John H. Donovan

John Hugh Donovan (Jack) 82, passed away on Monday, February 11, 2013. He was the son of the late Jeremiah and Anna Donovan. He was born in Lynn, Massachusetts, and he grew up and raised his family in Wenham, Massachusetts. Jack graduated from Beverly High School and attended the University of Massachusetts. Jack joined the Army Air Force in 1948 and played football all over the world, and upon completion of his tour, Jack remained in the reserves until 1954. His career as a tree surgeon began when he trained as a tree climber for Dodges Tree Service in Hamilton, Massachusetts. He worked for the Commonwealth of Massachusetts as a supervising tree surgeon for 39 years. Jack was active with the Northshoremen Beverly Barbershop Chorus for 51 years and built many lasting friendships with its members. Music was an important part of his life, and he will be remembered by his family and friends for breaking into song with his melodious voice at every opportunity. He is preceded in death by his parents, Jeremiah and Anna Donovan, and his brother, Thomas Donovan. Jack leaves to cherish his memory, his loving wife of 58 years, Dorothy anne C. (Gosselin) Donovan of Alfred, ME; his sister, Patricia Reed of Tampa, FL; his six children, Deborah Eggers, Kevin Donovan, Shawn Donovan and his wife Diana; Brian Donovan and his wife Heidi, Lynne Butler and her husband Charles; and Neal Donovan and his fianc Annie Montejano; his twelve grandchildren, Jennifer Hicks, Nicole Parks, Daniel Donovan, Matthew Donovan, Erin Berthiaume, Lucas Donovan, Marcus Donovan, Jack Donovan, Kristy Donovan, Kailey Donovan, Charlie Butler and Hannah Butler; and six great-grandchildren. To leave a message of condolence for the family, please visit www.autumngreenfuneralhome.com The Autumn Green Funeral Home is respectfully handling arrangements. There will be a celebration of Jacks life later in the spring in Ipswich, Massachusetts.