Joseph McGowan, 88, departed this life on July 11. He was the beloved husband of Norma McGowan. They were married for 47 years.

Joseph was born in Derby in the spring of 1932 to the late Thomas and Anna McGowan. He was raised in Ansonia, later moving to Milford, where he graduated from Milford High School in 1950. He attended Central Connecticut Teachers College, now CCSU, where he played on the 1954 undefeated football team. Joe served in the USMCR for 22 years, overseas in Beirut, in the Lebanon insurrection in 1958, and in Vietnam in 1966 to 1967. He was an industrial arts teacher in both Shelton and West Haven and had a long career as a home builder. He was active in town politics, serving on the planning and zoning board and legislative council for multiple terms.

He was an avid outdoorsman and enjoyed fishing with his grandchildren and spending time in Vermont with family and friends.

Joe was predeceased by his wife, Norma, and his brothers, Bill and Tom McGowan.

Joseph is survived by his four children and their spouses, Kathleen and Dan, Joe and Jennifer, Ann and Adam, and Mike and Kelly; and his “magnificent seven” grandchildren, Nathan, Jeremy, Jonas, Ryan, Reagan, Thomas, and Sara.

A celebration of life will be held at a later date and interment will be at Arlington National Cemetery.

The family would like to thank the nurses and staff at Amberwoods of Farmington for their dedication and care.

The Carpino Funeral Home of Southbury has been entrusted with the arrangements. To leave a message of remembrance, please visit carpinocares.com.