Anthony John "TJ" Donovan
1975 - 2016
Anthony John "TJ" Donovan
1975 - 2016
Obituary
Guest Book
BORN
1975
DIED
2016
Anthony Donovan Obituary
TJ was born on March 4th, 1975, in Albany, NY, to Anthony Joseph Donovan and the late Leslie McCallum Donovan. He was raised in Wilson NC and loved his Southern roots. TJ had a passion for life and family.
He is survived by his wife, Jill Feore Donovan; his three beautiful little girls, Jillian Joanne, Pressley McCallum, and Cameron Day; his sister, Christianne Donovan-Trottier; seven nieces and nephews; and a very large extended family and network of close friends.
A funeral mass will be held on Friday, April 1st, 2016, at 3:00 PM, at St. Michael the Archangel Catholic Church in Cary, NC. Visitation will be held prior to the Mass, from 1:00 - 3:00 PM, also at the church.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Cedric Wilkins
April 15, 2016
I am so very sorry to hear of TJ's passing. He and I went to high school together in Wilson (Fike). You are in my thoughts and prayers.
Arthur & Anya Gordon
April 6, 2016
We are saddened to learn of TJ's untimely passing. His memory is a blessing to all who knew him.
Chuck and Amy Holland
April 2, 2016
We met TJ just a couple of weeks ago when the Donovans moved into our neighborhood. Spur of the moment, they invited our family over for dinner on a Friday night. It turned into one of those special evenings you do not want to end. Jill and TJ were amazing hosts. TJ and I spent hours together laughing, talking about a vast array of topics, and listening to James Brown. I felt a fast friendship growing.
We are so saddened by TJ's sudden tragic passing. Our hearts hurt for Jill, their beautiful girls, and the Donovan family whom he spoke so highly of during the few hours I was blessed to spend with him.
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Katheryn Bailey
April 2, 2016
I didn't know TJ but have a close friend who worked for him. She spoke of him often and loved his sweet potato biscuits. I am praying for Jill and his three daughters.
Eugene & Stan Tay-Taylor
April 1, 2016
We are saddened and shocked by TJ's passing. He was a wonderful friend and have always been very welcoming and warm. Although we didn't know TJ for a long time, but in this period, he has always been a very sincere and true friend.
Our sincerest condolences.
Holly Mabe
April 1, 2016
We send our prayers and love to the Donovan family.
Robert Royster
April 1, 2016
Jill and Family,
Our hearts are broken for your loss.
You are in our prayers.
Robert and Ashley Royster
Amy Davis
April 1, 2016
I knew T.J. from high school in Wilson. We had so much fun working on the high school newspaper. You were a good friend, and will truly be missed. Your family will be in my prayers.
Alan King
April 1, 2016
I am grateful to have know TJ and to have had his magic infuse so many of the important moments in my life - including my wedding. To all his family - close and extended - I offer my heartfelt condolences. You are all in my thoughts and prayers.
Samad Hachby
April 1, 2016
I have heard of your great talent through Chad Biggs and the people you made happy. Please accept my condolences for you and your great family and loved ones
Ryan Willis
March 31, 2016
TJ's special gifts were many, his Light always bright, but never more than when he was around those he loved. One can only surmise that God must have needed him greatly to call him home to a place in Heaven so soon. But this I know with heartfelt certainty, Jill, he will ALWAYS shine around you and your girls, you will never be separated, and the love you share will continue to blossom all around you....that kind of Love is fail-proof....plain and simple.
I pray that Peace and comfort are yours and give thanks for having been given the privilege to bear witness to even a tiny piece of love so great.
You and the entire family remain in my thoughts, prayers, and heart.
March 31, 2016
We may never have met this wonderful man .. But we have the privilege of the friendship shared with TJ's sister Christianne and brother in law Eric. ..
Our hearts break for all his family , wife and beautiful children and cannot express just how sad we are for the sudden loss of Anthony xx
God bless
Julie , John and Holly ( canada )
Emily Yutzy (Burk)
March 31, 2016
Jill, you and your family have my heartfelt condolences. I'm so very sorry for your loss.
Bryan Youngs
March 31, 2016
TJ was a great person with a wonderful sense of humor. My heart goes out to his family.
Anthony Gerge
March 31, 2016
I knew TJ and his family both through church and school while growing up. He was a really good guy, and his passing at such a young age, and with such a young, beautiful family, is tragic. I pray for his family to get through this most difficult time.
Carlos and Myra Tejada
March 31, 2016
We send our love and prayers for the Donovan family. No words can adequately express the sadness we feel at the loss of such a wonderful young man.
