Michael J. McGowan, 66, of Fox Run, Portsmouth, RI, died peacefully on Feb. 12, 2011 at Miriam Hospital in Providence. He was the beloved husband of Mary A. (Shaw) McGowan.

Born in Boston, MA on Aug. 10, 1944, he was the oldest child of the late Thomas and Helen (Lawless) McGowan.

Mr. McGowan was a Patent Attorney for NUWC (Naval Underwater Warfare Center) and was a member of the Massachusetts Bar Association. He was a graduate of Northeastern University and Suffolk Law. He loved all things technical, traveling the world, running, and above all else, he reveled in time spent with family and friends, especially with his granddaughter, Beatrix.

In addition to his wife of 43 years, he is survived by his children, Michael P. McGowan and Cara L. McGowan, both of Newport; his granddaughter, Beatrix Rose McGowan; his brothers and sisters, Connie Schuett of Reno, NV, Ann Lumia of Louisville, CO, Steven McGowan of Carmel, CA, Tom McGowan of Bristol, NH, Terry Caplan of Burlington, MA, Paul McGowan of Framingham, MA, Beth Houston of Suquamish, WA and Trish McGowan of Battleground, WA; and many nieces and nephews. He was also the brother of the late Joanne McGowan.

His funeral will be held on Thursday, Feb. 17, 2011 at 9 am from Connors Funeral Home, 55 West Main Road, Portsmouth, RI, with a concelebrated Mass of Christian Burial at 10 am in St. Barnabas Church, 1697 East Main Road, Portsmouth, RI. Cremation will follow with a private burial at a later date in St. Columba Cemetery in Middletown, RI.

Visiting hours will be held on Wednesday, February 16, 2011 from 4-8 pm in the funeral home.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Dana-Farber Cancer Institute
10 Brookline Place West, 6th floor, Brookline, MA 02445-7226, ATTN: Contribution Services.

Obituary from Connors (Memorial) Funeral Home. See www.memorialfuneralhome.com for more information.