Reverend Thomas Allen McGovern

The Reverend Thomas A. McGovern Pastor Emeritus, Saint Matthew Parish, Akron died Thursday 13 May 2021, after having received the prayerful support and consolation of the Sacraments.

Thomas Allen McGovern was born on 12 October 1932. His parents were the late Robert C. and Frances (Curtis). He was educated at St. Martha Elementary School, Akron, St. Vincent High School, Akron, St. Charles College Seminary, Baltimore, MD and St. Mary Seminary, Cleveland.
On 24 May 1958 in the Cathedral of Saint John the Evangelist, Archbishop Edward F. Hoban ordained him to the priesthood for the service of the Diocese of Cleveland.

Fr. McGovern's first assignment was as Parochial Vicar of St. Luke, Lakewood. On 8 June 1961 he was transferred to St. Sebastian, Akron to serve as Parochial Vicar. Fr. McGovern was assigned Parochial Vicar of Holy Cross, Euclid on 13 June 1963. On 16 October 1968 he was assigned Parochial Vicar of Assumption, Broadview Hts. He was transferred on 5 July 1973 to St. Mel, Cleveland to serve as Parochial Vicar. In addition, he served as a Member of the Board of Deputies for Temporal Affairs effective 29 December 1975 and as Chaplain for Knights of Columbus, Akron Council #547 effective 5 August 1976. On 11 May 1976 Fr. McGovern was named Pastor of St. Peter, Akron. During this assignment he served as Chaplain for Serra Club, Akron effective 15 June 1978 and as Moderator of the Council of Priests effective 24 September 1985 that concluded September 1989. On 12 August 1986 Fr. McGovern was named Pastor of St. Bede the Venerable, Mentor. On 28 June 1988 Fr. McGovern was named Pastor of St. Matthew, Akron. During this appointment he served as a Member of the Presbyteral Council (1993-1999), and as a Member of the College of Consultors (1995-2000).
Fr. McGovern retired on 14 October 2002 and was named Pastor Emeritus of St. Matthew, Akron. After retirement, he served as a Retired Priest on the Presbyteral Council (2012-2015). Fr. McGovern was a dedicated and faithful priest who enjoyed priestly ministry and service to the people entrusted to his care. His quick wit and dry humor will be missed by many.

Preceded in death by his father, Robert C. McGovern; mother, Frances R. McGovern; sisters, Jane E. McGovern and Frances Kane; niece, Jane E. Kranshan; nephew, Timothy Kranshan. Fr. McGovern leaves behind nieces and nephews, Kathleen Hampton, Paula Simmons (Claude), Frances Gifford (Gary), Thomas Kranshan (Laura), John Kranshan (Katherine), Robert Kane and Steven Kane.

The wake will begin on Tuesday, 18 May 2021 in St. Matthew Church, 2603 Benton Avenue, Akron, Ohio 44312 at 3:00 p.m. with Vespers and will continue until 7:00 p.m. Bishop Edward C. Malesic will be the presider and Fr. G. Michael Williamson will be the homilist. The Funeral Mass will be celebrated Wednesday, 19 May 2021 in St. Matthew Church at 11:00 a.m. Bishop Martin J. Amos will be the main celebrant and Fr. Paul Rosing will be the homilist. Interment will be at Holy Cross Cemetery, Akron.
 

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