Thomas F. McGowan

Thomas McGowan Obituary

Thomas F. McGowan, 78, of 3606 North Desert Oasis, Mesa, AZ died Nov. 12. He leaves his wife of 48 years, Maribeth (Dumphy) McGowan; his son, John McGowan of Gilbert, AZ; his daughter, Caren Kyle and her husband, Master Gunnery Sergeant, USMC, John Kyle of Oceanside, CA; two grandchildren, Jessica and James Kyle of Oceanside, CA; his brother, Robert McGowan and his wife Mary of Danvers, MA and four nieces.

He was born in Boston the son of Thomas and Catherine (Chisholm) McGowan and graduated from Boston College where he also received his master's degree. Mr. McGowan served as a naval pilot in the Korean War. He was an engineer for Boeing Aircraft for many years before retiring.

The funeral will be Friday, Nov. 20 at All Saints Church, Mesa, AZ. In lieu of flowers contributions may be made to the St. Vincent DePaul Society. Callahan & Fay Brothers Funeral Home, 61 Myrtle St. To place online condolences please visit www.callahanfay.com

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Worcester Telegram & Gazette on Nov. 18, 2009.

Memories and Condolences
for Thomas McGowan

3 Entries

Peggy O'Rourke

November 24, 2009

Maribeth, John and Caren,
Just a note to express my sympathies on your loss and let you know you're in my thoughts.

A friend forwarded the following poem to me when my mom passed and I always felt a little lighter when I read it:
To my dearest family, some things I'd like to say... but first of all, to let you know, that I arrived okay. I'm writing this from heaven. Here I dwell with God above. Here, there's no more tears of sadness; here is just eternal love. Please do not be unhappy just because I'm out of sight. Remember that I'm with you every morning, noon and night.

That day I had to leave you when my life on earth was through, God picked me up and hugged me and He said, "I welcome you." It's good to have you back again; you were missed while you were gone. As for your dearest family, they'll be here later on. I need you here badly; you're part of my plan. There's so much that we have to do, to help our mortal man."

God gave me a list of things, that he wished for me to do. And foremost on the list, was to watch and care for you. And when you lie in bed at night, the day's chores put to flight. God and I are closest to you....in the middle of the night. When you think of my life on earth and all those loving years, because you are only human, they are bound to bring you tears. But do not be afraid to cry; it does relieve the pain. Remember there would be no flowers, unless there was some rain.

I wish that I could tell you all that God has planned. But if I were to tell you, you wouldn't understand. But one thing is for certain, though my life on earth is o'er. I'm closer to you now, than I ever was before. There are many rocky roads ahead of you and many hills to climb; but together we can do it by taking one day at a time.

It was always my philosophy and I'd like it for you too... that as you give unto the world, the world will give to you. If you can help somebody who's in sorrow or in pain, then you can say to God at night......"My day was not in vain." And now I am contented....that my life has been worthwhile, knowing as I passed along the way, I made somebody smile. So if you meet somebody who is sad and feeling low, just lend a hand to pick him up, as on your way you go.

When you're walking down the street, and you've got me on your mind; I'm walking in your footsteps only half a step behind. And when it's time for you to go.... from that body to be free, remember you're not going.....you're coming here to me.

Ruth Ann Mahaffey (author) ©Copyright 1998-2006

Love, Peggy O'Rourke

Carol (O'Rourke) Batchelder

November 19, 2009

Dear Maribeth, John & Caren

My heartfelt sympathies to all of you. Although we did not get to see Uncle Tom very often, my mother always kept us up to date on all of you. We also got to hear all the old stories about when they were younger (some Tom may not have wanted her to share with us!). She was very proud of her younger brother.

Please let us know if we can do anything for you.

With Love,

Marilyn Pula

November 18, 2009

Dear Maribeth,
How sad I am to have heard this news. Tom was such a wonderful person. God's peace to all of you. May Tom rest in peace. Will call,
Love, Marilyn and Fred Pula

Showing 1 - 3 of 3 results