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William "Bill" Donovan Sr.

1946 - 2023

William "Bill" Donovan Sr. obituary, 1946-2023, Westwood, MA

BORN

1946

DIED

2023

FUNERAL HOME

George F. Doherty & Sons Funeral Home - Dedham

456 High Street

Dedham, Massachusetts

William Donovan Obituary

DONOVAN, William "Bill" Sr. (1946-2023) Beloved husband, father, brother, uncle, and grandfather, William (Bill) Donovan Sr. of Westwood, formerly of Weymouth and Abington passed away Tuesday, January 17, 2023, after a long illness. He was the loving husband for over 53 years of Sheila (O'Connor) Donovan, who survives him. Bill was a well-known local businessman and Dunkin' Donuts franchisee for over 35 years and enjoyed immensely the relationships he built and maintained during his time in business.  Besides his wife, Bill is survived by his three children, William Donovan Jr. of Boston, Kerry Donovan of Westwood, and Matthew Donovan of Kansas City, MO, as well as Matthew's wife, Andromahy (Kouris) Donovan. He will be remembered as "Puppi" fondly by his grandchildren, Kerry's sons, Christopher Green, Brian Green, Luke Green and Cameron Green all of Westwood, and Matthew's son, Shane Donovan of Kansas City. Bill will be forever in the hearts of his seven siblings, Robert Donovan of Tampa, FL, Nancy McGinn of Hingham, Jane Hill of Lawrenceville, GA, Mary Lou Jackson of Rockland, John Donovan of Hull, Kevin Donovan of Hull, and Kathleen Smith of Marshfield and their respective families with nephews and nieces too numerous to mention but all with beautiful memories of the terror and generosity that was "Uncle Bill." Bill and Sheila were also Nantucket residents where they loved to gather with their family and create lasting memories. Bill would love to be remembered to his many friends on the island.  Relatives and friends may attend Bill's Funeral Mass on Monday, January 23, 2023 at 11 a.m. at St. Denis Church in Westwood, MA. In lieu of flowers, please memorial donation to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN. For online guestbook, gfdoherty.com George F. Doherty & Sons Dedham 781 326 0500

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

Published by Boston Globe from Jan. 20 to Jan. 21, 2023.

Memories and Condolences
for William Donovan

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Suzanne Bump

January 24, 2023

Every time I thought of Billy, through the more than 30 years of our friendship, I would smile. That is, unless I laughed out loud, thinking of some outrageous thing he said or did the last time we interacted. When he and my late husband Paul got together it was always another session of "can you top this?". They were hilarious, and sober!, but at some point Sheila and I would have had enough of their tales and would have our own quiet conversations. Those are wonderful memories. I also carry with me his devotion to his family and his community, and his generosity. I am glad to think of Paul welcoming him to heaven to share some more laughs. My condolences to all the Donovans.

John Justo

January 23, 2023

Billy, my friend, fellow Board member, franchisee brother that shared a passion for the truth and honesty. A comedian with a enjoyable talent in "stirring the pot"! Lots of accomplishments, lots of laughs. I am great full for our time together, I will miss you my friend.

Christopher Prazeres

January 23, 2023

Our deepest condolences to the Donovan family. We had so many fond memories of Billy at Dunkin' events, DCP Board Meetings and Patriots tailgates. His passion and vision for our business was unmatched and greatly appreciated. You will be missed!

Joe, Chris and Cliff Prazeres

Patty Lyons Moriarty

January 22, 2023

One of the funniest an most friendly kids in our Archie´s class of `64. Sounds like he continued to be a loving friend and family man. Rest in peace Billy.

Paul Joseph, AWHS `64

January 22, 2023

My deepest sympathy and prayers to the Donovan family. I remember Billy as being one of the truly good guys at Archies. His friendship and kindness will be missed.

Liz Adams

January 21, 2023

Bill was a regular at High St. Always smiling loved great wine!!! He had great family stories !!! He will be missed. My deepest sympathies. Liz Adams, owner High St. Westwood, Ma

Adrian A. Gaspar

January 20, 2023

Our firm was sad to hear of the passing of Bill. He was a great leader in the Dunkin' world, watching out for both franchisees and the franchise.

Adrian A. Gaspar
Adrian A. Gaspar & Company, LLP

Nancy McGinn

January 20, 2023

My dearest brother Billy you will be missed and remembered every day for your love unselfishness and dedication to all of our families. You always put others first without a thought. Thank you God for the time you allowed me to have with my brother Forever loved Nancy

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Memorial Events
for William Donovan

Jan

23

Funeral Mass

11:00 a.m.

St. Denis Church

Westwood, MA

Funeral services provided by:

George F. Doherty & Sons Funeral Home - Dedham

456 High Street, Dedham, MA 02026

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