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John F. Donovan, 87, of Branford died Nov. 9, at Yale New Haven Hospital after a brief illness. He was the beloved husband of the late Alice Joan Daly Donovan for 53 years. John was born in New Haven March 29, 1933, son of the late Jeremiah and Mary Donovan.

John was in the first graduating classes at both Notre Dame High School, West Haven, and Fairfield University. He proudly served in the U.S. Army as a M.P. He worked 40 years as a personnel manager for Echlin Manufacturing, where he established life-long friendships.

John was a devoted parishioner at St. Mary Church in Branford, where he served as a lector and a parish trustee for many years. He was an avid golfer, winning many tournaments. Trips to Ireland visiting family, listening to big band and swing music, watching the New York Yankees, and tending to his lawn and gardens were some of his favorite things. He took pride in watching his grandchildren grow, attending their sporting events, recitals, graduations, and other special events. John looked forward to their visits, treating them to cookies and ice cream.

John is survived by his children Maureen (Peter) Danick, Kathleen Brancato, Michael Donovan, Carolyn (Michael) D’Amato, Liz (Chris) Hynes, Kevin (Tricia) Donovan, and Meghan (Justin) Powell and his 17 grandchildren CJ, Andrew, Colin, Alyssa, John, Aidan, Conall, Margaret, Michaela, Robert, Daly, Brennan, Tess, Jake, Connor, Payton, and Max and his faithful companion, Mugsy. He was predeceased by a son, John Joseph Donovan, and his brothers James and Jeremiah Donovan.

Visitation was Nov. 15 at the W. S. Clancy Memorial Funeral Home, Branford. A Mass of Christian burial was celebrated Nov. 16 at St. Mary Church of St. John Bosco Parish, Branford, followed by burial in St. Agnes Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be sent to St. John Bosco Parish, 731 Main Street, Branford, or to CT Hospice, 100 Double Beach Rd., Branford, CT 06405. For his online memorial, see www.wsclancy.com.