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Commander William Howard Donovan Jr.
Commander William Howard Donovan Jr.
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William Donovan Obituary
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Charlie Gili
October 12, 2024
Hello,
We wanted to let you and your family and friends know that we are sending care packages to deployed troops this coming holiday season in the name of Commander William Howard Donovan Jr. US Navy. CMDR Donovan will also have a flag placed on our Field of Flags during our annual Memorial Day event in Brooklyn, NY.
We recognize that these are humble tributes, but we wanted you to know that each is heartfelt and made possible by thousands of like-minded individuals across the American youth hockey community and beyond. We will not forget. May God Bless you and keep you safe and strong.
Sincerely,
Charlie Gili & Family
On Behalf of our US Hockey Players Support Our Troops Campaign
Chanda Gunter
September 14, 2021
Dear Donovan family,
I visited the 9/11 memorial and museum in October 2019. I do not know Commander Donovan but his spirit was with me that day. As I went through the museum, his name appeared to me on 3 different occasions. I would love to tell you the story! God bless you all and his sacrifice. Please feel free to reach out to me on social media or email.
ziggy Donovan
September 12, 2021
20 years of not having you around has not changed void left by your loss.
Anonymous
September 11, 2021
Watched the 911 show again tonight. It reminds me again of your courageous position again. I want to say I want to thank you again in heaven for all your courageous help!
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Hiking up Diamondhead during a Nav Extended trip.
Barry Bratton
September 9, 2021
I'm glad I had the chance to work, fly and share some adventures with you in VP-31 Bill. You were one of the good ones. Always a great senese of humor, common sense and calm under fire. I'll see you again when I get on station my friend.
Cindy Roe
September 8, 2021
Remembering William on the 20th anniversary of 9/11...
Thomas Colwell
September 11, 2020
He was always a hoot and fun to be around. I served with him in USS George Washington (CVN-73) in OI Division. Easy going, but always determined and fair, thoughtful and cheerful. He'd crack me up with his comments especially when stupidity would rear its head looking for suckers to buy in on the stupidity...not him. He would demolish it with a few words and we'd move on. He listened intently to his CPOs (me) and took our advice. He was tactically astute and unflappable when combat operations go hairy. I'm proud to say I knew him. I think about him often. I hope he's in my unit in the afterlife. I'll be in good company, for sure.
Johnna Schrier
July 12, 2020
It has been years now. Karl and I still think of you often. We still talk about you often and we still miss you.
A.L.
October 26, 2019
Its really a shame you're not with us, dude.
ziggy donovan
September 15, 2019
Our grief can be so hard even after 18 years, but our special memories help us cope. Remembering you today and always.
Carol Pierce
September 12, 2019
You had an infectious laugh and a good sense of humor. God bless. You are not forgotten.
Teri Donovan
September 12, 2019
Never forgotten. Always missed.
Christopher Palmer Palmer
September 11, 2019
Your sacrifice will not be forgotten. Sadly it appears that the tooth of this great country we not taught what your sacrifice was for. You are an inspiration and example to me. Thank you Commander.
Kevin LaPlant
September 11, 2019
I believe there will come a time when all is made right in this world, and those who caused so much pain will face God and have to answer for their hatred. This day has not been forgotten, nor have you, my friend. I will always remember, and I will always cherish the memories of our youth and how you could always bring a smile to anyone's face. I know you did not die in vein, my friend. Knowing that doesn't make today any easier, but it does help me cope with the memories of 18 years ago. I miss you, Billy. Always will.... God Bless.....
A.L.
July 22, 2019
You did not die in vain that sad September morning.
Hopefully this kindof attack will never happen again, though justice was totally served against binLaden by the Navy Seals & Pres. Barack Obama on May 2, 2011.
Ziggy Donovan
September 13, 2018
Going into another year of dealing with this loss.
Kevin LaPlant
September 11, 2018
Here we are again, my friend. 17 years have passed, and it just doesn't seem to be getting any easier. I drove by the Pentagon a couple weeks ago, and had to pull over. I cried for a long time. I will never forget you, my friend. Today I shall raise a glass to you, and celebrate your life. Damn, I wish you were here...
