Colonel Vincent H. McGovern, USAF retired, 88, of Wilbraham, died on Tuesday. A native of Duluth, Minn., he was a resident of Wilbraham for 38 years. McGovern had a distinguished military career that spanned 31 years. He was an Air Force combat veteran of World War II, Korea and Vietnam and a command pilot, earning two Distinguished Flying Crosses. In July of 1952, he made the first transatlantic helicopter flight. He was Vice Commander at Templehof in Berlin and Base Commander at Westover Air Force Base from 1970 to 1973. After retirement, McGovern was employed as Executive Director at Westover Metropolitan Development Corp. for 14 years and built modular homes.

Birth: Oct. 25, 1922

Death: Feb. 22, 2011

WILBRAHAM - Colonel Vincent Howard McGovern, USAF retired, 88, died on Tuesday, February 22, 2011 at Mercy Medical Center. Born in Duluth, MN, he was the son of Gerald and Cecilia (Casey) McGovern.

A graduate of Irvington High School and the University of Maryland, he was a resident of Wilbraham for 38 years He was a communicant of St. Cecilia's Church.

Vincent had a distinguished military career that spanned over 31 years. He was an Air Force Combat Veteran of WW II, Korea and Vietnam and a Command Pilot, earning two Distinguished Flying Crosses. In July of 1952, he made the first transatlantic helicopter flight. He was Vice Commander at Templehof in Berlin and Base Commander at Westover Air Force Base from 1970-1973.

After retirement, Vincent was employed as Executive Director at Westover Metropolitan Development Corp. for 14 years and built modular homes. He was a long time volunteer at the Bradley Air Museum, a member of the Hampden Country Club and served as a community volunteer for the Senior Center, Peach Festival and Habitat for Humanity.

He leaves his beloved wife of 44 years, Virginia (Kocur) McGovern; one son, Michael T. McGovern and his wife Tracy of Tampa, FL; four daughters, Kathryn M. Wallace of Bozeman, Montana; Nancy J. Reynolds and her husband Kirk of Bend, Oregon; Sue Ellen McGovern of Harpers Ferry, West VA and Stacey Ann Duquette and her husband Scott of Wilbraham, and thirteen grandchildren, Ryan, Chad, Ashley and Zachary Wallace; Annelise Reynolds; Nicole, Michael, Jacob and Johnny Lee McGovern; Justin Burnes, Tyler Wynkoop; and Aidan and Jackson Duquette, and three great grandchildren, Allora, Jayden and Tristen.

Calling Hours will be held at the Wilbraham Funeral Home, 2551 Boston Rd., Wilbraham, MA on Sunday, February 27 from 3-7 P.M. Family and friends may gather at the Wilbraham Funeral Home, 2551 Boston Rd., Wilbraham on Monday, February 28 at 9:00 A.M. followed by a Funeral Mass at 10 A.M. at St. Cecilia's Church, 42 Main St.,Wilbraham. Burial will be at a later date at Arlington National Cemetery, Arlington, VA. Memorial contributions may be made to the charity of one's choice.