Thomas E. McGowan

PROVINCETOWN — Thomas E. McGowan, 66, of Provincetown, died at his home on July 16, 2008, following a long illness.

Born in Chicago, Ill., he was the son of the late Robert and Joan (Rakas) McGowan. He grew up in Brookfield, Ill., and later in LaGrange, Ill.

As a young man, he enjoyed working with animals in the children's zoo, located within the Brookfield Zoo in Brookfield. Later, he went to Loyala University and majored in Spanish.

Prior to moving to Provincetown, he managed Berghoff's Restaurant in Chicago. For the past 30 years, he was a familiar presence in Provincetown, where he lived and worked year round. He was a manager and waiter for Pepe's Restaurant on Commercial Street. During the off season, he enjoyed baking and also his long-standing card playing group of friends.

He is survived by a sister, Kathleen McGowan, and her husband, Terry McGuire, of Naperville, Ill.; 10 nieces and nephews; and nine great-nieces and great-nephews. Included in the many local friends who will miss Tom are Eva and Astrid Berg, Jane Saul, Barbara Stevens and Debbie Scesney. He is also survived by Edward, his beloved cockatoo.

Relatives and friends are gathering on Sunday, July 20, at the Gately McHoul Funeral Home, 94 Harry Kemp Way in Provincetown, from 3 to 6 p.m. Following the visiting hours, a prayer service will take place at 6 p.m. in the funeral home. Tom's brother-in-law, Deacon Terry McGuire, will officiate.