Ziggy Donovan
September 12, 2016
Another year passes with you at the side of God.
I know you are smiling down on us.
Teri Donovan
September 12, 2016
The years don't make the pain any less. Never forgotten.
Kevin LaPlant
September 11, 2016
Here we are, fifteen years later, and I wake up this morning in tears. The pain hasn't diminished one bit, even though the person responsible for the attack that killed you has also been killed. I miss you, Billy. The world is a very strange place this year. I moved back to New York this year, and I pay my respects at the monument built in your memory in front of the high school whenever I can. GOD Bless you, Billy. I promise, I will NEVER forget.
Kevin.
Del Newberry
March 30, 2015
Thank you for your service. Today I will be praying for comfort for your friends and family. We will never forget this day. Much love from Texas.
Ziggy Donovan
September 12, 2014
My hero
Teri Donovan Springer
September 12, 2014
Another year.....more tears. Always missed and always remembered.
Cynthia E. Deleon
September 11, 2014
You and your family our in my thoughts and prayers
Kevin LaPlant
September 11, 2014
Another year passes, and it hasn't gotten any easier. With all of the shows on the television today, I see where you were taken from us, and the pain is still there in my heart. We all miss you, Billy, and we will NEVER forget. GOD Bless you, Billy, and your family. Always in my thoughts and prayers, and forever in my heart. My promise to you is that I will NEVER forget, and your memory will live on in all of us...
I've seen that smirk before...Usually means something bad is going to happen, to someone else.
David Hall
November 26, 2013
November 26, 2013
Teri Donovan Springer
September 12, 2013
To Bill's family: he will never be forgotten and neither will you. I pray your lives are as full and rich as they can be with Bill not physically there. I have no doubt he watches over you and always will. Much love,
September 11, 2013
Bill Allen. Burns, Tennessee
Kevin LaPlant
September 11, 2013
My heart still aches, and the pain won't go away. Even though the man who is responsible for your death is now gone, his actions and those of his followers still linger in this world. I wish there was some way to bring you back, my friend. We all miss you. Your death has changed us, but also has given us faith. Faith that the LORD comforts you, and in time, we will all meet again. Rest your oars, my friend. I will NEVER forget...
Et3 (ss) Michael Donovan
September 11, 2012
Rip my hero.My thoughts and prayers go out to you commander William Donovan on this anniversary of a tragic day
September 11, 2012
11 years, and I still remember, my friend. I will always remember. I hope this day finds you at peace, and I will continue to pray for the day when such sensless acts are no more. We will always miss you, Billy, and we will always honor your great name, and your selfless defense of our coundry's freedom. Today I also pray that your family finds peace in their hearts, as they too, remember. GOD Bless, my friend.
Teri Donovan
September 11, 2012
11 years....it's hard to believe. It's seems like yesterday. We will never forget the horror....and we will never forget those we lost.....
Billy, we never met, but our family has a long history of service to our country and of that I am very proud. And proud to know you served long, and served well. Rest well, dear cousin. Rest well, sailor. Fair winds and following seas!
Always the style setter!
David Hall
September 8, 2012
Hey Billy, Tonight the class is having our 30th Reunion. I know you are being missed by many. Was cleaning out some drawers at Mom's and found some old pictures from a party at my sisters our senior year. Nice hat by the way. So many memories, so many laughs! Miss you my friend. The world is a lesser place without you.
Douglas Dietsche
September 11, 2011
Billy, its been 29 years since high school, soccer, and dreaming of our future. I thought I would always see you again and we would catch up on our military experiences. Gone back to Nunda a few times and just stood in front of the high school at your memorial. Remember talking about what we wanted to be? You did it, flying P-3s and all. Just wish you were still here. Just wish you were still here. - Doug
Kevin LaPlant
September 11, 2011
Billy,
Today seems to be a bit tougher, my friend. Wounds are very slow to heal, because we all miss you, and we all know you did not have to die. It's still hard to watch the videos or look at the pictures on TV. I'll leave the television off today, so that my memories of you are not scarred further because of that tragic day. We love you, Billy. And, we miss you. Still wishing you were here, and we will NEVER forget...
