Birth date: Dec 23, 1941 Death date: Jul 1, 2012
John Joseph McGovern Jr., M.D., 70, died on Sunday, July 1, 2012, in Richmond, Va. Dr. McGovern was born on Dec. 23, 1941, in Camden, N.J., to the late John J. and Catherine Smith McGovern. He was preceded in death by his loving w Read Obituary
I just saw this of Dr. McGovern passing. He was my and my brothers doctor growing up and he was always great. A great man with a lasting legacy that will be missed. RIP Doc.
So sorry to hear of Dr McGoverns passing... He was the pediatrican to both my children. I rememeber one incident when my son was sick and I called the office after hours and Dr McGovern was so kind as to meet me at the office to look at my son. He did so and then decided my son needed to go to the hospital and he followed us there... He will be missed.... RIP <3
Wendy Gant Abel
We want to extend our heartfelt sympathy to each one of the McGoverns. When our son was born in 1972, it was such a gift to know that Loudoun would have a pediatrician. Dr. McGovern was a treasure with his expertise and wry sense of humor. I remember his modest first office where the steep steps were on the outside of the building - so many touching memories. Both John and Kathleen McGovern left us far too soon, but they made a difference in so many lives while here. Gerri Hill
We were very sorry to hear of Dr. McGovern's death. We first met Dr. McGovern in1973 when our oldest child, Brian was born. When we moved to Leesburg in 1971, there was not a pediatrician in town. We were very happy that Dr. McGovern arrived when he did. Dr. McGovern cared for our children for the next 23 years. He was an excellent physician. He communicated well with both jparents and children, always very patient with a first time mom. I especially remember his sense of humor. When our daughter, Anne, was born, he asked me what kind of name is that? Not Irish, he said (her brothers were Brian and Sean). I told him that I was not Irish, even though her father was.
Our thoughts and prayers are with the family at this time....
Terry and Sally Sullivan
My deepest sympathy to the family. I wanted to tell you that Dr. McGovern has a special place in my heart for the care and compassion he gave to my severely handicapped daughter, Lisa around 1975 or so. She was critically ill with meningitis and ventriculitis in Loudoun Hospital and many times we thought she would not live thru another night. Dr. McGovern (and Dr. McGorry) were so supportive and caring. When there was nothing else left to do (pre-hospice days) Dr. McGovern arranged for Lisa's transfer to the Fairfax Training Center 's nursing home facility because she needed 24 hour a day care and he told me in no uncertain terms Lisa could not come home. He made the difficult decision for us that we could not make and we were forever grateful for his wisdom. A year or so later, he showed the same tender, loving care to my newborn son. He was a wonderful doctor and I have never forgotten him. Sincerely, Jill Johnson, Lovettsville
Mike and I are so saddened to hear of John’s death, and especially to know that we cannot be there to bid a fond farewell to him and his life well-lived. When we moved to Leesburg in 1973, John and Kathleen were among the first ones to welcome us to the community, and from that time forward, we shared our lives as young parents together.
There were the evenings spent driving to D.C. for rare respites from our children and dinners in the city. When dining in a fancy restaurant there, John ordered Steak Diane. When the sizzling steak arrived and was placed in front of him, John smiled and said, “There’s the steak,; now where’s Diane?”
There were summer get-togethers with picnics and trips to Wolf Trap and trips to the beach. Once, Kathleen and I flew to Hilton Head with the babies and left the driving and the older children with the two dads. On the way to meet us at the beach, they were stopped for speeding in North Carolina. The policeman, seeing the five children in the car, must have felt compassionate because he did not issue a ticket.
West Virginia was for cross-country skiing (John, of course, had his wine skin along), and after a bit of mountaineering, he would stop and fortify himself and us with the red wine, cheese, and bread.
Then, there was that memorable trip to England for John and Kathleen’s silver wedding anniversary. We toured all of the grand sights, driving all over the country. On their anniversary, we stopped by a small garden tea room on a glorious day and shared the tea and cake to celebrate.
When illness struck our children or when we needed the routine check-up, John was always there seeing to the health maintenance of our girls in his kind and gentle way.
It is said that all good things must come to an end, so we must be content with the great memories and the good fortune of sharing part of our lives with such a friend.
Give our love to all of your family and do stay in touch.
Lurlene and Mike Willoughby
I wanted to let the family know that I am thinking of them. I am very sorry for their loss.
I had the honor of working for Dr. McGovern for two decades.
He was a wonderful person as well as a very skilled and compassionate Physician.
He had so much knowledge and was always willing to share it with other colleages.
I am so grateful that he had such a big part in me being the nurse I am today.
I will never forget all he taught me.
Diane Helbert
In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to:
Mount Saint Mary's University
Memorial Donation in honor of John Joseph McGovern, M.D.
16300 Old Emmitsburg Road
Emmitsburg, MD 21727
