Daniel Donovan
4/11/2015


Daniel Donovan, 75

Dateline: Mansfield, MA

Daniel Donovan, age 75, of Mansfield, passed away unexpectedly on Saturday, April 11, 2015 at Tufts Medical Center in Boston. He was the beloved husband of Phyllis B. (Conroy) Donovan to whom he was wed on September 28, 1968.
Born in Skibbereen, County Cork, Ireland on November 15, 1939, he was a loving son of the late John and Mary (McCarthy) O’Donovan. He grew up and was educated in Skibbereen, County Cork, Ireland.
In 1959, Danny moved to the United States, where he first lived in Foxboro with his aunt, and worked at the former Foxboro State Hospital.
He proudly served his country as a member of the United States Army during the Vietnam War and was honorably discharged with the rank of Private.
When younger, Mr. Donovan worked as an Officer of the Court in Boston. He next began a career, which spanned for over 30 years as a member of the Boston Fire Department. During his tenure as a firefighter, he received three Unit Citations for bravery and courage beyond the line of duty. He also had the honor of serving as the Chiefs Aide, and was commonly referred to by his peers, as the “Leprechaun”. He retired as a member of Ladder 15 and Engine 33.
Following retirement, Danny enjoyed his part time job working for the Mansfield Housing Authority.
A resident of Mansfield for the past 50 years, he was a communicant of St. Mary’s Church in Mansfield and served as a former member of the Mansfield Board of Selectman. He was also a former member of the Boston Fire Department Retirement Board and a former Notary Public.
His favorite times spent were those amongst family and friends, especially with his grandchildren. Danny also completed three Boston Marathons and enjoyed spending time at his residence in Naples, Florida.
He will always be remembered for his strong work ethics and the way in which he always made himself available to lend others a helping hand.
In addition to his beloved wife Phyllis, he is survived by his devoted and adoring children; Marian Donovan of Quincy, Kevin J. Donovan and his wife Roxanne of Mansfield, and Brian Donovan and his wife Michelle of South Boston. He was the dear brother of John O’Donovan and his wife Biddy of Ireland, Kitty Burke and her husband Pat of England, Dennis Donovan of New York, and the late Padjo O’Donovan, Maura Ryan and Tessie Sullivan. He is also survived by his cherished grandchildren; Erin, Colin and Meghan Donovan of Mansfield and Tatum, Isla and Carys Donovan of South Boston, and many nieces and nephews.
His funeral Mass, to which relatives and friends are cordially invited to attend, will be celebrated on Friday, April 17th at 11:00 A.M. in St. Mary’s Church, 330 Pratt St. (Route 106) Mansfield. Burial with military honors will follow at St. Mary’s Cemetery in Mansfield.
Visiting hours will be held on Thursday, April 16th from 5:00-9:00 P.M. at the Sherman & Jackson Funeral home, 55 North Main St., Mansfield.
In lieu of flowers, donations in Danny’s memory be may be made to the Wounded Warrior Project, 150 Cambridge Park Drive, Suite 202, Cambridge, MA 02140.
To send the Donovan family a message of condolence, please visit www.shermanjackson.com
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Sherman & Jackson Funeral Home
55 North Main Street
Mansfield, MA USA 02048
508-339-2000