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Brian Donovan Obituary



Brian Richard Donovan, 50, of East Hartford passed away unexpectedly at Hartford Hospital on August 4, 2017. He was born on March 20, 1967 in Hartford, CT to his parents Timothy W. Donovan Sr. of East Sandwich, MA and Marti D. Donovan of East Hartford, CT. He graduated from Penney High School class of 1985. Professionally, Brian worked in the lawn care service field, a career he loved. In time, he became part of a family owned business with his father and brother. He was a free spirit who was loved by his customers and fellow team members alike. He was an avid sports fan who always enjoyed rooting for the Red Sox, Miami Dolphins and NASCAR driver Tony Stewart. He loved all genres of music and enjoyed movie trivia. He was very fond of the beach with special memories of Maine, Rhode Island and Cape Cod. Brian was a gifted athlete, a natural excelling in both baseball and football. As a hard throwing pitcher with a great curveball, he was part of the 1983 class LL state baseball champions at Penney High School. As a quarterback, he led the Penney Black Knights to a 20-13 comeback victory at the annual Turkey Day game against crosstown rival EHHS. He once threw for over 400 yards in a game, a Penney High record. He wore the coveted #12 on his jersey. Brian will be most remembered for his deep blue eyes, huge dimples, infectious smile, charismatic charm and affable personality. Besides his parents, Brian will be dearly missed by his son Tyler Richard and his wife Peyton of Ft Riley, KS where Tyler is stationed while serving in the Army and his daughter Lindsay Reneé of Pensacola FL. He is also survived by 4 brothers, Timothy Jr, of Bloomington, IN, Gary and his wife Michelle, of Ellington, Kevin of Granby, and Steven of East Hartford, and a sister Amy Godi and her husband Anthony of Tolland. Brian will be deeply missed by his love of many years, Giselle Tine of Hartford, as well as many aunts, uncles, nephews, nieces, cousins with special remembrance to his Godchild Avery, all of whom will hold Brian close within their hearts and memories. He was predeceased by both his paternal and maternal grandparents. In lieu of flowers donations in Brian's memory can be made to Make-A-Wish Foundation, 126 Monroe Turnpike, Trumbull, CT 06611 or www.Wish.org/Donate. Family and friends are invited to attend a period of visitation on Saturday, September 16, 2017 from 10am-12pm, at Newkirk & Whitney Funeral Home, 318 Burnside Ave., East Hartford CT 06108. A Memorial Service will follow at 1pm at Our Lady of Peace Church, 370 May Rd., East Hartford. Burial will be private and at the convenience of the family. To leave an online condolence, please visit www.newkirkandwhitney.com

Published by Hartford Courant on Sep. 10, 2017.
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My deepest condolences to all family and friends of Brian. I struggle to find the right words to explain the place he has held in my heart over the course of the past 45 years. A place that will always be reserved only for him. But he knows.
As you mourn the loss of him and of what might have been, what should have been, always remember he's still with you. And he is free.
Rest well Brian.

Paula Falcone Ruffo

October 4, 2017

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Memorial Events
for Brian Donovan

Sep

16

Visitation

10:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.

Newkirk & Whitney Funeral Home

318 Burnside Ave, East Hartford, CT 06108

Sep

16

Memorial service

1:00 p.m.

Our Lady of Peace Church

370 May Road, East Hartford, CT

Funeral services provided by:

Newkirk & Whitney Funeral Home

318 Burnside Ave, East Hartford, CT 06108

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