketing and Communications. Mike also joined a local West Chester band Room With a View.  He didn’t get famous  - but he did get a wife from that gig.

Mike and Victoria (Lombardi) McGowan married on August 1, 1996 after a rainy drive to the Elkton, MD. courthouse.  And five years later they had the gift of all gifts, a son - James Riley McGowan (22). The McGowan triumvirate was complete.

Mike was a passionate Philadelphia sports fan, through the good, the bad, and the ugly. He loved the Eagles and the Phillies especially. Mike went to Spring Training every year and had many, many crazy adventures there with the “Spring Training Gang”.  What happens in Clearwater, stays in Clearwater. A few tears of joy may have been shed for the Phillies World Series win and the Eagles Super Bowl win. He would not confirm nor deny.

He was the biggest fan of live music and went to hundreds of concerts. He saw everyone he ever wanted to see and many bands multiple times. He was at the very first Lollapalooza and the first Firefly Festival. He would travel for concerts and his bucket list was to see a concert at Wembley Stadium in London. He had tickets to see the Foo Fighters at Wembley but Dave Grohl broke his leg. Darn it, Grohl!

He loved video games, especially Pikmin, and he introduced and passed that love right on to his son. They spent so much time wiling away the hours beating levels and yelling at the TV.

Mike was the most devoted and proud father passing on to his son his love of video games, music, and movies. He did not, however, pass on the love of sports.  You can't win them all! Mike was never in a conversation where he didn’t talk about his beloved son. His pride, joy, and love knew no bounds for his Riley. It was immeasurable.

Mike’s career began at EMAT followed shortly thereafter at Lockwood Financial in Business Development and through the years with his giant personality he worked his way up the ranks by, in his words, “dominating the room”.  He worked for ADVISORport and Albridge (a subsidiary of Pershing) and finally landed at Envestnet as Senior VP of Business Solutions and strategic business development. At home we always asked what he did - he would just say “I’m kind of a big deal”.  Mike left Envestnet last year and was currently doing independent consulting.

Mike’s truest mission in life though, was making people happy.  He wanted to help everyone and make the world a little better just by being kind. He started a non-profit (To Great Lengths) to help people who just needed an extra boost and a helping hand. He became a certified life coach to help people who were at a low point in their lives. His mission was to not only live his life the best way he could but to help others do the same. He was honest in his opinion and steadfast in his beliefs. What you saw was what you got with Mike. He was the life of the party, the bringer of smiles and laughs (and many eye rolls), and the king of good times, and did everything 110%. There was no half way with him…unless it was household chores or yard work. Then it was less than half way.

He radiated warmth and could talk so much that sometimes you just had to say “Mike. Cool it” and he would….for about a second and then start talking again! He made anyone feel welcome. He could meet you, chat your ear off, ask you questions and you would leave as his friend. He had friends from New Zealand to Florida, London to Pennsylvania. You knew if he was going to be at an event - it would be a good time. He was a presence.

Mike wanted to leave a legacy and he sure did. The stories about how he helped people through some rough times are numerous. We aren’t sure if he knows how much he connected, helped, and touched so many - but we sure hope he does.

Mike passed away peacefully in his sleep on December 15th.  He will be missed forever.  His smile, his warmth, and his whole being. Mike is survived by his wife, his beloved son, his treasured cat, Buddy (Yes, you read that right - his best friend).  He is also survived by his parents and brother, sister in law and nephews (Amy, Logan and Jack Schillat), his aunt and uncle (Bill and Christi McGowan), cousins (Kim, Stephen, Christine McGowan and their children), and so, so many extended family and friends who love him. Mike was predeceased by his Paternal Grandparents (John and Margaret McGowan), Maternal Grandparents (Saylor and Francis Jacoby), and his Uncle (Terry McGowan).

According to Mike’s wishes he will be cremated and will be celebrated in a joyous and uproarious celebration of his short -  but jam-packed - life in the new year. 

In lieu of flowers, donations in Mike’s name can be sent to either: Be The Joy Foundation or The Wounded Warrior Project. Both of which Mike felt strongly and passionately about.

A year or so ago, Mike decided to change his middle name to Effen, telling everyone that he could do it, it was perfectly legal and even got business cards that said it to prove his point.  

So one and all, please raise your glass (preferably with a Cap’t Morgan and coke, or an espresso or chocolate martini)  to our beloved, bigger than life, Mike Effen McGowan, the greatest man who ever lived. 

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Arragements by Rigby Harting & Hagan Funeral Home
15 E. Fourth Street Media, PA 19063
www.haganfuneralhome.com