"My deepest sympathy goes out to entire McGowan family, Roy will never be forgotten, truly one of the good guys. Always a gentleman, a professional, an honor to say I knew him. ? Jack Whalen ? Retired PPD "
In loving memory of
Roy McGowan
July 25, 1967 - May 16, 2023
Roy McGowan, 55, of Portsmouth, RI, devoted husband of ToniLyn (Salvador) McGowan since their marriage in 1995, died at home surrounded by his loving family on Tuesday, May 16, 2023 after a valiant battle against cholangiocarcinoma. Born in Newport, RI, in 1967, he was the son of Jean (Thurston) McGowan and the late George McGowan. Besides his wife, he is survived by his children, Kyle T. McGowan, Katherine L. McGowan, and Benjamin G. McGowan, all of Portsmouth; his mother, Jean; his mother-in-law, Sandy Andrews; father-in-law, Tony Salvador; sister-in-law, Christine Dubois; brother-in-law, David Salvador, and his wife, Shannon; and beloved nieces, nephew, and cousins.
Roy was a 1985 graduate of Middletown High School and earned a B.S. in Business Administration in 1989 and a B.S. in Criminal Justice in 1992, both at Salve Regina University. He began a career in law enforcement at the Portsmouth Police Department and joined the Providence Police Department in 1994, becoming a detective, where he worked until 2014 when he joined the State of Rhode Island Capitol Police Department. His career spanned over 30 years, and he cherished the wonderful friends he made there and in his community.
Roy was a family man, and though his career was long and successful, his proudest and happiest moments were with his family. He was often outside walking the Glen with his family and dog, teaching his boys the game of golf at Wanumetonomy Golf Club, where he had been a member for over 40 years, taking care of his lawn (which resembled a golf course), exchanging a kind word or wave with a neighbor, or throwing a ball to one of his children. A supportive, steady presence everywhere he went - from coaching Portsmouth Little League and girls' softball to watching his sons play hockey- Roy always encouraged his children and their teammates, and he led by example, which spoke louder than words. He loved his vacations with family and friends to places including Ireland and the Caribbean, but even more, he deeply enjoyed caring for his home and yard where he raised his children. Though Roy was taken from us too soon, we are comforted by his enjoyment of the simple pleasures that make a good and happy life.
We will celebrate Roy's life at a Mass of Christian Burial, at 10 a.m. in St. Barnabas Church, Portsmouth, on Monday, May 22 and directly afterward, he will be interred at St. Columba Cemetery in Middletown. In lieu of flowers, anyone wishing to honor Roy with a donation may send one to The Potter League, 87 Oliphant Lane, Middletown, RI 02842.
Tributes
"Toni Lyn and family, So sorry for your loss. Thoughts and prayers out to all of you from the Rodrigues Family.."
"So sorry about Roys passing ,saw him at district court several months back he was a true gentlemen.I worked with him on the PPD a true professional. "
"My sincere condolences to the McGowan family. I had the distinct pleasure of working with Roy for many years on the PPD. He was one of those officers who came to work every single day, uniform pressed, shoes shine, and a smile on his face no matter what else was going on in his life. He was compassionate to the public no matter the circumstance and was always there to help a brother officer with the dreaded traffic accident. Roy was truly one of the good guys and will be sorely missed by many. Guy DeAngelis (Retired PPD). "
"My condolences to the MCGOWAN family. I knew Roy quite a long time and in many different capacities. Roy grew up on my street. As a youngster he was very ambitious, mowing lawns, shoveling snow and delivering newspapers. Roy was very cheerful and a very positive young man. I had the privilege of being his Guidance Counselor at Middletown (class of 1985} High School. I was honored when Roy asked me to be a reference for his Law Enforcement applications. When I was interviewed, I stated that Roy was a veritable Boy Scout and there could not be a better applicant! Again, condolences to his family and friends. Bob Larkin"
"To the McGowan Family,, Please accept my deepest sympathy for your loss. He took pride in his job as a Capitol Police Officer. Every night when leaving the building he said ?have a good night and take care? knowing that he meant it. You are in my prayers. Marti Family Court "
"Tonilyn & Family. I am so sorry to hear about your loss. Roy was at the front door every morning with a smile on his face. Your family are in my prayers. Peggy Family Court"
"I would like to express my deepest sympathy to the McGowan family on the passing of your husband, father, son, loved one. I had the distinct pleasure of working with Roy on the PPD. He was kind, compassionate, and a true professional. Roy treated All people with respect no matter what their standing was in life. Roy was one of the most honest people that I served with on the PPD. I pray that fond memories of life spent together help get you through this most difficult.time. May the angels open the gates of heaven to receive his soul and may he rest in eternal peace."
"I would like to extend my deepest sympathy to the McGowan family on the loss of your husband, father, son, loved one. Roy was a true professional in every aspect of the word. As a police officer he treated ALL people with respect and he was very capable of defusing any situation. I had the distinct pleasure of working with Roy on the PPD and can honestly say that he was one of the most honest persons that I ever worked with. I will keep him in my thoughts and prayers and also his family while you all go through this very difficult time. May the angels open the gates of heaven to receive his soul and may he rest in eternal peace."
"Jay Gibbs Dear Tonilyn & family, I am very sorry to hear about the sudden passing of Roy. When I was on RISP and he was on PPD, we worked on a few things together. He was great guy and was always there for you. I hope your love and great memories offer you solace during this difficult time. God Bless your family. R.I.P. Brother. "
"Tonilyn and family I am so sorry to hear about your loss. You and your family are in my thoughts. Debbie Dennis Anthony"
"Tonilyn, Kyle, Katie & Ben I know there are no words that can take away the pain of losing a loved one. I hope your memories of Roy will help you find peace. You are all in our thoughts and prayers. Condolences, The Armstrong Family "
"Tonilyn, Kyle, Katie & Ben I know there are no words that can take away the pain of losing a loved one. I hope your memories of Roy will help you find peace. You are all in our thoughts and prayers. Condolences, The Armstrong Family "
"Dear Toni Lynn and family I am so sorry to hear about Roy I remember sitting with both of you watching our girls play softball those were such wonderful times. I am so sorry for your loss. Praying for you and the kids. Trish Kevin and Phoebe MacDonald "
"Dear Toni Lynn and Family. Our deepest sympathy to all of you. Roy was outstanding, amazing, caring, giving, kind, understanding, patient, giving human being with the most brilliant smile. Just a few of the attributes that made him Semper Fi. We hold all of you deeply in our thoughts and prayers. Sincerely, Raymond and Deborah Dutra"
"Dear Toni Lynn and Family, Our deepest sympathy to all of you. An amazing human being. Kind, compassionate, caring, loving, giving, the most brilliant smile! Only a few of the many wonderful qualities that Roy possessed.. May our thoughts, prayers and love surround you. Sincerely,, Raymond and Deborah Dutra"
"Tonilyn, Patti and I are sorry to hear about Roy?s passing. We?re sending our thoughts and prayers during this difficult time. God Bless you and the kids. "