Richard F. Donovan

Richard F. Donovan 1925 - 2008 PITTSFIELD Richard F. Donovan, PhD, 83, beloved husband, father, and grandpa, passed away on Saturday, Nov. 15, in Windsor. He was born on Aug. 3, 1925 in Pittsfield, to Thomas E. Donovan and Alphonsine Fields Donovan. He honorably served his country during World War II in the Navy. Richard received his B.S., M.S., and PhD in Electrical Engineering from Purdue University and later was a member of the faculty of the Physics and Engineering Department. Richard was employed for many years as an engineering manager in the space program with Hamilton Standard, Hamilton Sundstrand, in Windsor Locks until retiring in 1980. Later, he returned to teaching at the University of Hartford until 1985. He was very active in his field as a Registered Professional Engineer. He was a distinguished member of numerous honor societies including: Eta Kappa Nu, Sigma Pi Sigma, Tau Beta Pi, and Sigma Xi. He held many memberships including: IEEE, the American Physics Society, National Society of Professional Engineers, and the Gray Dickinson Post #59 American Legion. Richard leaves his wife, Buddy Beth Holler Donovan of Windsor; a son, Thomas E. Donovan, and his wife, Theresa, of Verbank, N.Y.; three daughters, Buddy K. Waltein, and her husband, Michael, of Windsor, Valerie A. Mann, and her husband, Terry, of Franklin, Texas, and Carol A. Napiorkowski, and her husband, Thomas of Windsor; 12 grandchildren: Laura, Kelly, Mary, and Ryan Donovan; Christopher and Alison Waltein; Samuel, Shannon, and Megan Mann; and Nicole, Brittany, and Anna Napiorkowski. He also leaves a niece, four nephews, and many cousins. He was preceded in death by his parents, his son Reed, and two brothers Thomas and John. FUNERAL NOTICE: Richard's funeral will be held Wednesday, Nov. 19, 2008 at 9 a.m. from the CARMON WINDSOR FUNERAL HOME, 807 Bloomfield Avenue, followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 10 a.m. at St. Gabriel Church, 379 Broad Street, with rites of committal and military honors at Palisado Cemetery, Palisado Avenue in Windsor. The family will receive friends on Tuesday from 2 to 4 p.m. and from 6 to 8 p.m. at the funeral home. The Donovan family extends their deepest appreciation to the caring professional staff and personnel of Kimberly Hall North in Windsor. Memorial contributions may be made to the charity of the donor's choice. To send online notes of condolence, please visit www.carmonfuneralhome.com.