Michael Joseph Donovan

Michael J. Donovan of Little Rock died on January 27, 2026. He was preceded in death by his parents, Raymond and Doris Donovan of Auburn, New York, and his brothers, Raymond Donovan (Marla) and Richard Donovan (Sandy) and his sister Margot Lacher. He is survived by his sister Mary Anne Donovan of Somerby, England, his loving wife, Catherine Crews Donovan, Children: Maureen Sokora (Rick), Peter Donovan (Stacy), Patrick Donovan (Alicia), Michael Timothy Donovan, and two stepsons, Ron Boyle (Marcy) and Robert Boyle (Kathy). There are six grandchildren: Michael Lawrence Donovan; Riley Sokora, Meredith Gamber; Connor Donovan, Stephanie Donovan(deceased) and Liam Donovan. Step-grandchildren are Jake Boyle, Melissa Carver, Evan Boyle, Katie Boyle and Cheyanne Gottberg. 

Michael was born and raised in Auburn, N.Y. in the beautiful Finger Lakes region of central New York State. After graduating from Holy Family High School, he earned a B.S. degree in Political Science from LeMoyne College, the Jesuit college in Syracuse, N.Y. Michael worked as district sales manager for the Atlantic Richfield Oil Company for eleven years and then joined the Maytag Company, where he received many sales awards and retired following a 37-year career in sales. Following his retirement from Maytag, Michael kept busy working with several appliance distributors and local businesses in the sales of appliances, furniture and bedding products. 

Michael's military service was with the National Guard at the 138th Tactical Fighter Squadron out of Syracuse, N.Y. He served overseas at the air base in Phals Bourg in the Alsace area of France at the time of the Berlin crises. After completing his service in France, Michael was again called to active duty during the riots in Rochester, NY. After six years of service Michael was honorably discharged from the National Guard. 

Throughout his life, Michael volunteered with many organizations, hoping his efforts would make other people’s lives better. Michael loved classical music; traveling with Catherine; walking; cooking; reading; barbecues; Italian food; the symphony; the theater; the art museum; the war; watching animal and history channels or Wheel of Fortune; and lunching with friends. Occasionally, he would even buy. These activities kept him out of trouble. 

Both Michael’s and Catherine’s lives were blessed over many years by the love and assistance of many friends and neighbors. September 21st was a special day in the Donovan family, as Michael and his two sisters, Margot and Mary Anne, though of different ages, celebrated the same birthday. 

A visitation will be held at Smith Little Rock Funeral Home (8801 Knoedl Court) from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM on Monday, February 9, 2026 to mull over Michael's successes and failures and to pray for the happy repose of his soul.

The Rosary will be held at 10:00 a.m. followed by a Mass at 10:30 a.m. at Holy Souls Catholic Church on February 10. 

Memorials may be made to: 

Our Lady of the Holy Souls Church (1003 North Tyler, Little Rock, Arkansas)

or

St Jude's Children's Hospital (501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN)

Smith Little Rock Funeral Home

8801 Knoedl Ct, Little Rock, AR 72205 501-224-2200

www.SmithFamilyCares.com