Michael J. Gowen

Michael James Gowen was born in County Cork, Ireland. He emigrated to the United States with his wife Julia (née Kearney) and settled in San Jose after living for 10 years in San Francisco. He worked for many years for the San Jose Unified School District as a truck driver, methodically delivering books and supplies. He had an incredible work ethic and took great pride in everything he did. He was an unbelievable gardener, lovingly growing the best home-grown tomatoes and other produce – all shared with neighbors and the food bank alike. Michael loved his family very much and being a grandad brought him the most joy. He lit up when talking to or about his three grandkids.

Michael was an avid sports fan, religiously following all Bay Area teams – Niners, Raiders, Giants, A’s, Sharks, Warriors, Earthquakes and even Bellarmine Bells football, well before his grandson was even enrolled there. And despite having left Ireland in 1957, he was always up on the Irish matches, forever dedicated to his beloved Cork Rebel hurling and football teams. He and Julia traveled to Ireland almost every year for many years, and he cherished the times with nieces and nephews on both sides of the family – spending brilliant evenings laughing and telling stories.

In 2016, Michael received the Lifetime Achievement Award from the Rebel Cork Benevolent Association at their annual Rebel Cork dinner in San Francisco. Attendees were startled at the speed and agility of the nonagenarian as he weaved through the crowd and onto the stage to accept his award. When Michael passed, he’d been a member for 62 years – their oldest surviving member.

He was a consummate gentleman and an extraordinary dad and grandad, and he will be missed very much. Michael touched a lot of lives, and we will always remember the great conversations and countless laughs we had with him. He often cracked himself up first, and you couldn’t help but to giggle along with him.

Michael is survived by his wife, Julia of San Jose, his daughters, Pauline Duffy (Tom) of San Jose, and Catherine Kelliher (Seamas) of San Francisco. He leaves behind his beloved grandchildren Jack, Marie and Louise Duffy, and so many adoring family members in Ireland, including his sister Sheila, with whom he spoke to every week for the last 15 years. He is predeceased by his eldest and cherished daughter, Eileen.

Service will be held on Thursday, March 3 at 11:30 a.m. at St. Christopher Church, 2278 Booksin Ave., San Jose, with a private burial to follow at Santa Clara Mission Cemetery. Please email [email protected] for information about the Irish Wake and Memorial following the funeral to celebrate Michael.