John McGowan

John McGowan

December 12, 2025

John McGowan, of North Scranton, died on Friday afternoon at Regional Hospital, Scranton.

Born in Scranton, son of the late Joseph and Mary Cannon McGowan, he attended  Holy Rosary School and was a graduate of Scranton Central High School, Class of 1960. John would enjoy a long career in public safety as a firefighter with the City of Scranton, where for over two decades he served as a union member of both Local 60 International Association of Firefighters and the Scranton Firefighters Association, before retirement.

Sports were central to John’s life, as he had an abiding interest in any game involving a ball. Penn State Football and Los Angeles Dodgers Baseball were his particular favorites. Locally, he rooted for the multitude of his nieces and great-nieces, and nephews and great-nephews at their sporting events, never missing a game, supporting and loving them as his own. John always remembered their birthdays and treated each in their own special way. Likewise, with his family, neighbors, and fellow firefighters, he was a loyal and faithful friend, who appreciated the many enduring, lifelong relationships with them. John lived his faith as well, active in church activities at his beloved Mary, Mother of God Parish.

The family extends its heartfelt gratitude to the staff at Allied Terrace, for their kindness and care during John’s residence there, especially to his physical therapist, Kristen Lewis, who always went the extra mile, above and beyond, doing the hard work, dedicated to his recovery.

John is survived by his sister, Ann Kirby, Scranton, a nephew, John Kirby, Glenburn Township, his niece and godchild, Lori Reed, Scranton, his niece, Mary Howells, Factoryville, a special cousin and caregiver, Jill Mrykalo, Scranton, and cousin Jack Hubert, Scranton, along with the numerous adored great-nieces, great-nephews and cousins that he was always so good to.

He was preceded in death by his longtime companion, Mary Novak, and a brother-in-law, Harry Kirby.

The funeral will be conducted on Thursday, December 18, 2025, with Mass of Christian Burial to be celebrated at 10:00 a.m. in Holy Rosary Church, 320 William Street, Scranton. Proceed directly to the church as there are no calling hours. Interment will follow mass at Cathedral Cemetery, Scranton.

Arrangements are entrusted to the Edward Knight O’Donnell Funeral Home, LLC, 323 William Street, Scranton.

Memorial contributions may be directed to Mary, Mother of God Parish, 316 William Street, Scranton, PA 18508

Express condolences and share memories online at freganfuneral.com