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Francis McGovern Obituary
McGovern served in the United States Air Force as a C-130 tactical airlift pilot and went on to command two combat squadrons. He was especially proud of his service as Executive Support Officer for the U.S. Secretary of Defense, Caspar Weinberger and had the pleasure of working with General Colin Powell. He retired in 1997.
McGovern was a leader in the Records Management industry and his many contributions changed the way organizations manage their business records. Among his numerous post-military positions, he served on the committee that wrote DoD standard 5015.02 which was adopted by government and industry as the requirement for records keeping systems. He was President of the U.S. operations for Tower Software. He worked for FileNet and then IBM since 2004 where he led their records management software marketing efforts. McGovern also served on the Board of Directors of AIIM International. He was a frequent speaker and highly respected industry expert.
He was born August 14, 1953 to the late Hugh McGovern and Elizabeth McGovern in Worcester, MA. He earned a B.A. in Political Science from the College of the Holy Cross and a M.A. in Computer Resources and Information Management from Webster University.
In 1983, he married the former Karen Wilson in Enid, OK, whom he met during pilot training. Together, they enjoyed the lake country of upstate New York and traveling abroad during his military career.
He is survived by his loving wife and best friend, Karen E. McGovern; his mother; two daughters: Laurel McGovern and Sandra Lineberger and her husband SFC Jesse A. Lineberger; one sister, Elizabeth Yessin; three brothers: Hugh McGovern, Terrence McGovern, and Christopher McGovern. He is also survived by his mother-in-law, Ellen Schuermann and her husband LeRoy; and one grandchild, Diante Carter.
A life celebration service will be held at St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Catholic Church, 12805 Valleywood Drive, Lake Ridge, VA 22192 on Saturday, February 5, 2011 at 10:00 a.m.
In lieu of flowers, donations in Lt. Colonel McGovern's name can be made to Toys for Tots
(toysfortots.org)
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Francis McGovern
Sponsored by Karen McGovern.
Sandra
April 13, 2025
I miss you dad.
Peter Kurilecz
February 16, 2025
Hard to believe that it has been 14 years since you left us. Every time I get in my Z4M I remember you telling me to drive it like I stole it.
Craig Rhinehart
January 27, 2025
Frank - I wish we had spent more time on the golf course instead of "doing" records management back in the day. You were so instrumental in the success we achieved at FileNet and IBM. That said, it was such a privilege to know you .. and spend time with you .. even if there were more bogies than birdies being made. I think of you often. Craig
Mark Yessin
June 24, 2024
Frank-It´s never too late to honor your memory. May your memory be a blessing.
Peter Kurilecz
January 30, 2024
Hard to believe its been 13 years since Frank's passing. Occasionally he will pop into my memories. Just realized that my father passed away just a few weeks later.
PeterK
Tom Noonan
September 24, 2022
Franny
I just now stumbled across news of your passing
I'll always remember the joy you found with your easily induced laughter
I still think you intentionally sabotaged the beast lawn mower at the North American Martys Church where e you and I cut the lawns
I will never forget the smile and laughter on your face as you came up the driveway carrying the front wheels of the mower that somehow simultaneously fell off the machine
I will always cherish that beautiful Cheshire Cat grin
Sleep well my friend
TJ Noonan
Karen
January 31, 2022
Missing you today. But know you are always with me.
Karen McGovern
January 31, 2021
Miss you . Gone ten years, how can this be so?
sport
April 13, 2020
Speechless. It's been a long time since
Torrejon. Now you truly walk with angels.
Sport
Peter K
January 27, 2020
I still think about Frank all the time. An incredible influence. gone too soon
Karen McGovern
February 1, 2017
Cemetery was beautiful yesterday. Know you rest in peace there. Miss you, but smile often when the memories flood into my day. Love you- Wife
Karen McGovern
August 31, 2016
Frank, It has now been 40 years since we first met. I can still remember the exact spot where I was introduced to you. I can still see the grin on your face. I'm so glad I had you in my life. I wish it could have been longer. Love, The Wife
Larry Medina
January 29, 2016
I periodically see messages from Karen, which always remind me how much Frank was loved. Karen, be comforted by the knowledge that he was also highly respected and appreciated by his professional colleagues... I'll never forget my friend Francis. <3
Karen McGovern
January 28, 2016
Five years on Sunday the 31st. How can this be? Wonder how and why all of this happened. But know you still guide me with the little reminders I find at the right time. These bring a smile to my face. You are ever with me.- Love, Wife
Michele Kersey
September 15, 2015
You are still guiding my professional ethics, Frank. "Don't get in the guttah with a guttah snipe." Miss you!
