Charles J. McGovern 1920-2007

McGOVERN, CHARLES J., ESQ. 87, of Beacon Avenue died Wednesday, August 15, 2007. He was the beloved husband of the late Norma J. (Rioux) McGovern and had been married for 57 years.

Born in Providence, a son of the late John F. and Julia M. (Duffy) McGovern he had been a Warwick resident since 1952. Mr. McGovern was a graduate of Classical High School, Providence College and Harvard Law School and had practiced law since 1948 when he was admitted to the RI Bar Association. He was a partner in law firms beginning with Coffey, Ward, Hoban and McGovern through the law firm McGovern, Noel and Benik. He was a member and chairman of the RI Judicial Council for many years. A WWII Navy veteran, he served in the Pacific Theater of Operations as a torpedo and gunnery officer on the Destroyer USS DeHaven, receiving five battle stars and attaining the rank of lieutenant. He served as a member and chairman of the Warwick Board of Public Safety from 1965 to 1974 and chairman of the Warwick Fire Station Building Commission during the same period. Active with the Boy Scouts of America for most of his life he had attained the rank of Eagle Scout. He served on the Board of the Narragansett Council and served as legal counsel. He was also a trustee member of the Corporation of RI Boy Scouts. He was awarded the RI Bar Assoc. Community Service Award in 1991 for his pro bono legal work for scouting. He was a member of the Turks Head Club, the University Club, the Warwick Country Club, the Wannamoisett Country Club, the Friendly Sons of St. Patrick and the Knights of Columbus. He was the father of Jeffrey C. McGovern and Suzanne J. Fowler, both of Warwick. Grandfather of Melissa J., Benjamin M. and Catherine E. Fowler all of Warwick. Brother of the late William McGovern.

His funeral was held Monday at 9 am from the Thomas & Walter Quinn Funeral Home, 2435 Warwick Avenue, Warwick with a Mass of Christian Burial in St. Kevin Church, Sandy Lane at 10 am. Burial will be in St. Joseph Cemetery, West Greenwich with military honors. Visiting hours Sunday 4-8 pm. In lieu of flowers, contributions to Children\'s Friend and Service, 153 Summer Avenue, Providence, RI 02903 or Boy Scouts of America, Narragansett Council, 10 Risho Drive, East Providence, RI 02914 will be appreciated.