Francis J. Donovan Obituary (1928 - 2012)

CHELMSFORD-Francis J. Donovan, 83, longtime resident of Chelmsford, passed away peacefully at home on March 12, 2012 surrounded by his family. He was the beloved husband of Janice L. (Stack) Donovan with whom he celebrated 53 years of marriage on August 2nd. He was born in Boston on August 7, 1928 and was the son of the late Francis J. and Esther (Greeley) Donovan. Frank proudly served his country in the United States Army during World War II. Prior to his retirement, he was employed as a salesman for Sherwin Williams for over 40 years. Frank was a communicant of St. Mary Parish. Over the years, he was involved in the building and fundraising for the new St. Mary Parish church, taught Religious Education, and was active in their Marriage Encounter program. He was also a volunteer with Meals on Wheels and at Saints Medical Center. Frank was an avid Boston Sports fan, and enjoyed spending time with friends and family at Lake Sunapee. Most of all, he adored his children and grandchildren and every moment spent with them. In addition to his loving wife, Frank is survived by his children; Frank Donovan and his wife Kerry of Hampton, NH, Joyce Donovan of Dracut, and Joanne DeLeon of Pepperell; 6 grandchildren; Christopher, Stephanie, and Sarah Dorval, Kelsey and Jack Burns, and Aleecia DeLeon. He is further survived by his brothers-in-law James Barrett and Robert McCarthy, and many loving nieces and nephews. He was the brother of the late Phyllis McCarthy. Visiting hours will be on Friday from 5 to 8 p.m. at the BLAKE FUNERAL HOME, 24 Worthen St., CHELMSFORD. His Funeral Mass will be celebrated on Saturday at 9 a.m. at St. Mary Parish, 25 North Rd., Chelmsford. Interment will be private. For those who desire, donations in Franks memory may be made to CatholicCharitiescc.org for Guadalupe Social Services helping Floridas migrant poor. Visitation March 16, 2012 5:00pm - 8:00pm, Blake Funeral Home 24 Worthen Street Chelmsford, MA 01824 Service Information March 17, 2012 9:00am, Saint Mary Catholic Church 25 North Road Chelmsford, MA 01824