Jerome J. “Jerry” Govero, 82, of Festus died Jan. 28, 2022, at Fountainbleau Nursing Center in Festus. Mr. Govero was a U.S Army veteran and worked as an engineer for many years at Bloomsdale Excavating. After retiring, he started his own land development companies that designed and built several local subdivisions. He was a member of Our Lady Catholic Church in Festus, where he served two terms as president of the parish council and participated in the building committee. He served on the board of directors for the Pony Bird Home for 20 years, six years as president. With the support of Bloomsdale Excavating, he donated excavation for the new adult facility and various other Pony Bird projects. He was appointed by the governor to EIERA (Environmental Improvement and Engineering Resources Authority) for four years, serving two years as chairman. He enjoyed travel, car racing, gardening, being outside and spending time with his family. Born Dec. 24, 1939, in Festus, he was the son of the late Raymond and Louise (Berkbigler) Govero.
He is survived by his wife: Elizabeth Louise (McKee) Govero of Festus; two children: Elisa “Eydie” (Doug) Thurman of Festus and Ashley (Laura) Govero of St. Charles; five grandchildren: Kelsey Thurman of Festus, Claire (Caleb) Scarbrough of Alexandria, Va., and Abby, Reagan and Zack Govero of St. Charles; a brother: Dan Govero of Festus; and a sister: Gloria (Bill) Robertson of Colorado Springs, Colo. He was preceded in death by a sister: Delores (the late Charles, “Shanny”) Earls; and two brothers: Robert Govero and Arley (the late Mary) Govero.
Visitation is scheduled from 10 a.m. until a funeral Mass at 11 a.m. Monday, Feb. 7, at Our Lady Catholic Church in Festus. Burial is in the National Cemetery at Jefferson Barracks. Memorials may be made to the Jerry Govero Scholarship at the Festus R-6 School District. Arrangements are under the direction of Vinyard Funeral Home in Festus.