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Community Corner

White Plains lost a hero this week John Vincent "Jack" McGovern of Ossining NY

Jack, born April 1, 1948, was a decorated veteran, a successful businessman, father, husband, brother and friend. He passed away on the evening of Sept. 27th surrounded by his wife, Mary Ellen, his daughter Noël, and the McGovern and Finn families. 

Jack proudly served his country in Vietnam from January 1968 to December 1969 in the U.S. Army First Infantry Division known as the Big Red One. He received many commendations for his acts of bravery, including the Purple Heart. This is a high honor bestowed on our country's heroes.

Jack is survived by his beloved wife Mary Ellen Finn McGovern of Ossining, NY, and his daughter, Noël Alberque McGovern O’Connor of Los Angeles, CA.  Jack is the first-born of the thirteen children of Dr. John V. McGovern, formerly of White Plains, and Joan C. McGovern (nee Alberque, deceased in 2011) of White Plains.

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Jack was a leader in life as well as on the battlefield. He is survived by his siblings: Michael Scott McGovern (Anne Thomas) of Boston, MA, Terence McGovern (Marcie Carlton) of Longboat Key, FL, Phil McGovern (Laurie O’Neill), Kevin McGovern (Patty Holmes), Mary McGovern, Anne Marie McGovern (Brian Peroni) of White Plains, Chris McGovern of Rowayton, CT, Alice McGovern (Colin Vroome) of Havertown, PA, Joan McGovern, of San Francisco, CA.   Seamus McGovern of Brest, France, and Eileen McGovern (John Carey) of Tappan, NY. His brother, Thomas McGovern, predeceased him in 1991.  Jack is also survived by 26 nieces and nephews and 12 great nieces and nephews.

Jack was a loyal member of the American Legion Post 135 and represented the Legion’s Color Guard in many of White Plains’ parades and events but his favorites were the Memorial Day and St. Patrick’s Day Parades.

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Every Christmas Jack dressed in his custom made Santa suit, and truly was the Father Christmas to all those around him. His bright blue eyes twinkled under his snowy white brows as each child’s heart lit up with joy sharing their wishes to Santa Claus. Jack dedicated much of his holiday time to help raise funds and needed amenities for the sick and needy for local charities and organizations. Jack also volunteered for The Lord’s Pantry, a White Plains organization founded by his late mother, devoted to feeding home-bound people with AIDS. 

Jack worked as a successful realtor, mortgage broker and restaurateur.  Truly a "Jack of all trades", when asked, “What do you do?” his response, “What do you want done?”

The only thing Jack loved more than his country was his family and a circle of friends too numerous to count, whom he considered an extension of his already large familial relations.  In Jack's life there was always room for one more. Known for his bighearted generosity, Jack was happiest when he and Mary Ellen were hosting friends for a meal around the grill. His stories could be heard from far and wide followed by bursts of laughter from those around him. He brought joy and happiness to all those who were blessed to be in his life. Jack was one of a kind, and the world will not be the same without him. His ability to reach out and circle the McGoverns, the Finns, his daughter Noël and his wife Mary Ellen with a joyful, abundant love is what made him so special. Jack was married to Mary Ellen, whom he adored for more than sixteen years.

There is sadness in the wind today as his booming voice has been quieted and now only lives in our hearts. Our Big Kahuna stories will keep him alive in a rich treasure trove of memories he gifted us until we can be with him at the biggest party of all.

A true hero, he will be dearly missed and never forgotten.

 

Visiting hours will be:

Tuesday. October. 1st from 2-4 pm and 6-9 pm.  McMahon, Lyon & Hartnett Funeral Home

491 Mamaroneck Avenue

White Plains, NY.

 Funeral services will be held at Wednesday, October 2nd at 12 pm.

The Church of St. Bernard

51 Prospect Street

White Plains, NY.

 In lieu of flowers please kindly make donations to either "The Lord's Pantry" 82 Prospect Street White Plains, NY 10606 or the American Legion Post #135 57 Mitchell Place White Plains, NY 10601

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