John McGowan Obituary

John B. "Jack" McGowan

John B. "Jack" McGowan passed peacefully from this life Wednesday, July 9, 2025, just after midnight and just shy of his 90th birthday.

He was predeceased by his loving wife and soulmate, Myra Kay (nee Rombach) McGowan; his parents, John and Marjorie; and three siblings, Sue D'Agostino, Daniel, and Thomas.

Jack is survived by his children, Jack McGowan Jr. (Kathy Muscato), Julianne (Andrew) Silverman, Michael (Sarah) McGowan, and Matthew McGowan; grandchildren, Robert (Brianna), Jessica and Holly Silverman, and Elsa, Carson and Marit McGowan.

Born and raised in Tiffin, Jack attended Calvert High School, where he co-edited the school newspaper and co-captained the football team. He served in the US Army, graduated from Ohio State University, and began his career as a Systems Analyst at Eastman Kodak Company, where he also served six years in the International Division, as Administrative Manager for Kodak Thailand.

Jack and Kay were among the founding members of Genesee Co-op Natural Foodstore (now Abundance Food Co-op), where Jack managed the finances during its first major expansion. He and Kay played bridge for many years, and Jack joined in on poker nights with friends and work colleagues.

Jack enjoyed league bowling, playing softball, listening to bluegrass and banjo, and working out at Midtown Athletic Club. He looked forward to summer vacations at the "McGowan Cottage" on Lake Erie near Port Clinton, and later gatherings with family and grandchildren in Cape May.

Jack was a man of deep faith and served as a Sunday Mass lector and member of the Knights of Columbus, first at St. John the Evangelist Church and later at St. Anne Church.

Following early retirement, he worked as a paralegal for the Monroe County Clerk, was an avid member at Osher Lifelong Learning Institute at RIT, wrote his memoirs, and enjoyed daily walks in Highland Park.

Visitation from 4-7 p.m. Monday, July 21, 2025, at Anthony Funeral Chapel, 2305 Monroe Avenue, Rochester, New York. The family will lead a 6:15 p.m. memorial service. Funeral Mass will be celebrated at 10 a.m. Tuesday, July 22, 2025, at St. Anne Church, 1600 Mt. Hope Avenue, New York, followed by a brunch at Genesee Valley Club, 421 East Avenue, New York.

In lieu of flowers, friends may consider a donation in Jack's memory to United Way of Greater Rochester and the Finger Lakes. https://bit.ly/UnitedWayforJack. To view the full obituary or share a memory with family, visit www.anthonychapels.com.