In Memory: Michael Scott “Scotty” McGovern, Age 71

Hampden, MA – Michael Scott “Scotty” McGovern, a resident of Hampden, MA, passed away suddenly December 30, 2020, at his home.

Scott was a towering presence, a quiet and gentle soul, and a man with a big heart. He enjoyed running and working out and was most content driving his tractor around his property. He cared for his beloved pets and tended to the home and grounds that he shared with his loving wife Anne. Scott loved and appreciated the beauty of the earth, and knew the importance of protecting it. He was an experienced bee keeper, with hives on the property. A builder, he enjoyed tinkering on projects; as a child his favorite memory was working in his Mother’s basement workshop. His most recent desire was to create an off-the-grid windmill.

He was born February 19, 1949, in Brooklyn, NY, the second eldest in a family of 13 children. The family settled in White Plains, NY, where he was son, brother and hero. When he was 14 years old, he saved his three-year-old sister, Anne Marie, when she caught on fire. He was awarded a medal by the Boy Scouts for his bravery. Scott was a true patriot. When he turned 18, he enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corps and was deployed to Vietnam, proudly serving his country from 1969-1970.

Scott graduated from White Plains High School in 1967, and went on to Tarkio College where he played football. He later attended Manhattan College, where he studied Math and Engineering. He graduated from SUNY Albany with a B.S. in Computer Science and worked as a programmer analyst for CCS Companies of Norwood, MA, and previously at HANYS (Healthcare Association of New York). Scott enjoyed researching and investing in real estate properties. Prior to working in IT, Scott was a talented chef and restaurateur. He owned and managed the Van Winkle Inn of Catskill, NY, from 1983-93, and was a popular bartender at The Pub in Rye, NY, for many years.

In addition to his beloved wife Anne M. Thomas, Scott is survived by his son Michael Scott McGovern, Jr. (Kelly) of Harrison, NY; daughter Amanda King of New York, NY; his granddaughters Rachel and Cara McGovern; and siblings: Terence P. McGovern (Marcie) of Longboat Key, FL, Philip J. McGovern (Laurie), Kevin P. McGovern (Patricia Holmes), Annie McGovern Peroni (Brian) and Seamus B. McGovern of White Plains, Christopher R. McGovern (Anne) of Westbrook, CT, Mary E. McGovern of West Harrison, NY, Alice McGovern Vroome (Colin) of Havertown, PA, Joan M. McGovern (Chick Bornheim) of San Francisco, Eileen McGovern Carey (John) of Tappan, NY, and sister-in-law Mary Ellen Finn McGovern. He is also survived by his uncle, Philip J. McGovern of Binghamton, NY, and his aunt, Sr. Mary Immaculate (Alice McGovern), O.P., of Caldwell, NJ. Scott is survived by his loving relatives on his wife’s side: Mary Beth Thomas of Hartsdale, NY, Amy Thomas (Sergio Boniche) of White Plains, NY, Steve Thomas (Milagros Santiago) of Minneapolis. He will be missed by his many nieces and nephews. He is predeceased by his parents Joan C. McGovern (née Alberque) and Dr. John V. McGovern, and brothers John V. McGovern, Jr. and Thomas J. McGovern.

A private funeral service will take place at Forastiere Smith Funeral Home in East Longmeadow, MA on January 9th at 11 AM. If you wish to view the livestream of the service or leave a condolence, please visit Scott’s tribute page at www.forastiere.com

In lieu of flowers, donations can be sent to Glenmeadow Retirement Community (https://glenmeadow.org/giving/donate-online) or Wounded Warriors Project (https://www.woundedwarriorproject.org).