FR. JOHN PATRICK McGOVERN, OP, a Roman Catholic Priest of the Dominican Order died Tuesday, August 16, 2005 at Providence Hospital, Washington, D.C. after a brief illness.

Fr. McGovern, OP, was born in Providence, RI, on November 23, 1915 son of John J. and Alice (Ormond) McGovern. He is survived by a sister, Mrs. Mary Condry of Wakefield, RI and a nephew, John Rafferty, three nieces, Maureen Nugent, Catherine Rafferty-Hull and Patricia Mellor all of Rhode Island. He was preceded in death by a sister, Mrs. Anna Rafferty of Wakefield, RI.

Fr. McGovern received his early education in Providence, RI at St. Patrick elementary school, LaSalle Academy and Providence College. In 1943 he entered the U.S. Navy where he served as a signalman in the Pacific Theater during WWII where he was in several naval battles including the Battle of Leyte in the South Pacific. He was discharged in 1946 and was employed for three years by the New Haven Railroad. In 1949 he began studying for the Priesthood in the Order of Preachers (Dominican Fathers).

On August 16, 1953 John McGovern was professed in the Dominican order and received the religious name Patrick, He was ordained to the Priesthood June 5, 1959 at St. Dominic Church, Washington, D.C. by the late Cardinal Patrick O'Boyle.

During his 46 years in the priesthood, Fr. McGovern had several assignments within the Dominican Province of St. Joseph. All involved pastoral ministry and included St. Mary in Johnson City, TN, St. Dominic in Washington, D.C., St. Catherine in New York City, St. Vincent Ferrer in New York City, St. Raymond in Providence, RI, St. Gertrude in Cincinatti, OH. He was assigned to the Dominican House of Studies, Washington, D.C. in 1981 and remained there until July 2004. Because of declining health, Fr. McGovern was assigned to the Center for Assisted Living at St. Dominic Priory, Washington, D.C. in July 2004.

Funeral arrangements by KALAS FUNERAL HOME, Oxon Hill. Office of the Dead will be chanted at 7:30 p.m. Friday, evening August 19, at St. Dominic Priory, 630 E St. S.W., Washington, D.C. The Funeral Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10 a.m. on Saturday, morning, August 20, at St. Dominic Church. Burial will be in Mount Olivet Cemetery, Washington, following the funeral liturgy.

Contributions may be made in Father McGovern's memory to the Dominican Center for Assisted Living, 630 E St. S.W., Washington, D.C.

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

Published by The Washington Post on Aug. 18, 2005.

Memories and Condolences
for John McGovern

7 Entries

Tara L. Brazee

August 22, 2005

Father John cannot be referred to in the past tense -- he still is very much with us...the Lord used him right to the end -- he had something kind to say to each person who was taking care of him and knew all their names and life stories -- giving his simple love even as he was preparing to go home to God..."Be kind, be kind, be kind" is his motto...I literally owe my life to Fr. John -- he "snagged me" while I was working at the Dominican Library -- God's faithful old sheep dog..he brought me back into the fold...plain, simple, loving and humble -- my role model. All he wanted was to "make it to the finish line" -- and he did so with humor, dignity, and courage. Quite a standard for me to live up to!

Joe McGovern

August 19, 2005

Father John, you are a distant cousin I came to know all too late. I will treasure the memory of those few times we had together, and regret that my father Eugene did not live to make your acquaintance. The two of you would have hit it off very well.

Vivian Swingle

August 18, 2005

Although a distant cousin of my father's, Father John was one of the closest relatives in my life. He celebrated my family's milestones and helped during difficult times with his prayers and humor. He taught us how to be humble servants to our Lord. Father John will be greatly missed. May God bless him.

Vivian Swingle

AnnMarie Heavey

August 18, 2005

Fr. John you were a profound influence in my life. You were there for every milestone in my life taking pictures and sending cards. When I look at my photo album I realize it would be half empty, but for your constant insistence to take pictures. You introduced me to Providence College, and encouraged me to continue on with law school. You were a grandfather, an uncle and a surrogate father to Vivian and myself. Your generosity and love was endless and I am truly going to miss you at all of our family functions (especially Thanksgiving). I love you Fr. John.

Mary Ann Heavey

August 18, 2005

To others you were always Pat. To us: Father John. 40 yrs. ago this month Father John, our distant cousin, married us and over the years has blessed our homes and our family with his camaraderie, laughter and generosity through difficult times and times of great joy. On the occasion of his twenty-fifth year of ordination Father chose this verse from Apoc.2:10 "Be thou faithful unto death, and I will give thee the crown of life" to be inscribed on his commemorative cards. 15 years later we joined him to celebrate his 40th anniversary and were looking forward to the same on his 50th. How he will be missed by us all! You will forever be in our thoughts and prayers. May our God of love and mercy care for you , bless you , and grant you everlasting peace.

The Heavey Family

Sean Mc Carthy

August 18, 2005

Offering my deepest condolences.

The Staff of Kalas Funeral Homes

August 18, 2005

Offering our deepest condolences during this difficult time.

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