McGowan

Richard John McGowan Sr., 79, of Slippery Rock, passed away Friday, April 24, 2026. He was born Oct. 1, 1946, in Grove City, and was the son of Joseph Gabriel McGowan and Twila Mae Webb McGowan.

He graduated from Slippery Rock High School in 1966.

He was proud to honorably serve in the U.S. Army “Big Red One” Division in Vietnam.

He initially worked as a butcher at Food Land in Slippery Rock and later worked as a machinist, retiring from General Electric Transportation Systems in Grove City.

His hobbies included developing real estate, gardening, hunting and most of all, spending time with family and his beloved dog, Cody.

Survivors include sons, Richard John (Leslie) McGowan Jr., of South Carolina, and Michael P. (Joyce) McGowan, of Slippery Rock; daughter, Heather D. (Daniel) Cypher, of Erie; his former wife, Donna Urey, of Slippery Rock; sisters, Sharon Christy, of Grove City; Sheila (Ed) Bosch, of Slippery Rock; brother, Robert “Bob” McGowan, of Harrisville; uncle, Ray Webb, of Slippery Rock; grandchildren, Justin McGowan and Ethan Cypher; and great-grandson, Owen McGowan.

He is preceded in death by his parents; stepmother, Mary Jane McGowan; and brothers, Charles, Daniel and David.

MCGOWAN — The family of Richard John McGowan Sr., who died Friday, April 24, 2026, will receive friends from 4 to 7 p.m. Tuesday, April 28, and from 10 a.m. until time of service at 11 a.m. Wednesday, April 29, at SMITH FUNERAL HOME, 421 New Castle St., Slippery Rock. The service will be led by the Rev. James Lewis, retired pastor, of Butler.

Memorial contributions may be given to the Heritage Association, 214 Massachusetts Ave. NE, Washington, D.C. 20002.

Please sign the guest book at www.butlereagle.com.