Kevin "Sparky" McGowan

With heavy hearts the family of Kevin Michael “Sparky” McGowan, 51, of Leonardtown, MD, announces his passing. He left us suddenly and peacefully on March 2, 2025, in Leonardtown MD. A beloved son, brother, uncle, nephew, cousin, and friend, Kevin will always be remembered for his beautiful smile, charming personality, and one who touched countless hearts. If you knew him, you would be blessed to have him in your life. He entered this world on October 23, 1973, in Washington, D.C., the son of William and Kathy Garner McGowan. Nicknamed “Sparky” as a baby, that is how he was known to family and close friends. Growing up in Forest Heights, MD, Kevin’s best friend was his grandfather, “Poppo,” from whom he inherited and began his love of laughter, music, and sports. Any Sinatra or Mills Bros. songs would bring him to sing, knowing all the words, and any sports event would bring Poppo and Kevin together to watch. Besides spending time with his family, Kevin was happiest watching, listening to, and talking about sports with “The Bros.”, his brothers, uncles, cousins, and close friends. His favorite team was the Redskins and every season he had the “Redskins” fever but also loved baseball and was an Orioles and Nationals fan. Another sports passion was basketball. His favorite time of year was probably March Madness to which he eagerly looked forward. Kevin always anticipated the annual “Brocation” with “The Bros.,” a getaway with the guys with great food, plenty of sports watching, and recreation. He mostly looked forward to the annual Family Beach Week to the Delaware beaches with the entire McGowan and Garner clan. After moving to Bryantown, MD, Kevin graduated from La Plata High School, and attended the College of Southern MD. He began his working career as a Printing Services Specialist with Automated Graphic Systems, then became Assistant Manager of Sir Speedy Printing in Washington, D.C. He moved on to Outback Steakhouse in LaPlata, MD for several years, and was currently employed as a Lead Store Associate with Aldi Grocery in California, MD, a job he enjoyed and was advancing well at. Kevin is survived by his beloved mother, Kathy Garner McGowan, of Bryantown, MD, sister Michelle Schilling (Stephen) of Leonardtown MD, brother Nicholas (Barbara) of Bryantown MD, and brother Timothy of Bryantown MD. He was preceded in death by his father, William Gary McGowan, and his nephew Ryan Anderson. He also leaves cherished nieces Isabelle and Julianna Schilling, nephews, Tyler and Brendan Schilling, Nathan DeCola and Nicholas Aloupas, as well as countless aunts, uncles, cousins, and friends. The family will receive friends on Tuesday, March 18, 2025, from 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM in the Mattingley-Gardiner Funeral Home, Leonardtown, MD. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Thursday, March 20, 2025, at 11:00 AM in St. Mary’s Catholic Church, Bryantown MD, with inurnment immediately following at the church cemetery. Contributions may be made to the American Heart Association and/or St. Mary’s Church, Bryantown MD. Condolences may be made to the family at www.mgfh.com. Arrangements provided by the Mattingley-Gardiner Funeral Home Funeral Home and Cremation Services, P.A., Leonardtown, MD.