Stephen Paul Govoni, 89
Stephen Paul Govoni, 89, of the Villages, FL, formerly of Plymouth, MA passed away on October 3, 2026. He was born on January 25, 1937 in New Bedford to Ruby (Sharples) and Joseph Govoni.
Steve was a proud alumnus of the Wareham High School class of 1955. Throughout life he maintained close relationships with many friends he held dear. Steve was a natural storyteller and possessed an incredible memory for past events in his life. He had a true gift of turning memories into treasured stories for us all. Many stories involved growing up in Wareham, where he often said he felt privileged to have been surrounded by a big, loving extended family including many aunts, uncles, and cousins.
After graduating from high school, Steve attended Stonehill College for a short time. He decided to suspend his studies and enlisted in the United States Air Force. Over the next four years, he spent time at Gunter AFB in Alabama, Lackland AFB in Texas and was eventually stationed at Otis AFB in Bourne where he was an aeromedical specialist in the hospital on base. While at Otis, Steve developed a deep desire to become a pilot, which he later made a reality by earning his private pilot’s license and buying his first Cessna.
Upon completing his military service, Steve enrolled at Bridgewater State College where he earned his Bachelor in Education degree and made many fond memories playing on the college’s football team. It was here he met his love and future wife, Pat Wrobel. Together, they enjoyed raising their two daughters, Laurie Govoni of Arlington, and Wendy Woods of Burlington, in Plymouth, MA.
Steve worked hard for the life he created. He spent his entire career as a systems analyst at Liberty Mutual Insurance in Boston while holding a second job driving for the Plymouth and Brockton bus line. His days began early in the morning as he drove a bus from Plymouth to South Station, where he would complete an eight-hour workday before driving a bus full of passengers back home. He was the kind of man that would do anything to provide a happy, healthy and comfortable life for his family. Steve and Pat later retired to The Villages, FL and shared 53 years together before her death in 2018.
Steve was known as Papa to his six grandchildren, Corey Woods, Miranda Woods, Christian Woods, Angelica Leu, Brendan Leu, Ella Woods, and great-grandson, Jordan Woods. Time with family was what Steve valued most. He delighted in sharing his love of fishing, playing pool, golf, New England sports, travel, and history. Steve also had a lifelong passion for playing the piano, bringing joy to all who had the pleasure of hearing him play. His grandkids often marveled at his many talents, asking “Is there anything Papa can’t do?” Above all, Steve leaves behind a lasting legacy of priceless stories of the past and invaluable knowledge about life.
Steve was pre-deceased by his two sisters, Fay Thurston of Southington, CT and Elaine McLaughlin of Pembroke, MA. He is survived by many dear nieces, nephews, and friends. Steve is also survived by his loving companion, Cathy Pye, of Buzzard’s Bay, with whom he was truly blessed to have shared his last years.
Relatives and friends are invited to gather at Chapman Funerals and Cremations – Wareham, 2599 Cranberry Hwy., (Rt. 28) Wareham on Sunday, October 18th from 12 – 2 pm. A private burial service with military honors will be held at a later date at the Massachusetts National Cemetery in Bourne.
In lieu of flowers, donations in Steve’s memory can be made to Fishing for the Mission 22 at 47 Main St, Buzzards Bay, MA 02532 or fishingforthemission22.org. For directions or to leave a message of condolence visit: www.chapmanfuneral.com
