Robert A. "Bob" McGowan III

Robert A. McGowan III ("Bob"), formerly of Prospect Park, PA, and Wildwood Crest, NJ, passed away suddenly on January 4, 2026, at the age of 63. Bob had been living in San Francisco, CA, with his wife, Sheila, for the past five years. He is now reunited with his parents, Robert A. McGowan Jr. and Frances A. McGowan, who welcomed him home with open arms.
Bob had been on the waiting list for a kidney transplant and was receiving dialysis treatments four times per week. The family extends their sincere appreciation to all the medical personnel who cared for Bob over the past several years, and especially to his devoted wife, Sheila, for her unwavering love and care.
Bob was a 1981 graduate of St. James High School in Chester, PA, and the Hussian School of Art in Philadelphia, PA. He went on to become an entrepreneur, working as a painter, creative artist, and photographer. At family Christmas Pollyanna gift exchanges, there was always friendly competition to receive Bob's gift-because whatever he created was guaranteed to be something special. Often, the paint was still wet.
While at St. James, Bob played ice hockey, earned the rank of Eagle Scout, and was an avid concertgoer who loved seeing his favorite bands. Music was a constant source of joy and inspiration.
Bob is survived by his wife of 12 years, Sheila Payaqui; her parents, Romy and Paz Payaqui; his sister-in-law and brother-in-law, Phoebe and Ed Morimoto; and their son, Simon-Bob's godson-with whom he shared a particularly close bond during his years living in California.
Bob leaves behind a large and loving Irish family who will never forget his booming voice, which earned him the nickname "Boomer." He was also affectionately known as Brother Bob, Cousin Bob, and Uncle Bob. His passing leaves an immeasurable void in the lives of his six siblings, fourteen nieces and nephews, and his many aunts, uncles, cousins, and friends.
Surviving siblings include Mary Kelly (John) of Wayne, PA; Roseanne P. Bradley (John) of Prospect Park, PA; Kathleen Silvestri (Mike) of Spring City, PA; Marty McGowan (Shelli) of Prospect Park, PA; Stephen McGowan (Jenne) of Springfield, PA; and John N. McGowan (Kelly) of Ridley Park, PA.
A memorial service will be held later this year in San Francisco, CA.
Locally, a Celebration of Life will be held on January 24, 2026, at 12:00 noon at the St. James Doghouse, 1499 E. 9th Street, Eddystone, PA, where close family and friends are invited to gather and share stories of Bob.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Gift of Life Donor Program, 401 North 3rd Street, Philadelphia, PA 19123, or online at www.donors1.org.