Menu
Search by Name
Search by Name
Stephen McGowan Obituary
STEPHEN MCGOWAN, a combat medic serving in Iraq, was killed in action on March 4, 2005. Stephen is survived by his mother, Bobbie Ann McGowan; his sister, Michaela McGowan; his father, Fran DiDomenicis; his grandfather, Col. Stephen A. Farris, Jr. (Ret.); his grandmother, Mrs. Millie DiDomenicis and his many devoted aunts, uncles, cousins, and many, many friends. The committal with Full Military Honors will take place in Arlington National Cemetery, Arlington, VA on Tuesday, afternoon March 15, at 3:30 p.m. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that contributions be made to Fisher House Foundation, 1401 Rockville Pike, Rockville, MD 20852 or www.fisherhouse.org, which offers support to the families of fallen soldiers.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Stephen McGowan
Charlie Gili
October 5, 2021
Hello,
We realize that we are very late to express our deepest condolences, but we wanted to let your family and friends know that we will be sending Care Packages to deployed troops this month and several of these will be dedicated to your loved one. Each package will carry the name, photo and hometown of Stephen M. McGowan US Army Corporal.
We realize that this is a small tribute, but we do this with all respect and sincerity and we want you to know that it is made possible by thousands of like-minded individuals from across the American youth hockey community, their families and friends and others who support our mission.
We will not forget. May God Bless you and keep you safe and strong.
Sincerely,
Charlie Gili & Family
On Behalf of our US Hockey Players Support Our Troops Campaign
Bobbie McGowan
April 26, 2014
I am Stephen's mother. It does not get easier. How could it? Stephen meant so much to so many, but for me, he was my beloved son...my hero...my heart. I thank each and everyone of you for remembering him.
David B. Crawford
December 24, 2013
Dear cousin,
I wish you were still with us, and that I had come to know you. Alas, I found you too late.
With deep sympathy and a heavy heart I send my condolences to your Featherer, DiDomenicis, Hale, McGowan and related families as well as your Army buddies, and friends.
David Benn Crawford, MD
Las Vegas, NV
Peggy Childers
March 7, 2013
To the family and friends of Cpl. Stephen M. McGowan:
It has truly been my honor to sign Stephen's guest book these past few years. Unfortunately, due to complications from my Multiple Sclerosis, this may be the last message I'm able to write. Please forgive me and know that Stephen will always be remembered in my home.
With love and respect ~ Peggy
Terri McGrath
March 4, 2013
To the family and friends of Steve...
I'm keeping you all in my thoughts and prayers! It's so hard to believe that it's been 8 years!
With fond remembrance, Terri McGrath
Peggy Childers
March 9, 2012
March 4, 2012
To the family and friends of Cpl. Stephen M. McGowan:
Always remembering Stephen. "Some gave all."
L Neal
March 11, 2011
To the family of CPL. Stephen M. McGowan:
Please know that just as your loved one will remain in your hearts and minds forever, his sacrifice, and that of your family, remains with the people he died defending. Words cannot express the gratitude we feel for his bravery and selflessness, or the heartache we feel for your loss. God bless and keep you always.
Peggy Childers
March 4, 2011
To the family and friends of Cpl. Stephen M. McGowan:
Please accept my remembrance of Stephen on the anniversary of his passing and know that he will never be forgotten.
Peggy Childers
www.IraqWarHeroes.org
Peggy Childers
March 4, 2010
To the family and friends of Cpl. Stephen M. McGowan:
Remembering Stephen on the anniversary of his passing. May our fallen heroes never be forgotten!
Peggy Childers
"Don't Let The Memory Of Them Drift Away"
www.IraqWarHeroes.org
Kenna Larra
July 3, 2009
”Honor and Remember” - “Project Compassion” We love our Soldiers! We love our country and we cannot express enough love and compassion to the families of our fallen heroes. War does not discriminate – It breaks our hearts to see the faces of the fallen. We want to give this gift to you. We are a 501c3 nonprofit organization! Over 1,600 portraits have been completed and shipped to the parents and or spouse - at no cost as this is a gift from one American to another!
