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Ryan Donovan Obituary
Ryan Patrick Donovan of Rexford died suddenly on Wednesday, May 6, 2015 as a result of a brief illness. A graduate of Avon Old Farms School in Avon, Connecticut, Ryan played Varsity ice hockey and lacrosse at Avon and went on to graduate magna cum laude from the University of Massachusetts Boston. While at UMASS, Ryan was the starting goaltender on the Men's Ice Hockey team for four years. Pursuing his childhood dream and never wavering in reaching his goal, Ryan went on to play two years of Professional Ice Hockey upon graduating from UMASS. Ryan was a goaltending coach, inspiring young goalies to always be their very best, to power through good games and bad and to never give up in the pursuit of their own hockey dreams. He saw the talent in young children as a coach of the youngest children whom he taught to skate and play hockey at the Hockey Hut in Clifton Park. Ryan also coached two Junior Ice Hockey Teams. Larger than life, Ryan lived his comparatively short life to the fullest with unbridled enthusiasm. He will be truly missed by his family and many friends since his always charismatic presence and endless vitality made an indelible mark on all of us. Ryan is survived by his parents, Deborah and Steven Donovan of Rexford, NY; his brother, Sean A. Donovan and his wife, Sophia, of Irvine, California; his sister, Quin A. Donovan and Jack Donovan of San Francisco California; his godmother, Kathleen O. O'Donnell of Shrewsbury, MA; his uncles, Stephen E. Frank (Lillian) of Reno, NV and Peter B. Frank (Tobey) of Naples, FL. Ryan is also survived by several first cousins and by his girlfriend, Dominica Giunta. Services are private.Those wishing to remember Ryan may make a contribution to UMASS Boston Men's Hockey in memory of Ryan P. Donovan. Contributions may be mailed to: UMASS Boston Men's Hockey c/o Peter Belisle, Head Coach, Clark Athletic Center, 100 Morrissey Boulevard, Boston, MA 02125. Arrangements are by the Gleason Funeral Home, Schenectady, NY
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Memories and Condolences
for Ryan Donovan
Sponsored by the family.
Joanne Clark
November 21, 2017
Dear Steve and Deb and Family,
It was such a shock to read of Ryan's death. It has been many years since we have been in touch since youth hockey days but those memories are precious. I just wanted you to know that you are in our thoughts and love is being sent your way. Steve and Joanne Clark
February 2, 2016
happy birthday
February 2, 2016
I just learned about Ryan's passing today as I was away from the area for quite some time. Ryan was my supervisor at Glenville Planet Fitness and I looked forward to working with him everyday during our times there. I grew up playing hockey and still did while at Planet Fitness. I looked up to Ryan for hockey advice and each day at work we would discuss some subject involving professional hockey. Although I did not know Ryan for a very long time he left a lasting impression on me and I could tell that he was a great guy.
Dominica Giunta
January 6, 2016
To my lovebug: 8 months today since you were called up to heaven. I miss you and I love you forever and always.
Jean, Tom, Matt, Mark, Kelsey Schuhle
December 19, 2015
Debbie, Steve, Sean and Quin,
We just learned of Ryans passing today. Words cannot touch our sadness for all of you. Ryan and all of you are forever in our memories.
Jean, Tom, Matt, Mark, Kelsey Schuhle
December 19, 2015
Debbie, Steve, Sean and Quin,
We just learned of Ryans passing today. Words cannot touch our sadness for all of you. Ryan and all of you are forever in our memories.
Dominica Giunta
November 6, 2015
Today is 6 months baby. I think about you all the time and miss you always. I love you lovebug.
Darren and Joanne Sawyer
September 7, 2015
Donovan Family,
I had just heard this terrible news this morning.
Ryan was a wonderful person. We can not express the sorrow that we feel from his passing.
He had an uncanny way of making people feel special.
Through our several very long talks at the gym after not seeing him for years I was amazed at how much he remembered us from his young hockey days.
We are so so saddened and our hearts go out to the Donovan family.
