Obituary of Phyllis M. McGovern

Phyllis Marie McGovern (nee DeBiase), of Morristown, passed away peacefully on Sunday, December 30, 2018. She was 94.

Phyllis was born in Madison on February 15, 1924 to the late Carmine and Marie DeBiase (nee Marelli). She lived in Morristown for most of her life and had a long career with M. Epstein Department Store in Morristown for over 25 years, before retiring.

Phyllis was a longtime parishioner of Assumption Church in Morristown. She was a member of the church choir and Rosary Society for many years. Phyllis had many fond memories of traveling extensively throughout the US with her husband, the late Robert McGovern, who was a promoter of Nascar and Indy racing. She was an avid Yankee fan and enjoyed playing bingo. Her family was very dear to her and she will be deeply missed by all that loved and knew her.

In addition to her parents, Phyllis was predeceased by her husband, Robert P. McGovern, Sr. in 1980, manager of Morristown Airport; one brother, Carmine “Skip” DeBiase; one sister, Marie Anelli. She is survived by her devoted daughter, Patricia Chapman and her husband, Kim of Florham Park; three loving sons, Robert McGovern, Jr. of Traverse City, MI, James McGovern and his wife, Arlene of Morris Twp. & Charles McGovern of Florham Park; one dear brother, Joseph DeBiase of Madison; her four cherished grandchildren, Thomas, Michelle, Daniel & Matthew; five great-grandchildren, Thomas, Victoria, Robert, Ollan & Aldan.

Relatives and friends are invited to attend a visitation to celebrate Phyllis’ life on Saturday, January 5, 2019 from 9:30AM to 11:30AM at the Madison Memorial Home, 159 Main Street, Madison, immediately followed by a 12:00PM Liturgy of Christian Burial celebrated at St. Vincent Martyr Church, Madison. Interment will be held at St. Vincent’s Cemetery, Madison.

In lieu of flowers, charitable contributions may be made to the Robert E. Taratko Scholarship Fund, c/o Christine Gatti, 206 Patriots Rd., Morris Plains, NJ 07950 or the Epilepsy Foundation, 8301 Professional Place W #230, Landover, MD 20785.

Condolences to the family may be made online by visiting our website at www.madisonmemorialhome.com