Ernest Paul McGowan

Ernie McGowan of Salem, NH, passed away on April 10^th after a brief battle with an aggressive and rare cancer. Ernie grew up in Billerica, MA and graduated from Billerica Memorial High School, class of 1971.  Later, Ernie traveled internationally as a manufacturing equipment specialist, before launching a long and successful career as a remarkably talented carpenter and contractor.  Ernie’s work remains on display in many beautiful residences throughout New England, and in the homes of the countless family and friends he so generously helped with their home projects. He justifiably took great pride in his beautiful home in Salem, which he built from the ground up.

In retirement, Ernie enjoyed spending time with his many friends (all of whom he had great nicknames for), and regularly hosted the gang for Friday lunch.  He also volunteered extensively at the Massachusetts SPCA at Nevins Farm, where he provided invaluable construction and maintenance services. Here he also nurtured his love for all animals, including the escaped MSPCA horse that he had to chase down RT. 28, the ducklings that he so lovingly cared for at his home until he could ultimately encourage them to fly away, and the squirrels and chipmunks he fed by hand. 

Ernie was an avid and lifelong Harley-Davidson motorcycle rider. Whether on his annual trek to Laconia for the motorcycle event of the season, or a trip to Pennsylvania to visit friends and family, Ernie was a happy man whenever he was on two wheels. While music in general was a great enjoyment for Ern, Alice Cooper was “The Man”. It was at one of the Alice Cooper concerts that he met Donna and the two of them shared a love of “Coop” and enjoyed each other’s company until his passing.        

Ernie was a man of deep faith and always found the best in everyone. He watched out for his friends and family and set an amazing example for loving but not judging. In the difficult time after Christmas 2021, when he received one bad prognosis after another, he puzzled over why these things were happening to him but never complained. He always thought about his family, friends and loved ones before himself. He brought so much light into the world and made a difference in so many lives.

Ernie was preceded in death by his parents, Bill and Jean McGowan of Billerica, MA., his brother, Bob McGowan, and his niece, Kiley Munroe.  Ernie is survived by siblings Bill McGowan and wife Kathie of Syracuse, UT, Elaine Brillhart of Clinton, MA, Brenda McGowan of Londonderry, NH, Nancy Green and husband Bill of Winston-Salem, NC, and by his dear friend, and caregiver, Donna Sciacca of Middletown, CT. Ernie will also be missed by many nieces and nephews, great-nieces and nephews, and dear friends from all walks of his life.

In Ernie’s memory, the family suggests donations to the Massachusetts SPCA at Nevins Farm at 400 Broadway, Methuen, MA 01844 or: http://www.mspca.org/nevinsgift

Assisting with arrangements is the Cremation Society of New Hampshire of Manchester. To view Ernest’s Online Tribute, send condolences to the family, or for more information, visit www.csnh.com.