August 14, 2015
Happy Birthday! Miss you. Love you. Guess no trip to the river for a birthday dinner on the water. How I miss those times.
April 20, 2015
Returned from your Mom's funeral two weeks ago. How is it that time passes so quickly? Doesn't seem as if so much time had passed but it's been four years since we laid you to rest in Arlington National Cemetery. You are not forgotten and still very much kept close in our hearts. Love you. - The Wife
Karen McGovern
August 16, 2014
Visited you at Arlington on your birthday. It was a beautiful day. Wish you'd been here to share it. Miss you so much.- Wife
January 31, 2014
It was a beautiful day. Wishing you could have been here to see it. Remembering you on the third anniversary of your death. Love, Wife
Karen McGovern
August 13, 2013
Aug. 14th... Happy 60th birthday. Miss you, the dinners on the shore, and the yearly birthday cake we enjoyed. If only....Love you much. The Wife
Karen McGovern
July 16, 2013
Remembering you today and your 'summer office on the deck'. Wish I could look out and still see you there.-Wife
February 17, 2013
The Holidays are over. Winter is here and it is so cold today. I had lunch and a nice visit with our former neighbors. The afternoon brought back many memories of how much fun we all used to have with the dinners and visits while sitting on the deck or standing in the front yard chatting. There was much conversation about how things have changed in town and our neighborhood.
Yes, things have very much changed for us. Miss you, Wife
The wife
November 3, 2012
Nov. 1st. was the second anniversary of the news. We thought we had the victory but the news proved us wrong. Your battle was intense but so very short in the end. I'm now thinking of the time we spent together during the 92 days. Wish you were here. I miss you so much, but I know you are now free of so much pain and suffering. Rest well.
June 17, 2012
Our second Father's Day without you. Still missed so very much by so many. Love you, Wife
May 22, 2012
With Memorial Day coming up, I am thinking of you and summer days past. Wishing so much things could be different for all of us. Love, Wife
Of summers past. Miss you so much.
May 22, 2012
Happy times past, Williamsburg
March 29, 2012
Arlington National Cemetery Jan 31 2012
Lt Col Francis X. McGovern
February 10, 2012
Craig Rhinehart
February 4, 2012
On the recent anniversary of Frank's departing ... I share this story ...
I am actually reminded of him each and every time I walk past my by wine fridge. Frank and I shared a number of things. Besides the love of a good steak, golf and records management ... Frank and I both loved to drink red wine. We rarely got the opportunity to do so ... but when we did, we really enjoyed it. In March of 2010, Frank and I spend a day in Napa with a colleague exploring wineries and one of them was a place called Fleury - a small eclectic winery specializing in red blends. We hadn't intended to go there originally and none of us had even heard of it ... but the limo driver recommended it, and you might say we were open to suggestions by then, so we went.
Luckily, one of the owners did our tasting and it was awesome. We sat there and marveled at how much we enjoyed the experience and especially how good the wine was. We went through the first round of the tasting (5 or 6 wines) and no one wanted to leave - including the owner, who kept going into the reserve cellar and pulling out all of these expensive vintages for us to taste. Frank was having the time of his life - getting the rock star treatment. Something he would never ask for, or expect. Thinking back on it, it must have been so obvious how much we genuinely enjoyed the wine, the place and the experience to the point where the owner just kept pouring. Frank just sat there ... content, smiling, laughing, drinking and commenting on how much he loved the wine. And it wasn't because he was looped or anything - just a genuine "enjoying the moment" experience. He was as happy as I ever saw him. I ended up buying some wine and had it shipped. He did not.
We often commented on how great that day was and that we would go back soon. It wasn't an empty statement. He would lament about not buying some of the Fleury for himself.
Later that summer, Frank felt well enough that we played golf one day. Afterwards, he came over to my house for dinner. I grilled steaks and pulled out one of those bottles of Fleury. We sat on my deck and watched the sunset ... ate steak ... and drank Fleury ... it was perfect. We talked about past victories and all of the mountains yet to climb. We started planning to back to Napa in the fall - since ARMA was in SF.
Well ... Frank couldn't go due to his illness and we never made it back to Fleury ... but at least I still have this memory.
So tonight ... I have am having a glass (or two) of Fleury and remembering my friend and our colleague.
We miss you, my friend.
