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Clifford Donovan Obituary

Clifford J. Donovan

West Henrietta - May 3, 2018 at age 63 following a brief illness. Beloved son of Hugh and Matie Donovan, Clifford was predeceased by his parents, Hugh and Matie Donovan, and step mother, Anne Guild Donovan. He is survived by his three siblings, Scot (Linda) Donovan, Susan Baysinger, Nancy (AJ) Burke; nephews, Isaiah and Noah Donovan, James and Andy Burke; nieces, Olivia Donovan, Linnea Baysinger, Jackie Burke; and many friends and relatives.

Cliff was a skilled craftsman who began his career building homes in this area. Later, he operated a contracting business and he was truly a "jack of all trades". He was generous with his time and talents and his services were in high demand. He had the ability to listen to what his customers wanted and used his experience, skill and creativity to deliver a spectacular finished product. If you weren't Cliff's friend and the beginning of a project, you were at the end as he had the ability to connect with people.

Cliff had many friends who joined him in exercise classes at various YMCAs in the Rochester area. He cherished the relationships he built there as well as those at the Toastmasters club where he was a member for over twenty years. Cliff was devoted to the Assisi Institute and was proud to be a member of the Assisi family. Cliff was a kind and gentle man and he will be missed by all those who had the honor to know him.

A Celebration of Cliff's life will be held Sunday, May 27, 1 PM at the Assisi Institute, 1400 N. Winton Rd., 14609. The family will greet friends at a reception following the service. For those of you who would like to make a donation in Cliff's memory, we would ask you to consider the YMCA of Greater Rochester, Attn: Development Office, 444 East Main St., Rochester, 14604 or the Assisi Institute. To share a memory of Cliff, or to send a condolence please visit www.crawfordfuneralhome.com.

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

Published by Rochester Democrat And Chronicle on May 6, 2018.

Memories and Condolences
for Clifford Donovan

Sponsored by Crawford Funeral Home Inc.

Not sure what to say?





Dear Cliff, I will always remember the sweet cute things about as you were my first love. I was 15 and you were 17. I remember so many things, all the cards you gave me and when you first told me you loved me. You were friendly and special in your own way

Mary Ann Muto

January 28, 2019

I will always love him.

E. B.

May 26, 2018

To the Donovan family: Cliff's light will continue to shine for me in his spot at Zumba. I enjoyed watching his moves. We never spoke, but I appreciated his enthusiasm in class. Cherish your memories of and with him.

The Cure Lyrics - "Pictures of You" always in my heart

Mary Ann Church (Muto)

May 25, 2018

Jethro Tull concert you took me.

Mary Ann Church (Muto)

May 25, 2018

Mendon Ponds.

Mary Ann Church (Muto)

May 25, 2018

Mendon Ponds park.

Mary Ann Church (Muto)

May 25, 2018

Charlotte beach the pier first date.

Mary Ann Church (Muto)

May 25, 2018

Allison Park

Mary Ann Church (Muto)

May 25, 2018

PowderMill Park -The Mushroom house

Mary Ann Church (Muto)

May 25, 2018

Ian Anderson of Jethro Tull playing flute.

Mary Ann Church (Muto)

May 25, 2018

Lilacs -R.I.P.

Mary Ann Church (Muto)

May 25, 2018

Where we met.

Mary Ann Church (Muto)

May 25, 2018

The Cure song Lyrics- "Pictures of You"

Mary Ann Church (Muto)

May 25, 2018

Powder Mills park - Mushroom house.

Mary Ann Church (Muto)

May 25, 2018

Lilacs-R.I.P. Cliff

Mary Ann Church (Muto)

May 25, 2018

Mendon Ponds

Mary Ann Church (Muto)

May 25, 2018

Ellison Park

Mary Ann Church (Muto)

May 25, 2018

Mendon Ponds trail.