V/r,
Kevin.
Charlene Gray
September 9, 2011
My name is Charlene N Gray and I am a Senior at LeTourneau University. I've been trying to figure out how to get in contact with Cmdr William Howard Donovan's family. Hopefully, y'all will find this. I just wanted to let y'all know that we, the LeTu campus, are praying for y'all. We had a memorial this morning and I got the flag with the Cmdr's name on it. I would like to offer my condolences and just leave y'all with knowing that 10yrs later, we are praying for you and still thinking of the sacrifice that was made. Thank y'all for what y'all have sacrificed over the years and again , I am so sorry for your loss.
-Charlene
Kevin LaPlant
May 5, 2011
Billy,
Many people are proclaiming the death of Osama Bin Laden a victory. Yes, he is gone, but by simply taking his life, we cannot bring back the lives of yourself and so many others. The pain is still here, and probably always will be. We miss you, Billy. May you always rest in peace, and when you wake, please look down upon us, and let us always remember... God Bless.
V/r,
Kevin.
LCDR Jim Roth, USN (ret)
May 4, 2011
Bill--
It's taken 10 and 1/2 years, but they finally got him on the 1st of May, 2011.
I hope your family can have some sense of closure. Rest in Peace shipmate.
Kristin Takada
September 22, 2010
Uncle Billy,
Thinking of you... Grandma and I were reminiscing about our wonderful memories at the lake… fishing, swimming and tubing! Boy, I miss your jokes! I would love to race you across the lake again… okay, we didn’t race… but, you definitely made me believe I was winning something :)
I miss you and love you,
Your niece, Kristin
Kevin LaPlant
September 12, 2010
Billy,
The messages are fewer, but the memories haven't faded. You truly will always be missed, and never forgotten. God bless, my friend. Wish you were here...
V/r,
Kevin.
September 12, 2010
~RIP Billy~
Megan Haley
September 10, 2010
Commander Donovan,
I don't think we ever met, but I used to go to school with your kids and played lacrosse in high school with Kelsey. I remember how hard your loss was on the family and the entire Waynewood community. I am now at the Air Force Academy hoping to prevent something like that from ever happening again. I just wanted you to know that I think of you and your family a lot around here, especially now. I am here for you and everyone who lost someone. Just remember that you are never forgotten.
December 26, 2009
Billy, you always made me want to be a better person. From physics lab, the wrestling room, woodchuck fields and walleye holes you were one of the great ones. Your faithful buddy, Guy
MC2 Kenneth Takada
September 14, 2009
Hey Sir,
I never got a chance to meet you but I've heard wonderful things about you and I wish we could've met. I'm married to Cheryl's daughter, Kristin. We currently live in the DC area because I'm posted there and I drive past the Pentagon every day on my way to work and every day, I think about you... it's odd that I should think so much about a man I never met but I cant help but feel like I've been robbed of something... I hope that some day, in the next life, we can meet and trade some sea-stories.
God Bless
September 11, 2009
Hey Bill,
Remember you and your family always, but especially today. Fair winds shipmate.
Prober
Norman LaPlant
September 11, 2009
I remember the boy...God bless the man
Kevin LaPlant
September 11, 2009
Billy,
It's been 8 years now, and this day just doesn't get any easier. We all miss you. However, we know that you are safe, and in a far better place. God bless you, Billy. We will never, ever forget...
Peggy Childers
September 11, 2009
To the family of Commander William Howard Donovan, Jr.:
William gave the ultimate sacrifice and will be held in the hearts of Americans forever. My deepest sympathy to you. We must never forget!
Peggy Childers
"Don't Let The Memory Of Them Drift Away"
www.IraqWarHeroes.org
Doug Abraham
June 14, 2009
On this Flag Day, of 2009, I am hoisting my flag in honor of LCDR William Donovan Jr!!! Fair Winds & Following Seas!!!
