Michael McGovern

Mike spent his childhood living with his treasured grandparents Mary and Francis Carson, on a farm in County Cavan, Ireland. His youth was unmistakably Irish, passing days as a young farm hand, and exploring the rolling green hills or fly fishing when he had the time. Prior to the beginning of secondary school, he was reunited with his mother and brothers in Dublin, and the foursome boarded a ship bound for New York City. As one of the only passengers not affected by seasickness, Mike often recounted his first memory of the United States - the towering figure of the Statue of Liberty emerging out of the fog as their ship pulled into port at Ellis Island. Once in America, the family was able to rejoin their father, who had moved to the Bronx months prior to establish their new home and open a classic Irish pub. Mike quickly earned his first job doing chores at McGovern’s Bar in SoHo - the pub’s sign still hangs there today.

Over the next several years the family would eventually relocate to Fort Lee, New Jersey. Mike attended Don Bosco Preparatory High School, where he was an avid contributor to the powerhouse Ironmen athletics program along-side many who would become lifelong friends, such as Dick Warner. Throughout the seasons, he could be found playing basketball, football, and most of all baseball - where he particularly excelled. Off of the fields and courts, Mike was notoriously mischievous. For further evidence, just ask Jimmy Petrolino about their many escapades. Mike occasionally stole the hubcaps off police cars, famously drove backwards across the George Washington Bridge, and was never one to shy away from a good spirited fight. He even once took legendary Yankee Mickey Mantle's luxury convertible for a joy ride around his neighborhood, while working as a valet attendant and caddy at Englewood Country Club. If a bit of structured discipline was what a young Mike McGovern needed, he got that in spades when he signed up for the United States Army and became a paratrooper in the 101st Airborne Division. Many of Mike’s most cherished memories come from his long days at Fort Benning and Fort Campbell, as he and his friends hurled themselves out the doors of various planes day in and day out.

After his time in the military, Mike attended and eventually taught classes at the University of Illinois. He received a Bachelor’s and a Master’s degree in accounting, in addition to a law degree. Law and accounting aside, Mike’s most valued takeaway from his time in Champaign was a burning love of golf. Years after discovering this passion in Illinois, he was able to overcome his Irish temper (which led to a handful of broken clubs) and Mike became a scratch golfer, often competing in amateur tournaments and charity events.

Mike moved to Atlanta after accepting an offer to work for Deloitte as tax attorney. Building up a reputation as someone unafraid of long work days, Mike enjoyed a successful period at the firm before exiting to begin his own consulting group. As a consultant, Mike worked alongside institutional and private investors. This eventually pushed his entrepreneurial spirit to take another leap of faith and enter the private equity world. It was in this role that Mike developed his knack for investing - finding success in the industry, and building a network of trusted partners across the globe. Mike owned companies in Colombia, Israel, Belize, Taiwan, and many other countries across Asia and Europe. Mike proved to have a truly distinctive understanding of finance and was always happy to share his expertise with clients and friends alike. Over the ensuing years, Mike had a variety of positions from a seat on the board of the Chicago Mercantile Exchange to serving as the President of the Atlanta National Country Club, however one of his greatest honors came from across the pond. Mike was asked by the Prime Minister of Ireland to join the small council of business leaders that form the economic committee directly advising the Irish government. For a man who left Ireland as a child with nothing but a satchel filled with clothes, to return as one of the head of state’s economic advisors was a true testament to the incredible journey of Mike’s life.

Outside of work, Mike had a robust personal life filled with passions and hobbies. He always had a love for sports, which only intensified once he began coaching and playing alongside his beloved son Michael. He was enthusiastic about travel, for business or adventure, and in one lifetime saw more of the world than most could imagine. From Latin American jungles to skyscrapers in East Asia, or from the sandy hills of the Middle East to the frozen tundras of the Arctic, Mike appreciated the world for its beauty and diversity. Mike was also a devoted philanthropist, spending much of his later years focused on championing causes such as children’s healthcare, veteran support, bettering the lives of immigrants, and wildlife conservation. As for his personality, he was constantly prepared to surprise a room with a splash of quick wit and a shamelessly unfiltered humor. An unwavering friend, trusted business partner, and dedicated family man, he was truly someone to be counted on. Mike will be forever remembered as a wise counselor, a loving father, a proud Irishmen, and a fierce defender of the American dream.

Mike was preceded in death by his parents, Rose and Peter McGovern, and his brother, Pete McGovern. He is survived by his wife, Elizabeth Baldwin McGovern, his brother Francis (and Cathy) McGovern of Fort Lee, NJ, his children Michael McGovern of Atlanta, GA, and Isabella (and Amit) Alexander-Nathani of Montecito, CA, his grandchildren, Luca and Olivier Alexander-Nathani of Montecito, CA, his brother and sister-in-law, Don and Helen Martin of Delray Beach, FL, his sister-in-law, Dede McGovern of Atlanta, GA, his many nieces and nephews including, Sam Martin of Minneapolis, MN, Kyle (and Sierra) Martin of Atlanta, GA, and PJ McGovern of Atlanta, GA, and also treasured lifelong friends from around the world.

Mike’s legacy will live on in the lives he touched and in the hearts of those who loved him.

A celebration for Mike will be held on Monday, April 4th at 1:00 p.m. at Peachtree Road United Methodist Church at 3180 Peachtree Road, NE, Atlanta, Georgia 30305. All friends and family members are invited to attend the service and the reception that will follow at the church.

In lieu of flowers, Mike’s family has asked for donations to be made to The Shepherd’s Men program to aid veterans (www.shepherdsmen.com), The World Wildlife Fund (www.worldwildlife.org), or Peachtree Road United Methodist Church sports program (www.prumc.org).

A memorial service will be Monday, April 4, 2022 at 1 o’clock in the chapel of Peachtree Road United Methodist Church, 3180 Peachtree Rd., NE, Atlanta, GA 30305. A reception will immediately follow the service at the church.