Contact us directly at [email protected] or go to www.heropaintings.com . If you have already had a portrait completed, we pray that you are enjoying the portrait and God Bless You.
Sincerely and Respectfully,
Kenna
Lidia Smith
May 3, 2009
You and your family are invited to attend this years Armed Forces Memorial Day Service which will be held at St. George's UMC in Frankford, De we will be dedicating this year our Armed Forces Memorial Day Service to Delawares' young men and women who paid the ultimate sacrifice. It will be held on Saturday, May 23, 2009 at 6:30pm. Your son,Cpl Stephen M. McGowan will be amongst the many that we will honor.
Peggy Childers
March 4, 2009
To the family of Cpl. Stephen M. McGowan:
Stephen gave the ultimate sacrifice and will be held in the hearts of Americans forever. I cannot and will not let our fallen heroes be forgotten. My deepest sympathy to you. "Some gave all."
Peggy Childers
"Don't Let The Memory Of Them Drift Away"
www.IraqWarHeroes.org
He grew into a fine young man.
September 11, 2008
Sara Jenkins
August 16, 2008
It has been an honor to have known Steve, and I find myself checking his memorial sites often to see - still after 3 years - how many people are inspired by the man he grew into, a strong man with such an immense sense of humanity. I wish we had kept up better after college, that I could begin to understand and appreciate the depth of the loss to his family, friends, and fellow soldiers. I hope it comforts them to know that it takes a group of loving and amazing people to inspire that kind of exceptional drive in a single man.
T Moudy
May 17, 2008
May God lift your heart from sorrow as you remember the gift Stephen gave to help others gain their freedom!
From the Gold Star Mother of another Delaware "Iraqi Freedom" Hero (KIA Baghdad, Iraq 12/11/05
April 30, 2008
You are remembered and respected. Thank you Cpl McGowan!
Debbie , Kenny Coffey
March 4, 2008
Our continued thoughts and prayers out to the MCGOWAN family.Knowing now what they have always known is one of many reasons that our HERO[S] shall NEVER be forgotten,Rest well brother as prommissed and in your honor that star spangled banner shall FOREVER wave.Your name stamped in steel is FOREVER clutched in the tallons,as your spirit FOREVER soars high in the skies in the symbol of our great nation...THANK..YOU....HO..YAAH...........B.V.C.
Sharon (Link) O'Shaughnessy
December 11, 2007
I followed Stephen's beanie baby & soccer ball campaign through my grandmother's church. Knowing he was befriending children was one positive bright spot I knew I could pray for all through the terrible news coming out of Iraq. It was devastating to hear of his passing. My son was astonished today at my immediate rush of emotion when we entered our local Chick-Fil-A. They are advertising a fundraiser on Dec. 15th for Beanie Babies to be distributed in Stephen's honor. It's been two years, and I live in PA, so hearing Stephen's name was a wonderful surprise. Knowing that his spirit lives on with this program is nourishment for our souls at Christmastime. Blessings to the McGowan & DiDomenicis families...so many of us whom you don't even know continue to be grateful and proud of Stephen, and appreciative of his family's sacrifice. Please know that people are still praying for you, and for the light Stephen shed while he was serving our country.
Eileen Long
December 11, 2007
Thank you for your service. My Dad served 22 years in the Navy and during World War II he ws a POW in the Phillipines for 3 1/2 years. My heart aches for your families loss and in your honor I am donating my Beanie Baby collection with a small check to help defer shipment.
August 17, 2007
There is nothing that I can say or do to take away the pain or bring you peace in your time of sorrow, but I will offer you and your family my heart felt condolences. I also offer you my prayers that in time the pain will easy and the memories of your HERO will carry you through each day and night. I want to thank your HERO, for his/her selfless act of becoming a member of the armed forces, his/her willingness to defend the United States of America, all that we hold sacred and for the sacrifice that will forever be etched in the memories of all those who knew him/her. Though tears can never bring him/her back, we hope that our tears express our gratitude for the sacrifice that he/she made and our sorrow at his/her passing. I believe for every fallen HERO there is a star shining brightly up above to remind us of the precious gift we were given.
