Obituary of John Hovan

John G. Hovan of Providence, RI died Thursday, March 27 at the age of 97 after a long illness. He was the husband of the late Mildred Hovan, his wife of 64 years. He is survived by his daughters, Georgi A. Johnson and Laurie M. Martin; his grandchildren, William F. Monahan, Joseph Hovan, James Martin, and Johanna Martin; and his great-grand-son, Gavin Lily, and great-grand-daughter, Kali Martin. Also his brothers, Joseph, Stephen, and Julius, and his sisters Mary and Ann. His brothers Peter and Michael, and his sisters Margaret and Helen predeceased him. Mr. Hovan fought in the Abraham Lincoln Brigade as a young man, during the Spanish Civil War, for which he was awarded an honorary Spanish citizenship by their grateful government. His experiences were collected by the Smithsonian Institute as part of the “Living History” project. He also honorably served his country in the Pacific during the Second World War as a Navy CeeBee. He was well known for his activity in politics and the labor movement during the 30s, 40s, and 50s. He was well read and enjoyed engaging others in lively discussion of the issues of the day. In his later years he became a persuasive advocate for Elder Citizens Medical Affairs, appearing on local TV, advocating in the Rhode Island State House, and proudly serving a senior internship in Washington, DC. He resided at Heritage Hills Nursing Home in North Smithfield, RI at the time of his death. He received devoted care from all the nursing staff and the hospice team of Beacon Hospice. The family wishes to extend special thanks to his favorite CNA, Ruka. Services will be private. Memorial donations may be made to the Abraham Lincoln Brigade Archives,