George B. Donovan
Retired Textron Engineer
TEWKSBURY: George Bernard Donovan, age 90, a resident of Tewksbury for 61 years, passed away peacefully at his Tewksbury home on Thursday, August 18, 2016.
He was the beloved husband of Carolynn (Santorsola) Donovan and the late Eleanor (Alves) Donovan, who passed away on January 20, 1986.
Born in Medford on June 28, 1926, he was the son of the late Michael B. Donovan and the late Margaret (Kilroy) Donovan.
George was raised in Medford, and graduated from Medford High School in 1944.
Following graduation, he enlisted in the U.S. Army and served during World War II with Company A 47th Armored Infantry 5th Division. He was awarded several decorations for his active duty service including the Good Conduct Medal, the European African Middle Eastern Campaign Medal, and the Word War II Victory Medal.
Upon his honorable discharge from the Army on August 2, 1946, he attended Northeastern University, where he received his B.S. Degree in Electrical Engineering.
Prior to his retirement, he was employed as an engineer by the Textron Corporation in Wilmington, where he worked for 30 years.
George was a former 20 year member of the Tewksbury Planning Board, a former coach in the Tewksbury Youth Hockey Program, and a member of the Tewksbury-Wilmington Elks # 2070.
He enjoyed numerous activities especially traveling, and playing golf.
In addition to his wife, he is survived by five sons, Robert Donovan and his wife Patricia, Michael Donovan, Retired Tewksbury Police Chief, Alfred Donovan and his wife Kathleen all of Tewksbury, David Donovan and his wife Lynne of Westford, and Mark Donovan and his wife Patricia of Tewksbury; one brother, Robert J. Donovan and his wife Virginia of Medford; 26 grandchildren, many great grandchildren, nieces, nephews, and extended family members.
George was the grandfather of the late Ryan J. Donovan, and brother of the late William Donovan, Lillian Foley, Leona Graffigino, Claire Dockray, and Alice Doughty.
Calling hours are Monday, Aug. 22, from 4-8 p.m. at the Farmer & Dee Funeral Home, 16 Lee St., Tewksbury. His funeral will be held Tuesday, Aug. 23, at 9 a.m. from the funeral home, followed by his Funeral Mass at 10 a.m. at St. William’s Church, 1351 Main St., Rte. 38, Tewksbury. Interment at Oak Grove Cemetery, Medford. In lieu of flowers, donations in George’s memory may be made to the American Parkinson’s Disease Association, 72 East Concord St., Boston, MA 02118 or to the American Heart Association, P.O. Box 417005, Boston, MA 02241.