John S. McGovern Jr.

John Smith McGovern, Jr, passed away Sunday, April 2, 2017 after an illness.

He was born in New York City (Manhattan), NY, the son of the late John Smith McGovern, Sr., and Eleanor Byrne Fox. John graduated from McBurney High School in 1956. He was a veteran of the U.S. Army having served faithfully and honorably then retired Lieutenant Colonel. He served as a police officer with the Maryland State Police in LaPlata, Maryland. John then had a long and dedicated career with the Connecticut State Police, where he was known fondly as the “The voice of Troop F” and later retired as Sergeant. He received his Bachelor of Science in Business Administration and Criminal Justice as well as his Master of Science.

He is preceded in death by his parents; his wife of nearly 30 years and dear friend, Joyce Lorraine Novelli McGovern and a sister, Eleanor White Brenner.

He is survived by his loving daughters, Joanne Allen and Kelley (Raymond) Cagganello; 9 grandchildren, Nicholas Raymond Cagganello, John Raymond Cagganello, Jia Wang Zhi Hui Cagganello, Kameron Joyce Yi Hong Na Cagganello, Brooke Li Yu Xin Cagganello, Grayce Wang Qian Cagganello, Jack Zheng Jian Run Cagganello, Molly Zhou Zhuo Si Cagganello and Melina Fox Gao Yang McGovern. Cousin Elizabeth Dreier and Nephew Daniel White.

As a young child sports was something John was always interested in. He played football and baseball and had a life long love of The New New York Giants and The New York Yankees. He went on to officiate football with The Eastern Connecticut Approved Football Officials for twenty years. In 2010 at 72 years of age he retired as a football official.

Additionally John was an avid reader and book collector. He spent most of his retirement traveling the world including his travel with his daughters many times to bring his grandchildren home from China. He was actively involved in his daughters and grandchildren’s lives and found great joy in planning surprise visits to see them.

John spent many years as a young boy at Winona Camps, and went on to return to Winona with his family as a Counselor and then was the Director of Winona’s Family Camp for years. In his retirement John returned to camp as a staff member supporting camp trip logistics. John’s smile,laugh, wit and kindness will be missed.

Per his wishes he will be honored with a military burial at sea. A memorial service will be held in Maine at Winona Camps in the coming months.

The family asks in lieu of flowers, and any gifts made in his memory be directed to the Maine Community Foundation, 245 Main Street, Ellsworth, Maine 04605. Please include notice of the donation for the Winona Campership Fund - John S. McGovern, Jr. These tax-deductible gifts will continue John’s legacy at Winona for boys who could not otherwise experience camp. For more information, contact Winona Camps (207) 647-3721.