On Jan. 28, the Hamilton College community lost a valued member of our community, as John P. McGovern, who worked in Physical Plant for 37 years, passed away after a battle with cancer at the age of 67.
McGovern was born in Oneida, New York to the late Willis and Ada (née Flanagan) McGovern. One of 11 children, McGovern graduated from Oneida High School. He began his career on the Hill in the maintenance department, and rose to become manager of custodial services. During his time at Hamilton, McGovern contributed directly to essential operations of the College and often interacted with students.
At Physical Plant, McGovern served in many different capacities and touched the lives of the fellow employees he worked with and supervised.
Outside of his work, McGovern was a man of many passions, especially when it came to the outdoors. He loved to go kayaking, camping, and hiking. McGovern also relished going on long road trips and spending time enjoying the beaches on Cape Cod. McGovern also spent many of his winters in Vero Beach, Florida.
According to the funeral home where McGovern was interred, he is survived by his wife Lorraine; his children and their partners, Shane T. and Stacy L. McGovern, and Erica M. and Anthony J. Brindisi; and his grandchildren, Michael A. McGovern; Anthony J. Brindisi Jr., and Lily Grace Brindisi.
He leaves his sisters and brothers-in-law, Donna and Don Kitzmiller, Christine Rose, Mary and Pat Burkhart, and Eileen and Mike Cook; his brothers and sisters-in-law, Michael and Cynthia McGovern, Dan McGovern and Jennifer, Terry and Betty McGovern, George McGovern and Billy and Shirley McGovern. He was preceded by his brother, James McGovern.
McGovern lived his life by the “Golden Rule” — treat others the way you want to be treated — and instilled in his grandchildren the importance of kindness and compassion.
He also lived his life by this quote: “Keep your eyes on the future, but do not lose sight of the present.”
