John L. Mcgovern

John L. McGovern, 68, passed away unexpectedly on April 13, 2022 in Rockford, Illinois. He was born in Rockford on March 7, 1954 son to Robert and Irene (Scanlan) McGovern. John got his Bachelor’s Degree in Chemistry at Northern Illinois University. As a person who loved to research, it was only fitting that he worked as a chemist at The Testor Corporation where he ultimately retired as a quality engineer in 2009. He also loved to research in his free time, he enjoyed reading, and liked to research anything from neuroscience to global warming. On March 14, 1987 he married the love of his life, Cynthia Paulson. John believed in the philosophy “laughter is the best medicine” and with his quick wit and big personality was known to make a joke even in the most serious moments; he loved to laugh and get others to laugh too. The job that he was most proud of though, was taking care of his granddaughter. He was proud to be able to help take care for Emma, teach her things, and do things like play the congas or the drums, dance and listen to Santana with her.

He will be missed by those who loved him most, his wife of 35 years, Cynthia; his children Jason, Zach and Hannah (Mike); beloved granddaughter Emma; his siblings Mary (Brian) Martin and David (Tina) McGovern; his nieces and nephews Shannon (Nick) Ciaccio, Nick (Sarah) Abate, Ben Abate, Matt (Leslie) Abate, Jonathan (Emily) Martin and Garrett Martin.

A visitation will take place for John on Friday, April 22, 2022 from 4:00 p.m. until the Celebration of Life at 6:00 p.m. at Fitzgerald Funeral Home & Crematory, 1860 S. Mulford Road, Rockford, Illinois 61108. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the family to be given to organizations that John was passionate about. To send online condolences or share memories, please visit www.fitzgeraldfh.com