LEWES - Bob McGowan, age 76, of Lewes, formerly of Wilmington, passed away on Sunday, Dec. 26, 2010, at Delaware Hospice Center in Milford after a courageous battle with lung cancer. Bob was born in Wilmington to the late Charles and Josephine (Anuszewski) McGowan. He grew up in Wilmington and graduated from Salesianum High School before joining the Navy in 1952, serving aboard the USS Newport News, USS Des Moines, USS Salem, and the USS Northampton. Bob joined the Wilmington Police Department in 1962 and retired in 1982 as Sergeant. He retired a second time in 1997 from the Atlas Point ICI Chemical Plant in New Castle where he managed security. Bob joined the VFW in 1958 and served as VFW Post 3257 Commander, District Commander, All American Department Commander in 1998, National Council Member for Delaware, D.C. and Europe 2000-2002, National Aide de Camp, and served as National Chairman of the VFW Veterans Care Committee. Bob was currently a member of VFW Post 7447 in Rehoboth Beach and American Legion Post 28 in Long Neck. Bob was a proud member of the U.S. Navy Cruiser Sailors Association, representing Delaware for many years. Bob was a Fourth Degree Member of the Knights of Columbus, and also an officer and active volunteer at Star of the Sea Council in Rehoboth. Bob served as an usher at St. Edmond's Catholic Church in Rehoboth, and also had coached softball for St. Hedwig's School and for the CYO, volunteered with numerous organizations, and most recently enjoyed playing pinochle with friends at the Harbour Lights CHEER Center in Lewes. He enjoyed sports in general, but especially the sports activities of his grandsons. The support of Delaware Hospice, the Tunnell Cancer Center and the Knights of Columbus is deeply appreciated. Bob is survived by his wife of 17 years, Barbara Ogonowski Grelock McGowan; daughters, Michelle McGowan and Jacqueline McGowan Stuchlik (Jonathan "Todd" Stuchlik); grandsons, Jonathan "Mitch", Jacob "Jake", Lucas "Luke" and Jude Stuchlik, all of Wilmington; step-daughter, Susan Grelock (David Yusem) of Mill Valley, Calif.; step-son, Richard Grelock (Hua Wei "Shelly" Grelock) of Tucson, Ariz.; his ex-wife, Elizabeth McGowan of Wilmington; countless family and friends. Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated by Rev. Raymond Forester, assisted by Deacon John Smith, at St. Edmond's Church, 409 King Charles Ave., Rehoboth Beach, on Friday, Dec. 31, 2010, at 11 a.m. Friends may call on Friday morning beginning at 8:30 a.m. at Parsell Funeral Homes and Crematorium, Atkins-Lodge Chapel, 16961 Kings Highway, Lewes, with Fourth Degree Knights of Columbus Honor Guard; Past VFW State Commanders Ritual at 9:45 a.m., Knights of Columbus Rosary at 10 a.m. The procession for Mass will leave the funeral home at 10:30 a.m. for the church. Burial with military honors will be at Gate of Heaven Cemetery in Dagsboro at 11 a.m. on Monday, Jan. 3, 2011. Although flowers are appreciated, Bob believed strongly in helping others. Instead, donations may be made in his memory to any of the following: Delaware Hospice Center, 100 Patriots Way, Milford, DE 19963, Harbour Lights CHEER Center, 34211 Woods Edge Drive, Lewes, DE 19958, VFW National Military Services, VFW National Headquarters, 406 West 34th Street, Kansas City, MO 64111. (Check payable to VFW, noted for VFW National Military Services), or St. Vincent de Paul Society, St. Edmond's Church, P.O. Box 646, Rehoboth Beach, DE 19971 Since Bob's wish had been that people stop smoking, avoid second-hand smoke and support lung cancer research, donations may also be made to American Lung Association, 630 Churchmans Rd, Suite 202, Newark, DE 19702. Sign the online guest register at www.parsellfuneralhomes.com.