William J. Donovan, 82, of Natick died Tuesday, February 6, 2018 at the Carlyle House Nursing Home in Framingham.
He was the beloved husband of Dorothy A (Wellington) Donovan sharing 55 years of marriage.
A Natick resident for 53 years, born in Arlington, the son of the late Francis and Mary (Leahy) Donovan.
Mr. Donovan was a dedicated Teacher and Principal for 37 years in the Natick Public School System retiring in 1995. He moved to Natick in 1964 teaching at Wilson Junior High School and later became the Principal of Kennedy Junior High School. Bill was known to be tirelessly supportive of his students at every level and his fellow teachers.
In his retirement years he enjoyed woodworking, traveling and was a jack of all trades.
He was a member of the Massachusetts Teachers Association, the N.E.A. and the Natick Lions Club.
Mr. Donovan graduated from Fitchburg State in 1958 and received his Master’s Degree in Education from Framingham State College.
In addition to his wife he is survived by one son Edward F. Donovan and his wife Mary of Marlborough, one grandson Thomas James Donovan, two brothers Joseph H. Donovan and his wife Anna of Arlington, Gerard M. Donovan and his wife Donna of Billerica, two sisters Sally Sutherland and her husband David of Quincy, Mary DeSimone and her husband Michael of Lexington, sister in law Martha Donovan of VA, Elsie Wellington of NH, and many nieces and nephews.
He was also the grandfather of the late Julian, Joseph and William Donovan, and brother of the late Admiral Francis Donovan.
Relatives and friends are invited to attend the funeral on Monday, February 12 at 9:00 A.M. from the John Everett and Sons Funeral Home 4 Park Street, at Natick Common, followed by a Mass of Christian Burial in St Linus Church at 10:00 A.M.
Visiting hours are Sunday, February 11 from 3:00 to 6:00 P.M.
Interment St Patrick Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers expressions of sympathy may be made in his memory to the American Cancer Society at www.cancer.org