Greg Bennett
February 3, 2012
Today I was searching on the internet for my old Air Force supervisor and ran across Lt Col McGovern's obituary--not what I was expecting to find. My condolences go out to his family. We first met at Dover Air Force Base, Delaware in the mid 80s and then we met again at Scott Air Force Base, Illinois in the mid 90s. I remember his phone call when he arrived and I remember the last time we saw each other. We were riding down in the elevator in the Air Mobility Command Headquarters building. He was leaving Scott and I had learned that I had been selected for promotion to Chief Master Sergeant (his leadership and friendship made that happen). I presented him with my first Chief Master Sergeant coin as we were talking in the elevator. He was a great supervisor and a great Air Force officer and he is sorely missed. CMSgt Greg Bennett, Retired
January 31, 2012
Year one is finished. Now, year two begins without you. You are missed by all who loved you so very much. Loved by many, friend to many. Held tightly in my heart. All my love, Wife
Arlington National Cemetery Dec. 2011
Karen McGovern
December 20, 2011
December 20, 2011
You are missed more than ever this Holiday Season. Wishing you were here. Love You, Wife
October 31, 2011
Oct.31, '11. Just last year we picked out candy and passed it out to the kids together. This year I did it alone. Doesn't seem like 9 months since you have been gone. I know you loved Halloween. I tried to make it the way you would have liked it, for you and the kids who came to trick or treat tonight. Love you, Wife
October 31, 2011
Headstone
October 31, 2011
October 2, 2011
Dark, rainy, cold Sunday, Redskins football. Missed you sitting in your chair. Love, Wife
August 13, 2011
Missing you so very much. Thinking of you constantly, especially tomorrow Aug.14th, on what would have been your 58th birthday.
A full life you lived, but cut much too short. We are left behind to wonder why. I suppose some questions will always be left unanswered.
Was always there for you, will always be here for you. Love, Wife
July 5, 2011
June 14, 2011
Prum Air Base
May 21, 2011
April 30, 2011
I'm adding a proper military picture to your page. We are briefly trying to tell the story of your life. I know this is the picture you would want.
I'd not seen it before and found it only recently. Think you were sending me a message... "This is the one." Miss you every day.- Love, Wife
1990
April 29, 2011
USAF Memorial over Arlington Cemetery
April 3, 2011
Frank rests
April 3, 2011
USAF
April 3, 2011
guard departs
April 3, 2011
RIP Frank
April 3, 2011
Final honor guard
April 3, 2011
karen mcgovern
April 3, 2011
Laid you to rest at Arlington National Cemetery on April 1st. I know this is where you wanted to be. They gave you a premo spot. Love you always, Wife
McGovern family
March 28, 2011
Birthday Dinner
March 24, 2011
Summer 2010
March 24, 2011
March 24, 2011
Frank and Dot dog
March 24, 2011
March 24, 2011
March 13, 2011
March 12, 2011
Frank and Karen. Cape Cod.
March 12, 2011
March 10, 2011
Words cannot begin to decribe how very much you are missed. How can the lack of the sound of one person's voice have such a profound effect on another person? I am left to wonder about and ponder many many things. Love you, Wife
January 1, 2010
March 10, 2011
Frank's Feisty Fish
March 10, 2011
Steve Wilson
March 8, 2011
Frank was a wonderfull man. Who was very
wise and had many tallents. He will be
greatly missed by all who knew and though
alot of him.
I miss you Dad.
Sandra Lineberger
March 8, 2011
March 3, 2011
Frank's burial at Arlington National Cemetery will be on April 1st at 11:00am. Those wishing to attend are asked to meet at the Administration Building at Arlington National Cemetery at 10:30am
Dustin Little
March 2, 2011
Thankful to have gotten to know Frank over the past several months, and so sorry to hear about his passing. He battled his illness valiantly. Condolences to the McGovern family and to the many whose lives he clearly touched.
February 17, 2011
Dear Betty, Hugh, Beth, Terry and Chris, My heart goes out to all of you on Franny's passing. It's been many years since our days together in Auburn when we used to get together regularly. I've lost touch with you all, but will never forget Franny's quiet, reliable personality as a young boy. I'm not surprised with the illustrious career he carved out for himself.
My condolences to you all. Marie Boria, Spencer, Mass.
February 12, 2011
I had the pleasure of knowing Franny during our years together at Holy Cross. He was a wonderful friend during that time, and, having read the tributes from those he has known since, it is apparent that he continued to be to those he met later in life.
I shall remember him fondly and offer my condolences to the family.
