Andrew James McGowan Jr.

McGOWAN, ANDREW JAMES JR. passed away Wednesday, January 23, 2013 in Newport Richey, Florida after a brief illness. Born September 21, 1931 in Providence, Rhode Island to Andrew J. and Helen McGowan, Andrew attended La Salle Academy in Providence and in 1949, was awarded the Providence Journal Honor Roll Athlete award as the state's finest scholar-athlete. Andrew grew up to be a well-respected educator and athlete who loved to read, golf, spend time by the ocean, be with his friends and family, and to give back to his community. Andrew attended Manhattan College in New York City where he starred for both the basketball and baseball teams. He was drafted by professional teams in both sports, and then drafted by the U.S. Army where he served at Fort Dix from 1953-1955. Following the army, Andrew received his masters in Education from New York University and taught and coached basketball at Bishop Laughlin in Brooklyn, NY. In 1957, he moved his family back to Rhode Island to join the Warwick school system, where he continued to enrich the lives of the young people he taught and coached at Aldrich, Warwick Vets and Pilgrim High Schools. In 1968, Andrew became the Director of Athletics for the Warwick public school system where was awarded the first R.I. Athletic Director of the Year Award in 1973, and later became Director of Guidance at Bishop Hendricken High School. Andrew is a member of the Manhattan College Hall of Fame, the New England Basketball Hall of Fame, the R.I. School Athletics Administrator's Hall of Fame, and the Bishop Hendricken and La Salle Academy Halls of Fame. While his athletic abilities and dedication to his career brought awards and accolades, Andrew's most cherished vocation was his family, and in particular being "Poppy" to his seven grandchildren. He is survived by his wife of 57 years, Jean McGowan, his three children, Ann Marie Mehlert, Andrew McGowan and Thomas McGowan, and his seven grandchildren. He is also survived by his brother John McGowan, sisters Marita McGowan and Peggy Morrissroe. He was predeceased by his first child Kathleen Schusler and brother Joseph McGowan. Andrew was also a longtime volunteer at McAuley Ministries in Providence, where in lieu of flowers or gifts, donations may be made at www.mcauleyri.org. Funeral services will be held 9AM Saturday, February 2, 2013 at St. Mary's Church, 12 William Street, Newport, RI.