Joseph J. McGovern, Jr

It is with great sorrow that we report the passing of Joseph James McGovern, Jr. of Narragansett, RI. Joe died on January 7, 2015, as a result of a surfing accident at Paradise Beach in Florida. He was born October 13, 1950 in Providence, RI. Joe is the son of Mildred J. (Lally) McGovern of Narragansett, and the late Joseph J. McGovern, Sr. Joe attended St. Augustine School, La Salle Academy, Providence College and earned a Bachelor of Arts from Rhode Island College in 1973. He then lived in Hawaii for two years where he surfed and worked as a lifeguard. Upon returning from Hawaii, he earned a Master of Library Science from the University of Rhode Island. After earning his degree, he went on to work for the State of RI, as a Library and Media Specialist. Joe was an avid reader who loved books. He was well known throughout the State of RI as the "the book man". Joe was a lifeguard at East Matunuck State Beach in RI. He was passionate about serving the public and protecting the beach. Joe was an experienced surfer, surf photographer, traveler, and storyteller. He was a pioneer in bringing worldwide attention to surfing on the East Coast. Most importantly, Joe had a heart of gold and he shared joy and knowledge with everyone he met. Joe is survived by his wife Maryellen (Delaney) McGovern of Narragansett. He was the loving father of Kathryn Dowling and her husband Michael of Glastonbury, CT and Jennifer McGovern and her fiancAC. Richard D. Hart, III of Narragansett. Joe was the proud grandfather of James Joseph Dowling. He was the brother of Donald McGovern of Narragansett and the late Robert McGovern. Joe leaves behind many nieces, nephews, and loving friends from around the world. Joe will be fondly remembered by family and friends as a creative surf photographer, experienced surfer, and a kind soul. Relatives and friends are invited to attend his Mass of Christian Burial at St. Mary, Star of the Sea Church, 864 Point Judith Road, Narragansett on Saturday at 9:00 a.m. VISITING HOURS are Friday from 4:00-7:00 p.m. in the Nardolillo Funeral Home, SOUTH COUNTY CHAPEL, 1111 Boston Neck Road (Rt. 1A), Narragansett. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to: Surfers Healing, P.O. Box 1267, San Juan Capistrano, CA 92693 or surfershealing.org.

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