Robert J. Donovan, Sr.

Waterford – Robert (Bob) J. Donovan, Sr. (Dunzie), 80, of Waterford, beloved husband of Hazel (Sullivan) Donovan of 58 years entered into eternal peace on Monday, June 18, 2012, from complications of Parkinson Disease and cancer. He was born Feb. 12, 1932, in Hempstead, Long Island, New York, the son of the late Kenneth P. and Margaret (Pearsall) Donovan. He graduated Chapman Tech High School in New London and served two years in the U.S. Air Force. For over 35 years, he was employed by The Day in New London, CT and retired in 1988 as a composing room foreman. Besides his loving wife, he is survived by his daughter, Linda Shelburn of Niantic, son Robert and his wife Lorraine of Canton, son, Brian Donovan of Waterford, 6 grandchildren and five great-grandchildren; his sister, Mary Alfalla of Florida, and many friends he made throughout his life. He was predeceased by a brother, Kenneth (Skee) Donovan in 2012. Bob loved life and helping people especially his family. He loved to work with his hands and for 9 years worked side-by-side with his son, Bob, in their own business. He loved to read, do crossword puzzles, play cribbage and cards, and watch classic movies and shows. He loved to go to the Waterford Speed Bowl with his sons and recently to watch his two granddaughters race. He had a special place in his heart for his dogs and cats throughout the years as well as taking care of his children's pets. Bob had a thirst for knowledge and would read or ask a ton of questions and wrote everything in his "trusty" notebook. The family will receive relatives and friends from 3 to 5 p.m. on Sunday at the Thomas L. Neilan & Sons East Lyme Funeral Home, 48 Grand St., Niantic, with a memorial service at 5 p.m. Interment will be private. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to The Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson's Research (www.michaeljfox.org) or the American Cancer Society (www.cancer.org). Online condolences may be expressed at www.neilanfuneralhome.com