Your mission on earth is complete and you are now a member of GOD’s Heavenly armed forces. Stand down brave warrior and take your rightful place in Heaven with all the HEROES who have passed before.
I made a special promise to LE RON A. WILSON, a dear family friend who joined the Army with three other friends, one of whom is my son (Le Ron was killed in action on 07/06/07 at the age of 18) on the day he was laid to rest as I touched his coffin, that I would never forget him nor would I forget those that gave their lives for our country before him, with him and after him and so when I came across www.legacy.com, I thought what a great way to keep my promise to Le Ron, so I will continue to leave tributes in each guest book until the day there is no longer the need to leave these tributes to a FALLEN HERO.
REST IN PEACE, HERO, YOU WILL NEVER BE FORGOTTEN!!
PROUD MOTHER OF A U.S. SOLDIER
Currently stationed in Germany
Althea Barrett(Queens, NY)
July 16, 2007
Thank you for the sacrifice made by Cpl McGowan and the sacrifice made by everyone who loves and misses him! May God bless all of you!!
jm
July 13, 2007
Just to say thank you for Stephen's service and to honor his sacrifice...I deeply appreciate all that he stood for as a man.He is remembered always...
Thomas Orlando
May 28, 2007
May god bless you and your loved ones. I have never served in the service but I hold deep regard to those who did and to your husband that paid the bigest sacrafice as I know that freedom is never free!!! Stephens story was just on tv today memorial day and I knew I Had to let you know .
Emily Lewis
April 16, 2007
I saw Stephen's powerpoint on Newsweek and it has really touched my heart. He made a great video. Stephen is a hero and he will never be forgotten. He served his country well and I thank him for giving me the freedom in this great country. If your family ever needs anything please let me know. And Stephen i will see you in heaven one day!
Robert Cooper
March 28, 2007
I am blessed to learn about such a wonderful member of the US Army. I saw his slideshow via the net and Newsweek article and I thank him for touching my heart. Godbless for learning of such a wonderful human being.
Robert Cooper, MSgt, USAF (Ret)
Erica C
March 27, 2007
I just read Stephen's emails on the Newsweek site, and watched his powerpoint. I really was particularly touched by his story. His email about what he wanted for Christmas was especially touching... people like Stephen are a glimmer of goodness in this world, which can be very dark without such individuals. God bless.
Larry Ganster
January 8, 2007
Because of time and distance, my last memory of Stephen was a little boy with curly red hair running around the living room. He gave hope to a next generation that will someday run this country. Thank you, Stephen.
Kathleen Mathews
January 8, 2007
While visiting Delaware this Christmas, I saw this wonderful story about Cpl. McGowan. As a former Army nurse I was more than proud. I am a beanie baby collector, I love them! I have more than I need and would be honored to donate them to this wonderful cause for peace.
Matthew Vento
December 31, 2006
you and Adam treated me like a little brother, and it was great.
Teresa Thomas
December 30, 2006
Your story touched our hearts.A soldier who not only fights for freedom but shows the compassion- ate face of America to the Iraqis
is a hero and a wonderful human being. Our sympathy and prayers are with your family.
The Thomas Family
Tsgt. Chris Morse
December 29, 2006
We've never met, but we are still brothers. Goodbye and godspeed my brother.
Mike Brauckmann
December 29, 2006
Wow. What a story, what a man, what a hero. I am sending 4 beanie nabies right now. I hope that when these children grow up, they will have only love in their hearts and peace on their mind!
Sherri Eckeard
December 29, 2006
My condolences to the family for the terrible loss they must feel, but I am truly proud of Cpl. McGowan even though I have never met him. It is an honor to call him and every other male and female my military sister and brother. May his memory live on forever. I know I will never forget what he has done for this country. Thank you for giving my daughter her freedom. God Bless You!!!!
louanne kirn
December 29, 2006
I am sad for the world losing such a person. I hope that those of us that hear this story will reach inside ourselves for the love and hope for all children.