June 26, 2015
Dear Donovan Family,
Last night with a heavy heart, our boy told us of Donny's passing. Donny instructed our Ryan regularly as a Squirt/Peewee back in 2010. He really had a way about him, just so full of knowledge, kindness and integrity. I can still picture the little private talks they had behind the net. I want you to know that Donny's influence on our Ryan, at that young age, was important in so many ways beyond goal tending and will forever be a part of him and a blessing to us. Thank You. Noelle Bellucci
May 24, 2015
Donovan Family
I'm so so sorry for your loss. My son Anthony was being coached by Ryan for 7 weeks, in that short time Anthony develop a relationship with coach Ryan. My thoughts and prayers go out to you.
May 20, 2015
My dear friend Deb,
My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. Although I only met Ryan once , I felt I knew him from all our conversations over the years. But more importantly it was very clear how much you loved him and your family. I pray memories and love heal your heart. All my love...Jeannie and kelsey
Kromer and family.
Sheila Wagner
May 15, 2015
Debbie, Steve, Sean and Quinn,
I just heard about Ryan. I am so sorry for your loss. I remember taking care of him and Sean at Eastern Parkway Day Care. He was a cute and lovable child that I am sure turned into a wonderful young man.
May 15, 2015
To the Donovan family
My heart is sad for you...there are no words for me to say
Mary Ellen, Jason and Joshua Belbusti
May 14, 2015
To the Donovan Family,
We are so sorry for your loss. Ryan was part of our lives for a short period of time, but in that time he made an incredible impact on my son Joshua and my husband and I. Joshua took private lessons with Ryan over the past few months. He loved his lessons with Ryan and playing 3 bar at the end of every one. Ryan gave our son the confidence he needed to become a better hockey player and tryout and make the CP Dynamo. He helped him to love the game even more. I can't Thank him enough for being a part of our lives. My son believes he has a friend in Heaven watching over him. We will miss him and his laughter.
May 13, 2015
Deb,
We are so shocked and saddened by the news of Ryan. We never put it together that Ryan was your son. He was coaching Nolan at the Hockey Hut and they had a great relationship. They had a mutual admiration for each other and were always joking with each other. Nolan has been very upset. Ryan was very special and we will miss him. All the kids loved being around him. You and your family are in our thoughts and prayers.
Jim, Gina, Ava and Nolan Sullivan
Dominica Giunta
May 13, 2015
Just thinking of you, as always baby. Miss you for forever.
Cory Chevalier
May 12, 2015
I am very sorry to hear about Ryan's passing. You are in our thoughts and prayers.
Kimberly McDonough
May 12, 2015
Deb and family, we were very sad to hear about Ryan and wanted you to know that you are in our prayers. He was a good man and a very kind friend to my family. He will be missed!
Mike,Caroline, Vicki, Kyle Glenn
May 12, 2015
Dear Steve, Deb, Sean & Quinn we were saddened to hear of Ryan's untimely passing. Please take comfort in knowing that many others share in your grief and wish you well at this time.
Youth hockey provided a lifetime of memories of playing with many talented young men like Ryan & Sean.
May 12, 2015
Steve, I am so very sorry for your loss. My prayers are with you and your family. Tami Bloom
Patty Serowick
May 12, 2015
Debby, Steve, Sean, Quinn and Family,
We were sadden to read of Ryan's sudden passing. We will keep you all in our thoughts and prayers. May God bless you and watch over you in your time of sorrow.
Patty and Dan Serowick
May 11, 2015
Debbie, Steve,Sean and Qinn, Ryan will always hold a special place in our hearts. At times like this there are no words. Just know that you are in our thoughts and prays.
The nowak 's
David Kim
May 11, 2015
Dear Deb:
My condolences to you and your family. Know that thanks to you and your family, many hockey families in the Capital Region benefited, including mine. God Bless you.
Darlene Scarola
May 11, 2015
Very sorry for your loss. Ryan was a very special person. My son Anthony is a goalie and took lessons from Ryan in CT. Donny was his favorite coach. He had a way with kids, he could relate to them so well. Not many people have this gift, but Ryan had it and it made him very special to us. My son loved him and looked up to him as if he was a big brother. Ryan Donovan will never be forgotten. God bless him and your family.
Eileen Rappold
May 11, 2015
Deb, Steve, Sean and Quinn,
We are so sad to hear of your loss. Please know that you are in our thoughts and prayers.
