Thomas Paul (Burger) Mcgovern

Thomas Paul (Burger) McGovern 77, of West Dover, Vermont, passed away on December 20, 2023. Born in Bridgeport, CT, on December 26, 1945, Paul was the 5th son of 6 boys to the late James Lawrence McGovern, Jr. and Helen Deegan McGovern of the Long Hill section of Trumbull, CT. Thomas Paul grew up in Trumbull and attended Sacred Heart University when he was drafted into the United States Army during the Vietnam War. Upon his return, he worked for the United States as a Capitol Police Officer in Washington, D.C. He attended the New England School of Photography in Boston. Like literature, art and music, Paul’s love of photography was his way of telling stories and getting his viewers to ask questions. Paul engaged his audience with his probing eye to see the inside and outside of his subjects. Paul spent many summers with his family on Cape Cod where he furthered his photography skills and worked at a camera shop in Hyannis, MA. In the late 70’s, Paul moved to Wilmington, VT to help out his eldest brother, Jim who was running the Hermitage inn. Paul mowed lawns, cut ski trails, made maple syrup, worked as the appetizer, salad and dessert cook at the Hermitage where he perfected the Ozark Mountain Cake and Caesar salad. He also worked at several restaurants including Deacon’s Den, TC’s and the Roadhouse during his 40 years in the valley. Paul loved to play chess, cribbage, backgammon, Risk and Monopoly and was a fierce but kind competitor. Paul is survived by his brothers Frank David McGovern (Karen) of Shelton, CT, Brian McGovern (Katherine) of Dallas, TX, Roger McGovern of Trumbull, CT, and Patrick McGovern of Los Angeles, CA as well as several nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his eldest brother James (Peter) McGovern, III. Calling hours begin at 10:00 a.m. at Our Lady of Fatima Roman Catholic Church, followed by a mass of Christian Burial at 11:00 a.m. on Wednesday, May 22, 2024. Burial at Riverview Cemetery, Stowe Hill Road to follow. Arrangements are being coordinated by Covey and Allen Funeral Home, Wilmington, Vermont. For directions or to send the family personal e-mail condolences please visit www.sheafuneralhomes.com