John F. “Jay” Donovan, (Ret BFD) age 81, of Bridgewater, formerly of Brockton, died December 7, 2017 at his home surrounded by family. Jay was the loving husband of Sybil E. (Auglis) Donovan. Born and raised in Brockton, he was the son of the late George and E. Doris (Sheehan) Donovan. He was a graduate of Brockton High School and received his Associates degree in Fire Science from Massasoit. He was an Air Force veteran who served during the Korean War. Jay retired in 2001 as a Lieutenant from the Brockton Fire Department after 32 years. Previously he was employed by Pratt and Whitney and Brockton Ice and Coal. Jay was a jokester who was always up for a laugh and was known for his smile. He was a longtime member of the Firefighters Local 144, Firefighters Relief, Bertocci Club, Polish Club of Bridgewater, Boston Sparks Club and the Brockton Fire Museum. One of his many pleasures was spending time with his friends on Thursday mornings at the Liars Club in Brockton.
Jay was an avid reader, enjoyed photography, chasing fires, riding his John Deere tractor and was a NASCAR fan.
Jay is survived by his children Kenneth Donovan of Dorchester, Timothy Donovan and his wife Kelly of Bridgewater, Christine Jones and her husband Howard of Bridgewater, Adrienne Tucker and her husband Eric of Dighton and Kathleen Harrington and her husband Eric of Suffield, CT; grandfather of Crystal Power, Paul, Christopher and Paige Tucker, Andrew and Gregory Wilkinson and Hillary Demelo; great grandfather of Jayden Tucker, Paetyn and Jace Wilkinson, Blake and Conner Power and Killian Tucker. He was the brother of Elaine Cox, Rosemary Rogan, George, Kevin, Gregory and Christopher Donovan and the late James, Bryan “Barney”, William, Michael, Catherine Pelton, Kerry Donovan and Denise Crocker. He is also survived by many nieces and nephews.
Visiting Hours will be held in the Conley Funeral Home, 138 Belmont Street (Rte 123) Brockton, Tuesday 4-8pm. The funeral procession will gather at the funeral home Wednesday at 8am followed by a funeral Mass at St. Edith Stein Church at 9am. Burial in Massachusetts National Cemetery. Please consider donations in Jay’s name to the Brockton Fire Museum, 216 N. Pearl Street, Brockton, MA 02301, or a charity of your choice.