Obituary of James H. McGovern
James H. McGovern, Sr. passed away peacefully on September 4, 2022 surrounded by his family. James was the beloved husband of the late Eleanor F. McGovern (nee Sieradzki) . Devoted father of James H. Jr. (Donna), Janice Milewski (Walter), Maureen (Steven) and Brian M. (Lindsay). He is also survived by his 8 loving and adoring grandchildren, Rebecca ( Nick), Sarah (Paul), Dana, Zachary, Max, Cavan, Jake and Jonathan. In addition, his sisters Kathleen ( the late Frank) Reardon and Helen (Rich) Duffy and his brother the late Thomas. James also had a special bond with his Brother- in-Law Edward ( Eileen) Sieradzki. He will be sadly missed by his many nieces and nephews whom he loved dearly.
James grew up on 2700 block of Mercer Street off of Lehigh Avenue. He attended St. Anne’s grade school and later Northeast Public High School. He met the love of his life Eleanor, at the age of 15 at a St. Anne’s Dance, and the rest is history. They married in 1962, bought their first home in 1963 on the 3100 block of Cedar Street, and remained there until his death. There they raised 4 children, and hosted many family parties and holidays, but their favorite was to baby-sit their grandchildren in the same home they started their family. James worked as a machinist for the Dutch Boy Paint company which later became Anzon Lead. His greatest job however, was being a Grandpop. In this role, he excelled in every quality a Grandpop should possess. James was blessed to also have life long friends who were more like family to him. He was a wonderful neighbor and a terrific friend who will be sorely missed by all.
Relatives and friends are invited to attend his Funeral on Friday, September 9, 2022 viewing 9-11 AM, with an 11:00 AM Mass at St Anne’s Catholic Church 2328 E. Lehigh Avenue Philadelphia, PA. 19125. Interment to follow at St. Dominic’s Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers the family asks for a donation be made in his name to a charity close to his heart: Saint Jude Children’s Hospital, 501 St Jude Place, Memphis Tennessee 38105 or www.StJude.org.