P Tabbernor
August 24, 2007
In memory....
Your Name on the New P-8A,, from Odie
March 13, 2007
E T 3 (SS) Michael Donovan
February 26, 2007
Man, I was blown away on 9 11 and then to find a Donovan hero died just going to work that day makes me blue every day.God bless the rest the familiy.
Kristine
October 31, 2006
As I cross-stitched your name on the memorial that I am doing for all of the victims, I prayed for you and your family. Please know that your death was not in vain. We will always remember. God Bless.
Sierra Harmon
September 14, 2006
William was my fifth cousin. i never really met him but he seems like a really great guy. and when i found out about it i was like wow, it made me soo sad. even though i never really met him he was part of my faimily.
Steve Rowlands
September 11, 2006
I served with Bill in VP-31, NAS Moffett Field, California from 1991-1993. Today, I am thinking of you and your family. God Bless. Steve Rowlands.
Bob Glover
September 10, 2006
Billy Bob, I think about you often. I've had a difficult time expressing my grief about your passing. You were probably the closest person I had as a friend. Your memory represents dedication and commitment to me. You took your studies seriously as well as your fun. We were quite an odd pair. I still wonder what you saw in me to room together for 5 or 6 years. We certainly had fun. I miss you, and I pray for Elaine , Megan, Brady, and Kelsey. May you rest in peace.
Cynthia Goodloe (DeLeon)
September 9, 2006
I served in VP-1 with CDR Donovan. May you never be forgotten.
Fair Winds and Following Seas.
SJD
July 8, 2006
Billy,
The Light Shines On.....May you rest in Peace (\o/)
Kathy Swaringen
June 23, 2006
On June 23, 2006, 1 mile was walked to honor the life of Commander William Howard Donavan Jr. and all those who loved him. May you find some comfort in knowing that you do not grieve alone and that you and your loved one have not been forgotten. Kelsey, I am sure you are your daddys shining star and he watches over you every day.
William, may you rest in peace.
Kelsey Donovan
April 24, 2005
Hey dadddy it's me kelsey i love and may you reat in peace i love you and you are my role model and your light will always be MY shining star and nobody or nothing could ever change that simply because i love you
!!!!!!
Sid Dingman
September 21, 2002
CDR Donovan and I served together on the USS George Washington and spent many watches in combat working and laughing when we got a chance to. I considered him one of the best Naval Officers I've ever had the priviledge to work with. My thoughts and prayers to the Donovan family.
Kelly Tyler
September 11, 2002
Dear Donovan Family,
Holy Name Cathedral in downtown Chicago placed a large bowl at the front of the church today. From that bowl each person can draw one of the 3000 names included. I drew Commander Donovan's name at mass today.
I never met him, and all I know about him is what I read here. He sounds like a positive person I would have enjoyed knowing. Instead, I will be proud to pray for him.
I'm writing just to let you know he will be kept in my prayers, and that a stranger far away in Chicago is praying for you too.
Peace be with you,
Kelly Tyler
Carol Pierce
September 11, 2002
I graduated two years ahead of Billy and have known his family all my life. Peace & blessings to his family and we will never forget.
Love, Carol
CWO2 Don Houfek
September 11, 2002
To the Donovan Family, Bill was a special man who I flew many of hours and deployments with. I express my dearest simpathy. His humor on long flights kept us awake and alert. He was a good man.
CWO2 Don Houfek VP-11 CAC-8
Yeah Box!
Steven Paxton
September 1, 2002
A fellow navy man mourns your passing. Fair Winds and following seas.
Matthew Bernard
July 17, 2002
Uncle Bill,
We all miss you and love you! I'll keep you in my prayers always!
Sheila Werland
April 30, 2002
My humlble and heartfelt apologies to Commander Donovan and his family for misspelling your name in my previous entry. God Bless.
Sheila Werland
April 25, 2002
My thoughts and prayers are with all who knew Commander Donavan. As with the many who have served our country so faithfully, I thank you and your family for the sacrifices made during your tour. I pray for the healing of the hearts that love you and miss you. God Bless.
