Police Chief John J. McGowan III

Police Chief John J. McGowan III, 58, a resident of Horsham since 1987 and formerly of Bensalem, passed away Friday, June 18, 2010 while enjoying a ride on his motorcycle.

He was the loving husband of Karen T. McGowan. They would have celebrated their 38th wedding anniversary in August.

John was born in Philadelphia a son of Teresa and John J. McGowan II of West Norriton.

John was a graduate of the FBI National Academy, Section 146. For the past 18 years, John was the Chief of Police with East Norriton Township. In 1974, John began his career in law enforcement with Lower Moreland Township. He retired from that department with the rank of Sergeant.

John’s life centered on his family, work and love of motorcycles. His most enjoyable times were spent with his family; he was a loving husband, son, father and grandfather.

John was a former president and member of the FBI Law Enforcement Executive Development Association (LEEDA) and was also a member and past president of the Montgomery County Police Chiefs Association.

In addition to his wife and parents, John is survived by two sons: John J. IV and his wife Kimberly of Doylestown and Scott and his wife Melissa of Lansdale; two grandchildren: John J. V and Finn. He is also survived by three sisters: Debbie D’Onofrio, Anita Santry and Lisa Coppola.

Chief McGowan’s funeral Mass will be at 11 a.m. on Friday, June 25, at St. Catherine of Siena Church, 321 Witmer Road, Horsham. Family will receive friends from 5 to 8 p.m. Thursday at the Shelly Funeral Home, 1460 Easton Road, Warrington and 10 to 10:45 a.m. Friday at the church. Entombment will follow the Mass at Sunset Memorial Park, Feasterville.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial contributions be made in John’s name to the Mission Kids Child Advocacy Center of Montgomery County, PO Box 413, Blue Bell, PA 19422. Online condolences, stories and photos may be shared at the website below.

Shelly Funeral Home, Warrington.

www.shellyfuneralhomes.com.

By JENNY DeHUFF
Times Herald Staff

FORKS TOWNSHIP — East Norriton Police Chief John J. McGowan was fatally injured Friday afternoon in a motorcycle crash in Pennsylvania’s Lehigh Valley.

Just before 3 p.m., Forks Township police were dispatched to the 2600 block of North Delaware Drive (Route 611), where an accident was reported involving a motorcycle and a car.

According to Forks Township police, both vehicles were proceeding north on Route 611. The car was stopped in the northbound lane, waiting to make a left turn, when he was struck from behind by what police identified to be McGowan on his motorcycle.

McGowan collided with the rear of the stopped vehicle, which was waiting to make a left turn onto Old Rover Road, and he was transported to Easton Hospital. Upon arrival at the hospital via Suburban Ambulance Service, McGowan was pronounced dead.

The automobile was operated by Morgan E. Naugle, 18, of Bangor. An accident reconstruction is being conducted by the Forks Township Police Department. Police said McGowan was wearing a helmet.

McGowan, 58, of Horsham, had been instrumental in the Mission Kids program with Montgomery County District Attorney Risa Ferman.

“It is such a shock to all of us,” said Ferman.

“John was a guy who had so many battles that he won. To lose him in this way is just so hard to imagine. He was a dear, dear friend to me and he was really a force to reckoned with. He was one of the forces that made Mission Kids a reality. We jokingly referred to ourselves as ‘partners in crime.’ I have no doubt it was John’s perseverance, personality and force of will that made things happen.

“Aside from all of the professional and personal accolades, the thing I will remember most about him is that he was always like a guardian angel on my shoulder.”

Lower Providence Police Chief Francis Carroll said, “John was the constant professional. He mixed education with street smarts and common sense. He made me laugh every time I was with him.”

Lower Providence Retired Police Chief Ed McDade said, “I knew John from my detective days in the 1970s. He’s always been a person I respected and looked up to. Anytime I had a question about anything, he would never hesitate to give me his opinion on it.”

West Norriton Police Chief Bob Adams said, “John was a rock. He was a mentor to me. He will be sorely missed by everybody in Montgomery County.”

The East Norriton Township Police Department issued a statement Saturday afternoon.

“It is with great sadness that the men and women of the East Norriton Township Police Department announce the untimely passing of our Chief of Police, John J. McGowan on Friday, June 18, 2010.

“Chief McGowan began his 36-year law enforcement career with the Lower Moreland Police Department in 1974. While at Lower Moreland, John served in the Patrol and Investigation Divisions, before retiring in 1992 as a Patrol Sergeant.

“It was in 1992 that John came to the East Norriton Township Police Department, where he honorably served as the Chief of Police. Among his many accomplishments while Chief of Police he served as President of the Montgomery County Police Chief’s Association, as Past President of the F.B.I./Law Enforcement Executive Association, was a member of the F.B.I. Directors Law Enforcement Advisory Board, and also is a proud graduate of the FBI National Academy, Class 146. John served as an Academic Instructor in the Criminal Justice Program at Montgomery County Community College. John was also a motivating force, and worked closely with Montgomery County District Attorney Risa Ferman and Executive Director Abbie Newman, to establish Mission Kids Child Advocacy Center.

“Chief McGowan’s accomplishments and contributions will be sorely missed by both the members of his Police Department and the residents of East Norriton Township, whom he so proudly served.

“Funeral arrangements are pending at this time. Everyone’s thoughts and prayers are greatly appreciated.”

Jenny DeHuff can be reached at jdehuff@timesherald.com or 610-272-2500 ext. 207.