Joseph R. Donovan

WORCESTER- Joseph Robert Donovan, 87, of 39 First St., died Monday, September 17th. He was predeceased by his wife of 57 years, Evelyn (McArthur) Donovan. He leaves a sister, Helen Ostberg of Worcester; four loving children, Robert Couture of Worcester, Thomas Donovan of Chula Vista, CA, Judy Jakubiak of Worcester and Tammy Dasho of Paxton. Joe was Grampa to nine grandchildren and four great grandchildren. He was Uncle Joe to many. He was predeceased by two brothers, Frank and Bill Donovan and a sister, Mary Nowalski.

He was born in Worcester, son of William R. and Margaret (Cooney) Donovan. As a young man he worked with the Seabees clearing fire roads in Vermont. Joe was a proud World War II veteran. He served in the US Navy as a first class Gunners Mate on the USS Portland in the Pacific Theater. He worked for many years at Yankee Products Wholesale Foods and went by the nickname "Cowboy". He was also a retired custodian for the Worcester School Department. Family was the very center of Joe's life. He will be greatly missed and he will live on in the hearts of many.

The funeral will be held on Friday, September 21st from CALLAHAN & FAY BROTHERS FUNERAL HOME, 61 Myrtle Street with a Mass at 10:00 AM in St. Charles Borromeo Church, 341 June St. Burial will follow in Worcester County Memorial Park, Paxton. Visiting hours are Thursday, September 20th from 5:00-8:00 PM in the funeral home. For directions and online condolence book please visit www.callahanfay.com