John Michael McGowan

John Michael McGowan
July 31, 1945 – January 2, 2025

John Michael McGowan, 79, of Cumming, Georgia, passed away peacefully on January 2, 2025. John was born in Brooklyn, New York, on July 31, 1945, to the late Margaret (Finn) and Martin McGowan. He graduated from Holy Cross High School in Flushing, NY, and St. John’s University in Jamaica, NY.

John served honorably in the US Army during the Vietnam War. In 1972, he married Nancy Ludwig, with whom he shared a joyful life. Professionally, John had a distinguished career in the fast-food industry, retiring as Vice President of Franchising at Church’s Chicken. He was passionate about community service, contributing to several Habitat for Humanity projects, including a large build in California alongside President Jimmy Carter.

A dedicated community member, John volunteered with the MSG Foundation for several years, delivering food every Saturday. He was also an active participant in the Sawnee-Cumming Optimist Club and served as President of his neighborhood’s HOA Association twice.

John is predeceased by his parents, his sister Mary Ceraso, and his brothers-in-law Francesco Ceraso and Richard Ludwig. He is survived by his devoted wife, Nancy; daughter Kerry Sheline (Andy); son, Kevin (Nikki Saccomandi); and his cherished grandchildren, Dylan and Declan Sheline, and Lumen and Marcelline McGowan-Saccomandi. John also leaves behind his loving nephews, Federico Ceraso, Anthony Ceraso, and Michael Ceraso, and nieces, Amy Vergis and Sara Ludwig.

A gathering to celebrate John's life will be held on Tuesday, January 7th, at 3 PM at the Manchester Court Clubhouse on Werrington Drive in Cumming, GA.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Habitat for Humanity or the American Cancer Society.

John will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved him.