John T. McGowan

Albany- John Terence (Terry) McGowan passed peacefully into eternal life Monday, February 23rd 2015. Terry was born on August 4th, 1934 to Mary Frances and Thomas J. McGowan in Albany, NY. Terry was the second eldest of six children, and had many fond memories of his childhood and family times in Albany and Binghamton, NY, where his parents, siblings, aunts, uncles and cousins would get together. Terry attended the former Vincentian Institute, and graduated high school from Cardinal Farley Military Academy. He served honorably in the US Army from 1955 to 1957, and for a period was stationed at the Berlin Wall. Terry loved to travel, and spent a few years exploring the world, especially Greece and the Greek Islands. He loved the oceans and the seas, and would swim far out into the ocean past where one could see. Upon returning the United States, Terry graduated from Siena College in Loudonville, NY with a Bachelor of Arts Degree in History in 1965. In 1967, He met Elizabeth A. Reilly, and they were married in January of 1968. He worked for the United States Postal Service until retirement. Terry had a lifelong love of education, literature, the arts, and languages. Throughout his career with the US Postal Service, and while raising his two sons, Terry relentlessly continued his education and earned his Doctorate of the Arts from the University of Albany in 2004. With a passion for world history, modern and historic cultures, Terry was an authority on history, languages, and culture from ancient to modern times. He loved the great poets and writers, and continually shared this love for learning with his family. Terry, beloved son, brother, father and uncle, valued family, friendship, love and spirituality above all things. Both a philosophical and reflective man, his kindness, patience and generosity were paramount in his life. A very warm and loving man, Terry was a quiet steadiness for all, his resolve and grace under pressure was remarkable. The impression and effects that Terry had on his loved ones will always be remembered and a guidance for life. Most importantly, he will be missed as a friend, a guide, and a counsel for his sons and his grandchildren. Predeceased by his parents, he is survived by his siblings, Patricia A. Kiffney of Hilsborough, NC, MaryEllen Weber of Delmar, NY, Thomas A. J. McGowan and his wife Susan of Litchfield, CT, James C. McGowan and his wife Marybeth of Sebastopol, CA, and Mark A. McGowan and his wife Wendy of Roseburg, OR, his sons, Sean T. and Jeremy P. McGowan of East Greenbush, NY, his grandchildren Jeremiah and Ariyana McGowan, and many nieces and nephews and cousins. Funeral services Saturday, February 28, 2015 at 8:45 am from McVeigh Funeral Home, 208 North Allen Street, Albany thence to Parish of Mater Christi at 9:30 am where a Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated. Relatives and friends are invited and may visit Friday, February 27, 2015 4:00 to 7:00 pm in the funeral home. Interment St. Agnes Cemetery. To leave a message for the family, obtain directions, light a candle or view other helpful services, please visit www.McveighFuneralHome.com

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John T. McGowan

August 4, 1934 - February 23, 2015