Ed Boyle HC '75
Kate Thomas
February 10, 2011
Dear McGovern Family,
I am so deeply saddened by your loss. I worked with Frank in 1998-2000 at DynSolutions and he was truly one of my favorite people. We all just loved him. He had such a wonderfully pleasant nature and taught us more than we probably ever wanted to know about records management. I hope his smile and laughter stays with you forever because I know that is what I remember the most. I think heaven just got that much brighter. Kate Thomas
February 8, 2011
Dear Laurel and Family,
We are sorry to hear about the loss of your father. Please accept our condolences.
May God bless you and your family in the time of sorrow.
~ Bruce Li and Welbig Company, Hong Kong
Karen McGovern
February 6, 2011
Death is nothing at all.
I have only slipped away into the next room.
Whatever we were to each other, we are still.
Call me by my old familiar name,speak to me in the easy way which you always used to. Laugh as you always laughed at the little jokes we enjoyed together.
Play,smile,think of me, pray for me. Let my name be the household word that it always was. Let it be spoken without effort. Life means all that it ever meant.
It is the same as it was ever was; there is absolutely unbroken continuity.
Why should I be out of your mind because I am out of your sight?
I'm but waiting for you for an interval, somewhere very near just around the corner.
All is well. Nothing is past, nothing is lost.
One brief moment and all will be as it was before, better, infinitely happier and forever-we will be together.
Frank, I promise to do just this. All my love, Karen
Richard Houston
February 5, 2011
Sorry to hear the news. Thoughts and prayers to the whole extended family. Fond memories of Houston and McGovern family associations from Pakachoag Hill, St. John's, and Holy Cross.
Anneta Carter
February 5, 2011
I did not have the opportunity to know Frank well, however, I am a life long friend of his lovely wife, Karen, from my childhood. I know Frank was admired and respected by everyone and dearly loved by his family. He will be greatly missed. My thoughts and prayers are with you. Love, Anneta
Claude Senecal
February 5, 2011
My heart goes out to the Mcgovern family. I was very saddened to hear of the passing of an old friend. I was already serving in the Marine Corps when I heard that Fran had joined the Airforce and was Flying C-130 Aircraft. I always knew he would do well in life.
Elaine J Robinson
February 4, 2011
To the McGovern Family,
I was very saddened to learn of Franny's passing. Memories of the days on Thayer Ave came flooding back. He certainly lived his life well. Very accomplished and the photo shows him as very happy in his life.
Please accept my deepest sympathy. He certainly will be remembered with a smile and a warm spot in my heart.
May your memories help you through this time of grief...........
Frank in Vegas playing golf
Craig Rhinehart
February 4, 2011
I knew and respected Frank from the industry and his days at Tower Software. When I got the chance to build a team at FileNet, there was only one guy I wanted to build a team around. I hired Frank at FileNet in 2004 and he was doing demos his very first day on the job (at the MER Conference) the week we launched FileNet P8 Records Manager and ZeroClick. The business, and the team, grew fast. With Frank's help we achieved market leadership very quickly ... a genuine business success story. After we were acquired by IBM, he continued lead our records management strategy and marketing efforts. Frank was integral to the tremendous success of IBM's Enterprise Records ... a business that was literally zero in 2004 and is many millions of dollars today.
When I visited Frank last week with Bill Neale, we spent the afternoon discussing many things ... life, golf, wine and records management (shocker). He reflected on how satisfying his life has been over two great careers and how fortunate he was for the many experiences and things that had come this way. He was genuinely appreciative, truly fulfilled and at peace with his life and what he was facing. I can only hope to have such a perspective one day.
I will especially miss playing golf, talking red wine and records management with him. Most of all, I will miss his friendship and his tremendous spirit. He was a good and humble man who was was beloved by everyone who knew him.
I will especially miss his many hilarious stories and situations we found ourselves in over the years … “the coffee carafe must be on the table” “no touchy feely stuff” “email is a record” “Hey Russ, where are you?” “How I married my wife” “How to get Cap Weinberger home in a snowstorm” and many more …
Frank relaxing in Las Vegas between holes playing golf
Craig Rhinehart
February 4, 2011
Loy Riley
February 4, 2011
I was very fortunate to have known the McGovern family when they lived in Auburn, Mass. I had so many good times at their home. When I read what Frank had accomplished in life I had wished I had had a chance to talk with him, since I only knew him as a young boy. My sincere condolences to everyone in his family. Everyone in the McGovern family is remarkable and it was a pleasure to have spent time with them.
Terry McCart
February 4, 2011
Dear Karen & Family
My heart goes out to you, Sandra and Laurel. Frank was a fine man and will be greatly missed. You are in my thoughts.
