David B. Donovan

HAVERHILL – David B. Donovan, 75, retired Haverhill Firefighter, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, June 18, 2019 at the Gosnell Hospice House in Scarborough, ME, surrounded by his loving family. He was born in Haverhill on May 7, 1944, son of Francis and June (Valley) Donovan and attended Haverhill schools and graduated from Haverhill Trade School, Class of 1962 where he was the Class President and excelled in football and was Captain of the track team. Dave enlisted in the U.S. Army and served honorably until being discharged at the rank of Sergeant. He dedicated his career working as a Haverhill Firefighter at different stations and retiring from the alarm room; also he worked as an EMT for Shanahan Ambulance and AMR where he proudly served his community. After retirement, Dave and his family moved to Wake Forest, NC for 7 years and then to Old Orchard Beach, ME. He most of all was a loving family man, the quintessential "Dad". Being there for his sons sport practices, games, tournaments, bike rides, hikes, coaching, you name it, Dave was always doing it with his boys, especially in the warm weather of NC. He was a great man and will be deeply missed. His surviving family members include his loving wife of 30 years, Gale (Kahigian) Donovan, whose marriage anniversary was one day before his passing; sons Brian Donovan, twins Matthew and Kyle Donovan; siblings Judy Thornton and husband John and Janice Blinn and husband Charles "Buzz" Blinn; sister in-law Gaynelle Kahigian; several nieces, nephews and many close friends, including his childhood friend who he grew up with, then joined the Army and Haverhill Fire Department together, Jim Akstin and his late wife Linda. Visitation will be Friday, June 21, in the Driscoll Funeral Home, 309 So. Main Street, Haverhill from 4:00 to 7:00 PM. Services will begin Saturday in the funeral home at 10:30 AM. Interment with Haverhill Fire Department and U.S. Army Honors will follow in Linwood Cemetery. Contributions may be made in Dave's memory to the Haverhill Firefighters Relief Association, c/o Haverhill Fire Department Credit Union, 75 Kenoza Avenue, Haverhill, MA 01830. For guestbook, please visit www.driscollcares.com