Gregory Govoni Obituary
Gregory Govoni, 74, of Exeter, NH passed away unexpectedly on August 20th at Lahey Clinic in Burlington, MA, surrounded by his loved ones.
Greg was born in Springfield, Massachusetts on August 7, 1952 to the late Novello and Mary (Lizzi) Govoni. He was a 1974 graduate of Providence College in Rhode Island, where he participated in the Reserve Officers' Training Corps (ROTC). He later attended Suffolk Law School, earning his Juris Doctor (J.D.) in 1978.
Shortly thereafter, Greg was admitted to the Massachusetts Bar and began his military service as a Captain in the U.S. Army Judge Advocate General's Corps (JAG) stationed at Ft. Stewart, GA. During his service, Greg received the Meritorious Service Medal for exceptionally professional representation of his clients in over 350 trials as defense counsel. A fellow attorney once referred to Greg as "the lawyer a lawyer would hire." He continued to serve in the Army Reserve as a Judge for several years and was honorably discharged from the US Army in July of 1987.
During his legal career, Greg became licensed to practice law in Georgia, Florida, Maine, Massachusetts and New Hampshire.
He met his wife, Cindy, on August 28, 1976 on a chance encounter in Boston. They married on August 13, 1978. Greg's return to civilian life brought them to Sarasota, Fl when he was hired as a prosecutor in the State Attorney's office. They eventually returned home to New England, and raised their family in Brentwood, NH. Greg owned and operated a successful Real Estate Law Practice and Title Company for many years. He also served as the Regional Director of the Perot 1992 Presidential Campaign. In his retirement, he enjoyed a variety of part time jobs, especially as a driver for Riverwoods Senior Living in Exeter, where he genuinely enjoyed interacting with the residents.
Greg will be remembered for so many reasons: his outstanding sense of humor - his unmistakable laugh, his ability to make everyone around him laugh, and his willingness to laugh at himself; his legendary bartering and negotiating skills - from Christmas trees to cars, and everything in between; his readiness to help anyone and everyone - from legal issues to moving furniture, to selling a hot-tub ;) and his remarkable consistency in never arriving anywhere on time. But most of all, Greg will be remembered for his unwavering love for his family and most especially for his 3 grandchildren who were the "joy factories" of his life. What he would have given to have had more time with them. He was, quite simply, a true gentleman.
In addition to Cindy (Santangelo), his wife of 48 years, Greg leaves behind his 3 beloved daughters- Maria and her husband Pete Pettinari of Austin, TX, their 2 sons Rhye, 7, and Foals 4; Andria (AJ) and her partner Ross McLane of Amesbury, MA, their daughter Rooney Rose, 2; and Cara and her partner Brendan Amaru of San Diego, CA; his sister Gail Govoni Erickson of Fredericksburg, VA, niece Caitlin Erickson, nephew Robert Erickson, and their children; his sisters in-law and bro-lo's- Mark and JoAnn Santangelo, Nancy and Doug Ross, Karen and Tom Tanch, and Maria and Mark Votto; all his nieces and nephews, and grand nieces and grand nephews; his cousins Linda Valentini Capuano, Diane Valentini Manzi and Richard Valentini; many dear and close friends gathered throughout his life—from his childhood and military years to the many lasting friendships he made in New Hampshire; and his beloved family in Naples, Florida, Veni and Virginia Govoni.
A Celebration of Life will be held for Greg on Saturday, October 24, 2026, from 1-4pm at Exeter Brewing Co. 156 Epping Rd. Exeter, NH. Please stop in to raise a glass and share a memory. Donations may be made in Greg's memory to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital: https://fundraising.stjude.org .
