Jacksonville Daily Journal, Tuesday, November 11, 1941

Joseph DeGoveia, well known retired contractor, died at 6:45 o'clock Sunday evening at his home, 425 Caldwell Street. He was for forty years in the contracting and building business here, retiring from active work about ten years ago.

Mr. DeGoveia was elected a member of the city council as alderman from the second ward in 1901 and served until 1911. He was active in the affairs of the city, serving on several important council committees and on various occasions mayor protem.

He was born on a farm five miles north of Jacksonville Jan. 28, 1860, a son of Manuel and Anna Correa Goveia. His entire life was spent in this community. As a contractor he erected several well known buildings in the city, among them the addition to Passavant Hospital, Northminster Presbyterian church, and structures at the three state institutions. He was married to Julia R. Baptist Oct. 2, 1884. Surviving are his wife and one son, Lawrence T., one daughter, Frances preceded him in death. He leaves also one sister, Mrs. Manuel Oliver of Aurora, and one brother George M. Goveia of Downers Grove. Decedent was a member of the Elks and the Macabees. The body was taken to the Gillham Funeral Home and was returned to the residence at 4 o'clock Monday afternoon, with Rev. C.A. Boyd, officiation, and interment in Jacksonville Cemetery. The body will be returned to the funeral home an hour before the services.