John P. McGowan

John P. McGowan passed away on June 9, 2026 surrounded by his family. He was born Nov. 5,

1932, in Providence RI. The son of the late Andrew and Helen (Heaton) McGowan. He was a graduate

of Providence College and earned a master’s degree at Rhode Island College. John was a Korean War Veteran, serving with the Army. He was a long-time member of the Providence College Alumni Association. He lived in Warwick since 1959 and was a member of St. Peter’s Parish since 1964, where he was a lector and eucharistic minister for many years. He taught history for 9 years at Park View Jr. High School in Cranston and coached

Boys’ Basketball there. He also taught in Warwick for 21 years at Pilgrim High School, where he

coached Girls Cross Country and was Assistant Athletic Director for 13 years. In his early years

of teaching, he also worked 13 years in the Providence Post Office as a substitute carrier, mainly

out of the Olneyville Post Office. John took up running at the age of 38 and over 40 years won 75% of his age group division in races in New England, Florida, Arizona, and California. He also took up biking in his 50’s and

was still doing 50 milers into his 80’s and once did 100 miler. He ran the Boston Marathon twice

and The New Orlean’s Marathon once. He also ran many half- marathons around the country. In

retirement, John traveled with his wife, Pauline, to Europe and across the United States many

times. They wintered in Florida for 15 years and 2 years in Arizona. They delivered Meals-On-

wheels together in Warwick and East Greenwich and on the west coast of Florida.

John married the love of his life, Pauline LaFlamme of Pawtucket, in 1955 and they had a very

happy life together for more than 60 years until her death in 2016. John and Pauline raised 4

loving children who survive him, Sheila Blanchette (Richard) of Wilmington, Vt, Maureen

Stabile (Don deceased) of Warwick, Danny McGowan of Warwick, and Karen Tallman (Bruce)

of Longmeadow, MA. He is also survived by six grandchildren Nick, Doug, Chelsea, Katherine,

Michelle, and Eric. He also has a great grandchild, Mia Stabile.

John is predeceased by his two brothers Joseph McGowan of Pennsylvania and Andrew

McGowan of Newport, RI. He is also predeceased by his sister Peggy Morrisroe of New Jersey.

He leaves his sister Marita McGowan of Warwick.

In lieu of flowers donations to R.I Meals on Wheels, 70 Bath St., Prov.,R I 02908