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Edward Patrick McGovern

  Edward Patrick McGovern left this life Nov. 6, 2012, surrounded by his loving family.

  A native San Franciscan born Dec. 26, 1927, Ed was the only child to Edward and Lillian (Duggan) McGovern (of Counties Down and Armagh) – but with hundreds of cousins, was never alone.

  Ed is survived by his loving bride of 56 years, Margaret “Maggie” (Whooley), who he met at a dance at San Francisco’s KRB Hall on Mission Street. Together they raised a family who love and miss him dearly – Moira McGovern; Deirdre and Doug Muller; Eileen and Andrew Patania; Kevin and Lori McGovern; Brian and Theresa McGovern; Maureen Kelly; Margaret and Frank van Beuningen; and Ed and Tina McGovern. He was beloved Poppi to Katie, Claire, Meagan and Jack; Molly, Danny and Grace; Brian, Christopher, Thomas, Stephen, and Elizabeth; Rosie; and Devin and Ryan.

  Ed was proud of his strong Irish heritage. He was a founding member of San Francisco’s Irish Cultural Center; a member of the Pearse & Connelly Fife and Drum Band; and an active member of the Irish community in the Bay Area. He was also active in many Catholic charitable organizations including St. Vincent de Paul Society, Catholic Charities of San Francisco and the Knights of the Holy Sepulcher.

  In 1963, Ed and Maggie founded Knight’s Restaurant and Catering in the heart of the Civic Center of San Francisco, and for more than 40 years in business served presidents, a pope, the famous (and infamous) from all over the world. Ed relished his role as master of ceremonies at thousands of weddings and special events and a job at Knight’s was the first start for many looking for work.

  Ed joined the Navy to see the world, and served in the Pacific at the end of World War II. Then together, Ed and Maggie became world travelers, visiting six continents – but their favorite trips were those “home” to ancestral Ireland, where they are loved by many.

  Ed was a 35-year friend of Bill W. and quiet inspiration to many.

  In 2005, he and Maggie retired to their beautiful home in Sonoma, where they became active members of the community and formed new circles of loving friends. He loved spending time with his family, walking his dog Carlow, editing his 60 years of home movies and dancing to a good Irish song.

  He will be remembered for his warmth, his sense of humor, and for always being the epitome of a gentleman.

  A funeral Mass will be held at St. Francis Solano Church in Sonoma at 10 a.m. on Monday, Nov. 12, with a reception to follow in Fr. Roberts Hall.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made in Ed’s memory to The Jack McGovern Coats Disease Foundation, 20 Park Road, Suite E. Burlingame, CA 94010 (www.coatsdiseasefoundation.org)