IN MEMORIAM: Jeffrey McGowan, 55;

Eagle Scout Worked In Auto Financing

ONEONTA – Jeffrey D. McGowan, 55, an Oneonta Eagle Scout who went on to a career in automotive finance departments,  passed unexpectedly on Tuesday, Feb. 16, 2016.

Jeffrey was born in October 1960 in Syracuse, the son of Dean and Mary Jane McGowan.  Oneonta became Jeffrey’s home town when his family moved here in 1968.  Jeff attended Bugbee School then graduated from Oneonta High School in 1978.  Jeff was active in several extracurricular activities during high school including sports earning him a letter jacket.  Jeff attended SUNY Oneonta majoring in business.

Jeffrey was active in many organizations.  A baptized and confirmed member of the First United Methodist Church, he was active in youth group.  Jeffrey was a Boy Scout, his Eagle Scout rank in 1976 and the High Vigil Honor in scouting’s Order of the Arrow. Jeff enjoyed the outdoors, camping, hiking, cooking, swimming, riflemanship, and other activities that grew out of his scouting experience and he shared with his parents.  He participated in several National Jamborees and Order of the Arrow conferences.  Jeff enjoyed the sport of hunting, loved barbequing and had a great love of dogs.  However he considered his greatest love being the time spent with his two children.

After college, Jeff  worked in financing for several car dealerships.  This vocation took him to Boston for several years managing leasing of high-end autos.  Jeff returned to Oneonta in the mid 1990’s to continue his career in auto leasing.  In the late 90’s Jeffrey celebrated the births of his children Lindsey Marie and Sean Mathew.  Lindsey and Sean were the loves of Jeff’s life and his proudest accomplishments.

Jeff transitioned into sales and worked in the contracting business and most recently in the sales of eyewear.

Jeff is predeceased by his father, Dean McGowan Jr. and grandparents.

Jeff is survived by his mother, Mary Jane McGowan of Oneonta; brother, Scott McGowan of Chicago, Ill.; daughter, Lindsey Marie and son, Sean Mathew McGowan and their mother, Denise (nee Francisco) McGowan; as well as cousins, Tom (Pat), Bob (Cathy) and Gary (Robin) VanSchaick.

A graveside memorial service and interment will be planned for the spring time at the family plot in the Oneonta Plains Cemetery.  Remembrances to the American Heart Association.

Arrangements with Lewis, Hurley & Pietrobono Funeral Home, Oneonta, www.lhpfuneralhome.com