Mary Ann Church (Muto)

May 25, 2018

Where we met at Mendon Ponds concert

Mary Ann Church (Muto)

May 25, 2018

Ellison Park, one of your fave parks.

Mary Ann Church (Muto)

May 25, 2018

Ian Anderson of Jethro Tull playing flute.

Mary Ann Church (Muto)

May 25, 2018

Jethro Tull band we attended at War Memorial.

Mary Ann Church (Muto)

May 25, 2018

Charlotte beach first date.

Mary Ann Church (Muto)

May 25, 2018

You loved small dogs.

May 25, 2018

My First love and I will never forget you Cliff.

Mary Ann Muto

May 16, 2018

Mary Ann Church

May 15, 2018

5/15/18

Dear Cliff,

I am so shocked to hear of your passing. We met August 27th, 1971 and we were teens I was age 15 and you were 17 at the Mendon Ponds concert.
You were my first love and I'll never forget you saying to me "why don't you sit down and rest your feet a while" you were very friendly and nice with your best friend Steven Vandenburg.

We were so young and you took me to Charlotte beach for a first date in your 57 chevy. I also remember the Jethro Tull concert at the War Memorial you took me too.

We got older and I'd bump into you now and then and you still were always friendly and happy. R.I.P. Way too soon Cliff. way too soon. Mary

Les Collins

May 13, 2018

Cliff was a remarkably kind, gentle, funny, and spiritual friend. I deeply regret that I lost contact with him over the past few years. His presence was a joy and a gift to all who knew him, and he will be deeply missed by those whose lives he touched and blessed by knowing him. His gentle and joyful laughter still rings in my ears.
Blessings to his family and his friends.
And Thank you, Cliff, I know your beautiful spirit remains with us always.
Namaste....Your friend, Les

Cathy Tan

May 7, 2018

Cliff was a wonderful and spirited man who was always a kind and welcoming participant in our Zumba classes. We will miss him terribly-

Marilyn

May 7, 2018

I will miss your smiling face !!!! Love and prayers to your family!!!
Marilyn Parchus

Elissa Orlando

May 7, 2018

To Cliff's family: Cliff was one of my favorite class participants who became a good friend. His enthusiasm for the YMCA, his love of exercise class, his devotion to his Y friends and his peaceful way -- these are all things I will miss so very much. Rest in Peace, Cliff

mary-jo farrell

May 7, 2018

Always thoughtful, setting up 'my' spot for me in class, always with a cheerful greeting. Condolences to Cliff's family at this time.

Vicki

May 6, 2018

No words .. only love ...

Giovanna Multala

May 6, 2018

After so many years of seeing you every week, twice a week, in yoga class I think I will be lost without you and your typical greeting , your smile , kindness and good humor. It just won't be the same without you. I will miss you so very much- dear friend- you left an empty space in my heart. I will never forget you. Namaste. Giovanna

May 6, 2018

Cliff, you showed me how to have more fun when doing step at the YMCA. Thank you for that! Rest in peace.
Dan

Kelsey Lisi

May 6, 2018

Cliff, you were a wonderful addition to the YMCA family. Your energy and enthusiasm will be greatly missed by so many, including myself. Rest easy. ❤

May 6, 2018

I will miss you Cliff, having you in our yoga class was always more fun! Thanks for all the yoga memories we shared. God Bless you!
peace always, Lynn

Helen Rowe

May 6, 2018

I will miss seeing you. We were neighbors for so many years. Rest well my friend.

Paula Falcone

May 5, 2018

I will miss you my friend, as you were another light in this world that went out too soon. Thank you again for all the little projects you did that always turned out perfect.

Showing 1 - 38 of 38 results

Make a Donation
in Clifford Donovan's name

Memorial Events
for Clifford Donovan

May

27

Celebration of Life

1:00 p.m.

Assisi Institute

1400 N. Winton Rd., NY

Funeral services provided by:

Crawford Funeral Home Inc

495 N Winton Rd PO Box 10280, Rochester, NY 14610

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