Denise Benedetto
December 29, 2006
I saw Stephen's story on the news for the first time last night. And although I cried before I went to sleep,some of those tears were tears of joy. And what I mean by that is that there are people whose hearts are big such as Stephen's, that he could see the beauty in this world through the eyes of a child. And that is exactly what he was fighting for. A better life for our children and grandchildren may be possible because of "Angels" like him. God bless him and his family and all of the men and women
who have made sacrifices and fight for our freedom. And here's to a better New Year.
Patricia Linthurst
December 29, 2006
Stephen is a hero in the strictest sense of the word. He is a hero to all those children who have received a beanie baby from him or any other soldier. He has promoted peace and love and will be remembered. My prayers for your family and all the families who have lost someone in the war. God Bless you.
Judy Major
December 29, 2006
God Bless you and your family for being a hero for all of us. You will be missed
daine siderio
December 28, 2006
my deepest sympathy to the mcgowan family. your family gave the ultimate sacifice, your son. i know nothing can ease the pain but know that your son died a hero to little children and touch many more with his selfless gift of beanie babies. i want to say thank you to him and you for letting him show that there can be kindness in this world, also for protecting our freedom which so many of us take for granted. you will remain in my prayers.
Frank Catroppa
December 28, 2006
My thoughts and prayers are with you Stephen and your family. You've touched so many with your caring and giving compassion. You will not be forgotten but an everlasting memory for the many children you had touched with you kindness.
Vicki Blanco
September 26, 2006
My thoughts and prayers go out to the cGowan family. Be very proud of Stephen. He evidently was a wonderful person, especially to think up the beanie baby idea for the Iraqi children. What an act of kindness. God bless your family. I will be dropping of my beanie babies at Delaware State Troop 6 to be shipped overseas. Keep up the wonderfu and caring work that you are doing.
Linda Wilson
August 25, 2006
Where does one begin when one is a Widow...You are in my thoughts and prayers. My husband was a NAVY EOD Senior Techinican, and I know from what I've learned from him, that the Medics....travel with them. God Bless you and your family.
gary allain
August 24, 2006
to the McGowan family and all who knew stephen may god bless you and keep you in his arms for steve stood for freedom and the American ways he did not die in vein he is an hero to me and many others. "To you steve and those like you" may freedom reighn forever becouse of you, long live the USA..
Dianna Haines
August 24, 2006
This young man is a hero of heroes. It is obvious that he cared much about other people. May you find yourself in Bliss, Cpl. McGowen and may your family find peace in their heart in their time of sorrow knowing that your act was one of respect and kindness to your fellow comrades. God Bless you all!
Henryk Zaleski (USN-Ret)
August 24, 2006
Rest in peace at your last post in paradise.
pam lindsay
August 23, 2006
I am so sorry for you loss........your son, brother, family member and friend is a hero.........he will not be forgotten......let us cherish our freedom. Stephen died for it and that of people he didn't know and in a land he did not grow up.
Garnet Jenkins
August 23, 2006
Paying tribute to this Fine Young Soldier, Cpl. Stephen M. McGowan, with a Multitude of Thanks for his service and dedication to our country and our freedom..
May he rest, in the Mighty Hands of God and know that he Truly is an American hero.
May God's Loving Grace and Comfort continue to be with the McGowan family.
Those who Made the Ultimate Sacrifice, So Many and So Young, shall NEVER BE FORGOTTEN.
My brother among them. KIA-Vietnam 1967.
"And God shall wipe away every tear from their eyes,
there shall be no more death,
nor sorrow, nor crying,
there shall be no more pain.
For the former things have have passed away."
Revelations 21:4
Hoping you continue to feel the thoughts of caring and support that surround you each day, as this Country mourns with you, for someone very precious to you, who is a Hero to all of us.
