James T. Donovan

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James T. Donovan, age 86, of Roosevelt Street, Warwick, died (surrounded by family) on Wednesday, January 28, 2015, at Rhode Island Hospital. He was the beloved husband of Mary (Cervini) Donovan. They would have celebrated their 60th wedding anniversary in June.

Born in Providence, a son of the late Daniel and Delia (Lynch) Donovan, he lived in Warwick since 1963. A 1945 graduate of La Salle Academy in Providence, he was a United Sttates Army veteran of the Korean War, and a member of American Legion Post #1 in Providence. He was a member of Warwick Council #2295 Knights of Columbus. He was also a former coach with several local youth leagues.

Mr. Donovan was employed with the U.S. Postal Service in Providence for 23 years, retiring in 1988.

Mr. Donovan was a devoted father and grandfather whose greatest joy was attending his children’s and grandchildren’s sporting events, dance recitals, and all other activities. From youth leagues through high school, college and beyond, he could be seen on the sidelines cheering on his family. With Mary, he made it a top priority to regularly attend all of his children’s and grandchildren’s events throughout his life – he managed through work schedule challenges, often traveled great distances, and endured terrible weather conditions to attend. Later in his life, he attended despite his declining health. He was also an avid fan of all New England sports teams.

Besides his loving wife, he also leaves behind a daughter, Susan L. Donovan and her husband, Richard Isacco, of Cranston, two sons, J. Timothy Donovan and his wife, Suzanne of Portsmouth, and Steven F. Donovan and his wife, Jane, of Needham, Massachusetts; and seven grandchildren: Kevin, Mackenzie, Morgan, Laura, Emily, Anna and Steven. He is also survived by a brother, Daniel J. Donovan, of Plant City, Florida; and many nieces and nephews.

His funeral will be held on Wednesday, February 4, at 9 a.m. from the Barrett & Cotter Funeral Home, 1328 Warwick Avenue, Spring Green, Warwick, with a Mass of Christian Burial at 10 a.m. in St. Peter Church, 350 Fair Street, Warwick. Visiting hours will be on Tuesday from 4-7 p.m. Burial with military honors will be in St. Ann Cemetery, Cranston.

Contributions in his memory may be made to the Rhode Island Hospital Comprehensive Cancer Center, Division of Hematology/Oncology, 593 Eddy Street, Providence, RI 02903. www.barrettandcotter.com