Obituary of Bernard J. McGovern

Bernard J. (Barney) McGovern, Jr. of the Town of Poughkeepsie, died suddenly at home after a long illness on Monday, November 4, 2013. He was 87. Son of the late Bernard and Marguerite Anderson McGovern, he was born on July 27, 1926 in Warwick. He married the former Muriel Patterson on June 23, 1951 in Warwick; Mrs. McGovern survives at home in Poughkeepsie. Barney served his country as a Seaman First Class in the United States Navy during World War II. He received several commendations such as the American Theater Medal, the Victory Medal and the Asiatic Pacific Medal. After he was honorably discharged, he returned home to graduate from Warwick High School in 1947. He then attended and graduated from Ithaca College in May 1951 with a B.S. in Health and Physical Education. He went on to further his education at SUNY New Paltz and Columbia University. Mr. McGovern worked as a school administrator for Wappingers Central School District for 36 years, until his retirement in 1987. He began his career teaching health and physical education in the Central Building, now known as Wappingers Junior High. There, he coached various sports teams. He went on to teach 5th grade at Vassar Road Elementary School, later returning to Wappingers Junior High where he would hold his first position as principal. He moved on to the position of principal at Evans Elementary School, opening Sheafe Road Elementary School and ending his career at Gayhead Elementary School. In his spare time, he was a collegiate football official for many years. He enjoyed golfing, fishing and hunting. Most of all, he cherished the time he spent with his grandchildren. In addition to his wife, Muriel, Barney is survived by his daughters, Nora Bocchino and her husband, John of Wappingers Falls, and Christine Furey and her husband, Craig of Wallkill; sister, Rita Hayes of Warwick; brother, Tom McGovern, Sr. of Warwick; grandchildren, Amanda Fikar, Craig Furey, Jr., Hannah Furey and Kiersten Furey; and several nieces, nephews and friends. He was predeceased by his brother, Leo McGovern. Family will receive friends on Wednesday, November 6, 2013 from 4 to 7 p.m. at Straub, Catalano & Halvey Funeral Home, 55 E. Main Street, Wappingers Falls, NY 12590. A Mass of Christian Burial will be offered on Thursday, November 7 at 10 a.m. at St. Mary's Church, Clinton Street in Wappingers Falls. Interment with military honors will follow in the family plot at St. Stephen's Cemetery, Warwick. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to a charity of one's choice. For directions or to send the family a personal condolence, please visit our website at www.StraubCatalanoHalvey.com.