Laura Satterly
March 31, 2016
I knew TJ growing up in Wilson, NC and he had the best sense of humor and lit up every room he was in. He drew others in with his infectious passion for life. I'm so very sorry for this great loss and am sending prayers to all of his loved ones for strength during this difficult time. He will never be forgotten.
Juan Oviedo
March 31, 2016
I knew Chef TJ from the farmers market and saw him on a regular basis. He will be missed. My thoughts and prayers for the family.
Joella Poulos
March 31, 2016
Jill, we are so sorry for your terrible loss. The girls and you are in our thoughts and prayers. We love you very much and hope that at this terrible time God will watch over you all. All of our love, Steve, Joella, Alexandra and Francesca.
Kim Davis Sikes
March 31, 2016
I knew TJ from high school in Wilson and he was a great person. It is still hard to believe this happened. I send my condolences and pray for all the family and his beautiful girls through this difficult time and the days and months ahead.
Margaret Hewitt
March 31, 2016
Sending my thoughts and prayers to Jill and her family in this very difficult time.
Nicole Malachowski
March 31, 2016
This world has lost a wonderful man. He was a loving brother, father, husband and friend. Our heart go out to the entire family and know that you are all in our thoughts and prayers. ~The Malachowski Family
CR Gibbs
March 31, 2016
I met TJ through Jill. He lit up her whole world and gave her 3 pieces of himself. They were such a dynamic couple. My heart breaks for what was and could have been. You're in my prayers Jilly!
Diane & Steve Kerkhoff
March 31, 2016
Our hearts ache for Jill and those beautiful babies. I have known Jill since she was a little girl back in NY and her mom and I are dear friends since 1979. TJ was such a bright light in her life and those children. Please Lord guide them through this terrible loss.
Kimberly Kurzawski Terry
March 31, 2016
I'm so sorry to hear the loss of TJ. He was a good friend during high school. Even though majority of us all parted ways, Facebook brought most of us back together. Watching TJ flourish in his Chef career and his love for his family has been an honor. I can't believe he has left us so soon. My condolences to Jill, the girls and family, how hard this must be for all of you. Please know that even though we are separated by years and distance, our hearts have always been in the right place as a friend. God has a plan, but that plan doesn't stop the hurt from losing someone so special. RIP TJ!!!
Brad Deaton
March 31, 2016
With Deepest Condolences and Prayers For The Hard Days Ahead.
Laura Petersen
March 31, 2016
Jill - may God hold you and the girls tight during this tragic time.
Brandy Tyndall Jones
March 31, 2016
I attended high school with TJ in Wilson NC. I still can't wrap my mind around this. I'm so sorry and praying for his wife and children. May you find peace in your heart and be blessed in many ways.
Mary Ann Tapper
March 31, 2016
I met TJ when my daughter Melanie got engaged to TJ's dear friend Billy Angel. I had the chance to see him on several occasions and he was always very thoughtful and considerate. I remember his excitement when he told me he was engaged......he was a very sweet and dear man. My prayers for his family are promised and my hope is that his children will always know him through the memories and love of those that will surround them with stories to help keep TJ always in their precious hearts.
March 31, 2016
I am so sorry for your loss. I knew him growing up in Wilson being a great friend to my daughter Allison Poole. What a great guy he was. He will be so greatly missed. You and your family are my thoughts and prayers. Mittie Poole Morton, Wilson, NC
Wendy Davis
March 31, 2016
Thinking of you all and keeping all in my prayers especially those sweet babies.
Diane Rahn
March 31, 2016
Sending you strength at this time of sorrow and loss. Sincere and Deepest Sympathies to everyone. I have not met TJ personally but have had the honor and pleasure to order and enjoy all the wonderful food Donovan's Dish has provided for us.
Cathy Banting
March 31, 2016
May the light of this candle, help you through the darkness of your grief and remind you of the light that your friends bring to your life.
Kate Warren (Bader)
March 31, 2016
Sending love and condolences.
Jeff and Leanne Reid
March 31, 2016
Our condolences to the family. Even tho we didn't know you Christianne made sure we knew who you were. She was so very proud of you. Our prayers go out to Jill and the girls, Christianne , Eric, Zach and the rest of the family. Blessings to you. May the Lord's arms be wrapped tightly around you during this time.
Toni VonderHaar
March 30, 2016
So very sorry for your loss. I didn't know TJ but I'm friends with his sister and heard many wonderful things about TJ. I love Chris and I know her brother had to be as awesome as she is and their Dad, Tony. Love and light to all who knew and loved him. Prayers
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