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William Henry Donovan
William Henry Donovan
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William Donovan Obituary
Born in Celina, Ohio July 1, 1943, Bill moved to Los Angeles after High School to attend college in 1961. He settled in Fresno in 1971 when he purchased vineyard in the Selma/Caruthers area. Later in 1975, Bill and his Father-In-Law started American Steamway, Inc., which has been a fixture on West Belmont for the last 44 years.
Bill loved old cars, big Christmas celebrations, going to auctions, playing with his grandchildren and spending time with his family and friends.
He is survived by his wife of 48 years Coleena, his son Neil, daughter Summer Donovan, son-in-law Jason Jones, four granddaughters Riley and Brynn Donovan and Avery and Hayden Jones and many nieces and nephews.
A memorial service will be held in remembrance of Bill on Friday, May 3, 2024, at 10:00 AM at Trinity Lutheran Church, located at 3973 N Cedar Ave, Fresno, CA 93726.
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Pamela Ineichen
January 31, 2025
I remember bill when he used to take his motorcycle to my dads his uncle paul donovan garge angive us children a ride on his cycle
David fantz
September 12, 2024
Very sorry to here ,I lost my wife 9/19/23 ,always remember the dash- and cherish the memories
Janet Hall-Brazil
May 24, 2024
Coleena, I am so sorry! I just saw this and realized it was Bill. Please let me know if there is anything I can do, so glad you have the kids and grandkids to be with you at this time.
Ronald Edward Stetler
May 6, 2024
Bill was my cousin. His mother was my dad's sister. We spent quite a bit of time together especially his last year of high school when we lived with us. When I was stationed at Ft. Ord, he called and invited Hope and I to visit for Christmas. At the same time enlisted personnel were invited to attend a Christmas party at the Colonel's which we planned to attend. Finally Bill had to tell us my dad was coming to visit so we would come to Santa Ana. We had a good time and appreciated all he did for us. We are sorry for Bill's passing and send our condolences.
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Vicky Schultz
May 2, 2024
Vicky Schultz
May 2, 2024
Vicky Schultz
May 2, 2024
Vicky Schultz
May 2, 2024
Though Uncle Bills passing was a tragic accident, it´s undeniable that he was a remarkable man. In times like these, it´s hard not to question why such a good soul was taken from us so soon. Yet, perhaps it´s because God saw his goodness and wanted him by His side first.
So many memories of my Uncle Bill. My Dad who has been gone almost 11 years now was his Brother. Shortly after we moved to California, Uncle Bill came to live with us for awhile. We all loved having him with us, even though we didn´t see him much. He was a busy man and as I found out later in life, he stayed that way. He loved his work, just as he loved his family. He would do anything for all of us. Uncle Bills support made a significant impact on my life. His kindness, generosity, sense of humor, and wisdom were qualities that influenced those around him, including myself. I personally loved being around him because he reminded me of my Dad. We used to love going to their cabin in Yosemite and skiing together, he played hard, but worked harder. From the farms and the steam cleaning business he was a busy man. A loving family man who dearly loved his family and it showed.
I´m leaving a few pictures of Uncle Bill, one that is so special to me, of his family when he was younger. It´s his Mom, older Sister, and older Brother and Bill as the little one, they are all gone now! The other picture is of a few years ago when my Sister passed away, his Niece Kelly, and Uncle Bill and family came to the Memorial for her. They were always there for the family, something I loved so much about them. And one last pic of Uncle Bill when he was younger, love this pic of him. When my Dad was on Hospice, they were there. And when my twin Brother passed the Memorial was done at their house, again thinking of us and our losses and always about the family. Our thoughts and Love are with Aunt Coleena, Summer and Neil and all the Grandkids, he is so missed and life will never be the same without him. We loved him so so much. His memories will live within us forever.
Randy
April 29, 2024
Will miss you my Friend / you came into my life many years ago.
Your sense of humor, work ethic and love of your family and friends was second to none.
Tell Denny I said hi and miss him dearly God spead my friend you will never be forgotten
Randy Manser
John Edgar young 2nd
April 28, 2024
I will miss uncle Bill. I remember him since I was 5 years old. Memories of him were always good . He was a very positive thinking person and he would never give up one things . He knew that there was always a solution . I guess the most common Memories of him was when I worked for him not only on his Vinyard, but for American steamway. Uncle Bill Youare dearly missed. Rest in peace
Summer Donovan
April 27, 2024
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1002 T Street, Fresno, CA 93721-1418
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