Eileen & Don Rappold
May 11, 2015
Sorry to hear of your sudden loss, my thoughts and prayer's are with you and the family. Jeff Stuhr
Darlene Foshay
May 11, 2015
To the Donovan Family,
Those of us in Danbury, CT, will remember Ryan for his generosity of human spirit and his skills as a gifted hockey player especially while playing for our Danbury Whalers. He and other team members were instrumental in saving an accident victim on I84 after a rollover. He loved life and we will miss him. God Bless you all during this extremely difficult time.
Michael Ballato
May 11, 2015
My sincerest condolences to Sean and the Donovan family in your time of loss.
Greta Donato
May 11, 2015
I am so sorry to hear of your loss. Your family is in our thoughts and prayers. - The Donato Family
Jaimi, Alan, and Campbell Finley
May 11, 2015
We are so saddened to hear of Ryan's passing. Our son, Campbell, has been taking private lessons with Coach "Donny" every Friday for the last six months and in that time, they forged a very special bond. Campbell is devastated and not handling the loss well, but he insists that Ryan would want him to find joy on the ice, and that's what he is trying to do. We had a special shirt made with Ryan's number 30 on it for Cam to wear in his tournament this past weekend, and it helped him feel close to his friend, and he played his hardest to make Ryan proud of him. Ryan made an indelible impact on our son with his positive nature and his caring spirit. Campbell will never forget him--and we will be ever grateful that their paths crossed for even a too brief time, as he was such a special mentor to our boy. We hope you can find some peace in knowing how much he will be missed and how he touched the lives of others like Campbell's. If we can do anything, please let us know.
May 11, 2015
The Donovan Family,
I am so sorry for your loss. Donnie has been a true leader and inspiration to my son Zac both on the ice and off. He has inspired him to reach goals and continue to work hard. Zac had only known him for a year, but will remember him forever. May god bless your family at this time.
The Rentz Family
May 10, 2015
Donovan family, We are so sorry to hear of the loss of Ryan. He coached our son Jordan the last two seasons on the Shen Varsity team. Jordan found Ryan to be a true inspiration, he will miss him more than words can say. Our thoughts and prayers go out to your family during this very difficult time. The Moffre Family
May 10, 2015
Although I never new Ryan, my thoughts and prayers are with the Donovan/Frank family.Please know I'm thinking of you and send my love to all. Nancy Frank
May 10, 2015
Debbie, I am so sorry and saddened to hear about Ryan. Our condolences to you and your family. Sandy & John Busino
The Marinello's
May 10, 2015
Deb, Steve, Quinn and Sean,
There are no words, we are shocked and saddened, just know you are in our hearts, thoughts and prayers xoxo
Derek Frank
May 10, 2015
Rest in peace, cousin you will be missed.
Colleen Fountain
May 10, 2015
Rest In Peace Ryan, I will never forget you. You were such a great person and friend.
Love your Buddy ,
Colleen
Francis, Sharon, Liam Neeley
May 10, 2015
Donny's passing is an enormous loss to all of us. He was a tremendously effective coach, with a special talent which enabled him to talk to all players on their level and motivate them to dig deep and find more. He was gifted in helping players cope with the mental side of hockey and freely shared his own experience, endearing him as a true friend to all that knew and developed under him as a hockey player. Donny will be forever remembered by our son, as well as us as parents, not only as a friend but for his extraordinary coaching which included a sincere concern for each player and their development.
Donny was truly a wonderful person with such a huge caring heart, he will be greatly missed, but never forgotten. As a family we hope you find comfort in the many lasting life lessons Donny instilled in his players and all who knew him.
Our very deepest and sincere sympathies. Donny rest in peace, we will never forget you.
The Neeley / Ferris Family
Dave
May 9, 2015
You're a great guy, Ryan. Truly.
May 9, 2015
Ryan was a remarkable coach and a wonderful person. He made a huge impact on our son that will never be forgotten. He has touched the lives of many and will be remembered with a smile. He will always be in our hearts and will be truly missed.
The Cevera family
Matthew Gillen
May 9, 2015
Donny, you were truly a great guy. It was a pleasure to have had you not only as a teammate on the 2005-06 Hartford Jr Wolfpack but as a friend as well that kept in touch. You helped me perform better than I could have imagined by always being competitive between the pipes even in practice you hated to get scored on and it made me a Better player. My prayers and thoughts go out with your family and to all those people you have came across in your life.
We will all miss you buddy.
RIP
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