Arthur H. McGovern Jr.

Arthur H. McGovern, Jr., 89
1936 - 2026
Swampscott - Arthur H McGovern Jr., 89, passed peacefully at home on Jan. 20, 2026, after a lengthy illness. He was the husband of Janet P. (Farrell) McGovern, with whom he shared 68 years of marriage.
The grandson of Irish immigrants, Arthur was born at Lynn Hospital and raised on Farragut Road in Swampscott.
He was the only child of Arthur H. McGovern Sr. and Eleanor M. (Callahan) McGovern.
As an infant, he received the Roman Catholic Sacrament of Baptism at St. John the Evangelist Church in Swampscott. He attended Swampscott public schools where he met a large cadre of lifelong friends, who fondly called him "Dinger." They spent summers jumping off Dow's Rock as youngsters and later rode Harley Davidsons and Indian motorcycles.
After graduation in 1954, at age 20, he met and married Janet. They settled in Swampscott in a home he largely restored himself and were the proud parents of three sons and a daughter.
Arthur had a strong work ethic and was a naturally gifted mechanic. As a teenager he enjoyed working at Lally's Garage. He was employed by various companies and contractors before settling at Lynn Sand & Stone (Aggregate Industries) from which he eventually retired after decades of service. He was a proud member of the International Brotherhood of Teamsters, Local 42, Lynn, MA. Socially, he was a member and elected officer of the Ancient Order of Hibernians, Division 10, Lynn and a member of the Swampscott Club and the Gerry 5 VFA.
Arthur and Janet purchased land in New Hampshire, where he used his skills to completely plan and build a vacation house from stone foundation to roof, using wood harvested from the property and locally milled. The family enjoyed snowmobiling in the winter. In the summer, they enjoyed the ocean, owning a series of sailboats, beginning with a lovingly restored Yankee Dory. For decades, the family sailed the coast of New England. They also enjoyed hosting gatherings and parties at home and in NH with a wide cast of authentic characters and genuine friends. In retirement, Arthur and Janet travelled widely and frequently spent the winter months in Hawaii.
Arthur was sadly predeceased by his daughter Patricia Mullen. He is survived by Janet and their sons, Michael McGovern of Swampscott and his partner, Julie DeSilva; James McGovern and his wife Dianne of Marblehead, and Stephen McGovern of Arlington, VA. He is also survived by his beloved grandchildren, Patrick, Sean, and Shannon McGovern of Swampscott and Leonard Mullen III of East Boston and Paul Mullen of Danville, NH, and his son-in-law Leonard Mullen II of Danville, NH. He will be missed and remembered by many nieces, nephews, friends, and former coworkers.
Service Information: His funeral will be held on Thursday, January 29, 2026, at 9AM from the SOLIMINE FUNERAL HOME, 67 Ocean St (Rt 1A), Lynn, followed by a Funeral Mass at 10AM in St. John the Evangelist Church, Swampscott. Relatives and friends are respectfully invited. Visiting hours are Wednesday, January 28, 2026, from 4-7PM. Private burial will be held at a later date.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude’s Place, Memphis, TN 38105.
Directions and guestbook at www.solimine.com