Mr. Francis X. “Red” McGovern, 99, of Methuen, Massachusetts, passed away on Monday, June 25th, 2012 at the Nevins Nursing and Rehabilitation Center peacefully with his family by his side. “Uncle Red”, as most people knew him, was the most Loyal Friend that the City of Lawrence ever had.
He was born on March 8th, 1913 in Lawrence to the late C. Frank and Agnes (Quimby) McGovern. Red was educated in Saint Mary’s Grammar School and was a graduate of Lawrence High School in 1931. He was a parishioner of both Saint Mary’s Church and Saint Augustine’s Church in Lawrence. He retired as a Sub Station Operator for the Massachusetts Electric Company in Lawrence after 30 years. Several years later at age 70 Red then opened a real estate company called McGovern Real Estate, it also served as head quarters for the Saint Patrick’s Day Parade committee. He was Grand Marshall of the Saint Patrick’s Day Parade in 1986. He was also honored as Democrat of the Year. Red later joined the Sullivan Agency Real Estate Company, until his retirement at the age of 93, he always held a special place in his heart for the Sullivan Family. He was a member of the Hibernians, the Lawrence Elks, the Dewey Club and at the age of 55 he joined Cedardale and took up playing tennis.
Red's family would like to extend their appreciation to the The Nevins Nursing and Rehabilitation Center for taking such good care of him.
Husband of the late Rita E. (Donahue) McGovern and mother of his children.
His family members include:
His children: Mary A. Wilson of Pelham, NH
Ann R. Neel and her husband Richard of Salem, NH
Sheila R. Meservey and her husband Norman of Lawrence, MA
Terrence F. McGovern of Newburyport, MA
John J. McGovern and his wife Janet of Hampton, NH
Jane M. Perocchi and her husband Charles of Methuen, MA
Debra J. Hamel of Lawrence, MA
Nancy E. Hajjar and her husband Tony of Methuen, MA
His brother: Albert J. McGovern of Florida
30 Grand children, 59 Great Grandchildren, 7 Great great grandchildren, as well as several nieces, nephews and his cousins: Dr. Richard McGovern and Mary Lou Haugh.
Red was predeceased by his daughter: Frances R. O’Neil, his infant son: Charles McGovern, his grandson: Luke Hamel, his infant great granddaughter: Mikayla Pare, his brother: Warren “Bud” McGovern and his sister: Elaine Perron, his son-in-law: Jack Wilson
he was also predeceased by his second wife: Ella Godsey
Relatives and friends are respectfully invited to call on Thursday, June 28th, 2012 from 3:00 to 8:00 p.m. at the John Breen Memorial Funeral Home, Inc., 122 Amesbury Street, Lawrence, MA. For online condolences and other information please visit us at www.breenfuneralhome.com.
His funeral mass will be celebrated on Friday, June 29th, 2012 at 10:30 a.m. in Saint Mary’s Church in Lawrence. At the request of the family, friends should meet directly at the Church for the Funeral Mass. Burial will follow in the Immaculate Conception Cemetery also in Lawrence.
In Lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made to the:
Special Olympics of Massachusetts, Attn: Donations, Yawkey Sports Training Center 512 Forest Street, Marlborough, MA 01752