ROBYN GARSIDE
August 16, 2006
MAY GOD BLESS YOU AND YOURS. I HAVE JUST LEARNED OF YOUR GREAT LOSS AND WISH TO EXPRESS MY DEEPEST CONDOLENCES. PLEASE KNOW THAT THERE ARE PEOPLE OUT HERE WHO DO CARE AND YOUR HERO WILL NEVER BE FORGOTTEN. HOLD TIGHT TO YOUR TREASURED MEMORIES THAT HIS SPECIAL SMILE MAY CONTINUE TO SHINE ON. I PRAY THAT PEACE WILL FIND YOU ALL SOMEDAY. GODSPEED AND SEMPER FI.
A PROUD MARINE MOM
Michele Gill
August 10, 2006
"Oh, all the comrades that e'er I had
They're sorry for my going away
And all the sweethearts that e'er I had
They'd wish me one more day to stay
But since it falls unto my lot
That I should rise and you should not
I'll gently rise and softly call
Good night and joy be with you all"
---Good night to you as well, Stephen. You are well-loved, my friend.
Carla Alessia
May 26, 2006
I am having trouble putting my thoughts into words. What a terrible loss for the McGowan family to lose Stephen, but how fortunate for you all to have had him for 26 years. My prayers are with all of you. God Bless You.
DARLENE
May 23, 2006
GOD BLESS YOU
Tom Gugliuzza-Smith
May 20, 2006
I signed Stephen's guest book previously. I live fairly close to Arlington National Cemetery and I go there often. Each time I am there I stop by and honor Stephen. I also pray for each of you. Know that Stephen will never be forgotten and I promise that I will continue to visit Stephen.
Tom
Tom Gugliuzza-Smith
March 4, 2006
My heartfelt sympathy to the McGowan family in the loss of Stephen. I did not know Stephen, but my heart is broken and I am saddened for your loss of such a fine young person and hero. May God bring you peace in your heart as you reflect on all the wonderful memories you hold so close. Please know that you are in my heart and prayers. Stephen it has been a year since you were taken. My heart was touched when I viewed the pictures of you. You are a hero and you will never be forgotten.
I send each of you a hug from the most inner part of my heart.
Love and Peace
Tom
To live in the hearts
of those you leave behind
is never to die"
~Robert Orr~
J POTTS
November 11, 2005
On this Veterans’ Day, I wish to offer my sympathy for the loss
Of this brave man.
Jamie Graves
September 26, 2005
God Bless our fine men and women and their families..(Jamie,Navy wife)
Wanda Rosser
September 26, 2005
To the Family and Friends of Stephen,on behalf of the Family of Brian (Alex) Vaughn,We cant say enough how sorry we are for your loss.We lost Alex on June 21st,2005,we are still having a hard time with the loss of Alex and we understand how you must feel about the loss of Stephen.Just by reading some of the entries posted I can tell how special stephen was.Thank You Stephen for your Service and Sacrifice,it is appreciated by everyone.Stephen you and the others that made the ultimate Sacrifice are our Hero's and always will be remembered.You are in our prayers.
Kelly Piatt
September 16, 2005
I am participating in a memorial called "Faces of the Fallen". Cpl. McGowen is the subject of my portrait for that exhibit. I tried googling his name to find out more about him and came upon this site. I am so glad I did. He was obviously a wonderful man, and I can see by the entries here that he was well loved by his friends. You can rest assured that I will attempt to do justice to his portrait. May God bless your family.
James Uehlein
July 18, 2005
I became friends with Steve while stationed as medics together in Korea. We served as line medics together and became fast friends while enduring the rain and cold. Mac was one of the most most well spoken, well traveled, and stand up guys I've ever had the pleasure to be associated with. We continued to correspond after I left Korea and even while I was deployed. I've done my best to carry on his legacy of helping others. I have passed out countless beanie babies and shoes to the local children. The world is a darker less cheerful place with out him. I know you're up there watching out for us Mac--- Watch my six and I'll see you at the final drink up in the sky. I love you bro.
