Rumsonite, U.S. Army veteran, fireman and father of the Fair Haven Police Chief, Joseph F. McGovern, passed away on Dec. 11 at Monmouth Medical Center. He was 85.

Born in Long Beach, NY, Joseph had previously lived in Hazlet, and spent the last 25 years living in Rumson.

Joseph proudly served in the United States Army. He went on to work for the Long Branch Public Schools. In his free time, he was a volunteer firefighter with the Hazlet Fire Department many years ago.

He loved to spend time with his family and friends.

Loved ones of Joseph F. McGovern in his obituary

Joseph was predeceased by his parents, siblings and his loving wife of many years Angela D. McGovern.

He is survived by: his four children, Joseph P. McGovern (Theresa), Anna Wanser (Dave), Dorothea Bickel (Cliff), and Kathleen Parks (Chuck); his nine grandchildren, Elizabeth Delonardo, Theresa Szatkowski, Christopher Stenger, Caroline McCullough, Angela Kennedy, Patrick Bickel, Kaitlin Parks, Joseph P. McGovern Jr. and Peter McGovern; eight great-grandchildren and nieces and nephews.

Visitation will be held at John E. Day Funeral Home, Red Bank, on Tuesday Dec. 15 from 4 to 7 p.m..

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at Church of the Nativity in Fair Haven on Wednesday, Dec. 16 at 10 a.m., with interment to follow at Fair View Cemetery in Middletown.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made in Joseph’s memory to the American Diabetes Research Foundation 1701 N. Beauregard St. Alexandria, VA 22311.

— Edited obituary/family of Joseph F. McGovern via John E. Day Funeral Home

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