DONOVAN, Joseph F.X., Ph.D. passed away peacefully at his home in Dedham, MA on Sunday, September 4th. He was a longtime Dedham resident and proud of his roots in St. Peter's parish of Dorchester. He was the loving husband of Agnes P. (Houston) Donovan, amazing father of his children Beth Doyle and her husband Matthew of Bedford, Joseph and his wife Beth of Mansfield, Brian and his wife Rebecca of Walpole, and Kathy Benson and her husband Erik of Walpole. He was the doting grandfather of Liam, Colin, Gavin, and Keira Doyle and Danielle and Mary Donovan. He was the son of Florence and Joseph P. Donovan, brother of Paul and the late Gerald Donovan and proud uncle of many nieces and nephews.
He graduated from Boston College High School in 1948, earned his undergraduate degree from St. John's Seminary, and received his masters and doctorate in education from Boston College. He enjoyed a long career as a teacher and administrator in the Boston Public Schools and as the principal at St. Williams of Savin Hill.
He was a Boston College sports fanatic and a season ticket holder at Alumni Stadium for more than 50 years. He was an active member of the Dedham Retired Men's Club, St. Vincent's De Paul Society, Knights of Columbus, the Boston Retired Teacher's Association, the Civil War Roundtable of Dedham, and many other clubs that he truly enjoyed. He was also a Eucharistic Minister and an active member at St. Mary's Church in Dedham.
Funeral from the George F. Doherty & Sons Wilson-Cannon Funeral Home 456 High St. DEDHAM on Friday Sept. 9th at 9am. Followed by a Funeral Mass in St. Mary’s Church, Dedham at 10am. Relatives and friends kindly invited. Visiting hours Thursday Sept. 8th from 4-8pm. Interment St. Joseph Cemetery, West Roxbury. In lieu of flowers donations may be made in Joseph’s memory to St. Vincent De Paul Society C/O St. Mary’s Church, 420 High St., Dedham, MA 02026.