Mr. Patrick McGovern Sr.

Patrick McGovern, Sr. departed this world on December 24, 2024, leaving behind a legacy of love, dedication, and cherished memories. The second of six children, Patrick was born from the union of Calvin and Elzadia (Evans) McGovern in Picayune, Mississippi, on June 20, 1942. Patrick married Evelyn (Wooten) in 1992, sharing 32 years of a loving and devoted partnership. Together they raised twin sons, Jawain and Cawain Swint. Earlier in his life, Patrick married Mary Lee (Farley), and their union was blessed with four children: Teresa, Diahann, Patricia, and Patrick. As a teenager, Patrick attended Northeastern High School, where he excelled both academically and athletically, showcasing his skills on the school’s football team. Following graduation, he enlisted in the U.S. Navy, where he served his country with distinction, playing a pivotal role during the Cuban Missile Crisis as a sailor aboard the U.S.S. Charles Cecil. He started his professional career in the City of Detroit as a pipefitter at Mistersky Power Station and rose to the rank of General Manager until his retirement. After his employment with the City of Detroit, he began a second career with the City of Saginaw in 1986. He initially served as the Plant Maintenance Supervisor with the Water Treatment Department, where he also supervised 9 remote pumping stations. In 1988, he advanced his career by joining the Streets and Rubbish Department, where he was later promoted to Superintendent of the Streets and Bridges Division, managing 70 employees. In this role, he planned, directed, administered, and supervised general service activities related to solid waste management, street cleaning, snow and ice control, pavement maintenance, bridge repair, parks and ground maintenance, and the operation and maintenance of motor equipment. His contributions supported the overall goals and objectives of the City of Saginaw until his retirement in 2001. Additionally, he played a pivotal role in designing, developing, and overseeing the operations of the City's 4.2-acre compost site in the early 1990s. In 2007, Patrick co-founded and co-chaired One Saginaw, a group of Saginaw residents dedicated to advocating for change and supporting the election of a new city council majority. Patrick McGovern had many hobbies, including storytelling, golfing, riding his motorcycle, and traveling. However, his favorite pastime was sailing on his beloved sailboat, Rapture. He frequently traveled from Bay City to Tawas, Michigan, where his boat was docked. His religious beliefs were Methodist, shaped during his spiritual conversion. Patrick leaves behind to cherish his memory his loving wife, Evelyn McGovern (Wooten), and children, Jawain (Celestia) and Cawain Swint; his former wife, Mary Lee (Farley), and their children, Teresa, Diahann, Patricia, and Patrick (Au Lisa) McGovern, Jr.; his sister, Maxine; his grandchildren, Ashley, Alexis, Maeko, Patrick Andrew, Jonathan, Izaiah, Marcelino, Elon, and Jamison; his great-grandchildren, Alleyah, Matthew, Nathan, and Amirah; and a host of beloved nieces and nephews. Patrick McGovern, Sr. was preceded in death by his parents, Calvin McGovern and Elzadia McGovern (Evans), and his siblings, Daniel, Lucindia, Elnora, and Jonathon. The family will greet guests at a 10:00 a.m. family hour. A memorial service will take place at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, January 11, 2025 at Evans & Browne's Funeral Home, 441 N. Jefferson Ave., Saginaw, MI 48607. Minister Patrick McGovern, Jr. will officiate.

Mr. Patrick McGovern Sr.

June 20, 1942 - December 24, 2024