Matt McGovern

Fire Engineer Matt McGovern, of the Wheeling Fire Department in West Virginia, passed away on January 9, 2023, after a courageous battle with job-related brain cancer. In 2016, he suffered a seizure at work and was subsequently diagnosed with a brain tumor. Due to his strength and determination, he survived surgeries and treatments for almost seven years, exceeding the expectations of his medical team. He was 52 years old at the time of his death and had served the department for 25 years. He was posthumously awarded the West Virginia Elks Medal of Valor. 

McGovern was born in Fairless Hills, Pennsylvania, and grew up in Wheeling, West Virginia. He was the son of Jack and Marlene McGovern and had a brother Michael and a sister, Marcie. They were a very close and loving family. He excelled in school academically. He attended Our Lady of Peace Elementary School, Sherrard Junior High School, and graduated from John Marshall High School in 1988. He was invited to be a member of the very first Honor Class offered at his High School. He grew up playing all sports, including baseball and hockey, but soccer was his favorite. He excelled at whatever he did. After graduating college, he began a career as an accountant but quickly realized that he wanted to be active and contribute to his community. He chose to work for the fire department because it was a physical challenge as well as a mental one. His schedule allowed him to have time to enjoy the things he loved to do, like running, hiking, kayaking, rock climbing, roller hockey, and soccer.  

McGovern joined the Wheeling Fire Department in 1994 and was well-liked and admired by all who worked with him. They loved his sense of humor and his story-telling abilities. They relied on him, knowing that he would have their backs in any emergency. He was willing to do just about anything for anyone. He served his community proudly and was a joy to work with. He lived each day to the fullest. 

McGovern met his loving wife, Erin, in high school, and they were instantly attracted to one another. It would be years later, after college, that they ran into each other and started dating. They became inseparable and he knew Erin was his destiny. They married and had three children: Amanda, Maxwell, and Emma. He was a wonderful husband and father, sharing responsibilities, showing mutual respect for his wife, living with love and dedication to the family. He faced challenges head on with positivity, never wasting a minute of his life on things that did not matter. His greatest passion was coaching kids’ soccer, finding each child’s strength on the team. He made everyone feel special.  

Fire Driver/Engineer Matt McGovern is survived by his loving wife Erin, his children: Amanda, Max and Emma, his mother Marlene, brother Michael, sister Marcie, and many other cherished family members and friends. 

The Tunnel to Towers Foundation has paid off the mortgage on the McGovern family home through the Fallen First Responder Home Program.