John Patrick Gower

John Patrick Gower was born in Scranton, Pa., in 1936 to the late George and Gertrude Gower and was called to eternal rest on Aug. 14, 2021. He graduated from Central High School in Scranton in 1954 and received a BS in English literature from the University of Scranton and a MA in political science from Georgetown University.

Jack, as he was commonly known, exemplified a life filled with love, happiness, generosity and service. He married the love of his life, Mary Walsh, R.N., whom he first dated in high school and survives him after 62 years of marriage. Also surviving him are his six beloved children, John (Margaret), Patrick (Kathryn), Catherine Muha (Richard), Margaret Brown (James), James (Kathleen), Molly Kress (Carl); 20 adored grandchildren and one great-grandchild; sister, Sally Rogers (John); and many relatives and friends.

Amongst his early jobs were lifeguard at the Jewish Community Center and disc jockey at WARM radio. After college he attended OCS in Newport, R.I., and was commissioned an ensign in the United States Navy. He served aboard the destroyer USS Bache, which was assigned to the Atlantic Fleet and which participated in the naval action known as Bay of Pigs. He later taught at the U.S. Naval Academy, and after active duty he remained in the Navy Reserve. He then served honorably and with distinction for 30 years in the Central Intelligence Agency's Directorate of Operations clandestine service in six foreign countries, earning many awards, including the Career Intelligence Medal and rising to the Senior Intelligence Service. He loved his country and was devoted to his Catholic faith. His grandchildren were fond of his tales of adventure storytelling and he was known for being an excellent listener and counselor. He spoke fluent Spanish and Italian and in retirement enjoyed traveling internationally with Mary.

Friends will be received at Robert A. Pumphrey Funeral Home, Rockville, Inc., 300 W. Montgomery Ave., Rockville, MD 20850, on Wednesday, Aug. 18, from 5 to 8 p.m. A Mass of Christian Burial will be offered at St. Mary's Catholic Church, 520 Veirs Mill Road, Rockville, Md., on Thursday, Aug. 19, at 10 a.m. Interment will be at Arlington National Cemetery at a later date. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Jack's name to Walter Reed Fisher House Foundation (www.fisherhouse.org) and the USO (www.uso.org).

Please view and sign online family guestbook at www.pumphreyfuneralhome.com.