Robert J. Donovan

Groton - Robert J. Donovan, 74, of Groton, died on Jan. 11, 2014, at the Newfield House in Plymouth, Mass., surrounded by his family.

Born in Willimantic, on May 22, 1939, he was the son of the late James Michael and Alice Leona (Maloney) Donovan.

He was the loving brother of James Michael Donovan, Jr. and his wife, Linda Aimone Donovan, of Plymouth, Mass., and cherished uncle of Mary Donovan Thompson and her husband, Ken, of Plymouth, Karen Donovan Mongello and her husband, Tony, of Plymouth, Ellen Donovan Ainley and her husband, Doug, of Rehoboth, Mass., and he also leaves Dan Matheson and his wife, Michelle, of Voluntown. He was the great uncle of a nephew and six nieces, and leaves a vast number of former students and colleagues.

He was educated in Willimantic, a graduate of Windham High School, Class of 1956. He received his bachelor of arts degree from Providence College, Class of 1960. He then entered the U.S. Army as a second lieutenant in the 440th Signal Battalion and proudly served his country. Following his time in the service, Mr. Donovan continued with his schooling at Southern Connecticut State University in New Haven and later at the University of Connecticut in Storrs, earning his master's degree in education.

Mr. Donovan worked in education for most of his life, dedicating 33 years as teacher and administrator. He began his career at the elementary level teaching at Fields Memorial Elementary School in Bozrah and at Ledyard Center Elementary School and Gallup Hill School in Ledyard. He taught history at Ledyard High School and later spent the majority of his career as the school's assistant principal. Mr. Donovan retired in 1995, and remained close to colleagues and former students. He was a member of the New England Association of Schools and Colleges, as well as the Ledyard High School Alumni Association.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11 a.m. on Saturday, Jan. 18, at Sacred Heart Church, 56 Sacred Heart Drive, Groton. His burial will follow in St. Patrick's Cemetery in Montville.Visitation will take place from 3 to 7 p.m. on Friday at Byles Memorial Home, 99 Huntington St., New London.

In lieu of flowers, donations in his memory may be made payable to Ledyard High School, MEMO: In Memory of Robert Donovan, 24 Gallup Hill Road, Ledyard, CT 06339.