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James Donovan Obituary
COEYMANS HOLLOW - James J. "Jay Bird" Donovan, Jr., 71, of Coeymans Hollow, passed away on Friday, February 2, 2024. Jay was born in Albany, and raised in Elsmere and Delmar, settling in Coeymans Hollow. He was a graduate of Bethlehem High School, class of 1970, and graduated from the State University of New York at Morrisville. He was a member of the high school varsity swim team for all four years, and worked as a lifeguard. He enjoyed hunting, fishing, camping, and bird watching. He also was a talented artist and enjoyed drawing motorcycles. Jay was employed by Maney Landscaping and by Walden Farms, before working for 30 years as a telecommunicator for the Town of Bethlehem Police Dept, retiring in 2014.
Jay was predeceased by his parents, James J. Donovan, Sr. and Mary I. Donovan. He is survived by his son, Werner Donovan; and his former wife, Lois M. Freehauf Donovan, both of Edgwater, Fla.; his sister, Ellen of Medusa, N.Y., and by lifelong friends.
Funeral services will be held privately. There will be no calling hours. To leave a message of condolence for the family, please visit www.HansFuneralHome.com.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for James Donovan
6 Entries
Mark, Kathy and Evan Clauss
July 14, 2024
Many great memories of Jay, Lois and Werner. I remember "knee nippers". He is missed by many! We send our love and express great sorrow at his passing.
Trish Russum
July 6, 2024
I hadn't seen Jay in years, but when Chuck died he sent me a sweet letter. He reminded me of all the good times we had in the Clarksville apartment with Kevin, Uli and Chuck - Jeep rides, dart nights, x country skiing with the dogs and a lot of fun parties.Those were good days!
Sending my condolences to his family and may he rest in peace.
Trish Russum
Terri (Asprion-Picarazzi) Filipello
July 2, 2024
Lois, wanted to let you know I am thinking of you.
Terri
Louise Dollard
July 1, 2024
Jay was a great gut and good friend not to mention not bad to look at..lol..we had alot of great times together with our mutual friend Kevin Mosley..he actually found my phone number a couple of years ago looking for Kevin. We talked a few times very happy for those talks rest in Peace love Louise
Nancy Austin
July 1, 2024
Ellen,
I am so very sorry to hear of the passing of your brother. My heart is with you.
Ted Wilson
June 30, 2024
Jay was a great and enjoyable person to be around and share stories about our work experiences while employed @ Bethlehem Police Department .. RIP my friend BPD 317
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