John Francis McGowan PFC,  part of the greatest generation was a veteran of World War II and longtime resident of Garden City, NY.   He passed away on December 24,2022 at 97 years old surrounded by his family.  Jack, as he was known to many, was born on March 27,1925 in the Bronx, NY. 

He attended P.S. 68 and Mount Saint Michaels Academy, graduating in 1943.  Entered the service (US Army) on August 8,1943 at Camp Upton NY, Basic Training then on to Fort Knox, KY.  Promoted to P.F.C.  Appointed as Instructor at Armored School at Fort Knox for field officers.  Due to a shortage of infantry men, he was transferred to the 65^th Div. 260 Infantry Camp Shelby.  He arrived in France on January 1945.  Went to Camp Lucky Strike a staging area.  Then moved up to a combat area to counter German advances and to hold the bridgehead at Saarlautern.  Where he saw heavy fighting at The Saar and Rhineland and breaching through of West Wall (Siegeld Line).  His Division became the spear head for the 3rd Army into Germany and Austria until they met the Russians. Then occupation came spending about a year and a half in Europe receiving an Honorable Discharge on April 13, 1946. 

His decorations from the US Army: Combat Infantry Badge, Bronze Star for ground combat and 2 Battle Stars (Central Europe Conference Rhineland)

After serving in the Army Jack attended Iona College in New Rochelle, NY receiving a BBA Class of 1950 and then went on to NYU to continue his graduate studies.  Worked  for Standard and Poors and then Times Mirror. 

In the interim he helped run many dance/socials in NYC, Hamptons and New Jersey Shore. 

While he was out in the Hamptons he met his future wife Regina Field.  Wed in 1965 and had 2 children John and Jean.  Enjoyed traveling to exotic locations like Russia and China.

He was an active member in many organizations.  Knights of St. Patrick NYC, Equestrian Order Knights of the Holy Sepulchre of Jerusalem, 4^th Degree Knights of Columbus,  Lifetime Member of VFW Post 271 and an active member of St. Joseph’s Church Garden City, organizer for many years of the parish party at the Garden City Hotel, usher, First Friday Nocturnal Adoration and founder of the Men’s Fellowship Group.

He is survived by his wife Regina, his children John and Jean and his grandchildren Reese, Brett, Kenny and Johnny. 

A viewing will take place at Fairchild Funeral Home in Garden City, NY on Tuesday, January 3,2023 (2pm-5pm & 7pm-9pm). 
A funeral mass will be celebrated on Wednesday, January 4,2023 at St. Joseph’s Church in Garden City, NY at 11:15am.

Internment will be at Gate of Heaven Cemetery in Hawthorne NY.