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Monsignor Thomas A. Donovan

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Monsignor Donovan Obituary

Published by Legacy Remembers on Nov. 27, 2004.

MONSIGNOR THOMAS A. DONOVAN, died on Tuesday, November 23, 2004. He was 86 years of age. Born and raised in Brooklyn, New York, joined the US Army and severed in Europe during the Second World War. He attained the rank of Sergeant and was honorably discharged from the 12 Armored Division in 1946. Msgr. Donovan entered the seminary in La Porte, Texas. He was ordained a Roman Catholic priest for the Diocese of Galveston-Houston on May 20, 1950. He served the church as assistant pastor of St. Mary Cathedral Basilica, Galveston (1950), the founding pastor of St. Benedict the Abbot Church, Houston (1963), pastor of St. Patrick Church, Galveston (1969) and pastor of St. Thomas More Church, Houston (1974) where he served until retirement in 1992. In 1978 he was named Knight Commander of the Order of St. George and a Prelate of Honor with the title monsignor. Msgr. Tom is survived by his sister Rita Eagan of Wantagh, New York, his adopted brother Thomas Donovan of New Caanan, Connecticut and numerous nephews and nieces. He was preceded in death by his parents Daniel A. Donovan and Mary McCarren, his two brothers Donal A. Donovan and Frank X. Donovan. Vigil for the Deceased will be on Monday, November 29, at 7:30 p.m. at St. Thomas More Catholic Church, 10330 Hilcroft St., Houston. Funeral Mass will be on Tuesday, November 30 at 10:00 a.m. at St. Thomas More Catholic Church will Bishop Joseph Fiorenza, celebrant and Msgr. Bill Young, homilist, with priests of the diocese as concelebrants. Burial will be in the Garden of Gethsemane, Forest Park Lawndale. In lieu of flowers donations can be made to St. Thomas More Catholic School.

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Recent Activity

December 21, 2004

Joyce Coles posted to the memorial.

December 15, 2004

Mark Clements posted to the memorial.

December 6, 2004

James Bacigalupo posted to the memorial.

9 Entries

Joyce Coles

December 21, 2004

I worked at the rectory for twenty years. I have many memories about Fr. Donovan I could fill a book. What I remember the most about him was his Irish humor that made him fun to be around. He was a truly devoted religious and compassionate man which made his so wonderful. He affected me and my family in many ways. I will love him forever and will never forget him. Love and God, Bless, Joyce

Mark Clements

December 15, 2004

Msgr. was one of those truly devoted and well loved priests. How many times did I serve mass with him, too many to count? He had a way of inspiring you to be a truly Faithful Catholic. My Father loved him very much as well as our family of 14. He baptized quite a few of us and gave first communion to us as well. We will miss him and thank him for being a true and afithful priest. May your soul rest in peace and may perpetual light shine upon you.

Mark P. Clements

James Bacigalupo

December 6, 2004

Fr. Donovan inspired many people in many ways, for me just listening to his words in mass every Sunday gave me a sense of calmness. I also got to know him throught the Young Adults at St. Thomas Moore.

Melissa Dunn

November 30, 2004

Father Donovan was such a wonderful influence in my life. He named me parishoner of the month when I was 15 years old for volunteering at the church and teaching CCE. This one act inspired me to go into teaching. Father Donovan had such a wonderful way about him. My father, who has also passed, loved going to St. Thomas More because of Father Donovan. Father Donovan also married my husband and me in 1997. I will truly miss Father Donovan and always remember him as an incredible human being who gave so much to the world.

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Manuel SAN ROMAN

November 30, 2004

Fr Donovan was very special to my family, he united my wife and I in marrage forty nine years ago and later my daughter and her husband. May his soul rest in peace.

George Valdez

November 29, 2004

Monsignor Donovan in 1981 opened wide the doors of St. Thomas More Church to perpetual adoration of Our Lord in the Blessed Sacrament. Almost twenty-four years later, St. Thomas More Parishionors continue to adore our Lord twenty-four hours a day, everyday of the year.

Monsignor Donovan, God has a very special place for you!

jw wellss

November 29, 2004

You touched many members of our family. You were there at baptisms, marriages, funerals etc.. I remember the first time my sister and I met you on the school grounds at St. Mary's Cathedral School in Galveston. Your funny laugh and sense of humor was unforgetable. May you rest in peace in God's arms.

Bob Portman

November 29, 2004

Msgr. Donovan touched my life in a special way. As pastor at St. Thomas More, he started the Young Adults group in 1982. That group introduced me to some of the finest people I have ever met and some of best friends I will ever have. They lifted me in social, spiritual and physical ways.

I am truly grateful for his special touch.

Tom Donlin

November 28, 2004

I have an idea that Fr. Donovan was met by Fr. Rehkopf. He was a good friend and loved the Oilers, Astros and was a good friend and supporter of the St. Thomas More Young Adults.

May the angels lead him to Paradise.

Eternal rest grant unto them, 0 Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon them. May he rest in peace. May his soul and the souls of all the faithful departed, through the mercy of God, rest in peace. Amen.

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