Joseph P. McGovern

Joseph Patrick McGovern II, 78, of Hampton Bays, New York, passed away on September 10. 

 

Joe was born in The Bronx on October 6, 1941.  He graduated from Cardinal Hayes High School and joined the United States Army.  He worked for Morgan Guaranty Trust Company (JP Morgan Chase) in Manhattan before moving to Hampton Bays in the early 90s.  Joe went on to work for Okeanos Ocean Research Foundation, The Bathing Corporation of Southampton and the Town of Southampton in the Tax Receiver’s Office.  He was a member of the Ancient Order of Hibernians, Michael Collins, Division 11 and relished his time spent helping coach Hampton Bays Little League Softball. 

 

Joe was a simple man with simple taste.  Those who knew him knew he loved his animals, listening to Neil Diamond, his Ford Ranger pickup truck, a good book and a cup of coffee, light and sweet.  He required nothing more to be happy and often asked “who’s got it better than me?”.  Joe’s outlook on life could be summed up with lyrics from one of his favorite Neil Diamond songs, “Money talks, But it don't sing and dance and it don't walk, And long as I can have you here with me, I'd much rather be forever in blue jeans.”

 

Joe is survived by his wife, Patricia, their daughter Virginia, his daughters Eileen Raymond, Kathleen Starace, his sons, Joseph P. McGovern III & Daniel McGovern, his sisters, Margaret Mary Rizzitello and Patricia Hruby, 11 grandchildren, 5 great-grandchildren and many nieces, nephews and cousins.  Joe also leaves behind enumerable friends who have become family over the years.   

 

A celebration of life will be held in the future.  In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Southampton Town Animal Shelter, 102 Old Riverhead Rd. West, Hampton Bays, NY 11946.