Celebrating Character Counts Week

---

Bill McGowan: Character Counts

Kitch Loftus-Mussari

In the third part of our series on the late Msgr. Andrew J. McGowan, we see a side of the man not visible in his public role as a priest, toastmaster and humorist.

Before any of that, Andrew J. McGowan was a brother, and that role was central to who he was, what he believed and how he conducted himself throughout his life.

This aspect of the man is the main focus of The New Windsor Park Stories this Sunday morning at 11:30 a.m. on WBRE-TV, Channel 28.

It is obvious that McGowan loved his brother Bill. It is even more obvious that he admired his character, his intelligence, and his vision.

McGowan talks about their early years in Ashley, Pennsylvania, their jobs on the railroad, his brother’s career path that led him to dvelop an alternative to the communications giant AT&T and the formation of his company, MCI.

Msgr. McGowan's portrait of his brother is a perfect illustration of why character counts. It gave him strength and a sense of confidence.

Bill McGowan was not an arrogant man. He was not an insensitive man. He was not a selfish man.

Bill McGowan cared about people, and he was loyal to those who helped him. He was a man you could trust, and he was a good citizen.

His charitable acts continue to serve thousands of people, and there has never been any question about his character or his motives.

What a wonderful example for young people during Character Counts Week and, for that matter, every other week of the year.

Msgr. Andrew J. McGowan died earlier this year and he was interviewed by Producer Tony Mussari last October. He shared insights into Bill McGowan’s personality, business philosophy and what he thought made him the success he was in the business world.

The program will also feature an Unplugged segment that looks at Bill McGowan's character and the beliefs of many young people today.

To end the program on a serene note, Mussari takes you to the Poconos to see a Japanese garden.

---

---