Ronald W. Donovan

Ronald Donovan Obituary

Okatie, S.C. - Ronald W. Donovan, 77, died comfortably in his home on Friday, April 10, 2015, in Okatie, after a hard-fought battle with cancer.

Ron was born on Sept. 20, 1937, in New London, to the late Jeremiah and Margaret Donovan. He graduated from New London High School in 1955 and served in the Navy for four years. Ron was married to his high school sweetheart, Marlene Esposito, for 57 years.

During his extensive career, Ron worked for The New London Day, Wyman Gordon, and Guida's Dairy and he was a member of the International Longshoremen's Association L.U. 1411. Ron was also an active member of the New London Elks Lodge No. 360.

Ron spent most of his retirement years in Okatie where he enjoyed participating in his community softball league, fishing, crabbing - and his nightly large bowl of vanilla ice cream.

He is survived by his loving wife Marlene; daughter, Nadine Cane and her husband, Greg; sons, Scott, Paul, Ron and his wife, Sue, Eric and his wife, Terri and Kevin and his wife, Holly; as well as 16 grandchildren, 10 great-grandchildren; and dogs, Max and Molly.

A casual celebration of Ron's life will be held this summer.

The family requests that, in lieu of flowers, donations in memory of Ronald Donovan be made to the American Cancer Society by calling (800) 227-2345 or donating online at www.cancer.org.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by The Day on Apr. 19, 2015.

Memories and Condolences
for Ronald Donovan

13 Entries

April 27, 2015

Rest in Peace Ron. Now who am I going to ask "how the crabbing is at the RiverBend pier". Your recepie for pan sauteed hard crabs is out of this world but a bit messy. I'll catch a couple crabs for you. My Sympathy goes out to all the Donovan family

Mickey Maynard

April 24, 2015

Eric and family,
Sorry for the loss of your father. May he rest in peace.

ann wright

April 24, 2015

I met Ronnie in 1959 and saw him over the years while he and Marlene lived in Connecticut. He was always a friendly and kind presence in his home--proud of his family and especially proud of his amazing wife, Marlene. My memories of Ronnie will always be associated with the aqua and white Chevy he was driving when I met him and with happy, sunshine-filled days of summer. Condolences to all. Sincerely. Ann Wright

April 23, 2015

To Marlene and Family
Ron was a kind and friendly neighbor and will be missed.
Bill and Noreen Gardner

April 20, 2015

To the Donovan Family:
Pete and I were so sorry to read of Ron's death. Please let us know when you will have the service for Him.
Always, Betty & Pete Gilmore

April 20, 2015

Dear Ron, Sue, and Donovan family...we are so sorry for your loss. You are in our thoughts and prayers.
Love,
Mishelle & John Graves

Dawnia Jean Lumadue-Parisek

April 20, 2015

To Ron and the the whole Donovan Family so sorry to hear about your dad's passing.Our thoughts are with you at this difficult time.
Jeanie (from the Coin Shop)

Pete & Debbie Salomonson

April 20, 2015

To our extended family go our deepest condolances. Ron will be sadly missed by all who knew him.

Mary Anne Afieri

April 20, 2015

To my dearest family, some things I'd like to say...
but first of all, to let you know, that I arrived okay.
I'm writing this from heaven. Here I dwell with God above.
Here, there's no more tears of sadness; here is just eternal love.

Please do not be unhappy just because I'm out of sight.
Remember that I'm with you every morning, noon and night.
That day I had to leave you when my life on earth was through,
God picked me up and hugged me and He said, "I welcome you."

It's good to have you back again; you were missed while you were gone.
As for your dearest family, they'll be here later on.
I need you here badly; you're part of my plan.
There's so much that we have to do, to help our mortal man.

God gave me a list of things, that he wished for me to do.
And foremost on the list, was to watch and care for you.
And when you lie in bed at night, the day's chores put to flight.
God and I are closest to you....in the middle of the night.

When you think of my life on earth, and all those loving years
because you are only human, they are bound to bring you tears.
But do not be afraid to cry; it does relieve the pain.
Remember there would be no flowers, unless there was some rain.

I wish that I could tell you all that God has planned.
But if I were to tell you, you wouldn't understand.
But one thing is for certain, though my life on earth is o'er.
I'm closer to you now, than I ever was before.

There are many rocky roads ahead of you and many hills to climb;
but together we can do it by taking one day at a time.
It was always my philosophy and I'd like it for you too...
that as you give unto the world, the world will give to you.

If you can help somebody who's in sorrow and pain,
then you can say to God at night......"My day was not in vain."
And now I am contented....that my life has been worthwhile,
knowing as I passed along the way, I made somebody smile.

So if you meet somebody who is sad and feeling low,
just lend a hand to pick him up, as on your way you go.
When you're walking down the street, and you've got me on your mind;
I'm walking in your footsteps only half a step behind.

And when it's time for you to go.... from that body to be free,
remember you're not going.....you're coming here to me.

Ruth Ann Mahaffey (author)
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