A family favorite photo of Stephen
July 16, 2005
Duty, Honor, Country
July 14, 2005
Scouts Hagan, Twyman and McGowan
July 13, 2005
Remember to smile
July 13, 2005
Watching for hadji
July 13, 2005
"Mom, not everyone here's an enemy."
July 13, 2005
"Roger that, Sir"
July 13, 2005
This will only hurt for a minute
July 13, 2005
Chow Time
July 13, 2005
Suzanne Gorey
May 13, 2005
Can anyone tell me how I might be able to reach anyone in the McGowan/DiDomenicis family? My 20-year-old daughter wants to carry on Steve McGowan's idea of giving beanie babies to Iraqi children. We have a couple of hundred mint beanies that she would like to send for starters, and she has held yard sales to raise money for postage. What we need is to find someone, hopefully in Cpl. McGowan's unit, who would be willing to receive the beanies and distribute them to Iraqi kids. My daughter wants to call her effort "Steve's Beanie Brigade." She is very serious about this and has everything she needs - both toys and money for postage - in hand right now. All she needs is somewhere to send them. I think this would be a nice thing to do in honor of this wonderful young man. Anyone who might be able to put us in touch with Cpl. McGowan's family (we'd like to at least have their approval before naming the effort after him), please e-mail me at [email protected]. Thanks so much.
Susan Johnson
March 30, 2005
May God bless your family and ease your pain. I never knew Cpl. McGowen, but I am grateful for his selfless sacrifice preserving the freedoms of those that he never knew. May God hold him in His loving embrace.
Bill Kelleher
March 17, 2005
Steve played rugby for my club side last Summer. He loved rugby and was hard-nosed player. While in collge, he played rugby for the University of Delaware. He was on a long leave between Korea and Iraq last Summer, and frankly I didn't know he was in the Army until a week before he went to Iraq. His decisions to serve and then to volunteer to go to Iraq in place of a father were undeniably heroic. While in Iraq, Steve launched an effort for Delawareans to send beenie-babies to his unit so that they could give them out to Iraqi children. The program, I understand, was a success both with Delawareans and Iraqi children. In today's world, there are few that are as true of heart and selfless as Steve McGowan. He will be missed.
Jon
March 16, 2005
I did not know Stephen. I just heard Laura Ingraham recount a news story about him on her radio show. I just wanted to extend my sympathy to his family and friends for their loss. I will continue to think of Stephen when I try to explain to my 5 year old daughter and 2 year old son what a hero is. They know that there are many heroic people fighting to keep us all safe here at home. I try to explain this to them as I rock them to sleep at night. Every night when I put them to bed I think of the many brave and selfless young men (and women)who are over there fighting this very necessary fight on our behalf. We at home in the U.S. are able to rock our kids to sleep every night while others are away from their kids, or like Stephen, stepped up because he had no kids. He was a truly remarkable young man. I didn't have to know him personally to know this. His deeds will out-live him, and my kids and I will never forget Stephen and the others we owe so much. Thank you.
Tory McHugh
March 14, 2005
Steve was such an enigmatic personality. You were immediately drawn to him. He was one of my first friends in high school and remained loyally my friend for the rest of his life. I will miss knowing that he exists in the world.
melanie morton
March 9, 2005
An excellent gentleman. Well-loved and loving. Wanted to provide a safe future for Iraq children. Turned down Army promotions so he could stay with his combat unit. An honor to know him.
Showing 1 - 74 of 74 results
Make a Donation
in Stephen McGowan's name
Memorial Events
for Stephen McGowan
How to support Stephen's loved ones
Honor a beloved veteran with a special tribute of ‘Taps’ at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.
The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.
Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?
What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?
We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read moreResources to help you cope with loss
Estate Settlement Guide
If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast
Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read more
The Five Stages of Grief
They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.
Read moreWays to honor Stephen McGowan's life and legacy
Obituary Examples
You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples
These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.
Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?
Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.
Read more
