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J. Donovan Obituary
The son of the late Joseph C. Donovan and Margaret Curtin, he was born on October 10, 1924 in Goshen.
Dr. Donovan was a lifelong Goshen resident. He attended Goshen High School, Siena College and received his surgical degree from the University of Pennsylvania in 1958. He practiced oral and maxillofacial surgery serving the Orange County community for nearly four decades until his retirement. He served in the Navy during WW II and was a member of Saint John's Catholic Church in Goshen.
Dr. Donovan is survived by three children, J. Robert Donovan Jr. and wife Teri of Montgomery, Colonel Michael Donovan and wife Anne of Montclair, Va. and Karen Donovan-Bean and husband Steve of Shrewsbury, Mass.; four siblings, Joseph Donovan of Goshen, Marilee Dardenne of Mahwah, N.J., John Donovan of Charlotte, N.C., Suzanne Donovan of Stony Point; eight grandchildren, Sean and Christopher Donovan of Montgomery, Andrew, Timothy and John Donovan of Montclair, Va. and Katie, Ryan and Erin Bean of Shrewsbury, Mass.; and several nieces and nephews.
He was predeceased by his wife, Charlotte and sister, Carol Regal.
Visitation will be held on Tuesday, August 21 from 2-4 and 7-9 p.m. at the Donovan Funeral Home, 82 South Church St., Goshen.
A Funeral Mass will be celebrated on Wednesday, August 22 at 10 a.m. at St. John's Catholic Church, Murray Ave., Goshen.
Funeral arrangements were made by Donovan Funeral Home, Goshen.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for J. Donovan
Tom Donovan
August 27, 2007
Dear Bobby, Mike, and Karen-- I have warm memories of our family visits to Goshen when we were all kids. Model rockets, mini-bikes, barbeques, cold yoohoos(!) . . . Uncle Bob was always the gruff (in a good way) but generous host. I loved both your Mom and Dad. You are all in my thoughts and prayers. Love, Cousin Tom
Nanette (Vavricka) Angelone
August 24, 2007
Karen - deepest sympathies on the passing of your dad, my thoughts are with you at this sad time.
Michael Wodka
August 22, 2007
Dear Donovan Family,
I was saddened to learn of your Dad's passing. I was a patient of his when I was 14. He was a kind, gentle and compassionate practitioner who took the time to show me X-rays of a maxillofacial surgery he had just done. I was so impressed, that I sought to follow his career path, but became a Podiatrist instead. I had told him that he was my inspiration to seek a medical career, and was very proud to later know him as a hospital colleague. I can truly say that he was my Medical mentor.
I share your loss.
Reid Breckwoldt
August 22, 2007
Dear Bob, Mike and Karen,
I remeber your dad took the time to see me in his office on a Sunday when I was home for break because I needed my wisdom teeth out. That's been over 20 years ago and that has always stuck with me how he would take the time to help a family friend and demonstrated the kind of man that he was. I'm so sorry for your loss.
Russell Breckwoldt
August 22, 2007
For Bob, Mike and Karen:
I'm so very sorry to have heard of your father's passing. I will always remember his kindness towards me and my family. I will remember him in my thoughts and prayers.
Rick Breckwoldt
August 22, 2007
Dear Mike, Bob, and Karen:
I am sorry to hear about your Dad's passing. I loved him for many years, he was a wonderful person all around. I am sure we all will remember the times growing up that he was an important part of. My love to you all and your families.
Love,
Rick Breckwoldt
Andrea (Breckwoldt) James
August 22, 2007
Dear Karen, Mike, and Bob -
I am so very sorry to hear about the passing of your dad. I remember his kindness and smile, and how he, along with all of your family, welcomed me into your home throughout my childhood. All of my family's thoughts are with you at this time.
Helen King
August 21, 2007
Dear Karen, Bob & Michael,
I'm sorry to hear about your Dad's passing. I worked for him for more than 8 years, and know that he was very proud of his family and loved all of you deeply. He was an good and honorable man, and always very kind to me. I know he will be missed.
Helen King
Martha Guidry
August 21, 2007
Dear Karen, Steven & Family,
I am deeply saddened by the passing of your father. Please know that my thoughts are with you during this time of grief. He was a loving and generous man. God bless~
N. Daniel Dunitz
August 20, 2007
I was Dr. Donovan's patient and he was my customer at Gor-Dun's. It was always a pleasure to work with him, a real gentleman, and all around great guy.
Debbie Memmelaar
August 20, 2007
Dear Bob, Michael and Karen, I'm so sorry to hear about your Dad. He was such a kind man. I always enjoyed talking with him at your house when we were kids, and I'll always remember his words of wisdom and sense of humor. Please know I have all of you in my heart and prayers. With all my love, Debbie (Curesky) Memmelaar
Barb
August 20, 2007
I was his patient back in 1985 and he was a great doctor, great bedside manner! I was only 14 when I first started seeing him and he made the surgery easy for me and watched over me after surgery. He can never be replaced!
James Whitney,Jr.
August 20, 2007
Dr.Donavan was a very kind man,great surgeon and we extend our deepest sympathy to his family.
The Whitney Family
Jane Finn
August 20, 2007
To the Donovan Family, I worked with your Dad at the old Horton Hospital, he was a wonderful man, and a great Doctor, with a great sense of humor. My prayers and thoughts are with you all during this difficult time.
Sincerely,
Carol & Stan Shustak
August 20, 2007
Dear Karen, Steve & family,
We're so sorry to read of your Dad's passing. We enjoyed meeting him and know that he was a kind and generous man. May you find comfort in your memories. We send our deepest sympathy to you and your family.
Sincerely,
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