Obituary of Frederick Francis McGovern

Obituary for Frederick “Freddie” Francis McGovern

Freddie McGovern, 83, formerly of Nutley, NJ passed away on Friday, March 7, 2025 in the CareOne facility in Livingston, NJ.

Freddie was born in Swanlinbar, Co. Cavan, Ireland to Edward and Brigit (Dolan) McGovern. In the early 1960’s he moved to the United States and although not a permanent resident enlisted in the US Army. He received training as a Medic and a Surgical Assistant, served tours in Vietnam, rose to the rank of Specialist (SP4) and was honorably discharged. After serving, he returned to the United States and was granted US citizenship. He was very proud of his service in the US military and would never miss the opportunity to tell anyone what he did while in the service.

In addition to being a proud American, Freddie was also very proud of his Irish heritage. After Vietnam, he returned to live in Swanlinbar for a few years and ran the family pub, Dolan’s. He then returned to the US and spent a large part of his working years at St Barnabas Hospital as a Boiler Room Engineer and member of Local 68 before retiring.

After retiring, Freddie continued to live in Nutley, close to many nice golf courses that he frequented with his close buddies. He was also close to many of his other close relatives and other Irish who lived in the New Jersey area. Freddie was a devout Catholic and could never leave a conversation without blessing God.

Freddie was preceded in death by his parents, and his sisters, Geraldine “Geri” McGovern of San Francisco, CA and Theresa Whyte of Florence Court, Co. Fermanagh, Northern Ireland.

Freddie is also survived by his sister Maura Scully and her husband Bill Scully of West Orange, NJ, his brother Eamon McGovern of Livingston, his sister Patricia Love of Lancaster, Lancashire, England, and his sister, Carmel Vrabel and her husband Ray Vrabel of San Diego, CA. In addition to immediate family, Freddie will be missed by his beloved nephews and nieces in Northern Ireland, England, Australia, and the United States, as well as countless other family and lifelong friends. Freddie will also be missed by the many excellent caregivers at the VA Medical Center in East Orange, NJ, in addition to the many excellent caregivers at CareOne Livingston where he spent his last several years in the Assisted Living and Memory Care units.

Freddie requested any donations to the St Jude Children’s Research Hospital. He had a big heart. Stjude.org/memorial