William Francis McGowan

William F. McGowan, 70, of Olyphant, died on Wednesday morning at home surrounded by his loving family. His wife is the former Nancy L. Bulat. They were married on June 21, 1975.

Born in Scranton, his parents were the late William F. and Mary Lally McGowan. Willie was raised in Olyphant and attended St. Patrick’s School until 1964 and then moved to Dunellen, New Jersey, where he graduated from Dunellen High School in 1970. He also attended Santa Monica College and received an associate degree from Lackawanna College, Scranton.

Willie retired from NEIU, Archbald in 2015 and was previously a private construction contractor. In his younger days, he and his wife owned the Sportsman Inn, Olyphant.

“Big Will” was a significant presence in the lives of all those who were blessed to know him. He was a tough, loving, generous and compassionate man and was known as a great friend. Willie loved to golf and was known as “Chipper” on the course. He was a staunch Notre Dame, Steelers, and Pirates fan, a “long version” storyteller, a history lover, and an amateur chef who always had a secret ingredient. His greatest love was his wife, Nancy, whom he cherished since they were fourteen. Wille loved his children and grandchildren fiercely and enjoyed spending countless hours with them.

He is survived by his devoted children; daughter, Melissa Snyder and husband, Mark of Jessup; two sons, William F. and wife, Debbie of Audubon, and John and wife Demetria of Jermyn; loving sister, Mary Ellen Moylan; brother, Timothy; seven adoring grandchildren, Rileigh, Maggie, Connor, Emme, Liam, Declan and Maeve; Keith Bombar, whom he considered family, and nieces and nephews with whom he had very close and special relationships.

The family would like to thank the doctors, nurses and medical staff at the University of Pennsylvania and Hospice of the Sacred Heart.

Mass will be celebrated on Monday April 25th at 11 a.m. at Holy Cross Parish at St. Patrick’s Church with Fr. Scott Sterowski, pastor, officiating. Friends may call Sunday April 24th from 3 to 7 p.m. at the family home on Delaware Avenue. All are welcome to park in St. Patrick's Church parking lot on Delaware Avenue.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in his memory to: Hospice of the Sacred Heart, 340 Montage Mountain Road, Moosic, PA, 18507 or Northeast Regional Cancer Institute, 334 Jefferson Avenue, Scranton, PA, 18505. 

For online condolences, please visit www.hudak-osheafuneralhome.com.