Mr. Ted McGown, 54, of 34 Washington Street, passed away on Saturday afternoon, April 30, 2011 at Massena Memorial Hospital, surrounded by his family, fellow officers, and best friends. Ted was transferred to Massena Memorial from Fletcher-Allen Medical Center on Tuesday, April 26, where he had been a patient since March 9th.

Ted was born August 9, 1956 in Detroit, Michigan, the son of the late Jack L. and Phyllis Axtell McGown. He graduated from Holy Family School in 1974. Ted served in the US Army, being stationed in Fort Knox, Spokane, Washington, and Seoul, Korea. On June 19, 1993, he married Elaine Blackmer at the Massena Park with Justice James Crandell, officiating.

He was currently working for the Massena Police Department, where he was a dedicated officer for 28 years. He had previously worked at Jamesway. He was a member of the American Legion Post #79, Earl J. Santimaw VFW Post #1143, Moose Lodge #1110, and the Gerald R. Roy AMVETS Post# 4, where he was a life member. Ted was also a communicant of St. Mary’s Catholic Church.

He was an avid Yankees baseball fan and enjoyed football and bowling of which he belonged to many local leagues. Ted was an avid walker, enjoyed visiting with his many friends and going to the movies with his wife.

Ted is survived by his loving wife, Elaine; his sister, Kathy McGown, of Massena; two stepsons, Scott and Robert Wilson, both of Massena; eight grandchildren and four great grandchildren; and an aunt, and many cousins.

Friends may call Wednesday 10:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. at St. Mary’s Catholic Church, Massena, where a Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 1:00 p.m. with Rev. J. Michael Gaffney, celebrating. Military funeral honors will be conducted following the services by the Gerald R. Roy AMVETS Post #4 Rifle Squad.

Memorial contributions in Ted’s memory may be made to the DARE or Hospice and Palliative Care of St. Lawrence Valley.

Arrangements are with the Donaldson Funeral Home, Massena, where condolences may be made online at www.donaldsonfh.com.