James Wallace McGovern

James Wallace McGovern, formerly of Maspeth, Queens, passed away peacefully on Sunday, June 14, 2020 in Greenwich, Connecticut in his 89th year.  Born in the Tremont section of the Bronx, he was the son of the late Joseph and Roslyn (nee Martin) McGovern and the beloved husband of the late Faye (nee Grillo) McGovern.  Born into humble beginnings, James grew up in New York's Hell's Kitchen with seven siblings (who all predeceased him).  Jim worked various jobs in his lifetime.  He drove a tractor trailer delivering slabs of beef, worked in various landmark New York restaurants, did private detective work, was a New York City Police Officer, a body guard to former Mayor John Lindsay and later in life co-owned a business.  Jim is a proud United States Marine in the Korean War and was part of the greatest generation this country will ever know.  He had an extraordinary gift for friendship.  He was a peacemaker, a strong, kind and gentle man of integrity and humor.  His love was a pure love and his greatest joy throughout his life was to be around family and friends making memories.  Jim never saw color only the heart of every person he ever knew.  He was an avid Yankees fan, enjoyed bowling, was a great pinochle player, enjoyed listening to all the greats of his era and was a big movie buff who loved old movies.  Spending time with those he loved was his life's passion.  He never lost his smile or great sense of humor.  Jim was a devoted husband, loving father, caring brother, adoring grandfather, favorite uncle and dear friend to all who knew him.  Jim lived for any occasion where he could be with family and upon leaving would say "it's been a slice of heaven" which all who knew him would hold dear. 

Jim is survived by his son Mark McGovern and his wife Jean, his daughter Barbara Genovese and her husband Dan, his daughter Theresa Geramita and her husband Michael and seven grandchildren - Deborah (Rance) Barber, Stephen (Amanda) Geramita, James McGovern, Maria McGovern, Melissa Geramita, Joseph Genovese and Jonathan Genovese.  He is also survived by many loving nieces, nephews and cousins.

Family and friends are invited to Pleasant Manor Funeral Home, Inc. 575 Columbus Avenue Thornwood, New York 10594 on Wednesday, June 17, 2020 from 3:00 - 7:00 PM for visitation.  A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated for James at Holy Name of Jesus Church in Valhalla on Thursday, June 18, 2020 at 10:00 AM.  Interment will follow at Calvary Cemetery in Queens, New York, the United States Marine Corps Honor Guard will be present to commemorate Jim's service to his country.

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