With heavy hearts, our family announces the unexpected passing of William R "Bill" "Pappy" McGowan on the evening of Friday, January 3rd, 2025. He was surrounded by family when he peacefully joined the Lord and rejoined loved ones who had gone before him. Bill was born in 1944 in Havertown, Pennsylvania to John "Sam" and Margaret "Peg" McGowan. Over the years, Bill lived in various states, including California, Florida, and Pennsylvania, before settling with his family in Delaware. Bill is survived by his loving wife of 47 years, Christianne McGowan. He also leaves behind his daughter, Kimberly McGowan-Sivak, her daughter Alexandria McGowan-Sivak; his son, Stephen McGowan, daughter-in-law Christine, and their daughter, Evelyn McGowan; his brother, James McGowan, and his wife Kathy, along with their daughter-in-law Vicki and great-nephew Riley McGowan; his nephew, Robert Schillat, his wife Amy, and their children, great-nephews Logan and Jack; his sister-in-law, Michele Grenet Belcher (Keith); brother-in-law Dan Grenet and nephews Ben and Jeff; and sister-in-law Mary Grenet, along with her children Richard, Matthew, and Jeremy. Bill was preceded in death by his parents, Peg and Sam McGowan; his brother, John "Uncle T" McGowan; nephew, Michael McGowan; and brother-in-law, Phil Grenet. Bill was a kind, generous, and funny soul, a devoted father, husband, grandfather, uncle, brother, son, and friend. His humor, warmth, and love touched everyone around him. We could always count on Bill to make us laugh with his off the cuff humor and his uncanny ability to remain indifferent to the opinions of others. Which is what we loved the most about him. Golf was Bills passion and he thought he was undoubtably skilled at it, but he wasn't. He passed that passion on to his son, and they made many great memories on the course together. Whether relaxing in his lounge chair under the sun, enjoying time in Ocean City, New Jersey, or cheering on his favorite teams — the Philadelphia Eagles and Phillies — Bill was always quick to bring joy to those around him. Even when the Phillies let us down, we know Bill is still cheering them on from heaven.  Bill will be dearly missed by all who knew him. Rest in peace Pappy-We love you and look forward to being reunited with you someday.

Services will be held at the convenience of the family.