HAVERHILL - His nightly prayers gave him the strength and hope to courageously fight this 3-year battle with cancer, but he was tired, and God said come, it's time, rest now in eternal salvation. With heavy hearts we announce the passing of Douglas Gove of Haverhill, MA.

Doug was raised in Brentwood, NH, graduated from Sanborn Seminary, 1966, where he played baseball and football. He moved to Haverhill in 1971 where he married Maureen Woidyla and lived his life out for 53 years together in a committed love to each other. Family always came first.

He was a dedicated father who coached St. Joseph's Little League Baseball, Haverhill Girls Softball, and was the President of St. Josephs School PTO. He took yearly trips fishing to Pittsburg, NH with his sons, Doug, Jr. and Dan. He was a member of the Plaistow Fish and Game Club. He loved riding the lawn mower to maintain the premises. Doug was a loving and spoiling father to his daughter, Maura, "Daddy's little girl" forever.

Doug retired from National Grid, formerly Essex County Gas in Amesbury, MA, after 37 years of service. He was a friendly and a well-loved person by all. Always a smile on his face.

As a husband and father there will always now be a piece of our heart missing. You are the best God could have given us. Rest now in Peace.

Doug is survived by his loving wife Maureen (Woidyla) Gove. Dedicated father to his children Doug, Jr. and his wife Lisa Gove, Daniel and his wife Kristin Gove, and Maura Gove. Doug was a loving Grandpa to his granddaughters Amanda, Juliana, Meghan, and Keira Gove. He also leaves his special companion grand-dog Aijah. Doug was the son of the late Mildred and John Gove. He was 11 when his father died. Doug was loved by his stepfather, Ronald Prescott, who brought him up with his mom. Doug is survived by his brother Harvey and sister in-law, Lorraine Woidyla, as well as many loved nieces, nephews, and cousins. Doug was predeceased by his brother Stanley, and brother in-law Steven Woidyla.

The family would like to thank the MGH Cancer Center, including Dr. Gao, Dr. McGovern, Roger, Amanda, Theresa in Oncology and Michael in Infusion.

Visitation will be held on Thursday, May 16, in the Driscoll Funeral Home, 309 S. Main Street, Haverhill from 4:00 to 7:00 PM. Services with Catholic Funeral Rites will be offered Friday in the funeral home beginning at 10:00 AM. Interment will follow in St. Patrick Cemetery, Haverhill. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to St. Jude Childrens Hospital, or MGH Oncology. For guestbook, visit www.driscollcares.com