William Lewis McGowan, a Fishkill resident since 1966, died at Mid-Hudson Regional Hospital of Westchester Medical Center in Poughkeepsie on Saturday, August 9, 2014. He was 74.
Son of the late Lewis James and Dorothy Jean (Kennedy) McGowan, he was born on December 31, 1939 in White Plains, New York. He was raised in the Silver Lake community of Westchester County. Following his graduation from White Plains High School, William enlisted in the U.S. Air Force. He dedicated a career of service to U.S. Military, and in March 1993, he retired as a Chief Master Sergeant from the Air National Guard. He worked at Air Force Bases in Westchester County, Otis, MA, and Stewart in New Windsor, NY.
He was a member of the Westchester Aircraft Maintenance Association and N.C.O. Club. William had many hobbies and interests, including woodworking, reading, history and boating. He enjoyed many summers at his vacation home in North Truro, Cape Cod.
On December 6, 1967, he married Gudrun Ziegler in Sawkill NY. Mrs. McGowan predeceased him on August 21, 2011.
William is survived by two sons, William L. McGowan, Jr. of Montclair, NJ and Robert McGowan & his wife Mary of Fishkill; his sister, Jean Palen & her husband Stephen of Pompano Beach, FL; and many other loving relatives & friends.
Calling hours will be held from 5 to 8 p.m. on Friday, August 15 at the McHoul Funeral Home of Fishkill, Inc., 1089 Main Street, Fishkill. A Mass of Christian Burial will be offered at 10 a.m. on Saturday, August 16 at St. Mary, Mother of the Church, 106 Jackson Street, Fishkill.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Wounded Warrior Project, P.O. Box 758517, Topeka, KS 66675; www.woundedwarriorproject.org.
For directions, online condolences, and memorial donations, please visit William's Book of Memories at www.mchoulfuneralhome.com.