Bernard Joseph McGovern, Jr. died peacefully on August 11, 2026, at Chilton Memorial Hospital following a very brief illness. He recently celebrated his 95th birthday with his children. Bernie lived in Mountain Lakes, NJ for 58 years, raising his family and being active in the community. He was a resident at Cedar Crest Community in Pompton Plains, NJ since 2024.

Bernie was born and raised in Brooklyn, NY to a large and loving family headed by Bernard J. McGovern and Elizabeth (McCarthy) McGovern. At the time of his death, he was the patriarch of the McGovern family. His wife of 45 years, Julia (McMorrow) McGovern predeceased him in 1997.

Bernie joined the U.S. Marine Corps after high school and served in the Korean Conflict as Sergeant from 1948 -1952. He married Julia (Judy) McMorrow in 1952 and they lived in the Inwood section of Manhattan, NY until moving to Mountain Lakes where their goal was to provide their children with an excellent education, swimming and lakes, and abounding nature.

He graduated from New York University and had a successful career in accounting and finance. Bernie retired from Bell Laboratories in 1995 after 38 years of employment, retiring as an Officer in the Pension Department.

While a resident of Mountain Lakes, Bernie was an active Member of the Mountain Lakes Volunteer Fire Department for over 35 years, serving as an officer in the MLVFD Relief Association, as Secretary and President. He was a Boy Scout leader, and an active volunteer with the Hub Lakes Swimming Association. He was a member of the St Catherine of Siena parish. Bernie was always willing to assist others in need. His gift was to “give” to others without seeking anything in return. He was proud of his Irish heritage, his family, and his Marine Corps service.

Bernard McGovern is survived by all five of his children who were at his side on the day he died. His children are Bernard III of Caldwell, NJ; John Patrick of Butler, NJ; Julia (Julie) of Leland, N.C.; Janice of Leesburg, VA; and Christopher, of Cumming, GA. He has 10 grandchildren and 9 great-grandchildren. Bernard’s seven siblings predeceased him. He enjoyed being with his children and the next generation, reveling in their joy and happiness.

Services will be at Codey & Mackey Funeral Home, Boonton on Friday August 14, 2026, at 10:00am followed by an interment at Greenwood Cemetery, Boonton. In lieu of flowers the family recommends gifts to the Wounded Warrior Project or to the Mountain Lakes Volunteer Fire Department. To share condolences with the family, please visit CodeyMackeyFH.com.