Posted October 21, 2025

Permanent Deacon Clement J. McGovern, Jr., Esquire., passed away on October 14, 2025, at the age of 91.

He was ordained on May 25, 1986, by His Eminence John Cardinal Krol, at the Cathedral Basilica of Saint Peter and Paul, Philadelphia. He was originally assigned to Saint Cornelius Parish, Chadds Ford from May of 1986 to June 2004, and then he was assigned to St. Agnes Parish, West Chester, where he remained until he retired in 2010.

Deacon McGovern was born on October 9, 1934, to the late Clement, Sr. and Madeline (née Groff) McGovern. He was raised in Chester, Delaware County where he was a graduate of St. Joseph’s University, the University of Pennsylvania Law School, and the National Judicial College.  He served the nation in the United States Air Force as a Judge Advocate General.  He served the people as Treasurer and Councilman for the City of Chester in addition to an active general practice of law, and as a professor of law. He was elected in 1973 to the court of Common Pleas in Delaware County.  He served as a Judge in Delaware County for 27 years. Deacon McGovern was awarded the Papal honor: of the august Cross Pro Ecclesia et Pontifice by Saint Pope John Paul II, on March 24, 2003.

Deacon McGovern is survived by his sons Terrence, Tim, Clement III, and Jonathan and his eleven grandchildren and four great-grandchildren

Reception of the Body will be held on Wednesday, October 22, 2025, beginning at 9:00 AM at Saint Cornelius Church, 160 Ridge Road, Chadds Ford, followed by a viewing from 9:30 AM until 11:00 AM. The Funeral Mass will begin immediately following the viewing. The principal celebrant will be Most Reverend Edward M. Deliman. Concelebrant will be Reverend Monsignor David Diamond, Reverend Francis J. Sabatini and the Deacon of the Word and homilist will be Deacon David Schaffer. Deacon Assisting at the Eucharist will be Deacon George Corwell. Interment will follow at Saint Agnes Cemetery, West Chester.