TSgt. Jason Fleming
April 18, 2002
On Friday the 19th of April I will be shipping out for the Middle East to support Operation Enduring Freedom. My wife purchased a mercy band when they first were made available. My band beared the name of your loved one, CMDR Donovan. I will be wearing this band, as I have since receiving it, while overseas. I hope that we can bring terror to an end, which initiated here on our land. I have never met CMDR Donovan but keep him in my prayers and as a driving force behind our mission. Our families thoughts and prayers are with his family. Sir, may you rest in peace!
Julie Emke
March 11, 2002
To the Donovan Family,
I was 2 years behind Billy but He was a super person..He will be remembered always in our hearts..
Brenda Mucher
March 11, 2002
To the Donovan Family
The prayers of so many people are with you. The people of western New York state send their love. All who died on September 11th are surely in Heaven and watching over their friends and family.
The members of the Wallace-Jeffers American Legion Post (Castile) continue to pray for all who left us on September 11, 2001.
Carol Garwood
March 11, 2002
To the Donavan Family,
I graduated two years behind Billy. I remember all the great times that we had in high school.
Billy,
Thank you for all the great times and serving our country to protect all of us. I will always remember you.
Kathleen LaPlant
February 9, 2002
Billy,
There isn't a day that goes by since September 11 that I don't think of you. My heart is crushed by the taking of your life from us so soon. My prayers are with your family and I hope we as survivors can make this a safer place for your children. May God bless and keep you.
LCDR Jim Roth
January 28, 2002
To the Donovan family:
Bill and I were shipmates on the USS George Washington together, our tours overlapped for about a year or so. I will always remember his humor, and how he always made me laugh. My prayers go out to your family.
Cassandra Ingham
January 15, 2002
"Oh, the comfort, the inexpressible comfort of feeling safe with a person; having neither to weigh thoughts nor to measure words but to pour them all out, just as it is, chaff and grain together, knowing that a faithful hand will take and sift them, keeping what is worth keeping, and then, with the breath of kindness, blow the rest away." George Elliot
Peace be with you.
Teresa Jahn
January 12, 2002
America Cries
We see your sorrow-
and our hearts cry....
We can not erase your pain
but you do not have to face the anguish alone-for we-
-the American people-
are beside you.
We so desperately want to have the touch that brings you comfort,
the strength that gives you courage,
and the words to lighten your spirits.
And when we are left speechless
may the silence of our nation weave love into your hearts
to ease your sorrow.
May you find healing through our nation's strength as we-
-the American people-
face this difficult time together. Our hearts are with you. Teresa Jahn
Dixon, IL
Kevin LaPlant
January 4, 2002
To the Donovan family,
Billy was a good man. I graduated 1 year ahead of him, and my sister Kathy graduated with him. I think about him often.
To Billy,
God bless you. Thank you for all you have given, and all that you have done. Watch over your family, and guide them in their prayers and dreams. Take care.
The LaPlant Family
Kevin, Robin, Aaliyah and Ashley
Donna (Maxner-Dalka) Edmonson
December 18, 2001
I love ya Billy. My thoughts and prayers are for your family right now and all the friends that you have through the years. You were very special. I will miss you and so does the Class of '82!
Corine Martinez-Chavez
November 5, 2001
Dear Donovon Family, I purchased a Mercy B.A.N.D. (Bearing another's name daily) from our church with the name of your loved one, Cmdr. William Donovon. The purpose of this serves as a reminder to pray daily for the families of the loved ones lost in this tradgey. I am praying daily for all of you. May God give you peace and comfort and be your strength.
Jan and Zane Azbarea
October 24, 2001
Our thoughts and prayers are with the family.
dermot collins
October 1, 2001
irish born ex royal navy.may you rest in peace.
BARBARA BOLIN
September 28, 2001
MY THOUGHTS AND PRAYERS GO OUT TO YOU ALL.MAY GOD BLESS YOU ALL.
WILLIAM MAY YOU REST IN PEACE.
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