Donald J. Donovan, Sr.
Dateline: Mansfield, MA
Donald J. Donovan, Sr., age 88, of Mansfield, formerly of Scituate passed away peacefully, in the comfort of his home surrounded by his loving family on Wednesday, November 13, 2013.
He was the beloved husband of the late Geraldine A. (Gibbons) Donovan, to whom he was wed for 46 years at the time of her death on September 10, 1999.
Born in Chicago, Illinois on November 26, 1924, he was a son of the late William and Edna (Morkus) Donovan.
Don grew up in Chicago and was educated in Chicago parochial schools. After being honorably discharged from the United States Army, following service during WWII, he returned to school and graduated from the John Carroll University in Cleveland.
Prior to retiring, Mr. Donovan had worked as a trucking executive for over 35 years for Leaseway Transportation. He had resided in Mansfield for over 5 years and was a former longtime resident of Scituate.
When not spending time with his adoring family, Don’s passion was his love for golf. He was a member of the Hatherly Country Club in Scituate and also enjoyed playing poker with his friends who were fondly referred to as the “Geezers”. Since living in Mansfield, Mr. Donovan was a communicant of St. Mary’s Church.
He is survived by his devoted children, Timothy Donovan and his wife Roberta of Ohio, Ann Walsh and her husband John of Mansfield, Patrick Donovan and his wife Pamela of Scituate, Terrence Donovan and his wife Maura of Westminster, John Donovan and his wife Beth of Medway and Donald Donovan, Jr. and his wife Lauren of Mansfield. He was the dear brother of the late William Donovan and is also survived by his cherished 19 grandchildren, 4 great grandchildren, as well as many loving nieces and nephews. He was the grandfather of the late Kate Donovan.
His funeral Mass to which relatives and friends are cordially invited to attend, will be celebrated on Monday, November 18th at 10:30 A.M. in St. Mary’s Church, 330 Pratt St. (Route 106) Mansfield. Burial with military honors will follow in the Massachusetts National Cemetery, Bourne at 1:15 P.M.
Visiting hours will be held on Sunday, November 17th from 3:00-7:00 P.M. at the Sherman & Jackson Funeral Home, 55 North Main St., Mansfield.
Due to floral restrictions at the National Cemetery, Don’s family has requested that donations in his memory be made to the American Diabetes Association, 10 Speen St., 2nd Floor, Framingham, MA 01701 or the American Lung Association of New England, 460 Totten Pond Road, Suite 400, Waltham, MA 02451.
To send the Donovan family a message of condolence, please visit www.shermanjackson.com