Leo Joseph McGowan

Leo Joseph McGowan, 84, a longtime resident of Stoughton, died peacefully at home on Thursday, August 1, 2024, surrounded by his loving family and supported by his fellow retired firefighters and lifelong friends. He was the husband of Joanne M. (Smith) McGowan for 59 years. Son of the late Joseph and Helen (Buteau) McGowan, he was born and raised in Canton. He graduated from Canton High School, Class of 1957. He was a Specialist 4th Class in the U.S. Army and was a Veteran of the Vietnam Era. He was a resident of Stoughton for 65 years. Leo was a firefighter with the Stoughton Fire Department for 29 years until his retirement in 1997. He also owned and operated L&J Oil in Stoughton for 25 years. He was a member of the Firefighters Union. Leo enjoyed spending time by his pool, working in his yard, birdwatching, fishing and traveling, especially on vacations to New Hampshire and Bermuda. His greatest joy was spending time with his family, especially his grandchildren.

In addition to his wife, Leo is survived by his sons, Col. Dennis M. McGowan, Ret. US Army and his wife Kris of San Antonio, TX, Brian J. McGowan and his wife Alicia of Wrentham and Daniel J. McGowan, Stoughton PD and his wife Chrissy of Stoughton as well as his grandchildren, Sarah, Sean, Eilish, Megan, Mara and Caitlin. He was the brother of Elaine Wichland of Wrentham and Diane Brown of Walpole. 

Visiting Hours will be held from the Farley Funeral Home, 358 Park St. (Rt. 27) Stoughton on Monday, August 5 from 4-6:30 PM followed by Funeral Prayers at 6:30 PM. Burial will be private. In lieu of flowers, donations in Leo‘s memory may be made to Stoughton Fire Fighters Local 1512, 30 Freeman Street/1550 Central Street, Stoughton, MA 02072 or through Venmo at https://www.venmo.com/u/L1512firefighters.