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Douglass Edgerley & Bessom Funeral Home

25 Sanborn Street

Reading, Massachusetts

BRENDAN DONOVAN Obituary

DONOVAN, Brendan J. Of Reading, passed away accidentally, on May 4, 2025, at the age of 24. Cherished son of Brian F. and Gail M. (Crosby) Donovan of Reading. Devoted brother of Kate M. Donovan of Charlestown and Sean E. Donovan of South Boston; and adored grandson of Richard J. Crosby, Sr. of Reading. Brendan is also survived by several loving aunts, uncles and cousins. A Visitation will be held for Brendan at the Douglass, Edgerley and Bessom Funeral Home, 25 Sanborn St. (corner of Woburn St.), READING, on Friday, May 9, from 3-7pm. Funeral Services and Burial are private. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made in Brendan's memory to the Brendan Donovan Scholarship Fund. Make check payable to the Town of Reading and mail to Town of Reading, 16 Lowell St., Reading, MA 01867, Attn: Diane Morabito. Please put Brendan Donovan Scholarship Fund in memo. www.douglassfuneralhome.com

View the online memorial for Brendan J. DONOVAN

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Boston Globe from May 7 to May 8, 2025.

Memories and Condolences
for BRENDAN DONOVAN

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Single Memorial Tree

Jeffrey & Kristen Boucher

Planted Trees

Christ the King Parish

May 12, 2025

May the perpetual light of Jesus shine forever brightly upon Brendan, and may the family be wrapped in loving arms of comfort, and all those who mourn Brendan's passing find comfort during this time.

Denise Donohue

May 9, 2025

Gail, my heart breaks for you and your family. May you all find strength to get through this difficult time. You're all in my thoughts and prayers. God Bless and cherish the memories. Denise (Amico) Donohue (Class of '81)

Kim and Stephen Torra

May 9, 2025

Brendan was an extraordinary young man. We remember him fondly from his early years—a dear friend to our sons, Jared and Brett—and someone who stood out even then for his gracious and considerate nature.

Kim and I always admired the way he carried himself, with a maturity well beyond his years. I had the great privilege of coaching Brendan in Little League, where his unwavering support for his teammates and his quiet leadership left a lasting impression. His character, sense of humor, and joyful presence enriched every moment we shared—especially the cherished memories from our backyard events.

Brendan’s passing is a profound loss to all who knew him. Our hearts, thoughts, and prayers are with the Donovan family during this incredibly difficult time.

Nick Face

May 8, 2025

To the Donovan family, my family and our entire crew at Sports Zone 101 offer our incredible condolences to the loss of Brendan. Brendan was one of my very best leaders throughout all my years at Sports Zone these past 15+ years. He was truly one of my MVPs for all he did for us all! Brendan had a love and passion for being a great leader and helping to make a difference in a child's life. He always was a hard worker, stepped up the plate, and constantly proved just how big his heart always was to us all. Brendan, along with Sean and the rest of the 2019 crew, were incredible people I was so fortunate to have on my team. I will also never forget how Brendan was one of the very first coaches to help get programs started back up in 2020 after Covid. Brendan took on the responsibility of becoming the permanent substitute Physical Education teacher at the St. Joseph's School of Wakefield. Brendan handled this assignment with incredible courage, determination, and love for this opportunity given. Brendan never looked back and excelled in this role for the entire school year, earning the respect of many teachers and administration in the district. This feat was something I was so very proud of him for. To say how much I will miss him is an understatement. Thank you Brendan for being such a role model and awesome person. You will be greatly missed but never forgotten!

May 8, 2025

Gail, May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow. I cannot even fathom this or put into words the devastation that I feel for you and your family. You are on my heart and in my prayers every minute of every day. I am so very very sorry. With love, Janet (Coppola)

Chris Renix

May 8, 2025

Brendan was a quiet, thoughtful, and exceptionally capable student in our Safety and Occupational Health program at Keene State. I had the privilege of teaching him several times over his four years here, and he always stood out for his intelligence, humility, and steady presence.

I still have a video he made for my training class—he was too shy to present in person, but his work spoke volumes. I watched it again after hearing the news, and it brought back a flood of good memories and a deep sense of loss.

On behalf of the Keene State Safety family, please accept our heartfelt condolences. May God's peace and comfort be with you and all who loved Brendan.

Pam & Stephen Doyle

May 8, 2025

May the love of friends and family carry you through your grief. Condolences from Pam & Stephen Doyle

Casey Callahan

May 8, 2025

Brendan was a great golfer and hockey player

Stars of Life Standing Spray

The Keene State Family❤

Sent Flowers

Bill & Fran Grady

May 8, 2025

To the Donovan Family,
Our heart goes out to you with the sincerest of compassion as you endure the loss of your wonderful son. Reading about Brendan's life, we were deeply moved by the love that has bonded the Donovan family through many precious memories and now, may God's grace provide you peace during your time of grief.
Bill and Fran Grady

Marianna Zanni

May 8, 2025

I am so saddened to hear of Brendan´s sudden passing. May fond memories and comforting thoughts and prayers from friends and family help you through this difficult time.

Michael Grunzweig

May 7, 2025

What a wonderful young man! When i visited his parents..every year he was always a respectful young man.. i enjoyed a fun relationship with Brendan and his brother Sean sister Kate.. he was truly special!The donovan family and i along enjoy a close relationship. I loved to say things that made him laugh! Hes a kind hearted soul!
May God love him ..and enjoy him!
Your friend Michael Grunzweig!

STEVE SULLIVAN

May 7, 2025

Brian, Gail, Kate and Sean:
I am so sorry to learn of the passing of your beloved Brendan...cherish the positive memories! He was such a cool kid! He will be missed! RIP Brendan!

Lori Batchelder

May 7, 2025

It was truly a pleasure to get to know this remarkable young man during his time at Meadowbrook Golf Club. Though our acquaintance was brief, he made a lasting impression with his talent on the course, his respectful demeanor, and his infectious energy. He was not only a skilled golfer but also a valued member of the club who inspired those around him. I’m grateful to have had the opportunity to meet him.

A pray for Brendon and Family
We come to You with heavy hearts, grieving the loss of one so young,
a soul full of promise, laughter, and light.
Though their time here was short, their impact was deep.
We thank You for the gift of their life—
for the moments shared, the love given, and the joy brought to others.

Surround their spirit now with Your eternal peace.
Hold them in Your mercy,
and let their soul rest in the warmth of Your embrace.
We trust in Your grace, even when we don't understand,
and ask for comfort for all who mourn—
family, friends, and all those left behind with aching hearts.

Help us carry their memory with honor,
living each day with the love, courage, and kindness they showed.
May they find perfect peace,
and may we find strength in Your presence as we say goodbye.

John B. Douglass & John B. Douglass II

May 7, 2025

This book of memories is to serve as a record of the services you entrusted to us. We hope it will help to preserve treasured memories and that we, in some small measure, have helped to ease your burden and bring you comfort.

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Memorial Events
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May

9

Visitation

3:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m.

Douglass, Edgerley and Bessom Funeral Home

25 Sanborn St. (corner of Woburn St), Reading, MA 01867

Funeral services provided by:

Douglass Edgerley & Bessom Funeral Home

25 Sanborn Street, Reading, MA 01867

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