Dr. John V. McGovern, 92, of White Plains, NY, passed away peacefully on February 28, surrounded by members of his family of 13 children.
“The Doc” as he was commonly referred to by his patients, friends and family was born in Jersey City, NJ, on February 4, 1925, to Philip P. McGovern and Alice Conway Mackin McGovern. He was predeceased by his wife Joan Alberque McGovern. They settled in White Plains, NY, to raise their growing family. Dr. McGovern played football at Fordham University, attended Cornell University and graduated from the Long Island College of Medicine in 1948. He served as a doctor in the U.S. Navy during World War II. He specialized in Allergy and Immunology, practicing in Westchester, New York City and Long Island. He was a kind and compassionate physician who was well-loved by his patients. There are many stories of the lives he saved during his 40-plus years of practice. He gave compassionate care as the physician to the priests and sisters of St. Bernard’s Parish, the Sisters of the Divine Compassion in White Plains and other members of the religious communities.
He is survived by his children Michael Scott McGovern of Hampden, MA, Terence McGovern of Longboat Key, FL, Philip J. McGovern, Kevin P. McGovern, Annie McGovern Peroni and Seamus B. McGovern of White Plains, Christopher R. McGovern of Norwalk, CT, Mary E. McGovern of West Harrison, NY, Alice McGovern Vroome of Havertown, PA, Joan M. McGovern of San Francisco, and Eileen McGovern Carey of Tappan, NY. He is predeceased by sons John V. McGovern, Jr. and Thomas J. McGovern. He is survived by many loving sons-in-law and daughters-in-law, and his family legacy carries on through 27 grandchildren and 16 great-grandchildren.
“Jack” as he was called by his siblings is survived by his sister, Sr. Mary Immaculate McGovern, O.P., of Caldwell, NJ, and his brother, Philip P. McGovern of Binghamton, NY. He is predeceased by his brothers E. Gerard and Lawrence E. McGovern.
There was always a place around the piano in the McGovern home on Cobb Avenue and later on Winslow Road in White Plains, where “The Doc” enjoyed singing show tunes and opera with family and friends. He was both a student and a teacher of voice if you were lucky enough to get one of his lessons. In his retirement he entertained at charity events with a local singing group. He loved art and enjoyed visiting the NY Museum of Modern Art and the NY Botanical Gardens. He frequented the Metropolitan Opera and Broadway shows, and was a lifelong scholar and student of foreign languages.
Dr. McGovern had a passion for research and was dedicated to finding a cure for cancer. He had a keen mind and was always busy working on a new invention. He was a licensed pilot, and enjoyed skiing, sailing, golf, tennis, cooking, and the NY Giants.
The Doc was a beloved by his family and friends and will be missed. In lieu of flowers donations can be made to the Sisters of St. Dominic, Development Office, One Ryerson Avenue, Caldwell, NJ 07006. For more information go towww.caldwellop.org or email: development@caldwellop.org .