Ray & Norma League
February 4, 2011
Ray M League of Oklahoma Ciy, Bartlesville. Enid, Ok, and the city of Pond Creek, Ok - Such a woneful life that started out in PC Ok---Love you and your OK family--Ray M League 02-04-2011
Twilla Duncan
February 4, 2011
We are all honored when persons like Frank McGovern serve. To you, Laurel, and your family I send prayers, love and affection
Richard H
February 4, 2011
Dear Karen & Family,
Our condolences to you and your family for your loss this week of Frank.
Frank was a great colleague and friend to me over the years, helping me out and advising me in his always-with-a-smile ways over the years. I worked with him first almost 12 years ago at Dynsolutions/DynCorp where we achieved one of the first erecords paired-integration solutions and achieved the first DoD 5015 certification.
Since his joining FileNet and then IBM, I enjoyed our daily contacts, discussions, brainstorming and execution to help colleagues and customers worldwide. His passion and wry humor was infectious, especially on the road and in the field, across customers and many events and conferences. It was a pleasure when traveling to always try to bring him a cup of coffee each day and appreciate his humble under-his-breath thank-you.
I’ll miss you Frank :-( Rest in peace.
Richard
Barbara Churchill
February 4, 2011
great picture of Frank and a nice tribute to his life. It was an honor to know him.
Peter Kurilecz
February 3, 2011
I enjoyed working with Frank. His humor was outstanding and his desire to play golf was admirable. My best times with him were driving him to the park and ride in Woodbridge from the Arlington office. Was always willing to share, extremely knowledgeable. will miss him greatly
Jack Frost
February 3, 2011
To many of us with with the National Capitol Chapter of AIIM, Frank was a dear friend and colleague. Aways the ultimate professional. Our prayers are with his family.
Jack Frost
President, NCCAIIM
February 3, 2011
Dear Karen, I am so sorry to hear about the loss of your husband. I will keep you and your family in prayer.
Love, Cheryl Day
February 3, 2011
Frank was an outstanding officer, leader, and friend but the quality the will keep him in our memories is that he was a good person. Fran & John Grozier
Kristi Perdue
February 3, 2011
Frank was an amazing man, ultimate professional and inspiring. He will be greatly missed!!! My prayers are with his family!
Kathy Pickett-Apicelli
February 3, 2011
Chris and Family,
My prayers are with the McGovern family. I hope you find peace in your hearts soon just as Franny has found in his. Know that it is easier to leave than it is to be left behind. God Bless.
Kathy Pickett Apicelli
Tim Palmer
February 3, 2011
Such a sad loss of an Honored Veteran and family man. Prayers for the McGovern Family.
February 3, 2011
Our prayers are with you and the family, Karen. I will be in touch with you soon.
Carolyn Sherman
Garrett Brummer
February 3, 2011
Frank was my Section Commander right after I cross trained into the First Sergeant career field at Little Rock AFB, AR. He was a role model for me. I've kept in contact with him and his lovely wife Karen for over 30 years now. I will miss him and share his loss with his family.
John Pugrud
February 3, 2011
It is sad when such a great person is taken from us. Karen our prayers are with you and your family.
Bev LeBoeuf
February 3, 2011
Frank was a dedicated professional but most important he was a man who believed in God, His Family (Karen and his girls) and his country. Thank you for serving and setting a great example for all to follow. For Karen, Sandra, and Laural you have our friendship and love.
God bless, Bev and Bill LeBoeuf and family
Larry Medina
February 3, 2011
It was an honor to have known Frank McGovern. He was a very knowledgeable professional in his field, always more than willing to share from his experiences and quick with a witty line. My most sincere condolences to Frank's family in this time of loss. Knowing how much he meant to those of us whose lives he touched professionally, I can't begin to imagine the loss you must feel losing such a dear and loving man from your lives. God bless you, Francis.
Tod Chernikoff
February 3, 2011
Frank was a great leader in our profession and and will continue to inspire us.
Jane Wilson McCoy
February 3, 2011
I am very sorry for your loss. I will keep you and your family in my prayers.
Michele Kersey
February 3, 2011
Frank was a dedicated, consummate professional, a seasoned leader, an inspiring mentor, and a lovely gentleman. I'm lucky to have worked for him. His wit, patience, kindness, and love of family are sterling examples for all who knew him. I wish the family solace in the hearts, minds, and arms of all of us who loved and respected Frank.
Jim Olstad
February 3, 2011
You are now in a better place with no suffering!!
John Frost
February 3, 2011
Frank, you were a great mentor and a true friend. You are dearly missed.
Your friend,
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