Michael McGowan

It is with deep sorrow that the family of Michael Joseph McGowan announces his passing on Saturday, January 27, 2024, after a sudden but brief illness. He died peacefully surrounded by his wife and two daughters.

Michael (known to most as Mike…and to his family as Mickey) was born in the Bronx, New York, in 1936 to Thomas McGowan and Jane (née Gillespie) McGowan. He attended Cardinal Hayes High School and then was a proud member of the US Marine Corps from 1953 to 1956.

In 1961, Mike married Patricia Cregan of Inwood, New York, and started a family. Mike, Patricia and their two daughters, Kelli and Kimberly, first lived in Jackson Heights, New York, then moved to Long Island for several years. After a short stint in Pittsburgh, they returned to Long Island.

Mike was a top-selling salesman and district manager for Lever Brothers for nearly 35 years. After taking early retirement, Mike drove a leisure bus for school events and seniors, always making friends with his passengers.

After their daughters were married and on their own, Mike and Patricia retired to the Renaissance community in Manchester, New Jersey. Mike took full advantage of the golf course and enjoyed being a member of the Men’s and Veteran’s Clubs. When he had to give up golf, Mike loved meeting up with friends to play billiards most afternoons.

Throughout his entire life, Mike’s many friends and neighbors always knew that they could count on him when they needed help—he often answered calls in the middle of the night to assist a friend in distress…repair an appliance…or just keep someone company.

Right to the end of his 87 years, Mike looked after his wife and daughters—always only wanting the best for them.

Mike was predeceased by his parents…one sister, Rita…and a brother who died in infancy. He leaves behind his wife, Patricia, and his two daughters—Kelli (Kevin) McCourt and Kimberly (Joseph) Terrien…his brothers Thomas (Olga) McGowan and James (Anne) McGowan and his sister Catherine (James) Harrison…as well as many beloved nieces and nephews.

A visitation for Michael will be held on Thursday, February 1, 2024, from 2:00 to 6:00 PM at Anderson & Campbell Funeral Home, 3010 Ridgeway Road, Manchester, New Jersey 08759.

A funeral mass celebrating Michael’s life will be held at St. Luke’s Catholic Church, 1674 Old Freehold Road, Tom’s River, New Jersey, 08755 at 10:30 AM Friday morning, February 2, 2024.

Michael will be buried immediately following the mass at Brig. General William C. Doyle Veteran Memorial Cemetery, 350 Provinceline Road, New Jersey 08562.